We booked with Island Marketing for the cave tubing and Island tour. This was a great excursion for the money and it was so much cheaper than going through Carnival. The guides were very professional and made sure that we had fun and made it back to the ship with plenty of time. Even got to eat a local meal.
We again booked with Island Marketing to go on the Zip Line. It was amazing! The money we saved by booking through another company was well worth it. The zip line was the best, we went on over 15 zip line all over the jungle. The guides were great and I felt safe at all times. The bus ride was very informative as well.
We rented a golf cart from an independent operator behind the "touristy area" It was the way to go if you really want to see the locals and some good beaches. The beer and drinks were much cheaper and the beaches and local scenery were the best part of Costa Maya. This is a very poor country but the people did not "beg" or bother us as we shopped and swam. The beaches are nice but not so good for snorkeling.
More 
