Top Cancun Half-day Tours - page 4

The trip was wonderful. Our tour guide was awesome and gave detailed information not only at the pyramid, but also of places we were passing en route. Make sure you read the fine print as there is an addl charge that has to be paid for entrance to the destination. This is paid to the tour company and can be paid via cash or PayPal (credit/debit). Also read the email message as the correct pickup time for your hotel will be there. Do not base pickup time on the time printed on the ticket. Our ticket showed 9am and the actual pickup time at the hotel was 7am. They arrived on time promptly at 7am and picked us up at Secrets Akumal. They also gave us plenty of drinks (water, soda, corona) and provided sandwiches and chips for lunch. If you are coming to see the snake shadow on the pyramid steps on March 21st , we were told its super packed that day and the shadow is still visible on the 22nd & 23rd with much less of a crowd. Hope this helps someone.

First impressions: We were greeted by Mario on the docks where he quickly helped guide us toward our perfect itinerary. We came, not really knowing what we wanted besides some snorkeling and swim time but he walked us through our many options. I’d read in many reviews of other companies, that the actual boat looked nothing like the photos online, but this was not at all the case. This boat was beautiful! It was clean and had the netting to lounge in so you could watch the turquoise waters pass beneath. The bathrooms were also tidy and not too difficult to get to. They loaded us all on and made sure we were comfy, then it was time to set sail. The crew: Mario runs a very well oiled machine. This crew catered to our every need. They managed to nail the line between keeping our drinks full and not checking in too much. They helped guide us around the boat on choppy Waters, and even down the ladders to the bathrooms when needed. When I tell you, these men moved around this boat like they lived on water their whole lives, believe me. Jorge, Jose, and Charlie were absolute gems. We felt so safe and well cared for. It was as if this particular crew had worked together for years. They gave off the impression they were just there having fun with us, but mastered noticing each other’s cues and got done what needed to be. Always! I appreciated the fact I never felt like someone was waiting on me. It was more like you were at a party with an incredible host. Thanks guys! Snorkeling: We opted for the less crowded sunken ship snorkel. They had all the equipment we needed, including the flippers, the mask and a life belt. After helping us in the water, they jumped in right after us. I wasn’t expecting this, but they brought in one of the orange life rings from the boat. With this, I was able to just put my face in the water and calmly kick while one of the crew members guided me around/through the ship. Telling you that we saw a lot of fish would be an understatement. The beach/ Swimming: Mario had warned us early on that getting near the sandbar and close to the beach would be almost impossible. Somehow, he made it happen. They had Floaties and life vests ready for us so we could just Bob in the turquoise Waters above the white sands. It was incredible. The crew would swim out cocktails and drinks to us when our glasses got empty. It was a sight to see. I somehow managed to drop my sunglasses off the edge of the boat, and before I could even tell them that it was a cheap pair, one of the crew dove in after them. I’m still unsure how, but he returned with them in hand a minute later. Some of the passengers were worried about being able to pull themselves back up on the boat, but that was a non-issue with the crews help. The Photographer: Marco is a true professional. He managed to get these incredible photos all while not being invasive. I honestly would forget he was even there sometimes. This man would hang off ropes and over the edge of the boat to get the perfect shot and angle. He even dove in the water with me while I was snorkeling and took some incredible videos. I was truly surprised to see him down there. The couples photos and large GROUP shots were extremely thoughtful but the candids were some of my favorites. He even did these mini bikini photo shoots for some of the passengers on board. I’m talking Sports Illustrated level photos that should cost an arm and a leg to have taken. If you’re looking for engagement photos or photos for any special occasion, I highly recommend doing them on this boat while you’re there. Before we docked, Marco went to the galley and was able to edit and compile everything for us. I believe the cost was well under $200, but after seeing some of the previews, we opted to tip much more. A simple link was sent to a given email and was very simple to share with the entire group. Mario: You’re incredible! We felt as though we spent the day sailing with an old friend who went through great lengths to show us around their home turf. We got way more than our moneys worth with this company and crew. I’d like to request you every year we come back if possible. It wouldn’t be the same experience without you. Don’t forget to bring cash to TIP YOUR CREW. They’re working so hard but you’d never know with all the smiles and laughter. I cannot recommend them and this company enough. Tell them the Clark family sent you :)

Amazing experience. The purification ceremony was unlike any other experience I have had before. The swim in the cenote following the ceremony was nice and gave us time to bond with others in the tour group. Dinner was delicious and I felt welcomed in the village.