Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

If your idea of a vacation is to lay back and soak up the sun, then you'll want to escape to the cool refuge of the Beach Escape Beach Club. Just 15 minutes from the pier, this patch of paradise offers a tropical rainbow of white sand, turquoise water and blue sky. The tour includes round trip transfers (return transport is via taxis, which is included in your ticket) and once you disembark, you'll be greeted by the friendly staff and briefed on the resort's services and activities. Then, you'll have the rest of the day to plan and play your way. Splash in the pool or dive in the Caribbean's azure waters, stroll along the endless carpet of white sand, paddle a kayak, relax in a lounge chair or take in the views from the beach bar where the open bar serves up tequila, vodka, beer, soft drinks, and cocktails.

Costa Maya is home to the second-largest coral reef system in the world and offers much to explore beneath the surface of the sea. A short transfer from the pier brings you to the colorful Mayan fishing village of Mahahual and a beautiful beach where you will begin your adventure. Board your glass-bottom boat and head out over the iridescent waters of the Caribbean. Take in the panoramic view of colorful coral reef formations and tropical fish as you travel over a beautiful reef area. Once you admire the reef from above, jump in and follow your certified guide past colorful fish and coral formations on an inspiring snorkel tour. The small group size ensures personal attention so you can relax and discover the wonders of the underwater world with your helpful guides nearby. Afterward, you may either return directly to the ship with your tour or choose stay in downtown for shopping and return on your own at a later time at your own expense.

Picture your vision of the perfect day in Costa Maya. If it includes sailing and snorkeling, this is the active half-day tour for you. Meet your hosts at the pier. Along the way you'll employ marine safety procedures under the watchful care of certified rescue diver guides. Board your 50-foot catamaran and enjoy a relaxing sail across the azure waters against the stunning backdrop of Costa Maya's jungle covered hills. When you reach your dive site, slip into an underwater world where fish, turtles, and rays abound within some of the most pristine coral formations on the coast. See elk coral, brain coral, and many other varieties. Watch for spotted eagle rays and stingrays that also frequent the site. After your snorkel, relax as your guides' entertainment accompanies your rejuvenating sail back to the pier, hop on your shuttle and enjoy the ride to the beach. Regular shuttle service will take you back to the pier.

A Segway® is a personal transportation system perfect for seeing the sights of colorful Costa Maya at a unique and relaxed pace. A short walk from the pier brings you to the Segway® meeting place for a safety briefing and orientation. Segways® are easy to ride and very stable. A short practice session and off you go! Costa Maya is a coastal tourist town in the Mexican Caribbean lined with hotels, restaurants and sparkling beaches. Glide along a paved path and take in the sites en route to the main commercial center. Along the way, you will stop for a quick refreshment. Once at the shopping area, you'll have time to pick out some souvenirs before continuing to one of the nicest beach clubs in the area. Swim, relax on the shore and enjoy a beverage. When you wish to go back to the ship, taxi transportation is available.

Pick out your bicycle, don your helmet and ride south along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on this active half-day tour. Breathe in the fresh sea air and balmy ocean breezes as you pedal your way to the sleepy fishing village of Mahahual. Here, you'll gather on the beach for a refreshing beach break with refreshments. Then, switch gears to a 2-person kayak and soak up the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea from a totally different perspective. Glide over the crystal clear ocean in a clear-bottom kayak that brings coral formations and tropical reef fishes up close. Just look below you and watch in awe as a rainbow of marine life comes into view. Watch for myriad species in every shape and size from angel fish and blue tang.

You'll be greeted by your smiling dolphin guide at the end of the dock who will brief you on the day's events. It is only a five-minute walk to the Dolphin Park located within the dock facility. A member of the training team will provide an educational briefing that details what to expect during your dolphin encounter and key points of interest. The Dolphin Encounter is the classic dolphin program which provides an exhilarating dolphin experience for couples, families and guests of all ages. This excursion allows guests to kiss, pet and interact with the dolphin on a submerged platform and learn about this amazing creature and their habitat. You'll be surprised by the great intelligence and friendliness of these wonderful marine mammals. Enjoy 30 minutes in the water with the dolphin. This a great dolphin program for non-swimmers!

Splash into the mythical world of Maya Lost Mayan Kingdom, a fantastical water park with something for everyone! A quick shuttle ride from port brings you to a jungle-themed environment designed to mimic a lost Mayan civilization. The showpiece of this vast adventure park is a dramatic pyramid accented by multiple water slides. There are nine major slides, and smaller variations can be found in the teen park – a scaled-down zone. After plunging down a 60-footslide, take to the sky on the park's zip-line systems and soar over the 20-acre area. For something a little more relaxing, float down a lazy river lined with indigenous foliage, swim in a natural pool or take a self-guided tour of the botanical landscape. Before you go, be sure to ride the Kukulcan Zip Coaster. A shuttle or a 10-minute walk brings you back to port.

Spoil yourself with this Mayan holistic ritual that dates back centuries. Designed to purify the mind and body, this unique ceremony at the Mayan Spa embodies six steps: a copal cleansing (an ancient technique used to start the ceremony), a Mayan bath and massage, time in a Temazcal (which is similar to a sweat lodge), a clay mask, and a coconut bath where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. The last step in this rejuvenating adventure is a mystical hammock massage. The cleanse lasts 80 minutes and after this magical experience, you'll have time to enjoy the port facilities, grab a lounge chair (on a first come, first-serve basis) and take a dip in the pool while sipping a tropical drink. The Mayan Spa is located within the port area so you can easily shop and return to the ship at your leisure.

See the Caribbean from a totally unique point of view as you glide over the crystal clear waters in your 2-person clear bottom kayak. A short transfer from the pier you'll find the colorful Mayan fishing village of Mahahual and a beautiful beach wait! Here, your guide will provide life vests and instructions before your adventure begins. Paddle your own 2-person kayak away from shore and when you arrive at the reef, just look down through your kayak to view the colorful coral formations and tropical fish below. After kayaking, head back to the beach for fresh fruit, complimentary drinks and free time to swim, relax or explore the shopping district. You can return to the pier by Kodiak truck or stay on the beach, order lunch and extend your day in paradise. If you choose to stay at the beach, the transportation back to the pier will be on your own.

Join us on a moderately active half-day tour to the ancient place of Mayan pilgrimage known as Chacchoben, "The Place of Red Corn." Onboard the bus your guide will brief you on interesting tour details. When you arrive, surrounded by tropical jungle, your guide will escort you through the ruins, giving you complete explanations of the sacred temples and other structures located at the site. See the original red paint on the stucco walls of one of the pyramids and the temple where a mural was found showing the astronomical positions of the planet Venus. You will have time to climb the Gran Basamento. Here archaeologists found ceremonial offerings dating to around 1,000 B.C. Also learn about the medicinal plants that are still used by the modern-day Mayan people. Relax with a complimentary beverage and soak up the images of the unfolding centuries on your drive back to the pier.

Set off on an adventure on your personal ATV (all-terrain vehicle) on this exciting five hour excursion that takes you deep into the spectacular jungle scenery of Costa Maya to a secluded sandy beach perfect for a swim and relaxation. Board your military style transportation and arrive at the ATV station. A bilingual guide will meet you and engage in a safety briefing and trial ride, then set off to discover the back roads where lush jungle, turquoise blue sea, isolated terrain and white-sand beach form an ever-changing backdrop of scenery. Continue your ride to the beach to enjoy some complementary drinks. Return to the port is at leisure. Transportation available all day.

Immerse yourself in a journey through time: from the glorious past of the great stepped pyramids to the contemporary world of the present-day Maya. Begin your day with the scenic drive from Costa Maya. Arriving in a small, contemporary Mayan community built up around the remains of an ancient Mayan settlement, you'll visit one of the fascinating ruins right in the middle of town. Follow your native guide into an authentic Mayan house where you'll learn how totally committed the locals are to keeping their traditional beliefs and customs alive. As you interact with a family in their home, you'll learn about ancient medicines that are still in use today, and you'll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of traditional Mayan/Mexican Cuisine including buried earth-cooked chicken pibil. Guests looking for a great adventure need look no further than this moderately active full-day Mayan Cultural Experience with return transportation to the pier.

You'll be greeted by your smiling dolphin guide at the end of the dock who will brief you on the day's events. It is only a five-minute walk to the Dolphin Park located within the dock facility. A member of the training team will provide an educational briefing that details what to expect during your dolphin interaction and key points of interest. Set in a natural ocean pool with a sandy bottom, adventure awaits you for your chance to swim, kiss, caress and even be pulled by a bottlenose dolphin's pectoral fin. Enjoy this rare opportunity to touch the sleek and playful animal and pose for the world famous dolphin kiss. You'll be led into deeper waters where you'll be pulled by their pectoral fins and swim with your dolphin. Guests spend approximately 30 minutes in the water with the dolphins.

Fifth century Mayan civilization comes to life as you explore the Temple of Masks and the Plaza of the Acropolis in Kohunlich, a multi-level city that boasts amazing architecture and dazzling 10-foot-high sculptures. Find yourself deep in the lush tropical jungle with giant cahoon palms, eye-catching wildlife and a symphony of birdsong all around. Join us for an unforgettable adventure on this active, full-day tour, with box lunch, to the ruins of Kohunlich and admire one of the most studied sites in the area. Walk through the ruins of this ancient Mayan ceremonial center and climb its spectacular temple dedicated to the Sun God. Discover the intricate decoration of the stucco masks and marvel at the residential complexes and palaces that present a vivid picture of the importance and status of the families that once lived here: images you'll replay during your leisurely and scenic drive back to the pier.

This is the perfect combination of local culture, Mayan history and the serenity of Costa Maya's white-sand shores. Your 6.5-hour active adventure begins with a one hour motorcoach drive to "The Place of the Red Corn," Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where you'll embark on a fascinating tour of this historic spot deep within the lush jungle foliage. Chacchoben is one of the ancient sites most visited from Costa Maya. Enter the heart of this abandoned ceremonial center and walk in the footsteps of the ruling families and nobles who called it home. You'll experience the world of the ancient Maya and feel their vision as you walk a circular path that includes three excavated and restored pyramids, as well as many walls and staircases. A climb to the top of the "Gran Basamento" is rewarded with views above the tree tops and two sacred temples. Your journey continues to a private lagoon resort, where you'll have the opportunity to swim, relax on a sun lounger and partake of the open bar. A Light snack is included. Refreshed, return to the ship.

Experience two exciting archaeological sites on one excursion! Visit Dzibanche with its awe-inspiring pyramids, plazas and lush greenery and then travel to the magnificent multi-leveled Mayan city of Kohunlich where you'll have the opportunity to explore another ancient setting to your heart's content. Climb the tallest temple to get a view of your surroundings. Marvel at the Temple of the Owls and Temple of the Captives. At Kohunlich, named for the area's giant cahoon palm trees, you'll find a 21-acre site that was elaborately planned and engineered. Marvel at the complex of raised platforms, pyramids, citadels, courtyards and plazas all laid out to channel drainage into a system of cisterns and an enormous reservoir to collect rainwater. And explore the most famous structure, the 5th century Temple of Masks. This active tour with light snack also includes transportation to and from the pier through spectacular scenery.

Few places in the world can offer such unspoiled diving! Until recently, Costa Maya was a closely kept secret but this active half-day tour makes it easy to enjoy a two-tank dive through pristine waters teeming with marine life. Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, towel and Certification Card and bring your camera or video for ample photo opportunities throughout the day. The adventure begins with a short ride through the village of Mahahual for outfitting at the dive center. Later, take the plunge amidst breathtaking reef formations and abundant marine life. When your first tank runs low, make your way back, communicating with your dive buddy and guide. Enjoy a snack and a rest and then get in a second dive before returning to the pier.

Hop into your sturdy 4X4 Jeep and experience an unforgettable jungle and beach safari. Your experienced guide will introduce you to the jungle's treasury of incredible flora and fauna from papaya trees and chit palms to toucans, turtles and spider monkeys! You'll caravan through the quiet fishing village of Mahahual past endless stretches of beach to view a side of the Caribbean that most visitors never get to see. After an hour of exploring the coastline you'll arrive at Explora Beach. The white powder sand and the isolated atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax over a delightful Mexican Buffet lunch prepared especially for you. You'll also enjoy free time to swim, play volleyball and completely unwind. When it's time to jump back into your 4x4 vehicle and head for home, you'll enjoy the drive back through the exotic terrain for the conclusion of this unforgettable tour.

Get behind the wheel of a custom-made dune buggy or hop aboard for the ride of your life! This off-road expedition traces the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula offering views of turquoise sea and emerald jungle. You'll depart from the cruise ship pier and make your way to Mahahual for a stop at the lighthouse and a cultural speech that will bring ancient Mayan mysteries to life. Next up is a beach break complete with beach volleyball, hammocks, swimming and a complimentary snack of tortilla chips and freshly made pico de gallo with water or a soft drink. Afterwards, make the scenic drive back along the shore. With acres of unspoiled coastal land, vast natural resources and rich historic and cultural influences, Costa Maya offers visitors true insight into the essence of Mayan culture and the heritage of the Mexican Caribbean: an unforgettable experience on this moderately active outing.