Cozumel: Dune buggy tour with snorkel & Mexican lunch

Summary

Snorkel, drive, and taste Cozumel’s wild coast in one day

You’ll drive your own dune buggy through Cozumel’s jungle trails and along its wild coastline, snorkel at Dzul-ha reef with full gear included, then relax over a proper Mexican lunch (tacos or fajitas). With a local guide sharing stories and plenty of time to laugh or just look around, it’s the kind of day you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’ve driven stick before?” our guide grinned at me as I climbed into the dune buggy. I laughed — honestly, it’d been years. The air smelled like salt and sunblock, and the seats were still warm from the last group. We rattled off behind him, tires kicking up dust as we left the main road for these tangled jungle paths that don’t show up on Google Maps. There was this moment when we broke out of the trees and suddenly the ocean was just there — blue in a way that almost hurts your eyes. I didn’t expect to feel so free just driving around Cozumel like that.

We stopped at Dzul-ha reef for snorkeling — I fumbled with my mask (always do), but our guide helped me sort it out without making a big deal. Underwater it was all flickers of yellow fish and soft waving corals; I could hear my own breathing echoing in my head. It’s funny how quiet everything gets down there, except for your thoughts. Back on shore, someone handed me a towel that smelled faintly like detergent and limes — small thing but comforting after all that salt water.

Lunch was tacos (or chicken fajitas if you wanted), nothing fancy but honestly better than most places back home. The tortillas were warm and there was this green salsa that made Li cough and then laugh until she cried. Our guide told us about his family growing up here — how he learned to swim before he could ride a bike. There was tequila tasting too; I tried to say “salud” properly but probably butchered it because everyone cracked up. The whole day felt loose and easy, not rushed at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dzul-ha Reef Snorkeling

• Guided tour of Dzul-ha reef

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Cozumel dune buggy tour?

No, hotel pickup isn’t mentioned as included for this tour.

Do I need to know how to drive manual transmission for the dune buggy?

Yes, the dune buggies are manual transmission so you should know how to drive stick shift.

What kind of snorkeling is included?

The tour includes guided shore snorkeling at Dzul-ha reef with full gear provided.

Is lunch part of the tour?

Yes, a Mexican lunch is included — you can choose tacos or chicken fajitas.

Are there age or fitness restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers and requires at least moderate physical fitness.

Is there tequila tasting during the tour?

Yes, tequila tasting is included as part of the experience.

Are kayaks or paddle boards available?

Yes, both kayaks and paddle boards are available during the tour.

Is Wi-Fi provided?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included during the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes driving a manual-transmission dune buggy with a local guide leading the way, guided shore snorkeling at Dzul-ha reef with all gear provided, time to try kayaks or paddle boards if you want, tequila tasting, free time on Cozumel’s east coast beaches, Wi-Fi access throughout the experience, plus a proper Mexican lunch (tacos or chicken fajitas) before heading back.