Excursions are available to a variety of popular tourist attractions but traveling elsewhere to find a slice of Mexican life is not necessary. Our students can enjoy a thoroughly satisfying Mexico experience without ever leaving Puerto Morelos.
If you do want to venture further on your own, you will find many booths offering a broad range of tours to the many tourist attractions in the area. But be careful of those vendors who offer you a “special” discount or even free tours or other gifts. They are likely Timeshare agents, and all they want is to hook you into a “short” visit to a resort in order to get their “special offer”.
For those who love freedom and flexibility, renting a car is a good option. Although the bus system is excellent and reliable, you will find several car rental options either in Puerto Morelos or online. Rental car companies offer a better rate for week or more. Contact us if you want our recommendation.
The Riviera Maya itself offers many attractions that combine culture and leisure:
- ancient archeological sites
- beautiful cenotes (underground water systems and caverns)
- botanical gardens
- excellent golf courses
- tennis courts
- fitness centers
- spas
- sidewalk cafes
- fine restaurants offering a colorful variety of international and national cuisines and the best sights and sounds of nightlife.
Thrill seekers will find an abundance of opportunities to experience unforgettable moments:
- cross the jungle on ATVs or bikes
- jump into the refreshing blue-green waters of cenotes
- jungle zip lines
- ocean kayaking
- or dare to kite surf on the beautiful blue Caribbean
Snorkeling Puerto Morelos – Reef
Don’t miss it! The world’s second largest reef is located here at Puerto Morelos. It is a protected natural area which is rich in flora and fauna. Take a boat from the main pier, or off the beach, with a guide who will provide you all the equipment you need, including a life vest. Great care has been taken to protect the coral, so you will not be allowed to touch it, but you will have a close-up view through Puerto Morelos’ crystal-clear waters, as it is only 6 feet below the surface. For further information and rates, please contact us.
Scuba Diving Adventures
Discover our blue Caribbean Ocean waters, our unspoiled reef at Puerto Morelos and cenotes dive sites. Explore the second largest coral reef in the world. Experience its colorful coral formations and abundant sea life in their natural habitat.
Luz Maria, our instructor, is a hydrologist, diver and NAUI instructor who has more than 3,200 dives. She will safely lead you on your scuba experience in the Riviera Maya. No matter the season, there is always a great opportunity to enjoy this adventure.
Snorkel with Whale Sharks
During July and August, snorkel alongside one of the most amazing sea species in the world. Join us on this friendly-family tour for an awesome experience by snorkeling a few yards from this quiet and tranquil shark.
Scuba Dive in Cenotes
The Cenote Route is located near Puerto Morelos. A cenote, also known as “dxonot” in the Mayan language, is a natural sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. But for those who enjoy the bounty of nature, the cenotes are much more.
The cenotes are witnesses of the past, constantly telling us stories: they tell us that the Yucatan peninsula was once under water, and that 65 million years ago, a meteorite caused the coral reefs to dry out and become what is today the most beautiful tourist area in southeastern Mexico. They also tell us that they were key sites of Maya culture: in addition to being a source of fresh water, they were also the settings for rain, life, death, rebirth and fertility rituals. As they were deep and enigmatic, the Mayans believed that the cenotes were gateways to the world of the dead. We offer snorkeling and scuba diving tours. Box lunch and beverages are included. For further information and rates, please contact us or visit: http://www.buceoxtabay.com
ATV Tour Mayan Jungle & Cenotes
This is geared toward those who are looking for fun and adventure. Take a four wheeler trip! It will give you a wonderful view of the Mayan jungle through a noisy but refreshing ride around the cenotes in the jungle. For further information and rates, please contact us
Tulum
Discover one of the most beautiful archeological sites of the Riviera Maya: overlooking the turquoise waters of Caribbean Sea is a walled fortress. Let us take you into the temple of the frescoes, the one of the descending god and “El Castillo” an amazing temple built on a cliff with splendid views of the coast. For further information and rates, please contact us
Coba and Mayan Village Tour
Past and present come together in magnificent tour. This wonderful experience starts with a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins at the site of Coba. This is one of the largest Mayan cities that flourished on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
Here you can climb the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan, providing you with an amazing feeling and view. This is one of the only ruins where visitors are stil permitted to climb the pyramid. After lunch at a traditional Mayan restaurant, we’ll visit a traditional Mayan village.For further information and rates, please contact us
Chichen Itzá
Chichen Itzá is one of the most famous of Mayan archeological sites and one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World”. Chichen Itzá has numerous monuments for a visitor to explore. You’ll visit the Main Ball Court, the Sacred Well or Cenote, where archeologists have discovered a number of well-adorned skeletons of sacrificial victims; the Temple of the Skulls; the Temple Of The Warriors; the Caracol or Observatory. Of course, you’ll also see El Castillo, the grand pyramid, which has 91 stairs on each side, totalling, with the final top step the 365 days in a solar year. For further information and rates, please contact us
Xcaret parks
Grupo Xcaret has the best thematic parks in the Riviera Maya providing endless adventure and fun for all ages. Enjoy amazing water activities at Xcaret and Xel-Há; challenge your senses at the zip lines in Xplor. Discover Xenses where imagination has no limits. Discover the new park Xavage and experience the extreme side of Cancun where you choose the level of audacity. Live an authentic Mexican fiesta on board colorful “trajineras” at Xoximilco.
Xcaret
Xcaret is a magical paradise where culture, ecology and Mexican wildlife meet. Among its great treasures, in Xcaret we can find underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, a beach, inlets and Xcaret’s one of a kind celebration “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”, a spectacular show full of music and dances that will give you goosebumps. At Xcaret you can enjoy the most amazing water activities such as swimming into its underground rivers, snuba, sea trek and snorkeling.
Xel-ha
Xel-Ha is a natural aquarium of a beauty that is unique in the world; discover its magic with your mask and snorkel, relax as you swim amongst hundreds of multicolored fish that have made their home in the river and the lagoon. You can explore this beautiful place on foot, bicycle or taking a ride on its mini-train, while enjoying the different species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
For further information and rates about Xcaret Parks, visit Grupo Xcaret.
Puerto Morelos and its surroundings offer an unlimited variety of leisure and cultural activities, which you might undertake on your own or with other students or staff members.
The diverse ecology, interesting history and fascinating Mayan culture present a unique experience for students. Half-day, one day or two-day excursions are a great way to enhance your overall experience of this diverse and exciting part of the Maya world.
Culture! Adventure! Nature! Sport! The only limit is your imagination.