Island adventures in Cancun

• Cancun is a diver’s paradise. It is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world.
• The Yucatan Peninsula is home to countless miles of beautiful beaches, offering easy-to-reach snorkeling and scuba diving locations. The landlubbers can enjoy the well-preserved remains of the once-great civilizations of the Mayans and Aztecs, which are only a day’s journey from Cancun.
• Dive deep into the mystery of the Mayas at the Ruinas Del Rey, a small archaeological site located at the end of the Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The tranquility of the ruins makes them an ideal place to take a stroll.
• Other Mayan Ruins include the Chichen Itza. One of the biggest in Mexico, it dates back to 600 AD and features the majestic pyramid, Kulkulkan. Another site, Tulum, is the only walled city the Mayans ever constructed near the ocean. It was built between 1200 and 1500 A.D. and is an easy day-trip away. The Nohoch Mul is the tallest pyramid on the peninsula reaching 138 feet. Other ancient ruins worth visiting are Uxmal, Monte Alban and Mitla.
• Isla Mujeres is five miles long and half a mile wide, and only six miles away from Cancun. There are three excellent beaches. The most popular is Playa de los Cocos in the north end, with calm waters, white sand and a variety of watersports. Playa Lancheros, located at the southern end, is very secluded and harbors live sea turtle pens. Lastly, Playa Garrafon is a national underwater park perfect for snorkeling. Banderas, Cuervones and Manchones are reefs for skilled divers.
• Xcaret, a 250-acre ecological theme park located along the Caribbean coastline, features an underground river for swimming and a Dolphinarium where visitors can swim with tame dolphins.
• Many restaurants and shops are located along Avenida Tulum. Life-size reproductions of ancient Mexican art are displayed on the median, including the Aztec calendar stone and the Atlantids of Tula.
• With 200 shops, Plaza Caracol is the largest and most modern resort shopping area in Cancun. You will be sure to find souvenirs and trinkets here.
• Playa Tortuga is a popular beach destination for the travelers staying in the downtown area. It is also considered one of Cancun’s best beaches for swimming because of its calmed winds and tranquil waters.
• Playa Langosta (also known as Lobster Beach) is a favorite of locals and travelers for one main reason: it has  the best view of any beach in Cancun. There are also numerous activities available at this beach including; sailing, windsurfing, paddleboats and riding jet skis to name a few.
• For an island exploration, catch the shuttle boat at Playa Linda which will take you to the tropical island of Isla Mujeres.
• Water sports take on a new meaning at Laguna de Nichupete’ where activities like fishing, jet skiing, and boating are the way of life.
• When the shopping mood hits, jet over to Coral Negro, an authentic open air market in Cancun’s Zona Hotelera.