Spring Break- Cozumel Mexico (Playa Del Carmen)

We ported in Cozumel, but there really wasn't much to do in Cozumel so all the excursions were on the mainland.  We had to take a ferry, but it was only like 40 minutes.  Then a bus for like an hour, then back on the bus for another 30 or so, etc.

 When we were planning excursions, I really wanted to do cenotes.  Sara's family was going to do the ruins at Tulum because they hadn't done ruins before.  I consulted with my kids and asked if they would rather hang out with cousins even if that means going to see ruins again (last time we saw Ek Balam).  They all agreed that was fine.  But man, ruins are not that fun.  It is soooo hot.  And we were on a tour with a bunch of people, like 40 or 50 I swear.  I hate that.  We had to wait around for everyone to use the bathroom and then all walk together.  He stopped often to let people catch up and in the meantime would tell us about plants or something else we don't care about.  I really just wanted to walk around and explore on my own.  I'm not sure I can remember a single thing the guy told us that mattered.  There is a cool spot in one of the buildings where the door aligns with this really small window and the sun will shine through it exactly lined up on the summer solstice I think.  

Anyway, Tulum is unique in that it is on the beach.  And the white stone is pretty.  The beach is beautiful and I was hoping to go down to the water because that's the draw.  But apparently they have closed the beach and nobody can access it anymore.  There isn't much information online about why or when it was closed.  But I think it was around Covid time.  I feel like I heard maybe it was the staircase down to it needs repaired.  But then I also think they just wanted to preserve the beach.  My thought is they closed it during Covid because everything was closed.  And maybe they saw improvement when people were not going there so they decided to just keep it closed.  Anyway, it would've been nice but oh well.

It really was so hot.  We didn't stay long once the tour guide let us go on our own.  We were looking forward to cooling off at the cenotes.  We got lunch quickly before we loaded the bus and some cold sodas with that so that was nice.

I love the cenotes!  I had looked up this place online and I thought there were more than just the two that we did, but we also made our way over to this spot with the heart and I think that may be considered a separate one so who knows.  I was just thrilled we got to do the cave one.  It was so cool, though less cool with 100 other people.

The bus ride back was relaxing.  Then we got back on the ferry and it was NOT relaxing!  It was rocking and rolling from the start and they immediately started handing out barf bags.  I gave Jason and Kaden both a Meclizine for nausea and I put two of the wrist pressure bracelets on me.  I think if it would've been any longer I would've had a problem but it was only like 45 minutes so I survived.  We were hearing plenty of people losing their lunch though.  Kylee had to put her headphones in just to drown out that sound.  Once again we only made it back on board with a few minutes to spare!

The waters in Playa Del Carmen are the prettiest colors!  The pictures don't do it justice.