Cancun: Mayan Ruins, Snorkeling & Local Eats

In the ocean surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc, a massive art installation lies beneath the waves as the Cancun Underwater Museum. There are more than 500 life-sized sculptures underwater, and since its installation in 2009 the sculptures have started to become one with the ocean, with new coral life colonizing their surface and forming beautiful natural structures that blend with the manmade sculptures.

Visitors of all ages can take a ride on a glass bottomed boat to see these sculptures from the comfort of a dry environment. Those who want to see the sculptures from a more up-close and personal standpoint can scuba dive into the water to swim among the figures.

Cancun Underwater Museum, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-99-82-06-01-82

The ancient Mayan city of Coba experienced its heyday during the 7th to 9th centuries, and it has lain abandoned since the mid-16th century, at around the same time that the Spanish conquered the Mexican peninsula, but centuries of disuse doesn’t make this site any less fascinating.

It’s less popular than other Mayan sites like Chichen Itza, and its placement in the middle of the jungle lends it an air of fresh discovery to visitors. Located about an hour and a half’s drive from Cancun, the ruins of the ancient city of Coba have several pyramids, which visitors can climb to achieve gorgeous views of the ruins from above as well as the surrounding jungle greenery.

Carretera Federal Tulum no. 307 Km. 47, 77793 Cobá, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-42-06-71-66, Map

Dolphins are one of the most intelligent species known to man. These fascinating mammals are well known for their incredibly playful personalities and their social behavior. Travelers staying in Cancun can get to know some of these amazing animals on a very close level with Delphinus Punta Cancun. Located in within the Hyatt Ziva, right in the center of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Delphinus Punta Cancun offers visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

With tickets available for singles, couples, groups of up to ten, and families of up to four, everyone will have an opportunity to meet the dolphins and understand just what it is that makes these mammals so special.

Delphinus Punta Cancun , Calle Quintana Roo 9, Zona Hotelera, Kukulkan, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-99-82-06-33-04

At Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres, guests can not only swim with dolphins, but also learn all about them from the trained staff.

At Dolphin Discovery, guests can choose from three packages for their experience. There’s the Dolphin Encounter, where guests can swim with a friendly dolphin who will give kisses and cuddle with his or her new friends. There’s also the Swim Adventure, in which guests can go for a short ride on the dolphin’s belly or be pulled behind the dolphin on a boogie board. Finally, there’s the Royal Swim, which includes two dolphins who will tow guests through the water by their dorsal fins and push guests until they are standing on the backs of the dolphins for an experience that makes surfing seem dull.

Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres, Camino Sac Bajo Lote 26, Fraccionamiento Paraíso Laguna Mar, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-86-63-93-51-58

The Mayan ruins of El Meco Archaeological Site are a little-known tourist destination in Mexico.

Believed by archaeologists to be occupied from about 200 AD until approximately 600 AD, just the process of finding El Meco feels like almost as much an adventure as actually exploring the stone ruins, which include the remains of a structure that was once probably a lighthouse. There are no formal tours around the ruins, but visitors will enjoy wandering the ancient stones to see where the jungle has taken back the land, spot the many iguanas that sunbathe in the trees and on the stone ruins, and imagine what the city must have looked like when it was a thriving settlement.

El Meco Archaeological Site, Carretera Puerto Juaréz, López Portillo, 77520 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-48-21-06-33-63

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Archaeologists have unearthed 47 ancient Mayan buildings at this site, including the remains of a temple in the iconic pyramid shape. Located in the Hotel Zone, the El Rey Archaeological Zone was once an important part of a Mayan trade route.

Its name means “The King,” so called for the large stone sculpture that was found on the premises. This sculpture is now part of the Cancun Mayan Museum, located nearby. Visitors will enjoy the ancient stone pillars and structures, which are in various states of disrepair, as well as the many beautiful trees and plants that have grown around and over the ancient stone.

El Rey Archaeological Zone, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-38-37-24-11

The astonishing natural beauty at Garrafon Natural Reef Park, located on the island of Isla Mujera, includes sparkling blue water, tall, picturesque cliffs and, of course, a colorful and lively reef habitat beneath the water.

Visitors can kayak, hike, or swim to enjoy the sun and scenery, and if they want to take it to the next level they can zipline from almost 100 feet above sea level, down from the highest cliffs of the walk and over the shimmering clear blue waters at speeds that will leave them screaming with laughter. There’s also snorkeling, so guests can see the beauty of the natural reef up close. With just a life jacket, some goggles, and a snorkel, visitors can float without a time limit on the water, seeing life beneath the waves from a different perspective.

Garrafon Natural Reef Park, Camino Sac Bajo Lt 26, Paraíso Laguna Mar, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-99-81-93-33-70

A cenote, which is a natural sinkhole that exposes groundwater beneath the bedrock, is like a deep round pool, usually sunk below ground level like a cave. Ik Kil, near the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, is a stunningly beautiful example of this natural phenomenon.

The water is located about 85 feet below ground level, and is accessible by a set of stairs. Vines hang down from the surface, dangling in the air above the water like streamers at a party, and help to provide a stunning setting for a relaxing and unique swim.

Ik Kil, Km. 122, Valladolid - Merida, Tablaje Catastral 510, 97753 Xcalacoop, Yuc., Mexico

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Cancun Interactive Aquarium is home to almost 1,200 species of fish and mammals. The aquarium stands apart from a typical aquarium because it not only teaches guests about aquatic life and allows them to observe, it but also focuses on direct interaction with many species of fish and animals in its exhibits.

The aquarium hosts daily shows and presentations about dolphins and sea lions, in which guests can steal a kiss from these amazing animals. There is a theater where visitors can watch documentaries, a fish spa where guests can have a micro foot massage performed by hundreds of tiny fish, and even an opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Interactive Aquarium , Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, QROO, Mexico, Phone: +52-99-88-83-04-11