Wondering if this is the tour for you? I got you--no one wants to pay for something that turns out to be poor quality, a bad experience, or worse an embarrassment to the person who set it up.
Let me put your mind at ease. THIS TOUR is the one your partner, family, friends, spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, travel buddy or imaginary friend will talk about with a tingle of excitement in their voice as they remember riding through the Mexican jungle, over rocks and potholes, and then there's the mud... you'll love it, I'm serious! You can't wait for that part because it's safe, messy, and feels like a scene in a movie--starring you. I think that's the point of experiences like this, you're not watching someone else, it's all you and your companions doing everything by your own hand. You are driving!
The Wild Tours Team--fantastic and professional, no problems speaking in English or Spanish, and so considerate of everyone's level of riding, including beginners. And then there is the CAVE, a true highlight if you get to go for a swim, do it! Jump in! That water is jungle medicine!
OK, Maybe I should share some tips to make planning this excursion easier for those on cruise ships as that was my experience.
1. They have lockers at the site, so you can leave everything secured while you are out on the trail. Rent one--it's far better than trying to carry a backpack or risk dropping a phone while trekking through the rough. I think it was 12 bucks for a big locker that held two full backpacks, including our towels.
2. They have showers and changing rooms, so you can rinse off afterward. I recommend changing into a swimsuit and t-shirt for the ride, putting everything else in your locker.
3. I brought an extra pair of closed toe shoes--a requirement, but in hindsight I would have preferred to just rent the shoes they have there--Crocs. It would have been less fuss, especially for those who go swimming. The rocks are jagged around the cave so you really need to keep your shoes on. I swam with my extra shoes, but then I had to deal with taking them back the room or ship, put them in a bag, and now they go into luggage--eww. I decided to just toss them after the ride, but it would have been easier to just rent something on site. Or invest in some Crocs.
4. Photos--they take them for you. You can get a shot with your own phone if you want, but honestly, they have photographers taking professional photos of you on the trail that are available at the end of the excursion. Yes it costs extra, but these are your memories, and it isn't like you'll ride ATVs in the jungle again tomorrow, so just pick out the photos you like and pay around 10 bucks each, or they can give you all of them for a reasonable package deal. Please don't be stingy with your memories, those photos are worth more than the cost, especially later in life. (Wise man's advice)
I also don't recommend taking a camera or phone on the trail unless it is something like a GoPro that is tied to your body. (Here is why: Imagine taking photos on a motorcycle going down the road, with speed bumps appearing every few feet. If that phone is dropped, it will be destroyed or lost in the bushes, and they can't stop while you go looking for your essential phone that has all your travel details, personal info and so on. That's a big risk, just so you can save $ on a few photos! Pay for the photos, enjoy your experience, and avoid the chance of a busted iPhone while on vacation.)
In summary, I recommend this tour to everyone, even active seniors were in our group and they loved it! And if the mud portion of the experience sounds off putting---guess what? We all got excited when we arrived at the stream where the mud is flowing and we drive right through. I think there is some kind of cathartic indulgence when you drive into something we naturally avoid at any other time. It was also a bit cooler there than the rest of the trail, which was a nice break on a warm day. We were all asking, when is the mud part? So yeah, fun stuff!
The guides and team were absolutely the best. Every expectation was met, nothing changed from what was promised and honestly it was a better value to book it on Viator than with the cruise line (about 50% less)
One note, when you get off the ship in Cozumel, exit the shopping complex that surrounds the pier and go across the street to the Hard Rock Cafe. The tour booth will have multiple names on the side, ours was Wild Tours, but the sign in front might be a different one. Just ask if you are not sure--everyone there is helpful. And if you have some time to wait around, you can shop in the malls or grab a drink at the Hard Rock, and enjoy the street scenery of Cozumel. (Please don't drink alcohol before this tour.)
Book This Tour! You will be a hero to everyone in your group!