If you’re sailing aboard the Disney Magic out of Galveston and stopping in Progreso, let me just say: the Blue Hole, Cenote & Swim Adventure is one to seriously consider.
This Port Adventure takes guests to the Santa Rosa Cenotes, about a 90-minute motorcoach ride from the pier in Progreso, Mexico. The transportation is coordinated directly through Cool Trippings via Disney Cruise Line, which makes the longer drive feel stress-free. You board near the ship, settle in, and before you know it you’re heading inland toward one of the most peaceful spots I’ve ever visited on a cruise excursion.
Santa Rosa Cenotes
Once you arrive, you’re guided through the property and given time to store your belongings. Lockers are available for $3 each, or you can use open baskets near the cenotes if you prefer easy access.
You’ll swim in two different cenotes during the experience. For context, cenotes are natural sinkholes formed in limestone, created after a meteor impact more than 60 million years ago. They were considered sacred by the ancient Maya, and standing there, swimming there, it’s easy to understand why.
For the first cenote, we descended about 50 steps down underground until blue light started to appear. This cavernous cenote is illuminated with deep blue LEDs — while it illuminates just enough to see the details, it gives off a calming and almost ethereal vibe.
The water is clear, cool, and incredibly refreshing once you acclimate. Sunlight filters through the openings above, and you can see fossils embedded in the limestone walls, as well as stalactites and stalagmites.
The second stop in the complex is an open-air cenote, letting in plenty of sunlight, with limestone crawling up the sides, and a trickling waterfall.
Our guide, Claudia from Cool Trippings, pointed out wildlife and geological details along the way. We had about 30 minutes of swim time at each cenote.
Everything felt calm and simply beautiful.
Lunch Time!
After swimming, the group heads to the nearby Cocina (dining area) for the included lunch. Each guest receives three freshly prepared chicken tacos topped with vegetable slaw on crisp tortillas, plus your choice of horchata or iced hibiscus tea.
There’s also a full menu available for additional purchase. We added guacamole with chips and salsa, cheese quesadillas, and what may have been the best passionfruit margarita I’ve ever had. Prices for these extras were reasonable.
During lunch, performers took to a nearby stage for traditional Mexican dances, which added a festive touch.
Also worth mentioning: there are several friendly dogs and cats roaming the grounds. They nap in the sun, wander over during lunch, and happily accept pets.
Shortly after lunch, we took part in Santa Rosa Cenote’s complimentary rum tasting. We tried about 10 different flavors; from coconut and passionfruit to coffee and caramel, these rums were fantastic. Just try not to purchase a bottle!
One Last Snack Before Heading Back
On the way out, there’s a small cart selling crispy rolled waffles – similar to a crêpe – for $5 each, with toppings like Nutella, peanut butter, and cheese. Naturally, we grabbed one before boarding the bus back.
The return trip is another 90 minutes, and YOU BET we napped most of the way. Before we knew it, we were back to the Disney Magic getting ready for the evening’s dinner and show.
Excursion Details
Blue Hole, Cenote and Swim Adventure (PGO20)
- Price: $94 (ages 10+), $64 (ages 8–9)
- Duration: Approximately 7 hours
- Activity Level: Active, Moderate
- Includes: Transportation, guided cenote swim in two locations, and lunch
For ~$94, you’re getting transportation, two stunning swim locations, a meal, and the peace of mind that comes with booking through Disney Cruise Line. Even though you’re a good distance from the ship, the coordination is seamless. Santa Rosa Cenotes is located in Homún, Yucatan, near Mexico’s “Ring of Cenotes” region. Everyone at the complex were helpful and friendly.
While we were hosted by Disney to experience this Port Adventure, I genuinely think this is one of the best cruise excursions I’ve ever done. If Santa Rosa had a hotel on-site, I’d book a few nights! If you’re stopping in Progreso and enjoy nature, swimming, and a little adventure mixed with Disney-level organization, this one is absolutely worth it.
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