With spring break upon us, you may have your eye on an all-inclusive resort in Cancun or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya. All inclusives in Mexico are a fabulous option for a relaxing and fun beach vacation. Contact ME or another Kingdom and Cruise Travel “MEXpert” to help you find the perfect resort for your vacation. While your resort will be your vacation home base, taking excursions to experience the culture and what the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer is a must. Let us help you plan your Mexico itinerary from this list of the 5 BEST excursions for families from Cancun, Mexico.
The 5 BEST Excursions for Families from Cancun, Mexico:
When your all inclusive offers stunning ocean views, delicious food and drinks delivered to your spot on the beach and entertainment and activities a few steps from your room, you may be wondering – what else is there?! The answer is – SO MUCH! From cultural and historical sites to natural wonders above and under the sea, Riviera Maya is perfect for exploring with the whole family.
1. Snorkeling. And More Snorkeling!
The Great Maya Reef, also known as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere (5 points if you know the largest on the other side of the world)! Don’t miss this opportunity for your family to explore a healthy, diverse reef system. The snorkeling excursions in the area are many and varied depending on your goals. Akumal is known for its sea turtle feeding grounds, which allow snorkelers to swim among these beautiful creatures.
The Cancun Underwater Museum is home to 500 underwater sculptures offering a unique snorkeling experience. There is a deeper section for divers and a shallower section for snorkelers.
Puerto Morelos offers a convenient and quick option for families staying in and around the hotel zone in Cancun. This area is home to the protected National Reef Park. Its portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is close to shore and licensed operators can have you to the reef in just a 15 minute boat ride from your resort! The reef is 10 feet or fewer below you while you’re floating and snorkeling on the surface. Visibility is great and the sea life is plentiful and diverse.
2. Visiting Mayan Ruins
Chichen Itza is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a Unesco Heritage Site. In a little over 2 hours from Cancun, you can arrive at this 1500 year old spectacular archeological site that spans 4 acres. The main temple is the most iconic; however, while walking the grounds, there are gems to be found in every direction among these wonderfully preserved ruins.
Tours to this area can be private, small group or large group. They can be combined with a stop at natural wonders, towns, taco tastings and more. Reach out to me or another Mexico specialist at Kingdom and Cruise Travel to find the perfect tour to Chichen Itza for your family.
The Tulum Ruins are a second option for visiting an archeological site during an excursion from Cancun. While this area of ruins is smaller than Chichen Itza, its position on a cliff by the sea offers a more sublime setting! These Mayan ruins are about a 2 hour drive from Cancun and also can be combined with other activities.
3. Swimming in a Cenote
What is a cenote? And how do you say that?! A See – Note – Ay is natural sinkhole that forms when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater. The ancient Mayans used cenotes for water and sometimes for sacrificial offerings. There are several that you can visit in the area and pair with a visit to an archeological site and/or small towns. You can swim in this refreshing water so be sure to bring your bathing suit and a towel for this excursion! You cand find lockers, showers and life jackets at many of them as well. Be sure to consult with your travel agent to find out which cenotes are the best for you and your family.
4. Exploring the Charming City of Valladolid
Just under two hours from Cancun lies the colorful and quaint city of Valladolid. Take a stroll and have a snack from street carts in the main park, visit one of the town’s museums or go shopping along Calzada de los Frailes, a cobblestone street lined with artisanal boutiques and cozy cafes.
A stop at this town might be part of another tour or you can take a one of the buses that runs from Cancun there and back. I recommend stopping at La Flor de Michoacan, an ice cream shop right across from the convent! You can try a local specialty flavor, but the kids will probably pick cotton candy or bubble gum flavor.
5. Attend a Lucha Libre Show!
A what? Hear me out! This is not like WWE back in the states. This wrestling show is a cultural treasure of Mexico and will surely delight the whole family! Luchatitlán is a great option for this show. At this venue, you will find an experience that offers delicious Mexican food, music and wrestling! Dare I say the whole enchilada? The colorful masks, elaborate storylines and high energy performances invite you to become a part of the Mexican wrestling culture for the evening. If you are looking for something outside the box and memorable, this family-friendly nightlife experience is definitely it!
Which of the 5 Best Excursions for Families from Cancun, Mexico are you ready to take? Snorkeling, Cenote swimming, wrestling? Let me know in the comments! From selecting your resort to lining up the best tour options for your family, we have you covered and can craft the perfect Mexico vacation. Reach out for vacation planning help today!
- By Kingdom and Cruise Travel Advisor, Alli Matthews