One of my favorite day trips from Playa del Carmen starts before you ever touch the water. We hopped aboard the Xcaret ferry and crossed the Caribbean to Cozumel, watching the turquoise water stretch endlessly beneath us. Once we arrived, we met up with our captain and headed out for one of the most beautiful excursions in all of Quintana Roo: El Cielo. The first stop was the famous sandbar where giant starfish rest beneath crystal-clear water. Seeing them scattered across the ocean floor feels almost unreal, like stepping into a postcard. From there, we continued to another reef area where colorful tropical fish swim around you and, depending on the season, you may even spot sea turtles gliding effortlessly through the water. Then came the highlight of the day. El Cielo. The water is so clear it almost disappears beneath you. Endless shades of blue blend into the horizon while stingrays drift gracefully through the shallows all around you. It feels less like swimming in the ocean and more like floating inside a dream. A little travel tip that many visitors don’t think about: bring small bills and coins with you. Public restrooms and many facilities on the island often charge around 10 pesos to use them. It isn’t expensive, but having change on hand will save you from scrambling when nature calls. That’s exactly why I included that photo in this carousel. Trust me, future-you will thank you. If you’re planning a trip and want to book this excursion, my friend Leo is featured in this video and is one of the most trustworthy tour agents I’ve met in Playa del Carmen. I never hesitate to recommend him. Send me a DM and I’ll happily connect you. And if you’re planning a visit to the Riviera Maya, don’t forget to check out my book Travel with Mariza: Playa del Carmen, available now on Amazon. It’s packed with the places, experiences, and local tips I wish every traveler knew before arriving. #TravelWithMariza #ElCieloCozumel #PlayaDelCarmenMexico #CozumelAdventures #RivieraMayaTravel - @itsmarizavillarreal