Explore Mayan ruins like Tulum and Chichen Itza, or discover tropical islands off Mexico’s coasts. Make your way past the line at MUSA archaeological site to experience ancient Maya culture at their modern museum.
Discover dozens of natural cave pools, like Rio Secreto with its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, ziplining high above the jungle canopy or swimming underground rivers during Xplor, or sailing down canals at Xoximilco to experience Mexican cuisine and music!
Swimming with Dolphins
Dolphins are one of the world’s most intelligent marine mammals and swimming with them is a dream come true for many travelers and you can swim with dolphins. At Xel-Ha, you and your family can interact with dolphins in shallow waters for an unforgettable experience that you and your children won’t soon forget – from kissing their fins and receiving fin shakes, playing games with them and even letting them carry you on their backs for an unforgettable ride that you will always treasure as memories.
Explore an immersive aquarium experience inside Ventura Park water & theme park by visiting its interactive aquarium and learning more about the aquatic creatures within. Located inside this incredible attraction is a diverse selection of aquatic and adventure tours designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Playa Tortugas beach isn’t one for relaxing on, but rather it provides the ideal setting to swim in its crystal-clear waters or chill with a coconut. A favorite among both locals and visitors alike, Playa Tortugas draws sunbathers of all types for its abundant sunshine and fun activities – easy access is provided via red buses from the hotel zone that drop you right at its entrance!
Whale Sharks
Between June and September, whale sharks migrate to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy near Cancun for breeding purposes. Although whale sharks are the world’s largest fish, don’t be intimidated; these filter feeders are gentle creatures. While whale sharks resemble sharks at first glance, they actually don’t possess their usual sharp rows of teeth commonly associated with sharks – making for an enjoyable encounter!
Because whale sharks migrate seasonally, the best time for swimming with whale sharks in Cancun is from May to November. While you might still spot one at other times during the year, their abundance will likely be lower.
Once again, swimming with whale sharks is completely safe; however, you must adhere to some regulations such as maintaining a 6-foot distance from their head and 12-foot distance from their tail. As these boats can sometimes get rough in open ocean conditions, bring seasickness medication as an extra precaution; additionally bringing along a dry bag for your phone and valuables is highly advised.
Mayan Ruins
Explore one of history’s most advanced ancient civilizations with Mayan ruins tours from Cancun. Visit ancient pyramids, temples and cities across Yucatan Peninsula.
El Rey, San Miguelito and Tulum can easily be reached from Cancun’s Hotel Zone by taxi, while Uxmal requires more travel time but must not be missed by Mayan enthusiasts as its impressive Pyramid of the Magician stands out with its unique elliptical base.
Pole Ruins can be found within the vast Xcaret park, which itself is an incredible tourist attraction. Once home to a Mayan village dedicated to maritime trade, these ruins now stand as reminders. Many tourists combine a visit to these ruins with exploring Xel-Ha Water Park which features cenotes for swimming in and adventure activities such as zip lining and rappelling for an enjoyable visit experience.
Cenotes
Cenotes are natural swimming pools formed by limestone sinkholes, offering an experience like no other beach swim. With crystal-clear waters for snorkeling or just lazing around in, cenotes make the ideal location to dive or just unwind in peace and serenity. There are dozens of incredible cenotes to explore; each offering unique characteristics.
Swimming pool cenotes are open and semi-enclosed structures above the ground that allow sunlight to filter in through their roof, known as “swimming pool cenotes.” Others are underground with multiple levels to enter them requiring you to descend stairs before reaching their entrance; these are known as cave cenotes. And some mix both concepts by having some parts open above ground while some lie undersea level.
Cenotes offer some of the best conditions for exploration between April and May when weather conditions are warm, dry and tourist numbers are at their lowest levels. This means that you can explore these stunning underwater chambers in relative peace while the ocean remains tranquil allowing easy photo taking and exploration opportunities.
Adventure Parks
Adventure parks provide thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts with a thrilling way to experience it, providing unparalleled outdoor experiences from different perspectives. Some of the world’s most renowned adventure parks such as Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Xavage provide spectacular swimming rivers, wildlife encounters and cultural shows and activities in an unparalleled natural setting.
Underwater thrills abound on the Mayan Riviera thanks to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, home to several dolphin species, whale sharks and tropical fish species that make for exciting activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular pastimes here.
Ventura Park is an exciting water and theme park with something for the whole family to enjoy, with waterslides at Wet ‘N Wild, seaside go-kart racing tracks, rope circuit challenges, monster truck courses and zip line circuits for children to try their limits at. Furthermore, an augmented reality activity challenges minds further.