Cancun - Beyond the Beach!
Xcaret
With over 20 environmental attractions, it's no wonder Xcaret has been dubbed "Nature's Sacred Paradise." Offering a myriad of activities including everything from swimming with dolphins and horseback riding to snorkeling and sea turtles, this natural wonderland is the perfect outing for adventurers and families. A full day's outing with numerous restaurants, plenty of exhibits, and the occasional hammock is well worth the $38US average fee.
Akumal Turtles
If your vacation falls between May and October, another adventurer's "must see" is a trip to Akumal. Loggerhead and Green sea turtles nest in the pristine beaches of this quiet community. Not only is the nesting a sight to behold, but the hatchlings' wild scamper to the ocean is another "can't miss" experience.
For additional information on the turtles, including precautionary steps and the best sites for viewing, contact the Centro Ecologico Akumal Information Center (open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at: Centro Ukana 1 Akumal AC, Apartado Postal #127, Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo, Mexico 77710.
Xel-Ha
Offering lagoons, subterranean rivers, springs, sink holes, and caves, Xel-Ha lives up to its Mayan name - "place where water is born." This natural water park hosts multiple environments and activities such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, floating down river, and interacting with various wildlife such as iguanas, macaws, and butterflies. Two entrance options are available with a basic plan costing $15US and an all-inclusive plan running $39US.
Camping
For the truly adventurous, beachfront camping is available at various sites between Cancun and Tulum. Paamul and Chemuyil offer basic sites, and Punta Bete offers the basics plus a few quaint restaurants and communal baths.
Quaint Towns, Nearby Islands, and To-Die-For Diving
If you're not awe-struck by ruins, and au natural makes your skin crawl, half and full day outings are still available within a short distance of Cancun.
Puerto Morelos
If the Caribbean Sea beckons, but you're still not up for the high-volume Cancun scene, Puerto Morelas, one of the oldest ports in the Yucatan, is your perfect escape. This charming fishing village is a mere 22 miles south of Cancun, but with few high-rise hotels and a noticeable lack of motorized watercraft, Puerto Morelos is a mini Cancun minus the hubbub and the hype. Enjoy the five-mile beach, snorkel the world's second largest coral reef, or catch the car ferry to Cozumel.
Isla Mujeres
Located just north of Cancun's Hotel Zone, Isla Mujeres offers a quiet respite, calm turquoise water, and Atlantis Submarine dive
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