For once, someone has summed up Cancun better than us. And we agree- Hair gets lighter. Skin gets darker. Water gets warmer. Drink gets colder. Music gets louder. Nights get longer. Life gets better.
While you hunt for your swimwear in your wardrobe, we have compiled a list of things for you to do at Cancun, and the best places for them. Now, isn’t that sweet? Yes, you are welcome.
1. Xcaret
An ecological theme park that affords a mix of Mayan culture, tropical landscapes and ingenuous ways to enjoy all of that in a single trip. Xcaret boasts 40 attractions including Mayan ball games, swimming facilities in a cave river, the Jaguar Island, the Butterfly Pavilion, snorkeling tours, and much more followed by a nice sumptuous Mexican feast. The highlight of any visit to Xcaret though, is the night show- Xcaret Mexico Espectacular.
Tickets: Tickets range from 80 USD to 200 USD. You can tailor make a package according to your needs. You can also make a clubbed booking for Xcaret, Xplor and Xel Ha΄.
Advance booking online saves time and money.
2. Xel Ha΄
Xel Ha΄ is the largest natural aquarium in the world. Is it any wonder then that its name translates to the place where water is born. Situated in Riviera Maya, Xel Ha΄ offers you options for activities like swimming with the dolphins, Snuba (a unique combination of snorkeling and diving) and an unforgettable experience of walking under water (Sea Trek). The Snuba and the Sea Trek are must-try activities, made possible only by the singular topography of Cancun.
An all-inclusive ticket to Xel Ha΄ would cost 80 USD to 90 USD. Advance booking means discounted rates.
3. Isla Mujeres, El Garrafon
Besides the usual snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, try the Dolphin Royal Swim. This place promises the best possible interaction with dolphins. Yes, a dolphin will peck you on your cheek and take you on a ride across the turquoise waters on its back, just like it happens in movies. All of this for a charge of 180 USD. Not bad, eh? Remember to get your photos clicked separately as photography charges are not included.
4. Interactive Aquarium
This place allows a fun interaction with a myriad sea creatures without even getting wet, if you choose not to. This place is great for a fun, educational tour for your child- piranhas, moray eels, jelly fish, seahorses, soles, clown fish, scorpio fish, lion fish, corals, anemones, sea lions, dolphins, sharks, and a dolphin skeleton as well.
Step the game up a notch and go for a ‘shark encounter’. Here you can feed a real shark from the safety of an acrylic wall. Now, here is what we call a smart way to meet the shark!
5. Nature Reserves and Protected Areas
No matter where we go, there is always one in the group whose trip is incomplete without a view of what unrestrained nature has to offer. A trip to a nature reserve is a must for this kind. Cancun welcomes a nature enthusiast with an end number of national parks- the Cozumel Reef National Park, Isla Mujeres West Coast, Punta Cancun, Punta Nizuc National Park, Isla Contoy National Park, Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, Chinchorro bank Biosphere Reserve, Sian Ka’s Biosphere Reserve, Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protected Area and Manatee sanctuary. No matter what your range of interests- landscape, plant life, marine life or even birds- these nature reserves have plenty to offer.
6. Holbox, Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres
These are small tropical islands easily accessible from Cancun by a ferry ride. Each of these islands has its own unique offering- special tropical adventures to choose from. Holbox is famous for being a sanctuary for sea-turtles and dolphins, and for the tranquil quiet it offers. Isla Contoy is a bird-lover’s delight. Isla Mujeres is ideal for clubbers.
7. Exotic Car Ride
Exotic car rides are organized by Exotic Rides Mexico (ERM). They own a fleet of ten exotic cars, including the Ferrari F430, Ferrari Scaglietti 612, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes Benz SLS AMG “Gull Wings”, Audi R8 and many more. Drive on a racetrack, or on the scenic highway of Quintana Roo. Or learn the tricks of the trade from the NASCAR veteran at the wheel.
Image credit : nymbus3, Captain DJ, Dolphin Discovery, OpenCage, Martha xucunostli, Brocken Inaglory, Peter Maas ,