If you are doing a Western Caribbean Cruise you are likely to stop at Cozumel. If you are keen on a full day shore excursion and want to see some particularly spectacular Mayan ruins, then definitely go see Tulum. From memory its a full day excursion as its a good couple of hours each way by bus but was worth the journey and was simply spectacular.
Tulum is unusual in that it was a fortress on the coast while most of the ruins, or at least the ones I’ve seen, tend to be settlements or ceremonial locations. Tulum is certainly one of the most picturesque ruins I have been to. As its literally, right on the coast, if you like to swim, take your swimwear as you may have time for a quick dip. It was sweltering the day we went as an afternoon storm was approaching, but the thought of sitting in sticky swimwear for the bus ride back didn’t appeal to me.
Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited and built by the Mayas; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico.
We saw loads of huge iguanas throughout the ruins which were fun to photograph.
14 Weeks Worth of Socks 
love your pics, I have been to tulum as well, it was by far the hottest place I visited in Mexico! the iguanas were all trying to find shade it was that hot!
We nearly melted. I don’t think I have ever been so hot in my life!
You post brought back fond memories of fishing for marlin off the coast of Tulum more than 30 years ago. Tulum was not some controlled with paths, etc. in those days, but it still an interesting place as are the ruins on the island of Cozumel. That’s where we stayed in those fishing days. We flew there from Mississippi in a twin-engine airplane over the Gulf.
It was a spectacular place. Quite striking with the ocean off to the side and the incredible, well preserved ruins. I would love to see more of Mexico.
That iguana is such a poser! Enjoyed reading this xx
They were huge too!
Great pictures! We actually stayed in Tulum a few years ago and biked to the ruins and spent the day there (and swam). Lovely day.
Thanks – it was so hot when we were there the thought of biking sounds like a torture. But I’m sure when its not so hot, it would be wonderful! Its such a pretty location.