Island Buggy Tour

If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your trip to Cozumel, the Island Buggy Tour promises a fun-filled half-day exploring the island’s less touristy spots. This experience combines driving your own buggy along scenic coastlines, visiting beautiful beaches, sampling authentic tequila, and relaxing at the exclusive Playa Uvas. It’s an option for travelers who want to see a different side of the island — away from the cruise ship crowds and busy resorts.

What I like about this tour is that it offers a combination of hands-on fun and relaxing downtime — perfect for those who want variety in their day. The guided tequila tasting and the chance to drive a personal buggy are definite highlights. But, a word of caution: some reviews mention the quality of the buggies and the length of time at the beach, so it’s worth considering if these aspects are dealbreakers for you.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path beaches, those interested in local food and drink, or anyone wanting a lively but laid-back excursion. If you’re after a structured, all-inclusive experience with no surprises, it’s worth weighing the reviews carefully.

Key Points

• Self-driven buggy experience offers a unique way to see Cozumel’s lesser-visited areas.
• Tequila tasting provides insight into local tradition and a chance to sample authentic Mexican spirits.
• The visit to quiet beaches like Chen Rio and El Mirador showcases the island’s natural beauty away from crowded tourist spots.
• Snorkeling at the coral reef introduces you to vibrant marine life in the world’s second-largest reef system.
• The Playa Uvas beach club offers a relaxed environment with food, pools, and optional guided snorkeling.
• Mixed reviews highlight both enjoyable moments and some disappointment regarding vehicle quality and time spent at each stop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Fun Mix of Adventure and Relaxation

Our review of the Island Buggy Tour in Cozumel is based on the experiences of travelers who’ve taken this popular excursion. It’s a package that promises a bit of everything: driving your own buggy, discovering quiet beaches, tasting Mexican tequila, and relaxing at a beautiful beach club.

What’s appealing is the chance to drive your own vehicle, which gives a sense of freedom and adventure that group tours often lack. We also love the idea of visiting less touristy beaches, where you can enjoy the ocean and scenery without the crowds. Plus, the tequila tasting isn’t just a fun activity — it offers a taste of local craftsmanship and culture.

That said, some travelers have noted issues such as older, less-than-ideal vehicles and shorter-than-expected beach visits. These points are worth considering if you’re used to more polished tours. But overall, this tour seems well-suited for travelers who want an active, authentic day out and don’t mind a few quirks along the way.

What to Expect from the Island Buggy Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a tequila tasting experience. Here, guides explain how tequila is made, giving a bit of local flavor right from the start. If you’re over 18, you’ll get to sip some of the local spirit — a delightful way to warm up for the day ahead.

Next, you’ll hop into your own buggy and head toward “the other side of the island”—a term locals use to describe Cozumel’s quieter, less developed coast. The roads here are mostly scenic, with wonderful ocean views and few crowds.

Your first stop is Chen Rio beach, a peaceful spot where you can take photos, dip your toes in the water, or simply enjoy the serenity. The road continues to El Mirador, a favorite local lookout. Here, you’ll want to snap plenty of photos — the panoramic views are some of the best on the trip, offering a reminder of just how beautiful this island truly is.

From there, the route leads to the Playa Uvas Beach Club, a smaller, less commercialized beach destination. This is the highlight for many: a chance to unwind, have a delicious Mexican lunch, and enjoy the amenities. The club has options for guided snorkel tours, kayaking, or just lounging by the pool.

The Beach Club Experience

The Playa Uvas Beach Club is a quieter alternative to larger resorts, allowing you to relax without the crowds. Included in the tour, your meal is a traditional Mexican lunch, a chance to savor local flavors. After lunch, you’re free to choose how to spend your time — snorkel among coral reefs, paddle on a kayak, or just soak up the sun.

Some reviews mention that the beach time was shorter than expected — “just under an hour,” according to one traveler — so if a full day at the beach is what you’re after, this might not meet your expectations. However, others found the balance perfect for a half-day adventure.

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Snorkeling and Marine Life

A key feature is snorkel access near the reef, which is part of the second-largest coral reef system in the world. When weather permits, this can be a highlight, giving you a glimpse of vibrant marine life and colorful corals. The tour offers a guided snorkel, adding ease for beginners or those unfamiliar with the area.

The Realities: Pros and Cons

What We Loved

The guides’ knowledge and friendliness are often praised. One reviewer called Vicente “a very good guide,” who explained things well and made the experience enjoyable. Their local insights add a lot of value, especially during the tequila tasting and scenic drives.

The scenic stops like Chen Rio and El Mirador are genuine highlights. These spots showcase the island’s natural beauty and are perfect for relaxed sightseeing and photos.

The lunch at Playa Uvas received positive comments, with travelers enjoying authentic Mexican dishes and a peaceful setting away from the bustling crowds.

The Not-So-Great Moments

Some reviews mention that the buggies were not as pictured — older, converted cars without doors or trunks. If you’re expecting modern, shiny vehicles, this could be a disappointment. One traveler noted, “No buggies but cars without doors,” which suggests some vehicles are more like casual cars than true off-road buggies.

Timing can also be an issue. One reviewer said they only had about an hour at the beach instead of the planned two hours, which might leave you feeling rushed or wanting more beach time.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $65 per person for around 5 hours, this tour offers a lively mix of activities. The combination of driving, sightseeing, food, and snorkeling makes it fairly good value, especially if you’re looking for an easy, organized way to see parts of Cozumel that are not on the typical tourist radar.

However, the experience hinges on the quality of the vehicles and the time management. If these aspects matter a lot to you, it’s worth considering whether the tour’s adventure and authentic feel outweigh the downsides.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking active exploration with a casual vibe. If you’re comfortable driving a buggy and want to see less crowded beaches and enjoy local food and drinks, it’s a good pick. Families with older teenagers, especially those who meet the age and license requirements, might enjoy the hands-on nature of the tour.

It’s also suited for those who appreciate guided insights about tequila and local culture. But if you prefer luxury, modern vehicles, and longer beach time, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Is the Island Buggy Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a fun, varied way to experience Cozumel’s natural beauty and local flavor. It hits on many highlights: scenic drives, quiet beaches, tequila tasting, and relaxed beach time at Playa Uvas. The guides are generally praised, and the experience provides a good sense of adventure without being overly strenuous.

The value depends on your expectations. If you’re okay with older vehicles and shorter beach visits, you’ll likely enjoy it. The combination of driving your own buggy, visiting local spots, and relaxing at a beach club makes for a memorable day that balances activity with leisure.

However, if you’re craving a more polished experience or want more time on the beach, consider other options. It’s a tour that favors authenticity and fun over luxury — perfect for travelers wanting to get a taste of local life and enjoy some outdoor adventure.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, all drivers must have a valid driver’s license, and be at least 16 years old. Minors can ride as passengers if accompanied by an adult.

Is tequila tasting included?
Yes, the tour begins with a tequila tasting where guides explain the process, and guests over 18 can sample the spirits.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts about 5 hours, including transportation, activities, and free time at Playa Uvas.

Are the buggies new and modern?
Not necessarily. Some reviews mention older, converted cars without doors, which might differ from expectations.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, lunch, access to Playa Uvas, bottled water, and guided activities.

Is snorkeling available?
Yes, guided snorkeling is offered at the reef, providing an opportunity to see marine wildlife and coral formations.

To sum it up, the Island Buggy Tour in Cozumel offers a lively, authentic way to explore some of the island’s quieter beaches, sample local spirits, and enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind older vehicles and shorter beach visits, and who want to combine activity with leisure. For those seeking a genuine glimpse of local life, this tour delivers a good mix of fun, scenery, and cultural flavor — provided you go in with the right expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby