The Pantera expedition begins as early as 7 a.m. when you'll be picked up at your hotel/villa or condo. The 6-hour, 60 mile adventure offers exploration of dense tropical jungle, remote beach areas, Mayan ruins, Punta Sur eco park to see the navigation museum and repiles, city orientation and more. This island expedition allows you to explore Cozumel's "wild side." A visit to Mayan ruins along the beach will enrich your knowledge of the mysterious Mayan culture. At a remote beach area you'll enjoy snorkeling on a seldom-visited reef. Or, enjoy sea kayaking or fly a kite on the beach. On shore a fabulous beach barbecue featuring freshly grilled chicken and fish awaits you. Not only will you explore Cozumel's northeast coast, but you'll continue south along the entire coast, making a loop back across the island and up the western coast of Cozumel. You'll stop at Punta Sur eco park to visit the navigation museum and observe repiles and birds in their natural habitat. Then you head up the western coast to your starting point. The Pantera Connection is the island's most thorough and personalized tour; you'll see more of Cozumel than others see in a lifetime. Included in the price ($90 per adult; $45 for children 6-12, free for children under 6) is transportation, experienced guide, beach barbecue lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, purified bottled water, snorkeling and gear, entrance to Punta Sur eco park to view the museum and reptiles, island map and a special pass that allows you to visit Senor Frog's where you'll enjoy a free drink and shot of tequila. Private tour (for your group of 2 or more) is also available at $100 per person.

You'll begin your tour when Pantera picks you up at your villa, condo or hotel. From there you'll take the cross island road to Cozumel's east coast. At Mezcalito's you'll leave the paved road and travel north along a road that goes through thick tropical jungle. The road passes a military outpost, a jungle ranch, Mayan ruins and parallels the splendid beaches in this isolated area. You'll stop at the Mayan ruins of Castillo Real where you can take photos of this historic site, used over a thousand years ago by the Mayan as a lookout point. In some areas the jungle is so dense that you'll feel as if you are driving through a huge green tunnel of thick palms and foliage. You may see large iguanas or bright white egrets. You'll definitely feel like you're on the "Jurassic Park" expedition; all you need are the dinosaurs!

Parts of the road passes over what was once a coral reef. Get out of the car and take a closer and you'll see that the "rocks" are in fact different varieties of coral such as brain coral. Farther down the coast, the road opens up to take you along the beach where you'll stop for a break. In this remote area, Pantera has built a palapa (thatched roof) with hammocks and a barbecue pit. Fresh fish and chicken will be prepared on the grill along the beach while you snorkel on the offshore reef. You'll be entertained with a dazzling display of brightly colored tropical fish along the reef. After a refreshing swim, bright a hearty appetite and enjoy a delicious picnic on the beach. Icy cold beer and sodas will be ready and waiting for you.

After lunch, you'll continue back the way you came to the paved road, but then head south to explore the southern part of the island. There are several more beach areas along the east coast and dramatic views of the wild side. You'll continue all the way to the southern tip where you'll stop at Punta Sur eco park to visit the navigation museum and observe birds and reptiles in their natural habitat. Then you'll continue on to the western coast towards your starting point. You can visit the charming village of el Cedral located a couple of miles inland. Cedral's colorful cottages look like something out of a storybook. Brightly painted casitas with thatched roofs are nestled in exotic gardens brimming with flowers and tropical plants.

Next you'll travel back to the city of San Miguel where you'll have an orientation of the city so you know where to find the grocery stores, the liquor stores, the movie theater, parks, etc. After this full day of adventure and exploration, you'll be dropped at Punta Langosta where you can shop or bop into Senor Frog's for a free drink and shot of tequila. A perfect end to an exciting day that is sure to be the highlight of your trip to the island.

Cost: Adults, $90; Children 6-12, $45; Children under 6, free. Private tours (for group of 2 or more) available at $100 per person.

Duration: 6 hours, 60 miles. Flexible schedule starting as early as 7 a.m.

Recommended: Hat, oil-free sunscreen, comfortable shoes, bathing suit, towel, camera for photo opportunities, mosquito repellent.