Cancun for Families

Our Local Expert Says:

Not to be confused with Blue Bay's other Adult Only Resort, the Getaway and Spa.

Description:

Close to Cancun, yet far from the hustle and bustle of this busy resort destination, Blue Bay Club Cancun is the ideal choice for both seekers of recreation and pure relaxation. Whether you long to do little or lots, this welcoming family-oriented haven boasts an array of places and spaces that will appeal to all. Holidays should be filled with lighthearted pleasure, unhurried diversion, exhilarating activities and lasting memories. Tucked away in the quiet seaside fishing village of Puerto Juarez, Blue Bay Cancun offers all that and more. Welcoming and unpretentious, this all-inclusive Mexican hideaway will cater to the needs of your most discerning family member while easily keeping the whole group occupied and satisfied. More than 800 feet of powdery white sand and an immense free-form pool with inset Jacuzzis and a children's wading area are but some of the features that set the stage for your ultimate sunning and socializing extravaganza.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is an excellent resort for families, with many scheduled activities to keep children entertained each day.

Description:

Located at the southern end of Cancun's hotel zone, this 426-room all-inclusive resort is ideal for families. The resort offers a wide variety of activities to keep children busy during the day, including tennis lessons and cooking lessons that are just for kids. There is also a kid's club, for younger children and teens, as well as a baby club, for toddlers. The beach is spectacular at this resort and the water is calm enough for small children to play on the shore. Families traveling with infants can use strollers, high chairs, changing tables, and cribs that are provided by the hotel, rather than packing those bulky items for the trip.      

Description:

Explore the wild jungle without leaving the resort area. This restaurant in the Plaza by the Sea Shopping Center offers you the opportunity to live in the heart of this natural refuge for a couple of hours. You will coexist with the animals (albeit, only animatronics) and taste the delicious vegetables and meats prepared with the special exotic recipes. In particular, try out the salads and the desserts. You can get a beautiful souvenir at their gift shop, but expect high prices. This is also a good place for children.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located next to the El Rey archeological site, the museum and ruins offer a nice introduction into the history and culture of the region. Those interested in further appreciating the ancient Mayan culture, and with plenty of time to make longer trips, should try to visit Chichen Itza or Tulum also.

Description:

It's not just fun at the beaches and Cancún's shops; there are also some areas of cultural interest for those who like exhibitions or artistic expressions such as photography, sculpture and plastic arts. At the Museo del INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History), you will find great exhibitions year-round, displaying works by Mexican and foreign artists. Admission is free for most of the exhibitions and the works are distributed through several small rooms. Don't miss the best national exhibitions on your next visit to Cancún, a heavenly place full of fun and culture.

Our Local Expert Says:

El Meco is small, but not crowded and the ruins are in good condition. The park is quiet and relaxing. Visiting this site is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Description:

El Meco is a small archeological site of Mayan ruins, dating back to the 10th or 11th century.  Some researchers believe that this settlement was inhabited as early as the 3rd century, but was then abandoned before being resettled in the 10th or 11th century.  The new inhabits were probably Mayans from other sites from the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula, since El Meco was believed to be governed by the rulers of Chichen Itza.   

El Meco was a major commercial port city for the Mayas.  Due to it's close proximity to Isla Mujeres, it was a departure point for Mayans sailing to the island, and was also an important reference point for coastal navigation.  It's location also helped it gain strength as a religious center, associated with rituals held on Isla Mujeres.

The site has only 14 structures, and the main temple is in good condition.  From the top of El Castillo, the pyramid at El Meco, there is a great view of Cancun's Chacmochuc Lagoon, however guests are no longer allowed to climb on the ruins.  El Meco has only been open to the public for a short time.  To get here, you will have to rent a car or hire a taxi for a few hours.    
Or you can take a day tour on the Dancer, a boat docked at Playa Tortugas in the Hotel Zone of Cancun; the boat goes to the ruins and Isla Mujeres and includes a guided tour.

Description:

Visit an incredible eco-archaeological park, where you can spend a day in paradise relaxing and enjoying nature, snorkeling, activities, shows and more! For more than a millennium, this nature park and archaeological zone has been an important ceremonial center and Mayan port. Xcaret is located 34 miles (55 km) south of Cancun, near Playa del Carmen.

Spend your day discovering Xcaret - the Little Inlet - where for more than 1,000 years, the most important Mayan ceremonies were held. Travel in air-conditioned comfort to this spectacular eco-archaeological park and relax on a hammock, learn the history of this ancient culture or swim through the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean.

It is said that this was the ancient port of Pole and that the Maya used to come here to bathe in its waters to purify their minds and bodies before sailing to the nearby island of Cozumel to worship the goddess of fertility, Ixchel. Man's ingenuity combined with nature's splendor has formed a very interesting park with a variety of attractions, proving that development, conservation, culture and entertainment are not opposite concepts.

Xcaret has a wide range of eco-attractions included in the entrance ticket: aquarium, aviary, bird breeding area, mushroom farm, orchid garden, inlet lagoon, many natural beaches and warm crystal clear pools, sea turtles, butterfly pavilion, botanical garden, Mayan Village, museum, archaeological sites, Mayan river, underground river (you can swim down in a provided life jacket) and a spectacular night show to top off your visit.

Plus Package: Includes a buffet lunch with lemonade and orange juice, snorkel equipment, lockers, towels and use of the plus area facilities

Special Offer - Save almost 15% off the recommended retail price when traveling through December 31, 2009 - BOOK NOW!

Our Local Expert Says:

Fun for the whole family and a great way to learn about marine life.

Description:

Conveniently located in Plaza La Isla, an upscale, open-air mall in the heart of Cancún´s hotel zone, the Interactive Aquarium Cancun allows you to get up-close and personal with sharks, dolphins and other sea critters. From shark-feeding to swimming with dolphins, the aquarium is a unique way to spend the day in Cancun. There are a variety of exhibits about marine life, and several of them allow you to touch the animals- such as sea stars and turtles- in their tanks. Also, you can enjoy the bird sanctuary and pet the colorful macaws that will perch on your shoulders as you walk through. At the end of the day, enjoy the aquarium's restaurants or take a stroll through Plaza La Isla.

Description:

Sail on a beautiful Trimaran through the Caribbean Sea and travel to the tropical island that sits on the imaginary line between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Explore Isla Mujeres and enjoy a relaxing day on this beautiful, quiet island!

Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a casual, laid-back refuge from the conspicuously commercialized action of Cancun, visible across a narrow channel. Just 5 miles (8km) long and 2.5 miles (4km) wide, it's known as the best value in the Caribbean!

Request your tropical drink of choice from the bartender and take a seat in the shade or enjoy the unique experience of stretching out at the front of the ship across the open netting, the only thing between you and the beautiful Caribbean Sea!

Relax and enjoy the views as you cruise along, stopping at a coral reef national park along the way for an hour of snorkeling. You'll be guided through crystal clear 30-foot (9 meter) deep waters to admire beautiful coral formations, tropical fish and other fascinating animals. Your guide will sprinkle fish food into the water to completely surround you with schools of beautiful tropical fish. At the conclusion of your underwater journey, your catamaran will meet you at the other side of the reef and take you to the Beach Club.

As you make your way down the dock, don't miss the chance to have your picture taken holding a shark! (subject to availability). Then, take a seat on hammocks and lounge chairs and enjoy a delicious all you can eat buffet lunch.

Then re-board the catamaran and sail to the best shopping zone in Isla Mujeres. Browse a range of interesting shops with everything from classic souvenirs to incredible hand carved limestone and wooden sculptures. Although sometimes hard to find, you'll also find beautiful preserved sea creatures and shark jaws straight from the sea. The rule is, you never know what you'll find on Isla Mujeres!

Description:

Ever fancied being on board with a pack of pirates? Well here's your chance to fulfill that dream but not with the real pirates though. Captain Hook offers various tours to choose from with prior reservations made. Get a chance to be seated in a 17th-century replica of the Spanish ships El Galleon I and El Bucanero II and spend an evening full of mischievous fun. Aye Aye Captain!

Description:

Explore Cancun like never before - through the jungle and in a Hummer! Hop aboard a fully automatic Hummer and take the adventure of a lifetime, visiting an authentic Mayan ruin and interactive zoo, snorkeling in an underground cave and going on a thrilling ziplining adventure! Book your all-inclusive Cancun Hummer tour today and experience the very best of the Riviera Maya!

Boarding your Hummer vehicle, you'll head directly for the "El Rey" (The King) Mayan ruins, a magical archaeological site near the Cancun hotel zone. Spend approximately one hour here, interacting with the Mayan culture, animals and nature. You'll also have the opportunity to admire and feed the hundreds of iguanas which call "El Rey" their home!

Then, go for a 20-minute drive along an off-road track through the jungle and swamps to a cenote, an underground sinkhole with crystal-clear waters. You'll get to visit two different cenotes, one closed and one open. With the clearest and purest water that you could ever imagine, you'll be able to see the bottom of this 130 foot (40 meter) sinkhole without a problem! The open cenote has a thrilling zipline which you'll be able to use as many times as you wish!

While at the cenote, you'll learn about the religious beliefs and importance of the area to the Mayan people. Discover facts about the geological aspects of stalagmites, stalactites and of course the underground rivers which are a natural formation found all over the Peninsula. You can swim, cliff dive and snorkel at these natural wells or spend more time on the zipline!

Next on the itinerary is a small fishing village named Puerto Morelos. You'll have time to shop for Mexican handcrafts and go sightseeing, or spend time walking along the beach or swimming in the water. You'll also enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the town's local restaurants and savor the true taste of Mexico!

Your last stop is the interactive zoo called Croco Cun. Here, you'll have the chance to feed and interact with various types of animals, including monkeys, macaws, snakes, deer and, of course, crocodiles! Get as close to the animals as you can possibly imagine and learn interesting facts about them before jumping back into your Hummer and heading back to Cancun!

Description:

Location.
Great Parnassus Resort and Spa All Inclusive is located on the beach in Cancun's Cancun Hotel Zone neighborhood, close to El Rey Ruins, Playa Delfines, and La Isla Shopping Mall. Other points of interest near this all-inclusive resort include Aquaworld and Playa Ballenas.

Property Features.
This resort is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities. Great Parnassus Resort and Spa All Inclusive features a coffee shop/café, a beach bar, a poolside bar, and a swim-up bar. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Recreational amenities include a complimentary water park with a waterslide, as well as 4 outdoor swimming pools. Also located on site are a health club, outdoor tennis courts, a children's pool, and a sauna. Spa amenities include massage/treatment rooms, facials, body treatments, and beauty services. This 3.5-star property offers a meeting/conference room, limo/town car service, and audiovisual equipment. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. This Cancun property has 7 square meters of event space consisting of banquet facilities. Wedding services and tour assistance are available. Complimentary guest parking is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff. Guests have access to a partner property's outdoor pool and recreational facilities.

Guestrooms.
505 air-conditioned guestrooms at Great Parnassus Resort and Spa All Inclusive feature safes and ceiling fans. Balconies offer beach views. Bathrooms feature double sinks, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Guestrooms offer direct-dial phones with voice mail. Flat-screen televisions have pay movies. Rooms also include windows that open, blackout drapes/curtains, and trouser presses. Housekeeping is offered daily and guests may request wake-up calls.

Notifications and Fees:

• All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel.
• No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.

The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.

• Fee for wireless Internet in all public areas: USD 15 per day (rates may vary)
• Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 15 per day (rates may vary)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Description:

This is the McDonald's of water sports, so don't expect a lot of individual attention. This choice is useful for large groups since it offers large, fast boats that can handle up to 150 people at a time. It does have the cheapest rates and offers quick resort dive courses that can get you diving within a few days. Don't attempt anything more than a novice dive after the resort course, though. The curriculum isn't thorough enough for more advances dives. The snorkeling trips are good despite the large groups.

Description:

Become a pirate of the Caribbean on this fun-filled voyage where you will go back in time and experience a pirate's attack while sailing through the beautiful waters of the Nichupte lagoon. All this while enjoying a pirate's dinner and the open bar! A fun adventure for all ages!

Come aboard an authentic 18th century replica of a Spanish Galleon and step back in time to the pirate era!

As you cruise through the beautiful waters of the Nichupte lagoon in Cancun, the drinks will start flowing and you will be entertained with games and dancing before feasting on a hearty meal of either steak or lobster surf and turf.

During the cruise, you will witness a pirate attack where the pirates will engage in a sword fight!

At time of booking you must choose which meal option you wish to have, either STEAK or SURF AND TURF.

Description:

On a wave runner or speedboat for two, set off from Cancun on a breathtaking tour across the Nichupte lagoon, through the dense mangroves, the Nizuk River and the Caribbean Sea, all the way to the Nizuk Coral Reef where you'll snorkel among living colorful corals and a myriad of tropical fish.

This may be the most fun you'll ever have in Cancun! Two persons are assigned to each wave runner or speedboat and a total of 10 in each group are led by a guide.

The vehicles set off from the marina across the expanse of the Nichupte lagoon and through the dense mangroves, to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Here, in one of the largest reefs in the Western Hemisphere, you will stop for about 45 minutes to relax or snorkel amidst the colorful tropical fish, coral and sea plants.

Description:

Mexico offers one of the most exhilarating experiences available. The Royal Dolphin Swim is the perfect way to discover this gentle, friendly and intelligent mammal! Prepare yourself for a memory that will stick with you forever as you are pushed by the dolphins at high speeds around the water. Truly an unforgettable experience!

Located just off the coast of Cancun, the island of Isla Mujeres is a wildlife wonderland filled with amazing memories that will last a lifetime! The Royal Dolphin Swim is undoubtedly the most famous program on offer and can be summarized into two words, action and speed!

After a brief orientation, you'll enter the water where two dolphins welcome you with an affectionate handshake and a kiss on the cheek! Kiss them back while  photographers capture a memory of this unique experience.

Grab a hold of their fins and hang on tight as you are whisked around on a speedy dorsal tow ride! This will get your adrenaline pumping and ready for the most exhilarating moment, the foot-push. Feel the mighty strength of your new friends as they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet! This is truly an experience of a lifetime!

Description:

Come enjoy the magical creation of the Mayan gods: Xel-Ha, a place where the best of the Mexican Caribbean nature comes together. The world's most spectacular, natural aquarium invites you to embark on an aquatic adventure created by the Mayan gods themselves. This special place gathers the best of the Mexican Caribbean all in one place!

Enjoy nature through the crystal clear waters of this spectacular natural aquarium. Underground rivers flowing out to the beautiful Caribbean Sea feed an environment of creeks, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves. Explore the underwater world by snorkeling and coming face to face with exotic underwater flora and fauna such as curious rays and schools of French Angel fish. Other activities include rope swing diving, rope bridge walking, bicycling, kayaking, and much more!

Special Offer - Save over 20% off the recommended retail rate - BOOK NOW!

Description:

This was originally a natural reserve, now re-adapted for learning and entertainment purposes. The facilities allow visitors to observe trained dolphins do several acts, go swimming with the manta rays, snorkelling and, for the more daring among you, enjoying the toboggans that lead to huge swimming pools. Children under three get in free. Don't forget your swimsuit!

Description:

This tour begins by leaving Cancun at 9a and cruising throughout the Caribbean sea heading to Contoy Island. Once you arrive at Contoy Island you will have a guided tour walking around the island which includes a trip to the site museum and the windowed four stories tower, where you will be able to watch the hole Island and it's nature. With over 6,000 fauna and floral examples this island is truly a beautiful unique place where very few have had the opportunity to see. A barbecue buffet lunch of fresh fish, chicken fajitas, pasta, and vegetables is provided, drinks and sodas are available all day. The second part of the tour is a jaunt to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) where you can go shopping at the many unique shops, have a coffee at beach front restaurants or recline on the beach.

Our Local Expert Says:

The ticket price includes all meals and drinks, during the day, which makes the cost of admission a great value.

Description:

Xel-Ha ecological park, located approximately 75 miles south of Cancun, describes itself as the "world's best natural aquarium" and, once you visit the park, you'll agree with their claim.  The park has lagoons, coves, cenotes (sink holes), and an underground river, which are home to hundreds of fish and other marine species. You will see many types of fish when you snorkel at Xel-Ha.

Visitors that crave action and adventure will enjoy hiking through the jungle of Xel-Ha, zip-lining into the water, seeing Mayan ruins, jumping into the water from a rope swing, walking across a floating bridge, swimming with dolphins or manatees, or biking through the park.  

If you want to enjoy nature in a more relaxed manner, you can swim in a covered cenote, float down Xel-Ha's lazy river on an inner tube, fly a kite, or relax in a hammock on the aptly named Hammock Island. Each of these activities allow you to see nature's true beauty, in a tranquil setting.

This gorgeous park is open from 8:30am to 6:00pm, 365 days a year.

Description:

Gorilax Jungle Park is one of Cancun's most exciting outdoor adventurelands. Gorilax provides space for the opportunity to try some of the area's most popular jungle activites, including cycling, zip lines, jeep tours, and of course the ever-popular cenotes. If you want a jungle adventure and can't make up your mind which method you want to use, Gorilax is perfect to get all your different kicks all in one place.

Description:

This amazing ecological park is one of the most popular attractions in the Cancun area. It is impossible to see all of the shows and exhibits, or to participate in all of the activities in just one visit to Xcaret, but you will have a fantastic time trying.

Inside the lush, tropical park, you can see Mayan ruins, walk among thousands of butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion, swim with dolphins, watch performers put on a show, float down an underground river, swim in a cenote (sink hole), visit a Mayan village and a cemetery, see flamingos and other exotic birds in the bird refuge, hike through the jungle, go snorkeling, or simply have lunch and relax on the beach.   

The park has a program to protect sea turtles, which nest in the Riviera Maya each Summer. Spider monkeys, howler monkeys, manatees, and jaguars are also protected at Xcaret.

The night show is spectacular and is included in the cost of admission.

The park is open daily, from 8:30am until 9:30pm.

Description:

Cancún has all sorts of entertainment, on and off the beaches. For those who love to drive fast, we recommend Go Karts. The racetrack is located at kilometer 7.5 of the Puerto Morelos highway. There are events for children, with slower cars, and amateur tournaments. The facilities include a restaurant and parking for 1,000 cars.

Description:

For two days, each year, it is believed that the dead return to Earth and join the living for feasts and celebrations. On November 1st, Dia de Los Inocentes ("Day of the Innocents") is held, in which deceased children and infants are honored.  This day is also referred to as Dia de Los Angelitos ("Day of the Little Angels").  On November 2nd, deceased adults are honored. People build altars in their home where they place photos of their dead relatives, along with candies & other treats, as well as the favorite foods and beverages of of the deceased.  Throughout Cancun you can see the loving preparation for this "visit" in street parades, decorated cemeteries and homemade shrines, honoring those who have died. Day of the Dead celebrations are much grander in other parts of Mexico.  In Cancun, events are mainly held in the home, or in cemeteries. Enjoy the opportunity to view holiday traditions that date back thousands of years. Admission is free, and events are largely unscheduled.  Xcaret eco-park will holds it's 5th annual Festival of Life & Death from October 30th-November 2nd. 

Description:

By day, Senor Frog's is a restaurant but, at night, it becomes one of Cancun's hottest nightclubs.  Boy, do they ever know how to throw a party.  Dancing on the bar is encouraged, drinks are served in yard glasses, and a Conga line could start up at any time.  This spot is very popular with Americans and everyone always looks like they are having the time of their life!

There are contests throughout the night and, several nights a week, there is a Reggae band that performs a few sets.  There is a water slide that starts inside the restaurant and dumps you out into the lagoon, just off the back patio.  Losers of the contest are often punished by being sent down the water slide.  It's all in good fun though.  Contest winners, on the other hand, are normally rewarded with tequila shots or beer. 

The menu offers something for everyone with dishes such as pizza, pasta, steak, chicken, as well as popular Mexican dishes like fajitas and enchiladas.  They even have things like spaghetti & meatballs, cheeseburgers, and fried cheese sticks, that might be appealing to kids.

Description:

This orange den may seem just like any other restaurant bar at first glance but it is far from it. Hooters is where all the locals and tourist gather for indulging in tasty food and drinks. Cuban Sandwich, Philly Cheese Steak, Sampler Platter, Quesadillas and Buffalo Chicken Stripes are a must try here. Featuring multiple screens across the room, guests can catch all the sporting action while they drink and dine. A great place to mix and mingle with locals over drinks, Hooters has a laid-back ambiance where regulars often catch up on local gossip and exchange some really tacky jokes.