Cozumel, Mexico

Our first stop of the cruise was Cozumel, a very pretty island off the coast of Mexico that we really didn't see. Our excursion was on the mainland, so after we got off the ship we immediately boarded a ferry/speed boat to head to Playa Del Carmen. The day was cloudy and hot...and it began to rain. The "ferry" was big, very fast and very rocky. I spent most of that little trip with my head inside a bag. Luckily, the day went very well after that.

Our ship, in the rain. We made it across the pier before it really started to pour! After the rain stopped, we walked into town and boarded Jeep Wranglers. We drove out to a cenote called Chaak Tun, a cave with lots of stalactites and stalagmites and a beautiful underground lake that was sacred to the Mayans. We made our way through the jungle, down stairs and into the cave...

We all had to wear hard hats because parts of the cave were low and narrow. It was really fun walking through it all to get to the water area. It was very dark in there so our pictures are all rather dark too, but here are a few to help give you an idea of what it was like. The water was crystal clear and cold, but I had to go in anyway. It was a lot of fun!

The guide took us deep inside the cavern. We saw a lot of fossils and fish swimming around us. It was a very unique experience!

Nick on his way through the cave

After our tour of the cave, we jumped back into the Jeeps for a drive further down the coast. This area is known as the Mayan Riviera. It's gorgeous and full of history! The main reason we selected this particular cruise was to see some Mayan ruins.

Nick loved driving the Jeep. He just wished there had been more off roading! :)

We arrived at a beautiful beach and enjoyed a Mexican buffet lunch. Quite healthy too...lots of veggies and fruit in addition to mahi mahi tacos. Yummy!!

Nick enjoying lunch. We didn't spend too much time eating though...that aquamarine water was beckoning us to dive in...

So pretty!! It was warm and clear and just perfect.

We spent a good hour swimming and jumping in the waves after taking these pictures. It was a blast!!

All too soon we had to take off in our Jeeps again and head back to the ferry to catch our ship in Cozumel. What a great day!! It was wonderful...and after the morning rain, the weather was amazing. Lucky me, the ferry ride back was MUCH less rough and I made it back in one piece.