This tour was absolutely wonderful and we could not have asked for a better guide than Joel or a better driver than Ruben. There are many reasons I say this. First, there were around 15 people on our tour. Joel said this is a bit larger than usual but I don't think any of us felt that the size was a negative. Part of this I chalk up to Joel setting a wonderful atmosphere and the other part is the wonderful people on the tour.
Joel engaged us as he shared the history of what we were about to experience. His love and enthusiasm about his work was contagious. We all started chatting with each other about the shared experience and by the end of the day, many of us had exchanged contact information because of the positive and warm environment he cultivated.
Logistically, shortly after I booked the trip, I received a message asking for the hotel info. where the tour would pick us up. After providing that, they offered an estimate of the pick-up time and re-sent an updated time the night before the excursion.
Joel and Ruben picked us up right on time at the door of our hotel. I mention this because another tour I had gone on with a different company had advertised transportation to and from the hotel but did not keep their word about that. For that one we had to walk about 20 minutes each way to a pick-up point.
After we were all on our way, Joel shared with us the plan for the day, yet he never made us feel rushed. At Coba, we had the choice of riding bikes or walking and most of us chose to walk. At Playa Paraiso, vans are no longer permitted to drop people off right at the beach so we walked from Tulum to the Playa. It was such a lovely walk (not too long and along a shaded path) and it offered us the opportunity to learn a bit more about the history of that region from Joel. And even though we all chose to walk, Joel and Ruben offered to get us as close as possible if any of us didn't feel up for it. We all did but it was still nice to know that they were invested in making sure we were comfortable.
Additionally, Joel and Ruben made sure we always had cold bottles of water at the ready. I've been on other tours where the guides provide you a single bottle of water only. But Joel and Ruben were handing out bottles left and right throughout the day to make sure we were hydrated.
There were four children on the tour (my two children and another family with two children) and they got along fantastically. Joel encouraged all of our participation during the tours but I feel he really made the children feel special as he would ask their opinions about things.
We had a full day but it was really well planned out. First, we went to Coba and after that we cooled off swimming in a beautiful ceynote. After a full buffet lunch, we went on to Tulum and then cooled off swimming and drinking some fun refreshments at Playa Paraiso. Ruben stayed with our belongings so we wouldn't have to take them along during parts of the excursion when they weren't needed, too.
This trip was a really magical experience for my children and me and we are very grateful to have been able to experience it through this tour company and tour guides. Please do not hesitate at all to book this!