We did the Merida City Tour and Shopping in Progreso the week of Thanksgiving on the Elation. This is mainly a bus ride to Merida, a tour of the old Cathedral and government buildings, and time to do some shopping before heading back to the dock. We returned to the ship about 2 pm.
We have been to Cozumel four times. We have done the Tulum Mayan Ruins tour, Passion Island, and this last time, we went to Chankanaab Nat'l. Park for snorkeling and walking around the park. We loved it. The snorkeling was terrific - better than Belize. It cost a $10 taxi drive from the dock and $10 to get in. There were taxi's lined up to take us back. We shared a taxi with another couple who went with us on the cruise.
In Belize we did the Altun Ha/River Wallace tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The ruins are awesome - not as large as Tulum but very interesting. The River Wallace portion of the tour was great. We saw monkeys, iguanas in trees, alligators, and bats on the way back. The boat takes you back to the pier where you have time to shop in the Belize Tourism Village, then tender back to the ship. We arrived back at the pier around 3 pm.
Take lots of "Off" in Belize.
Have not been to Costa Maya so cannot comment on that port. Have a great cruise.
