Ek Balam and Valladolid private guided tour

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour a delicious burrito lunch. During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.

Cozumel guided snorkelling and island tour from Cancun

Hop aboard a super-speedy boat headed to Cozumel Island, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and its marine life are waiting. Soak up the breathtaking landscapes before snorkelling at two of the most famous reefs in the southern part of the island, Palancar and Colombia. They're separated by a couple of metres of open water, so you'll have wall-to-wall reef to explore. Next stop is the shores of El Cielo – which literally means ‘the sky' in English – as it's famous for its peaceful atmosphere and giant starfish population, which you'll find covering much of the ocean floor. You'll also have the chance to see stingrays and other sea creatures during your time here. Afterwards, there'll be some time to relax and check out the views from El Cielito Sandbar, before heading towards the centre of Cozumel.For lunch, you'll get to try some of the region's typical dishes at a vibrant, local restaurant with an ocean view, before rounding off the day with free time to wander around Cozumel Centre. You've the option of a quick tour here – including a visit to the central clock tower at the heart of the island. Then jump back on the boat to sail back to Playa del Carmen, where your transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Riviera Maya Day of the Dead Celebrations with dinner

Celebrate like a local on Mexico's biggest and most vibrant holiday with this Day of the Dead outing. You'll dive into ancient traditions, and get a memorable glimpse into one of Mexico's most significant cultural events. Lucas, one of our local expert guides, says, ‘Dià de los Muertos is like a family reunion – but with an otherworldly twist. It's a joyful celebration where families honour loved ones through storytelling, music, dancing and of course, delicious food.' Kick off your journey by plunging into the crystal-clear waters of Mexico's mystical cenote – an underground river that's the perfect refreshing start to your adventure. After your swim, you'll sample traditional festival foods like 'pan de muerto', a sweet bread baked in the shape of skulls or bones, as well as savoury tamales, both believed to comfort the souls of the departed. Throughout the day, you'll also learn about cool traditions like ‘offrendas' – offerings to loved ones – and the significance of bright orange marigold flowers. Next, roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with Mexican culinary magic by making your own guacamole. Sip on local wines while a chef spills the secrets behind regional flavours and cooking techniques. Lucas adds, ‘We whip up all the favourite foods and drinks of our loved ones to show we still care. Plus, we even set out their favourite snacks on the altars – you know, just in case they get hungry!' The tour wraps up with a dinner that captures the essence of the day, offering unforgettable memories and a whole new appreciation for Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

Tour of Chichen Itza’s Maya ruins and Cenote Tsukán with Lunch

A duo of Mexican delights await on this full day tour from Cancun. The adventure begins at the break of dawn with a journey to experience the wonder of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO-listed ancient Maya city. Then, wind down with a swim in a natural underground cenote cave. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The early start is worth it – we'll arrive first thing in the morning to experience the magic of the ruins in the soft sunlight and beat the heat'.A guided tour of the ruined city reveals the stories of this remarkable site. It's not hard to imagine the daily lives of the community that lived here and built these impressive monuments. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to make the most of exploring this archaeological treasure trove as you wish. Hugo adds, ‘This ancient city isn't just about admiring the grandeur of El Castillo, but also about feeling the pulse of the Maya civilization that thrived here centuries ago. Don't miss the Great Ball Court—imagine the echoes of the past as players competed in this very spot.'Next, you'll be whisked away to Cenote Tsukán. Cenotes are believed by the Maya to be portals to the underworld, and they are revered in traditional culture. Here, you will plunge into the limpid waters, participate in a traditional ceremony and feel your senses awaken in glorious natural surroundings. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a tasty local lunch, savouring the flavours of regional cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Ek' Balam deluxe tour with Hacienda Chukum & Valladolid

Dive into an epic adventure at the ancient Maya ruins of Ek' Balam with some adrenaline fun packed in too. You'll get to step back in time at this archaeological site, followed by ziplining and cenote swimming at Hacienda Chukum, a buffet lunch of regional classics, and a visit to Valladolid. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘Known as the ‘Black Jaguar' or ‘Star Jaguar', it's not every day you get to see such massive structures and what makes Ek Balam unique are its unique double walls that encircle the central area'. At Ek' Balam, get ready for a blast into Maya history discovering over 40 structures, with the opportunity to climb several monuments. Prepare to be wowed by pyramids and the towering acropolis, offering epic shots of the site and surrounding lush jungle. Next up, let's kick the adventure up a notch at Hacienda Chukum. This isn't your typical stop – it's a jungle hideout with a cenote where you can swim or zip line across the cavern. Your guide will share snorkelling tips and fun facts about the local flora and fauna around you. After all that action, it's time to refuel with a delicious buffet of regional favourites in an open-air restaurant. Savour dishes like pulled pork, spicy fish, and tortillas, plus some sweet treats to top it off. Our day wraps up in Valladolid, a town oozing with Insta-worthy Spanish vibes, colourful mansions, and quaint cobblestone streets. Enjoy some leisure time to explore, take photos at the Municipal Palace and soak up the laid-back atmosphere in the main plaza before heading back.

Tulum, cenote swim, turtle snorkelling and beach club combo tour

Exploring Mexico just got a whole lot easier. On this full day adventure, you'll tick off no less than four different activities. Start with a guided visit of the archaeological site of Tulum, then head to a cenote for a swim. Next, it's off to Akumal for a spot of snorkelling. Round off your day with lunch at a beach club. Carmen, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The most photographed structure in the archaeological site is the Castillo, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Castillo might be the most famous, but there are plenty of other ancient Mayan ruins to explore, such as the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes.'The marvels of the Mayan culture will be revealed on your guided tour around Tulum. You'll learn about it's past as a walled city, and its former role as a trading hub. After the tour you'll have free time to explore at your leisure. Next, prepare to be dazzled by colours at an ancient Mayan cenote, a natural cave with a freshwater pool fed by underground water sources and considered sacred by the Mayans.After a cooling swim, we'll head for the picturesque seaside community of Akumal, known for its laid-back atmosphere, natural beauty, and abundant marine life. With its intriguing underwater world, Akumal offers one of the best snorkelling experiences in the Riviera Maya. Encounter an array of tropical fish, corals, and perhaps even sea turtles. To complete your day, unwind and indulge in a tasty meal at a nearby beach club.

Aventura Mayas Jungle Park excursion with traditional lunch

If you're all about action and adventure, a day of fun-filled thrills awaits at Aventuras Mayas jungle park. Get behind the controls of your ATV to navigate your way through the jungle by ATV, and feel the thrill of flying through the treetops by zipline. And when it's time for a break, there's a Mexican buffet with a selection of traditional dishes on offer. Juanito, one of our local guides, says, "In some of the lines, you glide just above the jungle canopy. In others, you can go upside down, while another has the ‘Superman' option. There's even a ‘flying hammock' for you to try out. It's truly exhilarating."Arrive at the park and after a quick safety briefing from the instructors, we'll crank up the excitement. The order of the activities will be decided on the day to make sure crowds are spread out, and you can enjoy your experiences to the maximum. You'll swoop through the treetops on a seven-line zipline course, where you can soak up panoramic views of the park from above – and you can choose from four different flying modes.Then head back up top to take a break with a buffet lunch of local favourites – the Yucatan's signature pulled pork cochininita pibil is usually on the menu – washed down with water and coffee. After fuelling up for the fun to come, it's time to tear across the mud and zoom through the jungle driving your own powerful ATV vehicle. It's non-stop laughs from start to finish along the rip-roaring 11km route.

Private Holbox Island boat and buggy tour in Mexico

Holbox Island is a holiday within a holiday. On this private tour, you'll visit Isla Pasion on a boat trip, enjoy lunch at a five-star eco resort and enjoy a golf buggy tour of the island. Ariel, one of our local guides on this tour, says, ‘Holbox is a habitat for more than 300 endemic and migratory bird species. It's also something of a playground, with activities such as speedboats and beach buggies.'Board your boat at Chiquila – piloted by a local fisherman – and be whisked off on a two-hour coastal tour. Every other company uses the local ferry. Your guide will point out places known for their wildlife – some 150 bird species have been spotted on the island – and explain what efforts are being made to preserve this habitat. For three decades, Holbox has been part of Yum Balam Nature Reserve. And if you're doing the tour between June and September, you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the island's flamboyant flamingos.Plus, you'll discover the beauty of the secluded beaches of tiny Isla Pasion – Holbox itself boasts 36km of white-sand strands – before heading to the eco-resort for lunch followed by downtime on the sunloungers. Once your batteries are recharged, you'll hop into a golf buggy -the island's 1,000 residents don't use cars – for some fun exploring the surrounding area. To round off your visit to the island, we'll make our way to Holbox's main square for some free time – it's a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs or sample local food.

Full-day private tour of Chichen Itza with expert guide

The ruins of ancient Chichen Itza are a must-visit when in Cancun. This private tour lets you discover the site before the crowds arrive. Better still, you'll explore the complex with one of our local experts, who'll share in-depth knowledge with you. Argelia, one of our guides, says ‘You'll learn about the calendars in the Temple of Kukulkan and its sacred staircase, where each equinox the shadows represent the descent of the feathered snake.' Afterwards, you'll enjoy a cenote swim and visit a Maya village for lunch.It's an early start so as to be the first to arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site – the perfect time to snap a few selfies. The stillness adds even more mystery to the magnificent Maya monuments. There's the mighty Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of the Jaguars and the macabre Tzompantli, among many landmark sites. ‘The bas-reliefs that tell us about the magical beliefs inspired by their interpretation of the stars,' says Argelia.Next, head to an underground cenote for a swim in its clear waters. Then it's on to the village for lunch. All the food is locally grown and prepared to traditional recipes. Argelia says, ‘You'll taste typical Yucatecan food such as chaya empanadas, cochinita pibil, chicken in axiote rice and black beans and steamed vegetables.' You'll also see the locals show off their skills hand-weaving hammocks – an age-old craft – and find out how this cottage industry helps support the community.

Maya Coba ruins tour with pyramid, ceremony and cenote swim

A journey deep into the Yucatán jungle to discover the ancient Maya city of Coba. You'll learn about their enigmatic culture, see the Great Pyramid, meet local villagers and swim in a sacred cenote