ATV Excursion: Discover El Cedral Town & Ruins, Cenote Swim

Thinking about adding a bit of adrenaline and culture to your Cozumel trip? This ATV tour offers a solid mix of outdoor fun, historic sights, and relaxing natural beauty. We’ve looked into what makes this experience tick, and it’s clear this adventure has a lot to offer — especially if you’re after a way to see the island beyond the usual cruise ship excursions.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines thrilling ATV rides with the chance to connect with local history at El Cedral, plus the irresistible opportunity to swim in a cenote surrounded by lush jungle. And if you’re into tasting authentic Mexican tequila, the included tasting session ups the fun factor.

A potential consideration? The tour’s meeting point can be a bit tricky to find if you’re unfamiliar with the area, and there’s an extra fee of $20 per person for taxes and cenote ecotax, which adds to the overall cost. Plus, the group size is limited (up to 20), so it’s not overly crowded.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a balanced dose of adventure, culture, and nature — whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends who enjoy a bit of everything.

Key Points

• Engaging mix of adventure and culture: Combines ATV riding, historical sights, and natural swimming.
• Good value for the price: At $35, you get multiple activities and inclusions, making it a well-rounded experience.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews highlight guides who are helpful and informative.
• Highlights include Cenote Jade: Clear waters surrounded by jungle and interesting rock formations.
• Additional costs: Expect to pay around $20 more for taxes, which isn’t included in the initial price.
• Group size is limited: Up to 20 travelers, which keeps things personal but means booking in advance is smart.

A Deep Dive into the ATV Excursion Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Royal Village Shopping Center, conveniently located near the main cruise port area. For travelers staying in Cozumel or coming from Cancun or the Riviera Maya, this meeting point is accessible. Just keep in mind that some reviews mention it can be a bit confusing to find, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area.

The tour lasts roughly 3 hours, a good chunk of time that balances activity without feeling rushed. The group maximum is 20 travelers, which helps keep the vibe friendly and personal. You’ll be riding your own ATV, with options for shared rides — just note that if you book the “Shared ATV” option, you need an even number of participants unless you’re okay with a slight additional charge at check-in.

The Adventure Through El Cedral

Your journey kicks off with an exciting ATV ride through El Cedral, a small village with a bit of history and lively local charm. The routes are rugged, offering a mix of dirt trails and jungle paths that give you that true off-road feeling.

What makes this stop stand out? Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides make all the difference, sharing insights about the area and taking photos so you can focus on the fun. One reviewer, Andrea, appreciated how the guide “took many pictures of us” — a small touch that adds to the overall enjoyment.

However, don’t expect a full archaeological site tour — the ruins are more of a quick visit than a comprehensive exploration. Still, the cultural flavor of El Cedral gives you a glimpse into local life and history, which is a nice contrast to the more touristy parts of Cozumel.

Cenote Jade: A Refreshing Swim

Next up is Cenote Jade, a hidden gem surrounded by jungle. The water here is crystal clear, inviting you to take a dip after the ATV adventure. Just imagine swimming among lush greenery and rocky formations — a peaceful, almost meditative experience that’s highly praised by visitors.

According to one review, the guide Papi “provided a lot of details about the area and its history,” making the Cenote visit not just a swim but a bit of an educational experience too. Swimmers should be aware that swimming is allowed and encouraged, making it a highlight for many.

Keep in mind, there is an additional $20 fee for the Ejidal Tax and Cenote Ecotax. While it’s not included in the initial price, many find the fee reasonable considering the setting’s natural beauty.

Tequila Tasting and Final Notes

The tour wraps up with a tequila tasting session, exclusively for travelers over 18. The guides and presenters are well-versed, and many reviews mention how helpful and knowledgeable they are. It’s a fun, relaxed way to end the adventure and learn about Mexico’s famous spirit while sampling various types.

The tour price of $35 offers good value when you consider all the included activities — the ATV ride, Cenote swim, visits to El Cedral, and tequila tasting. But it’s worth noting the extra taxes, which add about $20 per person, so budget accordingly.

Real Traveler Experiences

Many reviewers enjoyed the fun and friendly atmosphere. Matthew, for example, called it “a pretty fun excursion,” praising the ATV ride and Cenote jump. Andrea added, “Our guide was very helpful and took many pictures,” emphasizing how guides make a difference.

On the flip side, some had issues with the meeting point or unexpected fees. One reviewer, Eugene, pointed out that “the tour operator never came,” highlighting how important it’s to confirm details beforehand. Others mentioned the additional tax fee caught them by surprise, so be prepared for that extra expense.

Practical Tips

• Book early, as the tour is popular and booked on average 18 days in advance.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid confusion.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for riding and swimming.
• Bring cash for the $20 taxes, unless you prefer to pay beforehand.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and waterproof gear for the Cenote swim.
• If you’re traveling with someone who prefers not to ride, check the shared ATV option details.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ATV experience hits the sweet spot for those looking for adventure with a splash of culture. It appeals to travelers who want to engage physically — riding through jungle trails and swimming in a beautiful Cenote — combined with some learning and tasting. If your group includes first-timers or those who enjoy guided tours that balance fun and insight, this one’s worth considering.

It’s also a fit for travelers who don’t mind paying a little extra for taxes and fees, knowing their money supports local preservation and ecotourism efforts. While not strictly family-friendly—since the tour is geared toward adults for the tequila tasting—it can work for older children or teens if they’re comfortable on ATVs and enjoy swimming.

Final Thoughts

In all, this ATV tour offers a well-rounded taste of Cozumel’s natural beauty, history, and vibrant culture in a manageable, engaging three-hour format. It’s especially attractive for those who want a mix of thrilling rides, scenic swimming, and cultural insights, all delivered in a friendly, guided environment.

While the meeting point and additional taxes require some attention, the overall experience seems to be worth the value, especially for first-time visitors eager to explore beyond the typical beaches. The guides’ helpfulness and the stunning Cenote Jade are recurrent highlights in many reviews, making this tour a memorable part of a Cozumel visit.

For travelers craving a mix of activity and relaxation, with a dash of local flavor, this ATV excursion could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour is geared more toward adults, especially since it includes a tequila tasting. Children could participate in the ATV and swim, but the alcohol tasting is only for those over 18.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Royal Village Shopping Center and returns there at the end of the trip.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs approximately 3 hours, offering enough time for riding, swimming, and tasting without feeling rushed.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and waterproof gear for the Cenote swim are recommended. Cash for the extra tax fee is also advised.

What is included in the price?
The ATV jungle circuit, fuel, visits to El Cedral and the Cenote Jade, bottled water, and tequila tasting (for 18+ travelers).

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, expect to pay around $20 for the Ejidal Tax and Cenote Ecotax, which is not included in the initial $35 price.

If you’re after an active, scenic, and culturally infused experience in Cozumel, this ATV excursion offers a good all-around option. Just plan for the extra fees, confirm the meeting details, and enjoy the ride—your adventurous side will thank you.