The most unique shore excursions in Mexico

From ancient ruins that whisper stories of Mexico’s rich and storied past to sun-drenched beaches where the rhythm of the waves and the gentle sway of palm trees set the scene, Mexico is a vibrant country bursting with history, charm, culture, and contrast. Its landscapes are wonderfully diverse, you can expect to admire rugged mountains, tropical rainforests and coastal gems. With the chance to immerse yourself in its deep-rooted traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and infectious spirit of fiesta, it’s easy to see why so many fall in love with Mexico and choose to return time and time again. For those visiting on a cruise holiday, shore excursions offer the perfect opportunity to step beyond the ship and embrace the spirit of adventure that runs through this extraordinary country. Whether you’re a keen foodie, a history buff, or simply in search of unforgettable moments, these hand-picked experiences have been carefully curated to suit every interest. Here, we highlight some of the most unique shore excursions in Mexico, delivered by a variety of popular cruise lines, each designed to show you a side of Mexico that you’ll never forget. 

Duration - 8 hours 

Activity level - Moderate 

Princess Cruises advises that this tour involves a moderate level of activity and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs, as the terrain can be rough and uneven.

Princess Cruises invites guests to experience the very best of Tulum and authentic Mexico with their immersive Tulum Mayan Ruins, Cenote Swim and Lunch shore excursion. Begin your journey with a guided visit to the awe-inspiring ruins of Tulum, a striking archaeological site perched above the Caribbean Sea, once a thriving Mayan port city. Soak up the rich history and panoramic views before heading off to cool down with a refreshing swim in a natural cenote, one of the region’s crystal-clear freshwater sinkholes. For those seeking a little more adventure, scenic canoeing may also be on offer. The experience continues with a live tortilla-making demonstration that’s sure to whet the appetite, followed by a delicious and authentic Mayan lunch. Princess Cruises recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes and a swimsuit beneath your clothing. They also advise bringing a towel, a hat, and reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen. Please note that only reef-safe sunscreen is permitted in the water to help protect the delicate cenote ecosystem. 

Duration - 5.5 hours

Activity level - Moderate

Celebrity Cruises defines a moderate activity level as involving extended periods of walking over both even and uneven surfaces, which may include steep terrain and water activities in gentle currents. Guests should also expect steps, inclines, cobblestone paths, and prolonged standing. Those with physical limitations are advised to consider these factors before participating. 

Celebrity Cruises offers guests an up-close look at the unspoilt tropical beauty of the Uch Ben Kah Eco-Park with their Scenic Rafting Experience shore excursion. This protected 717-acre reserve, made up of mangroves, streams and lush forests, has been exclusively set aside for low-impact water activities that help preserve the natural environment. Guests can settle back and sip sparkling wine as they gently float along a calm, crystal-clear stream that forms part of the Bacalar Lagoon. The route passes through four distinct types of mangroves, each home to a variety of native wildlife. The rafting experience lasts approximately 75 minutes and provides the perfect opportunity to take in the tranquillity of the surroundings. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed Mexican lunch at the Lagoon Camp before taking a refreshing swim in the pristine waters. Air-conditioned transport will then return you to the pier. Celebrity Cruises advises that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, guests with mobility issues or expectant mothers. Each raft accommodates four passengers and will be shared with fellow guests. It is recommended that you bring a change of clothes, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, local currency, credit cards, your passport and your SeaPass card.

Duration - 4 hours

Activity level - Light

Light activity excursions with Regent Seven Seas Cruises typically involve minimal walking and standing, with limited opportunities for exploration. These tours are well-suited to guests who prefer a more relaxed pace. However, light activity does not necessarily mean the tour is accessible for all, and this particular excursion is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. 

A Buccanos Signature Private Cooking Class with Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a shore excursion that promises to leave a lasting impression. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by an experienced chef and offered a freshly mixed margarita, which you’re welcome to help prepare. The experience begins with an engaging introduction to local cuisine, providing insight into the vibrant flavours and culinary traditions of Mexico. In a hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare an authentic Mexican dish, with recipes you can take home to recreate the tastes of your trip. After the class, enjoy the three-course meal you’ve helped create, followed by a guided tequila tasting where you'll explore the depth and complexity of Mexico’s iconic spirit. The experience ends with free time on the beach, where you can unwind and enjoy the surroundings at your leisure. Regent recommends wearing weather-appropriate clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes for this excursion.

Duration - 3.5 hours

Activity level - Extensive

Silversea defines an extensive activity level as requiring full participation and good physical condition. Guests should expect inclines, steps, uneven terrain, and extended periods of standing.

Silversea’s Clear Kayak and Beach Snorkel Adventure is a half-day excursion that combines three memorable experiences in one: clear kayaking, snorkelling, and beachside relaxation. Begin your adventure with a guided paddle in a glass-bottom kayak, offering a unique window into the vibrant marine life beneath the surface as you glide over the reef. After approximately 30 minutes on the water, you’ll pop on your snorkel mask and dive in for a closer look at Cozumel’s fascinating underwater world, with the chance to capture incredible underwater photos. Following your snorkelling experience, you’ll return to a welcoming beach club where you can unwind at your own pace. Soak up the sun, take a dip in the pool, or relax under a shady umbrella. The tour includes two complimentary drinks, and additional food and beverages are available for purchase at the on-site restaurant. Silversea recommends wearing a swimsuit under a cover-up, water shoes, and sun protection. Guests should also bring a towel from the ship. Due to the nature of this excursion, participants must be able to swim and be in good physical condition to enter the water safely.

Duration - 2.5 hours 

Activity level - 1 

Norwegian Cruise Line defines this activity level as involving walking over mostly level terrain, with the possibility of encountering cobblestones, gravel, or a few steps. Comfortable footwear is recommended. 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Heritage Taco Fiesta shore excursion is a must for food lovers and taco enthusiasts alike. Set in a charming hacienda-style home in the historic district near Machado Square, this all-you-can-eat taco celebration offers an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience. As traditional Mexican music fills the air, guests are invited to relax and immerse themselves in the rich history of tacos while they are freshly prepared before their eyes. Watch as tortillas are handmade and filled with your favourite ingredients, then enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by flavourful, homemade salsas, which can be served either on their own or as the perfect finishing touch to your tacos. This vibrant fiesta is as much a cultural experience as it is a feast. Norwegian Cruise Line recommends wearing weather-appropriate clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes for this excursion.

Duration - 3.5 hours 

Activity level - Moderate 

Princess Cruises advises that this tour involves a moderate activity level and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues or those using wheelchairs, as the terrain can be rough and uneven. 

Get ready to eat, drink, dance, and celebrate with Princess Cruises’ Mexican Fiesta: Eat, Drink, Dance shore excursion. This is a lively cultural experience that brings the spirit of Mexico to life. Your fiesta begins at a vibrant Mexican restaurant, where a traditional Mariachi band fills the air with colourful rhythms that invite everyone to join in. Enjoy a dazzling performance featuring dancers from various regions of Mexico, each representing their respective areas with authentic costumes and choreography. Feel the rhythm take over as you hit the dance floor to learn a few classic Mexican moves. Then, follow your host for an engaging tequila demonstration and prepare to indulge in a delicious taco lunch. After the festivities, enjoy a guided walk along the main boulevard and through the downtown plaza. Stroll past historic buildings as you make your way to Cozumel’s bustling downtown area, where you’ll have free time to explore, shop, or simply soak up the local charm.

Duration - 4 hours 

Activity level - Mild 

Celebrity Cruises defines a mild activity level as requiring full participation, typically involving leisurely walking over mostly even surfaces. Guests may encounter a small number of steps, minimal cobblestones or uneven areas, and periods of extended standing.

Another unique shore excursion to consider with Celebrity Cruises is Mayan Culture Through the Ages. This enriching experience offers a deep dive into the enduring legacy of the Maya in the Yucatán Peninsula. On this cultural journey, you’ll visit a contemporary Mayan village where ancient traditions continue to thrive in daily life. Explore fascinating ruins located in the heart of the community and see how the modern world seamlessly blends with centuries-old customs. You’ll be welcomed into a local home to experience genuine Mayan hospitality and learn about traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. As part of this immersive experience, enjoy a delicious meal featuring regional specialities such as chicken pibil, guacamole, handmade tortillas and a selection of flavourful salsas. For dessert, fresh fruit rounds off the meal in true local style. This excursion offers a meaningful connection to Mayan heritage, combining culture, history and cuisine. Celebrity Cruises advises that guests must be able to walk approximately 30 yards over uneven terrain and navigate around 70 steps. It is also recommended that guests bring insect repellent, biodegradable sunscreen, their SeaPass, local currency, credit cards and a passport.

Duration - 2.75 hours

Activity level - Accessible 

Regent Seven Seas advises that, although the activity level is accessible, it is unfortunately not available to guests who use a wheelchair, as there is no wheelchair storage on the bus. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises invites you to indulge your senses with the Chocolate Seaside Workshop and Wine Pairing, a deliciously interactive shore excursion set on a terrace overlooking Cozumel’s Stingray Beach. At the Chocolate Seaside Factory, you’ll take part in a hands-on class where you’ll create your own bar of chocolate while learning about the rich history of cacao in Mexico. This is a tradition that dates back to the ancient Mayans. Your instructor will share fascinating insights into how the sacred cacao seed was once used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes as early as 500 B.C., and how it remains an essential part of Mexican culture and cuisine today. As you craft your chocolate, you’ll sample a variety of chocolates with different cacao percentages, each thoughtfully paired with red and white wines to enhance the tasting experience. Afterwards, savour a decadent chocolate martini and a slice of chocolate cake before browsing the shop for sweet souvenirs to take home. Regent recommends dressing in weather-appropriate clothing and wearing flat, comfortable walking shoes for this excursion.

Duration - 11.5 hours

Activity level - Extensive

Silversea defines an extensive activity level as full participation, which requires being in good physical condition and may involve inclines, steps, uneven surfaces, and/or extended periods of standing

Step into the heart of ancient Mayan civilisation on Silversea’s Treasures of Chichen Itzá. This full-day cultural adventure unveils one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological wonders. Begin your journey with a scenic ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen before travelling to the iconic site of Chichen Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. During a guided walking tour, explore the vast ceremonial grounds and learn how this magnificent city was built in harmony with the Mayan calendar, showcasing the civilisation’s remarkable understanding of astronomy. Wander through awe-inspiring ruins, including the famed El Castillo pyramid, as your expert guide brings centuries of Mayan history to life. After the tour, relax with a delicious Mexican-style buffet lunch at the adjacent Mayaland Resort, surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil views. It’s the perfect setting to reflect on all you’ve discovered.

Silversea advises that this tour involves moderate walking over uneven and sometimes sandy or cobblestone surfaces, with several steps throughout. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, those prone to seasickness or motion sickness, or wheelchair users. Guests are encouraged to wear lightweight clothing, closed-toe walking shoes, and sun protection, and to bring bottled water, spending money, and a camera. Participants must be at least 10 years old, and space is limited — early booking is recommended.

Duration - 6 hours

Activity level - 1

Norwegian Cruise Line defines this activity level as involving walking over mostly level terrain, with the possibility of encountering cobblestones, gravel, or a few steps. Comfortable footwear is recommended. However, this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility issues or back problems. Please note that there is no lift or ramp available, and guests must be able to navigate several steps independently. The downtown and shopping districts feature uneven cobblestone paths and irregular steps, while the road leading to La Dulce Vista may be dusty and bumpy, adding to the physical demands of the tour.

Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant art scene of Puerto Vallarta with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Colors of Vallarta – The Artist Inside of You shore excursion. Begin your artistic journey in the heart of the city’s atmospheric Old Town, where you’ll visit two esteemed galleries showcasing an inspiring collection of works by both local Mexican artists and internationally acclaimed painters and sculptors. Then, retreat to a peaceful mountain setting for a hands-on tile-painting workshop designed to awaken your inner artist. Surrounded by nature, you’ll find the perfect environment to create your own masterpiece — a beautiful hand-painted tile to take home as a keepsake and lasting reminder of Mexico’s rich artistic heritage.