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Town Adventures
You will never run out of things to do during your Cancun vacation! Check out these pages for ideas and help with planning your itinerary for a fun-filled Cancun vacation of a lifetime. You can enjoy a wide range of watersports, rise to the challenge on championship golf courses, take the family to one the world renowned eco-parks, or just lie back and be pampered at one of the many luxurious spas. For those of you looking to tie the knot in this romantic location and are planning the ultimate Cancun wedding you need look no further.
Cancun Watersports.
Scuba Diving in Cancun:
Cancun offers an unimaginable world of underwater beauty and is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Cancun scuba diving is famous because of its shallow reefs alive with the dazzling colors of fish and coral.
Scuba diving in Cancun is so popular because of the Great Mesoamerican Reef (the Gran Arrecife Maya). This is the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest coral reef in the world. The Great Mesoamerican Reef stretches from Punta Nizuc, which it at the tip of the Cancun Hotel Zone, all the way to the Bay of Islands in Honduras. This is an amazing 450 miles of coral reef.
Cancun’s coastline is home to nearly 100 coral species, 350 molluscs and 164 species of reef dwelling fish. Cancun is also the home to the hawksbill sea turtle, crocodiles, lemon sharks and manatees. When scuba diving in Cancun you can expect to encounter some of the most beautiful sea creatures you are ever likely to see.
Cancun Scuba Diving:
There are many fascinating scuba diving venues in Cancun for both the novice as well as the more experienced diver. You have a choice of open water diving along the reef and there are also several sunken boats to add to the adventure. If you go inland along the Cancun – Tulum corridor you will find many caverns and cenotes or “sink holes”.
Cenote or Cave Diving
Cenote diving or cave diving is a specialty of this region with many Cancun dive schools specializing in this. There are two different types of cenote diving, one is called cave diving and this is when you swim beyond the reach of natural sunlight and the other is cavern diving where you stay within sight of natural light. After Hurricane Wilma many more underwater caves have opened up that you can explore.
To cavern dive a diver must either be a certified cavern diver or be accompanied by a certified cavern diver. Cavern diving courses involve two days instruction and four dives. A full cave diving course is taught over a week with a minimum of 14 cave dives.
Cancun Scuba Diving Certification
If you would like scuba diving certification in Cancun there are many certified instructors and dive schools offering PADI certification courses. They will provide you with all the equipment and training you need. Even many of the Cancun hotels offer courses that teach the basics for excursions for those that just want to experience what it is like to scuba dive in Cancun.
If you are interested in Cancun scuba diving you can contact one of the many reputable dive schools and ask for advice or you can book a course or excursion in advance.
Snorkeling in Cancun:
Experience the magical underwater world of the Great Mesoamerican Reef with a Cancun snorkeling trip. Because of the shallow reefs Cancun snorkeling is the perfect alternative for those that are not so keen on scuba diving. You will still get to see the beauty of the reefs close up.
Snorkel trips in Cancun will astound you with the array of tropical fish you will encounter. Grouper fish who change their color to match the background, flashing from spots to stripes to solid colors as they move from sand to coral are truly amazing to watch. The varieties of invertebrates turn this into an underwater kaleidoscope of color with corals and sea anemones, jelly fish, octopus, crabs and lobsters.
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Snorkeling in Punta Cancun
You can snorkel at Punta Cancun near the Dreams Cancun Hotel. You can find beautiful, brightly colored parrotfish – some of these measuring up to 4 feet!.
Snorkeling at El Garrafon National Park:
El Garrafon National Park is situated on Isla Mujeres, just a short ferry ride away from Cancun. It is world famous for its amazing reef and colorful fish. You can arrange day trips to El Garrafon National Park through Aquatours or you can catch a ferry to Isla Mujeres and make your own way to the park..
Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos
Snorkeling in Puertos Morelos is so popular because the reef is very close to the shore and this makes a natural barrier for the town. This keeps the waters really calm and shallow which make it ideal for snorkeling. Stringent environmental regulations have kept this part of the reef unspoilt. Only tour operators that adhere to the guidelines are allowed to offer snorkel trips here.
Snorkeling in and around Cancun is a delight for all the family with many places still free or inexpensive. There are many cenotes with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling. You could also opt for a day trip to Xel Ha or Isla Contoy or one of the other great Cancun snorkeling destinations with experienced tour operators that will guarantee you an unforgettable experience.
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Holbox:
Holbox, a 42 km long island is located northwest of Cancun. Perfect for those who seek calmness, this fishing village is an irresistible invitation to bond with nature and enjoy life’s simplicity.
Sanctuary to thousands of wild species like dolphins, pelicans, turtles, flamingos and other exotic birds, Holbox also offers unparalleled sunsets, sandy unspoiled beaches, crystal clear waters ideal for windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkeling, sailing or kayaking and one of a kind experiences like swimming with the famous Domino whale (in season) or crocodile watching.
While in Holbox treat yourself to the most delicious dishes made with the real Caribbean taste and the freshest seafood brought everyday by the native fishermen.
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Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy, considered the most important nesting place of sea birds in all of the Mexican Caribbean, is a small tropical island (barely 8.5 kilometers long) located approximately 30 km north of Isla Mujeres.
It’s a protected area since 1961 and was declared a National Park in 1998 and boasts more than a hundred and fifty migrating and resident bird species.
To visit Contoy you must take one of the authorized tours that sail from Isla Mujeres or Cancun since few companies have permission to take visitors to the island. Some of the recommended activities are snorkeling at the Ixlache Reef, bird watching, visiting the museum, savoring “Tikinxik” a traditional mayan specialty made with BBQ fish while relaxing under a palapa and basically enjoy the asylum of this extraordinary landscape found only in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean.
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Isla Mujeres:
Located opposite Cancun’s coast, it’s a 7.5 km long and an average 500 meters wide, Isla Mujeres combines the beauty of the Caribbean, a lush tropical jungle and the wonderful heritage of the Mayan civilization.
At a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, this charming island is the ideal spot for spending a vacation. In Isla Mujeres you’ll be able to choose from a variety of economical to luxury hotels, specialty, international and regional restaurants, bars to listen to trova or tropical music, beach clubs, Caribbean shows, and a wide range of activities like swimming with dolphins, snorkeling or diving in the sleeping shark’s cave and among the beautiful coral reefs, visiting the ancient Mayan ruins or exploring the entire island on any of the tours headed by experts of the fishermen’s cooperative.
Isla Mujeres’ captivating serenity incites you to relax and take pleasure in the simple and pleasant islander life.
Sailing in Cancun and Private Boat Charters:
You can charter a boat for as little as one day if you want to. Sail off in the sunrise to begin your private sailing adventure and choose where you want to go. You can discover some of the most beautiful islands in the Mexican Caribbean, snorkel in the reefs, fish for big game in the crystalline turquoise water, or just choose to spend a romantic sunset sail with a loved one or friends.
There are many private charter companies in and around Cancun that will provide you with a choice of day trips, or you can tailor make your trip to take you where you would like to go. You can charter anything from 95-feet luxury yachts that hold up to 100 people, for weddings or special events, to fishing yachts for a day of sportfishing with friends, or a private yacht or catamaran for the number of days you choose.
When you charter a private sailboat or catamaran most tour operators will provide you with a captain and crew, refreshments and beers, meals onboard and snorkeling and fishing equipment. All you need to do is turn up with a hat and sunscreen and be prepared for a fantastic time!
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Cancun Fishing:
There are fantastic opportunities for fishing in Cancun. The amazing fish found here are due to the nutrient-rich waters found in the reefs in and around Cancun. You can commission private and group charters and they will provide you with all you need such as rods, tackle, bait, licenses and lunch. A special license is required for fishing in Mexico so make sure when you book your tour that this is included in the price.
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Cancun Sportfishing:
Cancun is one of the best sportfishing hotspots in the world! Sportfishing in Cancun is on a ‘catch and release’ basis and goes in seasons. From February to April the top catches are kingfish, barracuda, small shark, grouper and blue marlin. From April to August you will find blue marlin, sailfish, tuna and mahi-mahi. Then from September to February catches include barracuda, snapper and mackerel..
Fly fishing in Cancun:
The lagoon system around Cancun offers the angler year-round opportunities to catch and release a great variety of species such as tarpon, bonefish, barracuda, sea trout, and red snapper. Fly fishing can be done in the sea, lakes, lagoons or rivers and is done in shallow, clear waters using artificial bait called a fly. You can book fly fishing lessons with one of the many tour operators.
Fishing in Cancun guarantees a catch of a lifetime in the warm Caribbean waters pulsating with fish all year round!
Cancun fishing is just as diverse as its other watersports. You can enjoy fly-fishing, sportfishing and deep-sea fishing depending on your particular passion.
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Adventure in Cancún:
For the most exhilarating adventure tours there are several adventure tours suitable for all the family. You can enjoy some of the longest zip lines in Latin America, go mountain biking, drive through the jungle in open top jeeps and swim in cenotes. Such tours can be tailor-made to be as challenging as you choose..
Cancun Adventure & Ecotourism Tours:
Cancun Adventure & Ecotourism tours can be fun for all the family. You can tailor make your tour to include driving through the jungle in an open top jeep, mountain biking through the undergrowth, and swimming in the cool, fresh waters of the cenotes.
Cancun Ecological Theme Parks:
There are some amazing ecological theme parks near Cancun. You can get to them easily by car or bus.
The most popular ecological theme park near Cancun is Xcaret. Xcaret is a huge eco-park so it is worth getting there early in the morning to take full advantage of its beauty. You will get to see wildlife in it natural habitat surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna. Snorkeling is safe in the calm inlets, and there is even a natural underground river you can swim along to cool off. Don’t miss the spectacular Mexican Folklore Show in the evening. A must see for all the family!
Another popular day out is to Xel-Ha, one of the world’s largest natural aquariums which is made up of a series of inlet and lagoon systems. Xel Ha means ‘the place where water is born’.
For those of you that love snorkeling, El Garrafon will amaze you with its natural beauty with its coral and multicolored fish found in the crystalline ocean.
Swim with Dolphins in Cancun:
Swimming with dolphins in Cancun is the highlight of many people’s vacation and is an opportunity not to be missed. Children as young as 3 can enjoy this fun experience.
Cancun Nature Reserves and Protected Areas:
You can visit some of the most beautiful nature reserves and protected areas near Cancun. The flora and fauna is incredible and you will have the chance to observe wildlife such as monkeys, whale sharks, flamingos, crocodiles, marine turtles and so much more in their natural habitat.
Cancun Aquariums:
You are guaranteed a spectacular day out at the Interactive Aquarium Cancun. You can swim with dolphins and even meet sharks face to face in total safety. You can also visit Xel Ha, the world’s largest natural aquarium, or go to Xcaret to the Coral Reef Aquarium.
Mayan Culture:
Cancun’s Mayan Culture is its crowning glory. The aura of mystery and majesty still lingers around the Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba to mention but a few. These are all within easy reach of Cancun by bus, or car or on one of the many tours.
The Mayan civilization was among the original cultures of the New World and spanned more than 3,000 years. The Mayans lived mainly on the Yucatan Peninsula in the eastern one third of Mesoamerica and at its peak had one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies in the world. Mayan culture is known for its spectacular art, impressive architecture, and sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems which were all way ahead of their time.
Mayan Architecture :
Mayan architecture spans many thousands of years. The most dramatic and easily recognizable are the fantastic stepped pyramids in places such as Chichen Itza and Coba to name but a few. A couple of years Chichen Itza was named as one of the new seven wonders of the world, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 20 years.
The Mayan Calendar :
The Mayan Calendar was not the original Mesoamerican calendar, but with the refinements the Mayans made, it became the most sophisticated. The Mayan calendar along with the Aztec calendar are the best documented and most completely understood of all the Mesoamerican calendars.
Mayan Scripture and Mayan Art :
Mayan scripture is the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas. Mayan art is considered by many to be one of the most sophisticated and beautiful of the ancient New World.
Mayan Tree of Life :
The Mayan civilization recognized the four primary compass directions and each was associated with a color – East with red, North with white, West with black and South with yellow. They also had a fifth ‘direction’ which was the center and this was a blue-green color. The center was represented by a great ceiba tree known as the Mayan tree of life. This tree connected the center of the Earth with both the underworld and the heavens.
Today, the Mayan civilization and their descendants form sizable populations throughout the Maya area known as the Mundo Maya and maintain a distinctive set of traditions and beliefs. Over 500 different Mayan languages continue to be spoken today.
To visit some of these sites and experience the beauty of the Mayan civilization really is an opportunity not to be missed during your Cancun vacation. There are many tours available from your hotel or tour operator.
Cancún Nightlife :
Cancun nightlife is certainly a main attraction for many visitors to the area. The Hotel Zone boasts some of the best nightclubs in the world playing everything from salsa to disco to R & B and live music venues. You will find something to suit all ages and tastes.
Whether you want to dance the night away in one of Cancun’s nightclubs or spend a relaxing evening with friends in one of the many bars, the nightlife in Cancun will never disappoint you. An eclectic selection of music fills the evening air and the Cancun nightlife takes to the streets until the sun comes up.
Cancun nightclubs :
Get your dancing shoes on and get ready to party! The nightclubs in Cancun are renowned for being some of the best in the world. In Cancun nightclubs such as The City, Coco Bongo, Dady’O and the Bulldog Cafe there are laser and light shows, acrobats, special live acts and you will get to hear some of the best DJs from around the world.
Bulldog Café :
In the heart of the Hotel Zone, Bulldog Cancun offers the best ambiance with world-class facilities and unsurpassed lighting, sound and special effects equipment. Every night, Bulldog presents different entertainment options which go form live band, DJ’s and great music, to the Lucha Libre Show (Live Wrestling Show), bikini contest, live show, etc. The VIP area also features a private Jacuzzi for women only. 10:00 pm till sunrise.
Coco Bongo :
You will not find another club like Coco Bongo in Latin America that offers such variety. Acrobats equal as those seen in Cirque du Solei, impersonators bringing to life pops stars such as Madonna, Britney Spears etc. Not to mention the best DJ’s in Cancun. All of this excitement and energy brought to you with the help of mega screens of the highest resolution. You will find people dancing everywhere making their visit to coco Bongo an unforgettable experience.
Dady ’O :
Every night at Cancun Dady’O you can enjoy world-famous spectacular light and laser show, during the best Cancun nightlife. Don’t forget to come early!
Dady Rock :
Start your evening off with a great dinner, try the Tex-Mex menu at the terrace open at 6:00 p.m. or inside the club open at 8:00 p.m. Prepare yourself to experience the most explosive party with M.C., live band, DJ´s contests and shows that will make your night a night to remember.
O Ultra Club :
O Ultra Club is an intimate lounge and perfect gathering place. Elegance and chic surrounding make this ultra sexy lounge the perfect place to enjoy your evening and mingle between friends. Banquettes and tables surround the bar, lavished in modem leathers with splashes of red and black accents. Poetic and innovative color lighting effects create new dimensions of excitement, energy and positive vibes throughout.
The City :
The City counts on one of the best sound systems of Latin America and represents a true tribute to technology to the art of the sound, the lights and the magic. The scene has been designed for live entertainment and concerts and DJ´s of world-wide stature as 50-cent, Sasha, Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk, to mention some. The City includes many surprises during the night, special effects and the acrobatic representation of show and performances.
Basic :
Basic has a very innovative concept of nightlife. It is the only night club built over the lagoon. The amazing half opened architecture which offers an extraordinary view is the most distinctive feature. The sky, water and natural elements surrounding the location enhance the state-of-the art decoration with one of the best lighting and illuminating systems that produce an electrifying atmosphere.
Cancun Bars :
You don’t have to go to a nightclub for a great night out in Cancun. There are many lively Cancun bars open until the early hours with a true party atmosphere. Some of the most famous are Señor Frog’s and Carlos n’ Charlie’s.
Cancun Lounge Bars :
For all you hip and trendy people, Cancun lunge bars, such as Néctar and the Thai Lounge offer you contemporary décor, comfortable seating and VIP areas with live DJs playing more chilled out music for those that want to spend an evening soaking up the atmosphere over a cocktail or two.
Cancun Live Music Venues :
The live music venues in Cancun offer anything you like from jazz to rock to salsa. You can try out The Bulldog Café or Daddy Rock for live rock music or Azúcar for some of the best salsa and merengue bands around. Go to Roots in downtown Cancun for a relaxing evening listening to the most talented Jazz musicians.
Cancun Shopping :
Shop ‘til you drop in the super Cancun shopping malls! You can choose anything from the Mercado 28 – a handicrafts market – to the ultra modern shopping mall Plaza Las Americas or Luxury Avenue filled with designer stores.
Cancun Spas :
Cancun is one of the premier spa destinations in the world with a choice of more than thirty Cancun spa resorts awaiting you to transport your mind, body and spirit to a nirvana of pure bliss.
Cancun is one of the premier spa destinations in the world with a choice of more than thirty Cancun spa resorts awaiting you to transport your mind, body and spirit to a nirvana of pure bliss. The majority of the hotels in Cancun offer a variety of Spa treatments combining native herbs and plants with ancient Mayan healing rituals and the latest stress-reducing technologies and treatments.
Try a traditional steam bath or a full-body massage on the beach overlooking the turquoise blue waters. Indulge in a thalassotherapy treatment and relax as expert therapists provide natural body wraps made with local plants and flowers. The ultimate relaxation experience has to include a traditional Mayan Massages incorporating all the traditions of an ancient world.
Thalassotherapy :
Thalassotherapy dates back to ancient times in Greece and Rome and was then later developed in the 20th century proving the effective therapeutic qualities of this treatment. Thalassotherapy is the therapeutic use of seawater, marine algae and marine mud using comfortably warm seawater with its living organisms to reload the body with minerals and trace elements which are absorbed through the skin by a process of osmosis. This supports the theory that the ocean is the source of all life.
Anti-Aging Center at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita :
The Anti Aging Center at Zoetry Paraiso del la Bonita integrates the latest advances in Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine together with a comprehensive wellness program consisting of the use of correct nutrition, fitness and complementary medicine.
Body wraps :
Body Wraps will nourish, exfoliate and detoxify your body relieving stress and leaving your skin glowing. You will be able to choose from a variety of exotic body wraps at your Cancun spa, with body wraps ranging from Delicious Chocolate to Exfoliating Green Mud to Papaya Melon to Mayan Avocado and Yoghurt to Tequila to name but a few.
class="style69" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic">Mayan Massages :
These are designed to balance the mind, spirit and body giving enormous benefits to the immune system and to the circulation. Following ancient Mayan traditions, essential oils are applied with soft massage and hot stones are used to help the oils penetrate the skin. Combined with the burning of incense made with aromatic, healing ingredients you will experience the most pleasurable sensations making you feel healthy and transformed.
While the extraordinary spas in Cancun range from rustic to ultramodern, they are all alike in the high standards of quality offered. So take a well-deserved break, and let Cancun spas put tranquility at the heart of your visit.
Cancún Golf :
Cancun golf courses are every golfers dream! Aside from the fact that they are in the most beautiful settings imaginable, the golf courses in Cancun and Riviera Maya meet the highest standards set by professional golf tournaments and expert golfers.
Magical scenery and great weather have attracted world renowned golf course designers to create some of their masterpiece golf courses in Cancun and the Riviera Maya offering some of the most competitive golf courses in the world.
Cancun golf course designs have come from some of the game’s greatest names, including: Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Robert Von Hagge, Isao Aoki, Greg Norman and P.B. Dye. New courses now under construction feature designs by Tom Weiskopf, Tom Fazio and Nick Price.
The golf courses in Cancun and the Riviera Maya feature challenging fairways that present players with distinctive curves and gentle hills, all framed by colorful tropical vegetation. Some are even built around ancient Mayan temples. From tee to green, views of the Caribbean’s turquoise waters and pure white beaches stretch out in the distance with an abundance of wildlife in view.
Puerto Morelos :
Puerto Morelos is a friendly, laid-back fishing village located only 35km from Cancun. The bohemian, tranquil atmosphere attracts people from all over the world, many of whom have chosen to make it their home. You will be seduced but its natural beauty and charm which transport you a million miles away from the glitz and glamour of Cancun.
There are so many things to do in Cancun, that a vacation here truly offers something for everyone!
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