Introducing, an expert round-up for the top tours with the best COVID safety standards!
Nobody is doing more than the hotels and airlines to keep you safe right now…
But what do you when you actually get here?
In my opinion, it would be a shame to sit in your hotel for the full two weeks and not explore the natural wonders and attractions on offer, especially as it’s much quieter than usual in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
This doesn’t happen often!
With the right guidance, and hygiene standards it is possible for you to enjoy some worry-free fun in the sun.
Here’s how…
Tours With The Best Covid Safety Standards:
- Xcaret Group
- Cirque Du Soleil
- Coba Mayan Adventure
- Mayan Adventure Snorkeling
- Sunset Sail
- Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling
- Ek Balam & Cenote
- Jungle Maya
- Woodward
- Captain Hook
1. Xcaret Group – 360 Xafety
First up, Xcaret Group…
Why? Because when everything went south here for the tourism industry in Mexico at the start of the pandemic Xcaret stepped up to the challenge like no other.
Chairman of the board and CEO Miguel Quintana Pali noted:
We believe that it is our responsibility to share our protocols and make them public so they can become a reference for the tourism industry and so that we can strengthen Mexico together. This is the moment to stand as one for orchestrating a better reality where the path to follow is called sustainability. Let’s dare to dream so.
The new, and extensive 360 Safety Protocol leaves no stone unturned.
It has been implemented across all of Xcaret’s attractions and resorts.
Which includes:
- Xcaret
- Xel-Ha
- Xplor
- Xplor Fuego
- Xoximilco
- and Xenses
- as well as deluxe Tours to Xenotes and Xichen, with round-trip transportation, included.
Watch The Video:
2. Cirque Du Soleil
I think after 2021 we could all benefit from having our spirits lifted, right?
And what better way to do that than with the all-singing, all-dancing Cirque Du Soleil show!
Click the picture below to open Cirque Du Soleil’s checklist of new COVID measures in a new tab.
It makes me so happy that Cirque Du Soleil is able to continue sharing their wonderful show “Joya” with the world.
Cirque Du Soleil’s COVID Preventative Measures:
- Temperature checks before entering. If you are displaying any symptoms of COVID you will be denied entry.
- The theatre capacity has been adjusted to warrant social distancing requirements.
- The use of props at the photography stand has been removed.
- All guests are required to use the disinfection mat before entering the theatre.
- To avoid cash transactions, payment with bank cards is recommended.
- After each show, all areas and equipment are cleaned, disinfected and nebulized.
- Automatic antibacterial gel dispensers were placed at different points in the theatre.
- Guests transportation capacity has been adjusted to warrant social distancing requirements.
- The use of acrylic screens is implemented in the boutique and in the areas of the photography stands.
The show must go on as they say in the theatre!
Enjoy watching incredible acrobatics, witness the remarkable strength and skill, dramatic effects and inspiring music.
It will take your senses to a whole other level.
Whether you want to see just the show or add champagne and dinner contact us to book your seats.
3. Coba Mayan Encounter
What is a Mexican vacation without witnessing some of our world’s greatest wonders… AKA the Mayan Ruins!
Introducing Coba Mayan Encounter – climb to the top of the highest pyramid in the area…
…Zipline through the jungle.
…Rappel into a cenote and swim in the crystal clear waters.
Adventurers, rejoice!
After the longest year ever it’s time to get back out there and remind ourselves what it means to live!
Not only that but a Mayan shaman will perform a blessing ceremony and you can also replenish your energy with a delicious Mayan lunch.
NEW Staff Protocol:
Staff have received…
- 8 hours of training from IMSS (Mexican Institue of Social Security).
- 2 hours of training from Florida Nurses Institue (INTELYCARE).
- Full PPE during their duties including mask, gloves (if required), sanitation suit (if required).
- Temperature check and medical questionnaire at the start of each day.
COVID Preventative Measures:
- This tour has enhanced cleaning procedures from start to finish (including transport)
- Capacity is reduced by 25%
- All guests will be temperature checked before permitted to embark on the tour
- Everyone will be asked to keep a 1.5 m distance throughout the tour
4. Mayan Adventure Snorkeling
Honestly, life is less weird underwater…
Join Mayan Adventure Snorkeling for the ultimate cenote, lagoon, and sea adventure exploring tour! 🙂
Discover three unique eco-systems brimming with biodiversity.
- The sea inlet allows you to dive into turquoise waters and snorkel amongst the multi-coloured tropical fish.
- The cenote is hidden in the jungle and there you will snorkel in crystal clear waters surrounded by stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.
- The open Yal-Ku Lagoon is where the freshwater meets saltwater.
Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks are provided.
As well as in-depth staff training…
COVID Preventative Measures:
- All vehicles are sanitized by a UVL fogger nebulizer after every use.
- Temperature checks
- Social distancing of 1.5m
- PPE provided
- Electronic Waivers
- Dinings rooms reduced to 50% capacity
- Sealed cutlery, lunch boxes or bags, and disinfection of tables and chairs after every use
What I love about this tour is how seriously they take the environment, and their duty to protect it.
Since the pandemic happened they have cut paper consumption by moving waivers and other documents online, reduced the use of plastic, switched to wooden cutlery etc, and only use biodegradable cleaning products.
Round of applause for Mayan Adventure Snorkeling please! 🙂
5. Sunset Sailing
What better way to forget all your worries than at sea during a sunset sail?
Sail along the breathtaking coastline of Mexico’s Riviera Maya as Mother Nature prepares her nightly performance.
Sit back with a cocktail in hand as the sun begins its majestic descent amidst an explosion of tropical hues as purples, reds, pinks, and blues take centre stage.
As you watch this magical display of nature harkening the onset of nightfall, you’ll be able to enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious food served by the catamarans capable and professional crew.
This is one spectacular evening, and one of the only ways you’ll be able to truly appreciate a Riviera Maya sunset as it should be; watching the crimson sun disappear into the horizon.
NEW Protocols For The Staff Include:
- Footwear is sanitized on a sanitization mat
- Temperature check before boarding
- Sanitizing hand gel is provided
- PPE is mandatory
- Hands washed with soap every 30 mins
- Staff will always maintain 1.5m distance
NEW Protocols For Guests:
- Recommended PPE during the tour
- Sign disclaimer for health declaration
- Maintain safe distance
- Use hand sanitizer gels
6. Luxury Sailing & Snorkelling
Enjoy a luxury sailing & snorkelling adventure!
This tour sets sail from beautiful Puerto Aventuras, whose gorgeous turquoise-green mangrove channels will transport you to the mesmerizing blue hues of the Caribbean Sea.
Relax on the deck and enjoy the warm rays of the tropical sun as your luxury catamaran sails until you reach Inah Reef.
Here you will plunge into cool waters to discover the fascinating underwater universe of the Caribbean Sea of large coral formations and abundant marine life.
You’ll also have the chance to try out a stand-up paddleboard as you observe the coral reef formations below you.
Afterwards, enjoy the onboard luxuries of your seafaring vessel as you hang out on the catamaran while you soak up the Caribbean scene, savouring the delicious food and the refreshing drinks of the open bar.
Finally, you’ll head back to shore for the return trip to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
This tour includes all the basic safety measure such as temperature checks, reduced capacity, social distancing etc as well as:
- Kitchen and service staff wear mask, shields, gloves and protective glasses
- Food is served in bento lunch boxes
- Paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment are sanitized after every use
7. Ek Balam & Cenote
The ruins at Ek Balam were recently restored and are waiting to be discovered.
You will see impressive temples, incredible sculptures and your professional tour guide will teach you all about the Mayas and their culture.
At the Cenote Maya, you can descend into the natural pool using the large wooden staircase, or if you are more daring – you can rappel.
You will have time to chill out and explore this cave, whether it is to swim, use the trepechanga rope bridge, swing on the Tarzan vine or just relax in this surreal environment.
This native tour has been designated by EarthCheck a worldwide leader in sustainability consulting.
They provide certification for the tourism and hospitality industry as a member of the Global Hygiene Taskforce, which aims to support the travel and tourism industry in its commitment to comply with health and hygiene standards.
NEW Preventative Measures:
- Staff training
- All vehicles are sanitized by a UVL fogger nebulizer after every use.
- Temperature checks
- Social distancing of 1.5m
- PPE provided
- Electronic Waivers
- Dinings rooms reduced to 50% capacity
- Sealed cutlery, lunch boxes or bags, and disinfection of tables and chairs after every use
Staff Protocol:
- 8 hours of training from IMSS (Mexican Institue of Social Security).
- 2 hours of training from Florida Nurses Institue (INTELYCARE).
- Full PPE during their duties including mask, gloves (if required), sanitation suit (if required).
- Temperature check and medical questionnaire at the start of each day.
8. Jungle Maya
Adventure awaits at Jungle Maya!
Zipline, rappel into a natural pool and explore the longest underground river in the area.
The 4×4 Unimog vehicles will bring you through the jungle across the bumpy trails.
When you arrive at the underground river the expert guide will help you explore the crystal clear waters.
Jump into the cool waters and snorkel your way through the channels, see the incredible rock formations and be amazed by the stalactites and stalagmites.
For adrenaline junkies, the zip line circuit also awaits…Feel the wind on your face and splash your way into a final water landing.
And if that doesn’t get your blood pumping surely the 40-foot rappel into a natural pool will.
A Mayan purification ceremony is also included in this tour.
The preventative measure includes…
- Staff training
- All vehicles are sanitized by a UVL fogger nebulizer after every use.
- Temperature checks
- Social distancing of 1.5m
- PPE provided
- Electronic Waivers
- Dinings rooms reduced to 50% capacity
- Sealed cutlery, lunch boxes or bags, and disinfection of tables and chairs after every use
Plus, the staff protocol includes:
- 8 hours of training from IMSS (Mexican Institue of Social Security).
- 2 hours of training from Florida Nurses Institue (INTELYCARE).
- Full PPE during their duties including mask, gloves (if required), sanitation suit (if required).
- Temperature check and medical questionnaire at the start of each day.
This native tour has been designated by EarthCheck a worldwide leader in sustainability consulting.
They provide certification for the tourism and hospitality industry as a member of the Global Hygiene Taskforce, which aims to support the travel and tourism industry in its commitment to comply with health and hygiene standards.
9. Woodward
Enjoy lifestyle sports? Then you will LOVE this!
Time to release your inner NINJA!
Introducing the Hard Rock Riviera Maya’s WOODWARD. The ultimate obstacle course designed for both children and adults. Are you ready for the challenge?
OBSTACLES TO CONQUER:
- Side-steps
- Rope Swing
- Cargo Crawl
- Rotating Platters
- Hanging Rings
- Lily Pads
- Cheese Slices
- Swinging Punching Bags
- Woodward Mountains
- 25 ft Zip Line
- Quarter Pipe
It’s the perfect rainy day activity!
New COVID Safety Standard Protocol includes:
- the maximum number of participants for 2 hours is 10 people
- hand-sanitizer gel and shoe disinfection for guests
- staff will be monitoring social distancing measures (assigning particular trampolines for example and not others)
- in-depth cleaning every 2 hours of locker areas and public spaces
- disinfection of every area immediately after use (railings, bars, doors, red metal structures)
- no exceptions for face covers, this must be worn
- all staff equipped with high-level PPE
- Physical contact attractions are suspended until further notice
- People who bring their own equipment will be made to disinfect it before entering
- All protective equipment is sanitized after every use
- Temperature checks
10. Captain Hook
All aboard Captain Hook!
Watch entertaining pirate antics, play swashbuckling games, dine on steak, lobster, or chicken and enjoy open bar during an epic evening of adventure.
Oodles of fun for the whole family.
Begin your cruise from Cancun by boarding El Bucanero or El Galleon!
Admire these wonderful replicas of 18th-century galleon ships, each 93 feet long that have been specially adapted to feature all modern amenities such as a kitchen, lights, and sound systems.
As you watch the sun make its magical decent over Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, your ship will come to life and light up as you sail out to sea on your pirate adventure.
Sip a delicious Caribbean cocktail from your open bar as you listen to Captain Hook share his famous backstory and tales about his adventures at sea and how he came to claim the Caribbean ocean.
Cannons will fire and you’ll be plunged into the rhythm of old pirate life.
Caption Hooks Implemented Preventative Measures Include:
- Regular disinfection
- Hand sanitizer stations
- Avoidance of physical contact
- Temperature checks
- To guarantee safe social distancing capacity has been seriously reduced
- Only reservation holder will be allowed in the check-in area
- Staff PPE
- Transportation is private or if it must be shared capacity is reduced, and it is disinfected between each trip (the use of facemasks in the van is required)
- Buffet and drinks will be served to staff, there will be no walking to the bar
- Cutlery will be delivered personally to you
This tour is a great option as it’s open-air, and a lot of fun for the kids.
Secure Your Spot
With all this said and done due to most tours running at reduced capacity, as travel picks up, it has never been more important to book in advance.
Not only will you save money, but you will secure your spot.
Based on my conversations with our partners and looking at their new protocols I hope you enjoyed my round-up of the top 10 tours in Cancun and the Riviera Maya with the best COVID safety standards.
I want you to stay safe, and live your life!
Book in advance and get the best deal by calling us on our toll-free number 888-537-9797
OR
Emailing us at customercare@playadelcarmen.com
We will be here. 🙂
#SupportLocal
Remember – if you have any questions whatsoever be sure to let me know in the comments section, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Additional Resources You May Find Useful
- How to Vacay in Cancun & Riviera Maya During COVID – Our In-Depth FAQ (all your questions answered)
- Resorts With The Best Safety Standards
- COVID-19 News for Cancun and Riviera Maya (regular updates)
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