Off Road Ride to El Cedral town and Cenote Jade on ATVs

If you’re looking for a way to shake up your trip to Cozumel beyond the usual beach day, this ATV tour offers a mix of excitement, history, and nature that’s hard to beat. It’s a well-rounded adventure that combines off-road thrills with cultural stops and natural beauty — all for an accessible price. The tour is popular for good reason, and with a 4.5-star rating from a dozen reviews, it seems to deliver on expectations.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the guided ATV ride through rugged trails and jungle paths is genuinely exhilarating, especially for those craving a bit of adrenaline. Second, the visit to Cenote Jade provides a refreshing break and a chance to connect with nature in a striking setting. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is active and requires a moderate level of physical fitness — so it’s not ideal if you’re after a relaxed day. Overall, it’s perfect for adventure seekers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a taste of authentic Mexican scenery mixed with fun.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of adventure, cultural site visits, and natural swimming spots
• Affordable price offers solid value, considering the included activities and experiences
• Guides are often praised for being knowledgeable and friendly
• Small group size (max 25) helps maintain a personalized experience
• Includes tequila tasting (for +18 travelers), adding a cultural touch
• Important additional costs: taxes ($20) aren’t included in the base price

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The adventure begins at the Royal Village Shopping Center, a convenient starting point whether you’re arriving from nearby resorts or other parts of Cozumel. The meeting spot is straightforward, and the tour ends right back here, making logistics simple.

El Cedral Town and Ruins (1 hour 30 minutes)

Your first stop is El Cedral, an historic town famous for its Mayan roots. The ATV ride through the village’s trails is a highlight, giving you a chance to feel the thrill of navigating uneven terrain and lush jungle paths. The rugged routes are designed to be exciting but manageable, making this a fun experience for most. Expect to see some of the mayor Mayan ruins and learn about the area’s history from your guide — a couple of reviews praised guides for their reliable and informative commentary.

One reviewer, Natalie, mentioned, “Although not very much to see in terms of large ruins, the tour guide and ATVs were amazing!” This indicates that while the ruins aren’t grand, the overall experience of the ride and the cultural context provided by guides enhances the stop.

Cenote Jade – The Natural Oasis (1 hour)

Next, you head to Cenote Jade, a hidden freshwater pool surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations. The setting is stunning, and many travelers find swimming here to be a refreshing highlight of the trip. The water is crystal-clear, and swimming is explicitly allowed — a perfect chance to cool off after the ATV ride.

Reviewers like Moriah emphasize the variety of activities: “Jumped into a cenote from an 18-foot cliff, learned about Mayan culture, did a tequila tasting.” While the cliff jumping isn’t explicitly part of the itinerary, it highlights the fun and adventurous spirit of this stop. The cenote’s natural beauty is undoubtedly one of the main attractions and offers real downtime amid the adventure.

Cultural and Tasting Experiences

After soaking in the cenote, the tour includes a tequila tasting session, which is a definite cultural treat — especially for travelers over 18. Guides are often praised for their knowledgeable explanations, which turn a simple tasting into an educational experience. You’ll learn about the art of tequila-making and savor some of Mexico’s finest spirits.

Additional costs include a $20 ecotax and ejidal tax for the cenote visit, which should be factored into your budget. These are paid on-site and are standard for ecotourism activities in Mexico.

What to Expect and How It All Comes Together

The entire tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, which strikes a good balance between packed activity and relaxed pace. The group size is limited to 25, ensuring that guides can provide personalized attention, answer questions, and keep the experience safe.

Transportation is straightforward, starting and ending at the Royal Village Shopping Center, a centrally located spot in Cozumel. The price of $35 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusion of the ATV jungle circuit, visits to the town and ruins, cenote swimming, bottled water, and tequila tasting. The value increases for those wanting a full day of engaging activities without breaking the bank.

What Travelers Say

Reviews reveal that most travelers are very satisfied with the experience, especially praising guides like Isaac and Goku for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. One reviewer shared, “Goku took us to the best street tacos I’ve ever had,” illustrating how guides often go beyond the scheduled stops to enhance the experience.

However, a small number of travelers have experienced cancellation issues without notice, which underscores the importance of confirming arrangements and understanding the cancellation policy. Luckily, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

Practical Tips for Your Adventure

• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for off-road riding.
• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as you’ll be outdoors in the jungle.
• Prepare for physical activity — moderate fitness is recommended.
• Factor in the $20 taxes into your budget for the cenote visit.
• Be aware that snacks at El Cedral aren’t included, so consider bringing some or planning to buy locally.
• The tour is suitable for ages 18 and up for the tequila tasting, but younger guests can still participate in the ATV and swimming.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for active travelers who crave a combination of adrenaline and culture. It’s perfect if you’re eager to explore beyond the beach and want to experience authentic Mexican scenery and history firsthand. The guided element and small group size make it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more personalized, engaging experience.

If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy a mix of adventure, learning, and natural beauty, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding outing, this might not be your best fit.

This ATV tour in Cozumel manages to pack a punch with its combination of off-road excitement, Mayan history, and natural swimming. The guides’ expertise and the stunning scenery are often highlighted as the tour’s strongest points, making it more than just a ride — it’s a well-rounded experience that touches on culture, nature, and fun.

At just $35, the tour provides great value for a full, engaging half-day activity. It’s especially suitable for adventure enthusiasts and those curious about local history and natural wonders. While there are a few extra costs and some notes on the physical effort involved, most travelers find it a worthwhile highlight of their Cozumel visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
This tour is designed for travelers over 18 due to the tequila tasting component. However, younger guests can still enjoy the ATV ride, swimming at the cenote, and exploring El Cedral.

What’s included in the price?
The $35 fee covers the jungle circuit with ATVs, fuel, visits to El Cedral town and ruins, Cenote Jade swimming, bottled water, and a tequila tasting for those over 18.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a $20 ecotax and ejidal tax payable on-site for the cenote visit. Snacks at El Cedral are not included and are paid for separately if desired.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including all stops, riding, swimming, and tasting.

What’s the group size limit?
The maximum is 25 travelers, helping ensure a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, sturdy clothes suitable for off-road riding, and closed shoes. Remember sunscreen and insect repellent.

Can non-riders participate?
The main activity involves riding ATVs, but non-riders can usually wait at the cenote or explore nearby, depending on the guide’s arrangements.

Is transportation included?
Transportation is not explicitly mentioned; however, the tour begins and ends at the Royal Village Shopping Center, which is an easy meeting point.

Final Word

If you’re looking for a fun, active way to discover Cozumel’s natural beauty and cultural highlights, this ATV tour offers a balanced blend of adventure and authenticity. Expect knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and enough excitement to make your trip memorable. Just be prepared for some physical activity, extra taxes, and the need for comfortable attire. For those who want to combine a bit of history, nature, and adrenaline, this experience hits the mark nicely.