1

You can get a tour to a small Mayan ruin that is on the island and also shop in the stores in the central part of the island where you will be landing from your cruise ship. You can most likely find some one where you will be landing that will take you for an island tour.

2

I would avoid the high priced tours of the cruise ship.

If you want to snorkle, go to the municipal pier, (center of town, not where the cruise ship docks but where the ferry docks) and there will be plenty of vendors that will supply the equipment and take you out to great places to snorkle for about $25.00 usd.....and they will negotiate.....the price is not fixed!

There is a paved walkway along the water to stroll. Go to a couple of bars for a few drinks, cruise around the town and have a bite to eat. You can always go to the over piced jewelery stores where they promise...."special prices just for you"!!

If you have 9 hours, you can take the ferry into Playa del Carmen....5th ave is great to explore and the beach is right there.

Rent a moped or jeep and drive the island.

All of this will be cheaper to do on your own than pay the extreme cruise ship tour prices.....don't forget to negotiate!

3

For a 9 hour stop only take the tour offered by the ship operator. If there is any shore delay they will wait but you do your own and if you get to the ship too late you'll be SOL.

BTW: If you can afford a cruise, buy the tours offered.

4

If you want to hang out on a nice beach, drink cerveza and eat chips and guacamola, try Mr Sanchos. We saw several of the cruise ship employees there when we went during our port of call there. Prices are decent.

http://mrsanchos.com/

5

www.cruisecritic.com has a posting board just chocked full of advice from people who have done your exact cruise.

6

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I've got plenty of ideas and have started checking out the reviews. Should be a fun time.

BW6850

7

" shop in the stores in the central part of the island where you will be landing from your cruise ship"
Your ship may or may not dock in the central part. The one pier in the center is used much less than the other two piers a bit away from the center.
Do book once you arrive and save much money. If you want a tour, the drivers from Island Tours will be at your pier. They are very reliable and all English speaking , licensed guides.
I wouldnt waste time going to Playa del Carmen. You will find many of the same shops and more of the same made in China junk/