Make A Splash With The Family In The Friendly
Waters Of CancunThough Cancun is best known
for its sparkling resorts and
pristine beaches, this stretch of the Maya Riviera is also one
of the world's best destinations for family-friendly recreation.
As conditions vary from open Caribbean waters to calm lagoons
within close reach of the Hotel Zone, nearly every water sport
imaginable is offered somewhere in Cancun. Families can dive and
snorkel in the Laguna Nichupte, a calm body of water connecting
the mainland and the Hotel Zone. Experienced divers can explore
coral reefs and shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea or plunge into
the world's longest underground river. Throw in sailing,
fishing, jet skiing, windsurfing and kayaking and you can see
why Cancun is one of the Caribbean's best destinations for water
sports.
Considering that Cancun is a favorite destination for families,
it seems almost too good to be true that the city is also one of
the world's premier locations for beginning scuba divers. In
fact, the waters surrounding Cancun rest atop the Great
Mesoamerican Reef – the largest coral reef system in the Western
Hemisphere. Offshore from the small village of Puerto Morelos
south of Cancun, the reef can be viewed at depths below 9 feet.
Supporting an incredible variety of submarine life, the reef can
be enjoyed by families thanks to such shallow depths and great
visibility.
In addition to the sprawling coral reef system, there are
several more underwater oddities for families to explore. Like
many other places in the Caribbean, Cancun has its share of
sunken vessels. At each site, you will find plenty to explore –
from the corals that sprout from the ships' hulls to the
families of fish that call these boats home. As Cancun is also
home to the world's largest underground river, the inland caves
and sinkholes are also popular destinations for more adventurous
divers. Lastly, whether you plan to scuba dive or not, all
visitors to Cancun should visit the pristine coral reefs and
exotic surroundings of El Garrafon National Park.
Like scuba diving, snorkeling is a great way to see the
underwater sights of Cancun. However, snorkeling doesn't require
as much equipment or training as scuba diving. If your time in
Cancun is limited, your family might want to consider snorkeling
as it is easy for all ages and skill levels to get involved.
Snorkeling tours visit many of the sites popular with scuba
divers as the reefs are shallow enough to be viewed from the
surface.
If you want to dive or snorkel while in Cancun, you won't have
any trouble finding equipment or dive operators. Rental
equipment is available at most resorts, while several dive tours
operate daily and visit all the most popular sites. If you have
never experienced scuba diving, it is also possible to receive
training and certification while in Cancun. Affordable courses
are available for all ages and range from brief classes to
acquaint divers with the sport's basics to full certification
seminars that can last several days.
As the Caribbean Sea is generally calm off the coast of Cancun,
jet skiing and kayaking have also become popular activities. Jet
skis and other water toys can be rented from a number of shops
at Cancun's marina or directly through your resort. Kayaking can
be enjoyed by simply paddling in the calm Caribbean water or by
combining the sport with snorkeling for a complete Cancun
experience. Where the waves begin to pick up along the northern
end of Bahia de Mujeres, windsurfing is the sport of choice.
For those in search of a more relaxing way to enjoy the
Caribbean, charter boats are available for deep sea fishing or
simple cruises. Big game fishing is popular with locals as well
as tourists, supported by annual fishing tournaments throughout
the region. In the spring and summer months, fishers can reel in
marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi and Spanish mackerel. Much like the
other water sport activities mentioned here, it is easy to find
boat rentals in Cancun and many are available with full staffs.
For the ultimate in relaxation, take a ride with one of Cancun's
sailing catamarans – you won't have to do anything but enjoy the
sun and sea.
About the Author:
Justin Burch writes articles about travel in
Cancun
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/cunmx-casamagna-marriott-cancun-resort
and Mexico tourism for the Marriott Resorts.
More Cancun Articles
|
Cancun Mexico Tours and Attractions
Choose from one
of our many Cancun Mexico Sightseeing Tours, Activities, and Cancun
Tourist Attractions
Cancun Hotels
Cancun Hotel Chains
|