If you’re cruising to Cozumel, Mexico with Royal Caribbean (RC) and looking for an adventure that’s truly out of this world, well you found one, under the surface. The Crystal Caves and Underground River excursion, and honestly, it might be our favorite one yet. My husband, daughter, and I were all completely captivated – it felt like stepping into a different realm!
The Journey to a Hidden World
Be prepared, this excursion is a bit of a journey, but trust us, it’s worth every minute.
- Ferry Ride: It starts with a 40-minute water ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. (Pro-tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, some travelers recommend taking precautions, though we were fine!)
- Bus Transfer: From Playa del Carmen, it’s another 40-minute comfortable bus ride to the cave location.
- Fuel Up: They provide a ham and cheese sandwich, a granola bar, and a bottle of water per person, which is a nice touch. We also made sure to have a big room service breakfast on the ship around 6 AM! If you need more, there are food places in Playa del Carmen once you return.
Gearing Up for Adventure
Once you arrive, you’ll get kitted out with:
- Water shoes (essential!)
- A helmet (safety first!)
- A life jacket (optional, but highly recommended if you’re not a strong swimmer – like me!)
- Also, spring for the $10 wetsuit. That water is refreshing.
You’ll need to leave most of your belongings, including phones (unless it’s a hands-free, chest-mounted camera like a GoPro or DJI Osmo Action) and valuables, securely on the bus. While I was initially nervous about this, everything was perfectly safe when we returned. Lockers are not available on site.
Into the Labyrinth: The Cave Experience
Then, the magic begins! You’ll spend about two incredible hours exploring the caves. The initial group for the excursion can be large, but they cleverly split everyone into smaller, more intimate groups of about 9 people before heading into the caves.
The caves are beautifully lit, and the guides do a fantastic job pacing the tour. You’ll walk through areas where the water is mostly knee-deep. There are some uneven surfaces, so watch your step, especially if you have hip or mobility concerns, but it’s generally not overly exhausting as you stop in different sections. There’s even a part where you might need to squeeze through a bit and slide down with assistance.
The swimming portions are breathtaking! In one open area, we even had bats flying way up above our heads – a truly natural touch! As someone who isn’t a strong swimmer (I can doggie paddle for about 15 seconds!), I was so grateful for the life jacket. It did all the work!
- Pro-Tip for Non-Swimmers: Make sure your life jacket is snug. If it has a strap that goes between your legs, even better, to prevent it from riding up. The guide helped adjust mine, and I was able to comfortably enjoy even the deeper swimming area (about 12 feet deep for a 30-second swim, plus a larger pool area where you can swim or stay near the edge) for a good 30 minutes! On the way back, I even chose the swimming route over walking – that’s how comfortable I felt!
Water Temperature & Other Critters: Many people ask about the water temperature. It’s said to be around (). Yes, it feels cold at first, but you get used to it surprisingly quickly! Some even said the second half felt warmer. Honestly, with the life jacket on, I didn’t feel terribly cold.
Regarding bats – yes, they are there in some open areas. While a few fellow cruisers in online forums mentioned concerns about bat droppings or smells elsewhere, we personally didn’t experience any negative issues like rashes or strong sulfur smells on our tour. It felt like a natural, wild experience!
Is it Claustrophobic? If you’re prone to claustrophobia, there are a couple of narrower spots, but the guides are great, the caves are well-lit, and you’re with your group. Most find it very manageable and absolutely worth it for the stunning views.
Family Fun for (Almost) All Ages! This excursion is generally suitable for ages 8-65. We saw kids as young as 8-10 absolutely in awe and loving it. Life jackets are not mandatory for children unless they are not strong swimmers.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind):
- Do Bring:
- Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
- Towel (for after)
- Cash for tips for your guides and if you want to purchase the professional photos (around $50 for the package).
- Sealed snacks and drinks if you need extra (unsealed items, like loose fruit, might not be allowed).
- A waterproof, hands-free camera (like a GoPro on a chest mount) if you want your own pictures inside. Regular phones/cameras usually have to stay on the bus.
- Possibly a small, wearable waterproof pouch (like a fanny pack, if hands-free) for absolute essentials, though most leave items on the bus.
- Don’t Bring (into the caves):
- Loose items (phones, regular cameras, pool noodles, etc.)
- Jewelry you wouldn’t want to lose.
Glasses Wearers: While not explicitly stated, generally, if you wear glasses, you should be fine. Consider a sports strap to keep them secure.
Duration: The whole excursion is listed as around 9 hours, and with the travel time, it is a significant portion of your day, but packed with adventure.
The Verdict? An Absolute MUST-DO!
My husband LOVED it just as much as I did. It was the perfect contrast to our beach day in Honduras. After a bit of sunburn from the beach, the cool, mystical caves were a welcome and unforgettable experience.
Many fellow cruisers have echoed our sentiments, calling it “amazing,” “incredible,” and “one of their all-time favorites.” Some compared it favorably to other famous cave systems like Rio Secreto (and it might be very similar or even part of the same network).
Cost: For the three of us, this excursion booked through Royal Caribbean was $315.
If you’re looking for something truly unique and memorable in Cozumel, the Crystal Caves and Underground River excursion should be at the top of your list. It’s an adventure that engages all your senses and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Have you done this excursion? What did you think?
