A Journey inside an Ancient Mayan Cave

Dan and I love having new adventures when we cruise.  Seeing new places, sampling different cuisines, exploring new heights (literally and figuratively!) – it’s all part of the fun of traveling!
​
One of our favorite cruise adventures was when we were in Cozumel.  Carnival Cruise Lines has a relatively new program where port calls have been extended on more than 750 voyages, providing guests with even more opportunities to experience and explore this diverse vacation destination. Many new excursions have been added as a result of the extended time in port, with several of these on the Mexican mainland. 

With an early morning arrival in Cozumel and a late “back on board” time, Dan and I were able to take a trip inland for a 3-part adventure.
​
First, we traveled in an air-conditioned van to a small lagoon where we spent an hour or so snorkeling.  It was a beautiful; albeit a bit crowded.  But the snorkeling was awesome and the water amazing, so it was something we were happy to have experienced.

---

We then moved further inland to one of the ancient Mayan caves where we had an opportunity to spend several hours exploring.  Our first impression was “Man!  The water here is FREEZING!”  I don’t know what the temperature, but I can tell you, it was COLD!  If we ever do something like this again, we’ll go prepared!

But once we acclimated to the cold water, it was truly an amazing adventure.  The water was only waist-high, so we were able to walk through the cave, exploring all the stalactites and stalagmites up close and personal.  Sometimes the path was very narrow, so we had to kind of side-step/walk/swim – it just made the experience more adventurous! 
​
When we arrived in the middle of the cave, our guide instructed us to turn off the lanterns on our hardhats.  It immediately became pitch black.  He explained that, during Mayan times, anyone who was being considered as a priest would prove his worthiness by living seven days in the middle of the cave, in the dark.  It was up to him to find a way to survive the cold, lack of company, food, etc.  If he survived, he became a priest – if not, well ….

---

It was an amazing experience, for so many reasons:  the topography, the history, the sheer beauty and mystery of the cave.  And I think there was a little pride in the fact that we endured the freezing water and made it through the little crevices, bumps and turns, and rather lengthy voyage to the middle of the cave and back.  Did I mention there were millions of little fish that swam up to us in the dark and nibbled on us as we made our way through the cave?  That was an interesting twist as well!
​
After our cave adventure, we re-boarded the van and headed for a beautiful beach where a local outdoor restaurant served us a truly great dinner.  We then had an hour or so to watch the sunset and just enjoy the beach.

---

I really encourage you to take one of the Cozumel Plus cruises and sign up for one of the extended-stay excursions.  There are plenty to choose from and each will give you a new experience and adventure!
​
For a list of excursions available on Carnival Cruise Lines “Cozumel Plus”, click the button below to sign up for this and future great adventure tips!  You can also request more information on the Carnival Plus program just by adding a little note in the message block!

TELL ME MORE!