If you’re headed to Cancun on your next TravelSmart VIP getaway, why not break away from the crowds and enjoy authentic Mexican experiences off the beaten path.
When visiting Mexico, most tend to focus on the ruins and the eco-parks but what about the amazing aquatic experiences the Riviera Maya has to offer? Here are our suggestions for 3 activities that will not only provide picture-perfect moments but create memories to last a lifetime.
Nopalito Lagoon
Located just south of Tulum, Mexico, few vacation adventurers know about the Nopalito Lagoon in Pino Suarez. Unlike other beaches on the Riviera Maya coastline, it doesn’t have any beachfront bars, stores, or hotels lining the shore, just you and the crystal clear water of the lagoon. Perfect for a hot day! The swimming here is fantastic, so be sure to pack a swimsuit.
Cenote Dos Ojos
The cenotes, or natural sinkholes, in the Riviera Maya are all superb, but if you want to visit one that’s a bit more under the radar than the others, head to Cenote Dos Ojos, located in Tulum. You’ll take a short walk through the jungle to get to this cenote, the name of which translates to “two eyes” in English. The diving here is unparalleled, and only small groups (four people) are allowed to dive at a time, so it never gets too crowded. The waters are tranquil and the views are amazing.
Akumal aka Turtle Town
The unique ecology of the Riviera Maya makes Akumal the ideal place for turtles—and a variety of other marine life—with the protection of the mangrove jungles on one side and the coral reef on the other. Between the two, are fields of seagrass that nurture turtles and protect their young. With hundreds of turtles nesting on the beach every year the people of the area work hard to protect them. During sea turtle nesting season, visitors can volunteer to join turtle walks to look for new nests, move eggs to protect hatchlings and release baby sea turtles into the sea.
Did you know about these hidden gems in Mexico? Which unique adventures would you like to visit on your next TravelSmart VIP getaway to Cancun? Let us know in the comments below!