Cozumel: ATV Jungle Trails, Jade Caverns Swim & El Cedral

Summary

ATV through Cozumel jungle swim cenote see Mayan ruins taste tequila

You’ll ride an ATV through Cozumel’s wild jungle trails with a local guide, swim or jump into Jade Caverns’ ancient cenote, wander El Cedral’s Mayan village and church, browse handmade crafts, and finish with an artisanal tequila tasting before heading back—muddy shoes included.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to get so muddy in Cozumel, but there I was—gripping the handlebars of my ATV, trying not to laugh as Jorge (our guide) zigzagged ahead and a splash of red clay hit my shoes. The air smelled green and thick, like someone had just cut open a lime. It was louder than I thought out there too—birds yelling at each other, engines humming, someone behind me whooping after every bump. I’d never driven an ATV before but honestly, after five minutes it felt like riding a noisy bicycle with more attitude.

We stopped at Jade Caverns and Jorge started talking about cenotes—how they’re these ancient sinkholes connected to underground rivers. He said the water here is older than the pyramids. I dipped my hand in first (cold enough to make you swear), then watched this fearless kid from our group jump off the 20-foot ledge like it was nothing. The echo when he hit the water bounced around the cave walls. I ended up jumping too—my landing wasn’t graceful but nobody cared. There was this earthy mineral smell inside, and weirdly it reminded me of old coins.

Later we rolled into El Cedral village, dust still on our faces. A woman waved from her porch while Jorge pointed out the old Mayan temple—almost hidden by vines—and told us how most people here are still Mayan descendants. The church looked tired but proud; I liked that. We wandered around some craft stalls (I tried saying “coral” in Spanish and got a smile for effort). By then I was hungry but mostly just happy to sit under a tree for a minute and listen to local kids playing soccer nearby.

The last stop was tequila tasting—honestly, I thought it’d be touristy but it wasn’t pushy at all. They poured tiny glasses and explained which ones were organic or aged longer (I’m not sure I could tell the difference). The vanilla one surprised me though—I’d go back just for that sip alone. Then we piled back onto the ATVs for one more bumpy ride before getting dropped off right where we started.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour, cenote swim, Mayan village visit

• Ride ATV through jungle trails
• Learn about Jade Caverns history
• Swim and jump in cenote
• Walk around Mayan village
• Visit Mayan temple and church
• See local crafts and jewelry
• Taste artisanal organic tequila
• Return to tour pickup point

Top questions

Do you need experience to drive an ATV on this tour?

No experience is needed; ATVs are automatic and easy to use.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your cruise port, resort, Airbnb or residence in Cozumel are included.

Can you swim in Jade Caverns during the tour?

Yes, you can swim or jump into Jade Caverns’ cenote from a 20-foot platform if you want.

What do you visit in El Cedral village?

You’ll see a 900-year-old Mayan temple, one of Cozumel’s oldest Catholic churches, and local craft stalls.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included, but cold bottled water is provided during and after the tour; beers are served at the end.

Are helmets and safety gear provided?

Yes, helmets, glasses and face masks are included for all riders.

How long does the ATV tour take?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several hours including stops at each site.

Is tequila tasting part of the tour?

Yes, an artisanal organic tequila tasting is included at the end of your ride.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your cruise port or hotel in Cozumel, use of single or double automatic ATVs with helmets and safety gear provided (no license required), entry tickets to Jade Caverns with time for swimming or cliff jumping if you’re brave enough, cold bottled water throughout plus beers at the finish line, storage for your bags or backpacks during activities—and ends with an artisanal tequila tasting before heading back home again.