Which ruins in Belize, Cozumel, Costa Maya

Going on a 7 day Carnival cruise (Mahogany Bay, Belize, Cozumel and Costa Maya) in October. Which ruins would you choose in Belize,Cozumel or Costa Maya?

Costa Maya, if you book with Native Choice, not the ship excursion. Great guides good immersion into Yucatan Maya culture.

Alternative excursions to ruins excursion is a relatively inexpensive tram ride to the malecon and plenty of beach bars/restaurants/ lounger etc. See my signature for a link to a guide for these places.

Second would be Belize, but depending on the time in port, you'd probably be better off visiting Altun Ha, closer to cruise port, than Xunanatunich or Lamanai. The latter is less excavated, most jungle Indian Jones type feel, but is furthest away. Xun is a long bus ride.

Alternative excursions for Belize include snorkeling and their unique cave-tubing trips (use a private vendor for cave-tubing).

Cozumel's on site ruins at San Gervasio are smaller in area and height of buildings. These were related more to trading in latter Maya eras. Tulum on the mainland is a beautiful site on the ocean but it entails a long bus ride, and ferry ride limiting the time at the ruins. Coba, a better site historically and architecturally, but is further inland for Tulum. Ship excursions are recommended for both.

Alternative excursions for Coz are beach. beach. beach.

Costa Maya would be my first pick. Not much there unless you want to go to a resort or beach club. If there was ever a tourist trap, Costa Maya is it.

Belize has some good ruins tours, but they also have cave tubing and good snorkeling.

Cozumel's ruins are small and there is plenty of other things to do and see there.

One of the neatest ruins is Tulum, but unfortunately it is a ferry ride and long drive from Cozumel. I miss the cruise stops in Calica because of all the neat things to do from there.

Costa Maya is my top pick.