Sightseeing OverviewCancun has little in the way of cerebral or historical attractions. The main draw is undoubtedly the beaches of the
zona hotelera. None of these are actually private, but many of the hotels will make you feel less than welcome. There are, though, some official public beaches that are more relaxed. Predictably, watersports are popular. One of the best places to go snorkeling is at the Punta Nizu. Off the Isla Mujeres lies the El Garrafón Submarine National Park which has excellent scuba diving. Aquaworld (tel: (998) 848 8327; website: www.aquaworld.com.mx)
offers tours. Many hotels and beachside business offer jet-skiing, parasailing and sailing. Some of the best surfing is the Bahía de las Mujeres. There are a number of options for sea and big game fishing, including Aqua-Sports (tel: (998) 887 3414; website:
www.cancun-aquasports.com). Drier, but no less exhilarating pursuits include free-fall parachuting and the 70-meter Regio bungee jump – one of the highest in Mexico. There are several world-class golf courses in Cancun, and most of the major hotels boast squash and tennis facilities. It is even possible to hire horses from the Rancho Loma Bonita (tel: (998) 887 5465; website:
www.lomabonitamex.com). There are a couple of museums that are worth visiting to get an idea of the Mayan history in the region: the Archeological Museum of Cancun and the National Institute of History and Anthropology’s Cultural Center. As a holiday resort, Cancun is famed for its wild nightlife, with a proliferation of bars and clubs.
Tourist InformationState Tourist Office Avenida Tulum 26
Tel: (998) 884 8073.
Website:
www.visitmexico.comKey Attractions:The Beaches The undoubted main attraction at Cancun is the sweeping 14 miles of white sand beaches nestling into the warm waters of the Caribbean. The Isla Cancun is effectively one long beach, separated from the mainland by a series of lagoons. On the sheltered western side of the island, the beaches of Playa Lina, Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol along the Bahia des Mujeres have the calmest water, and are best suited for swimming and watersports. The beaches on the East side of the island have rougher water, but are still idyllic.
Diving Cancun and the surrounding areas of the Mexican Caribbean, like Cozumel and Puerto Morelos, are noted for their clear turquoise waters and colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. There are a number of diving operators, which cater for a wide variety of dive levels.
Lemon Divers Marina Las Perlas
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 2.5
Tel: (998) 845 0977.
E-mail:
lemondiv@qroo1.telmex.net.mx Scuba Cancun Boulevard Kukulkan Km 5
Tel: (998) 849 7508.
Website:
www.scubacancun.com.mx Watersports With so much water around in sea and lagoon, there are many options for watersports. As well as scuba diving and snorkeling, you can windsurf, parasail, kayak, water ski, jet-ski, fish and swim with the dolphins. Most of these sports take place on the Northern beaches, and in the Laguna Nichupté, between the mainland and the Hotel Zone. There are many small operators offering watersports: they can be found anywhere on the beaches or organized through your hotel.
Museo de Antropologia e/
y Historia Cancun’s
Museum of Anthropology and History has as a collection of items such as jewelry, masks and intentionally deformed skulls from the Post-classic period (AD1200-1500) that will give an idea as to the history and culture of the region. Signs are in Spanish so pick up an English info sheet from the ticket counter.
Cancun Convention Center, Boulevard Kukulcán Km 9
Tel: (998) 883 0305.
Xcaret This eco-archaeological park was a Mayan ceremonial centers and port for more than a millennium. Attractions include a butterfly pavilion, aviary, underground rivers in which one can swim, tropical reef aquarium, botanical garden, museum, caverns (guided tours are available) and a Mayan village. Situated down the coast in Playa del Carmen.
Tel: (998) 883 3144.
Website:
www.xcaret.netFurther Distractions:Parque Nizuc If you still haven’t got wet enough, then head for the only marine park at the southern end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. You can snorkel, try the waterslides, swim in a wave pool and even swim with dolphins.
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 25
Tel: (998) 881 3000.
Website:
www.parquenizuc.com La Destileria Museum-restaurant that offers tours tracing the production of tequila from the planting of cacti to the aging and bottling processes. Obviously there are tastings as well.
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 12.6
Tel: (998) 885 1087.
Website:
www.ladestileriacancun.com
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Mexico Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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