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Cancun Underwater Museum Snorkeling Tour

Head North To The Las Coloradas Pink Lakes

THE BEST Cancun Excursion | Isla Mujeres Catamaran Trip | Underwater Museum Snorkeling

Looking like something swiped straight from a postcard , the Las Coloradas Pink Lakes is one of Mexicos most unique natural wonders.

Situated at the very tip of the state of Yucatan within the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve , these blush-hued waters are actually a result of a concentration of pigmented algae and microscopic crustaceans known as brine shrimp, which thrive in the high salt content of the regions coastal waters.

While you cant swim in the lakes , you can take a boat ride out to them, or simply enjoy their cotton-candy beauty from the comfort of the nearby walking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife too flamingos, crocodiles, jaguars, sea turtles, and a host of birdlife are known to frequent the pink lakes.

The nearby eponymous fishing village is charming and worth a stop for a quick bite, and the coastal hiking/biking route is a great add-on option for those who want to stretch the legs.

When To Dive Musa Cancun

You can take a scuba diving trip to MUSA setting off in the morning or at lunchtime, depending on the dive company you select.

You can dive MUSA year-round.

The average water temperature in Cancun is 23C to 26C in the winter and 27C to 29C in the summer.

Youll find the best diving time at MUSA between November and April. Theres less rain and its not as hot.

How Musa Affects The Local Environment

The statues of the Museo Subacuático de Arte are created above ground. Theyre made of pH-neutral marine concrete in conjunction with the Cancun Nautical Association and the Cancun Marine Park.

All the underwater statues for MUSA are cleaned before installation to ensure no chemicals contaminate water, reef, or marine animals.

The statues also contain holes and were implanted with coral from local damaged reefs. This allows coral to regrow and the marine wildlife to colonize and feed here.

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Let Your Hair Down On A Boat Party Near Cancun

What comes to mind when you picture Cancun? Turquoise waters, white sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and a cocktail and tequila shot right? Well, a boat party is the perfect way to experience all of that and more! in one go.

A great opportunity to mingle with other travelers, these booze-filled cruises combine live DJs with free-flowing champagne, water sports activities, epic view of the Zona Hotelera, an all-you-can-drink bar, and stops at Isla Mujeres, private beach clubs, or vibrant snorkeling spots.

Oh, and did we mention that theyre also great value for money too? With most boat parties costing less than $100 USD per person and some even offering free entry to clubs or other activities afterward theyre a no-brainer for thirsty travelers!

Most boat parties depart from Puerto Juarez or Caribbean Carnival Pier in Cancun and while thats the starting point, youll slowly drift away from the big city into a world of blue waters, beautiful beaches, and party people from all over the globe.

Isla Mujeres: The Best Place For Snorkeling

SNORKEL IN THE CANCUN UNDERWATER MUSEUM

Isla Mujeres is a unique snorkeling destination that offers something for everyone. You can enjoy the best coral reefs in the world here from the shore. If youre more daring, you can snorkel off the beach and take in the waves. You wont believe the marine life in Cancun, but make sure to see one of the best spots. Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional snorkel experience, go to any of Mexicos top beaches.

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Dial Up The Romance With A Columbus Dinner Cruise

Combining the best of both worlds a delicious dinner and stunning views of the Mexican coastline a Columbus dinner cruise serves as both a relaxing and romantic way to spend an evening near Cancun.

Named after Christopher Columbus, who first landed in Mexico back in the late 1400s, the cruise ship takes guests on a leisurely tour around the calm waters of the Nichupté Lagoon, with the sounds of live saxophone music echoing in the background.

As you dine on a sumptuous three-course meal with an open bar to boot, youll be treated to unobstructed views of the twinkling city skyline.

Take your pick from the surf n turf, lobster dinner, ribeye, or vegetarian menu, and let the good times roll and the cocktails flow as you sail into the night.

And Come Back For The Firey Xplor Fuego Adventure Park At Night

If youre feeling giddy after reading through #16 , then take note: when you go Fuego-style, the attraction takes it up a notch.

Held at Xplor but with the caveat of being under the moonlight, the Fuego package includes unlimited use of all the activities on offer, as well as a buffet dinner, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, live music, and entertainment.

The standard package brings together a host of adventure activities, from ziplining through a 7-rope course and driving amphibious vehicles through the 3.1-mile jungle and cave circuit, to rafting through 623 yards of red-lit underground rivers, and swimming in stalactite-abundant caves.

If youre hoping to stretch the legs, the cave hike is a crowd favorite, while the pyrotechnics all around the park will certainly get the heart racing.

As the only night-time zip-lining park in Mexico, Xplor Fuego is an experience not to be missed for those whose itch for adventure runs deeper than most.

Once the daytime Xplor crowds have cleared out, Fuego kickstarts from 5:30pm and stays open till 11pm Monday to Saturday.

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Spend The Day At Xcaret Park

Chock-full of adventure for the whole family, Xcaret Park is an eco-archaeological theme park near Cancun that provides visitors with a unique insight into Mexicos history, culture, and natural environment, all at once.

Set amongst the backdrop of stunning jungles and pristine beaches, Xcaret Park offers something for everyone from swimming in underground rivers and relaxing in natural hot springs to exploring ancient ruins, snorkeling in the worlds second-largest coral reef, mingling with friendly residents at the Coral Reef Aquarium or zoo, learning a thing or two from the on-site Bromeliad Museum, and taking a front-row seat to watch a traditional Mexican dance or theatre show.

The Mexican Folk Art Museum is a cultural bonus, likewise the equestrian show, the replica of a Mayan village, and the Bridge to Paradise Mexican Cemetery.

If youre more about nature than culture, youll be pleased to know that animal encounters are a dime a dozen here including dolphin swims, bird aviary visits, butterfly gardens , and pink flamingo meet and greets .

And when you work up an appetite from all that exploring, Xcaret Park has you covered with a plethora of excellent restaurants to choose from .

And for anyone traveling with little tots, Childrens World is a special area where the youngsters can swim in shallow cenotes and wading pools, all under the watchful eye of expert lifeguards.

An Introduction To Musa

Cancun Underwater Museum, Mexico

MUSA is the brainchild of Jaime Gonzalez Canto with the help of British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Their aim was to help protect the local coral reefs by proving a dedicated place for divers to explore Cancuns pristine waters. Construction began in 2009 and the museum opened one year later Today, there are over 500 sculptures placed within 2 separate section of Cancun National Marine Park. MUSA welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors each year.

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Grab Tickets To The Jolly Roger Pirate Dinner Show Cruise

A Cancun institution, the Jolly Roger pirate dinner show is a must-do for anyone visiting the area especially those with kids in tow.

Featuring a swashbuckling pirate ship complete with cannons, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, sword fighting, singalongs, fireworks, and of course plenty of rum , the seafaring extravaganza promises an evening of non-stop fun, laughter, and good times.

Held just a short walk from Cancuns main strip, the Jolly Roger pirate dinner show is an affordable and family-friendly way to enjoy some of Mexicos vibrant culture and traditions.

Plus, the all-you-can-eat buffet features a delicious selection of international and local dishes, so youre guaranteed to leave with a full stomach.

Being a replica of Columbus original flagship, even the boat itself, with its three masts and billowing sails, is a sight to behold the ideal venue for 3 ½ hours of full-on pirate shenanigans.

Enjoy The Magical Cirque Du Soleil Joy Show

A mesmerizing mix of acrobatics, storytelling, special effects, on-stage bands, and stunning costumes, Cirque du Soleils JOYÀ show brings the world-famous Cirque reputation and adds an authentic peppering of Mexican culture on top.

With a unique blend of circus arts and theatrical performance, JOYÀ tells the story of an eccentric scientist and his granddaughter who embark on a journey to discover the secrets of life. The result is an unforgettable spectacle that will leave you both amazed and inspired.

With three different showtimes available, as well as VIP upgrade options that include an extra hour of intimate entertainment with dinner and champagne, theres something for every schedule and luxury appetite.

And while its not the cheapest of activities on this list, the spectacular showmanship and brilliantly talented acrobats put JOYÀ up there among the most essential things to do near Cancun for an evening of entertainment.

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The Best Places To Snorkel In Isla Mujeres

The colorful coral in Isla Mujeres is excellent for snorkeling, and there are numerous marine species to be seen. The beaches are frequently crowded, so make plans ahead of time to book a tour, and there are a limited number of spots available. You can snorkel from the shore by going to Garrafon Reef Park and the bridge to the Mia Reef Hotel. You can also find equipment rental shops in addition to purchasing or renting from them. It is usually less crowded on the west side of town and offers deeper and clearer water than Playa del Carmen. If youre a snorkeler for the first time, join us on our snorkeling tour.

Mingle With The Monkeys At The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

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Animal lovers, this one has your name written all over it.

Situated in the small town of Akumal along the radiant Riviera Maya , just a short drive down the coast from Cancun, the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is home to a troop of dozens of monkeys and primates from all over the world friendly critters that have been rescued and now live in a semi-wild state in the protected jungle area.

Housing the beautiful Lemurs of Madagascar, a handful of Capuchin monkeys, and families of speedy Spider Monkey, the Monkey Sanctuary is a great place to learn about these amazing animals, their habitats, their diets, and their social structures.

Despite the name, youll find more than monkeys here all up, over 200 critters from 55 different species wander the well-kept sanctuary.

And of course, youll get plenty of opportunities to take photos and even feed some of the monkeys during your visit if theyre feeling playful enough, they might take a leap onto your shoulder too. Make no mistake though this is no zoo.

The sanctuary blends animal conversation and meet-and-greets with typical Mexican adventure, offering ATV excursions, cenote swims, and guided tours as part of their options.

You can feel good knowing that the entry fees all go to supporting the efforts to keep rescued animals in a safe home.

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Head To At Least One Of The Native Parks

Ditch the high-rise hotels and crowded beaches for a day and get back to nature with a visit to one of the several protected natural areas that surround Cancun.

One of the most popular choices is Punta Nizuc, located just minutes from the main drag, where you can find some of the areas best snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as a mangrove forest thats perfect for exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

For those with a bit more time on their hands , the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve is about two hours south of Cancun and offers visitors the chance to see an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, including over 300 species of birds, in their natural habitat.

Common for group tours, Emotions Native Park, Native Park Tulum, and the eco-archaeological Xcaret Park are all excellent choices that offer a variety of activities, such as zip-lining, ATVing, horseback riding, and more typically included in any package tour deals.

Theres also the chance to spot some Mayan ruins, go fishing, or take a dip in one of the many freshwater cenotes that dot the area.

So whether youre looking to get in touch with your wild side or just want to explore the Mexican jungle without having to venture too far from Cancun, be sure to add one of the wonderful native parks to your to-do list.

Bank & Credit Card Fees

Some banks and credit cards impose fees for cross-border transactions. By reserving your tour and excursion on this website, you may see an additional cost/fee appearing on your credit card statement. This fee is solely determined by your Bank and/or Credit Card Company and Island Routes Caribbean Adventures takes no responsibility for these associated costs. If you have any questions about these types of fees applied to your reservation, please contact your bank directly.

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How To Get To Musa

MUSA is located within the Cancun National Marine Park between the northern tip of the Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres. Obviously, you cannot just boat out to the waters yourself, hop in, and start looking around. The easiest option for most visitors is to book with a local tour operator. Basically any resort hotel should be able to arrange this for you. Pick-ups for the ferry are available in several places around Cancun, including at the Marina Puerto Cancun in the Hotel Zone. Ferries normally run daily every half-hour until 9:00 p.m. Be sure to carry some Pesos in case you need to grab a ticket or some supplies along the way. If youre booking your visit through your hotel or a dedicated tour operator, transportation should be arranged for you. Also, make sure to inquire beforehand regarding what to bring .

Relax On The Untouched White Sands Of Isla Blanca

Snorkeling in Cancun Hotel Zone – Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA)

Still a relatively unknown jewel of the Yucatan coast, Isla Blanca is a long, thin stretch of white sand beach that sits about an hour north of Cancun that as you might expect from the name delivers picturesque white sands and jealousy-evoking photo opportunities galore.

This isnt a place where youll find high-rise hotels, booming beach bars, and glittery nightclubs peaceful and laid-back would be a far more accurate way to describe the atmosphere here.

Lapped by gentle waves and with very few people around , this beautiful spot is a little slice of paradise for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but dont want to venture too far from all the comforts that Cancun has to offer.

With a wide range of activities on offer, including swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, fly fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing , as well as no fewer than 20 kilometers worth of beaches, its no wonder this underrated gem is considered by locals as one of the best things to do near Cancun.

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Meander Through The Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

A deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve is one of the most ecologically diverse and important protected areas in all of Mexico.

Stretching from the Riviera Maya coastline all the way inland to the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, this reserve encompasses over 5,280 square kilometers of land and sea, including mangrove forests, rainforests, wetlands, beaches, and coral reefs all teeming with wildlife, turtles playing in the vibrant shores to spider monkeys leaping from tree to tree.

A visit here can take many different forms, from a day spent lounging on the pristine white sand beaches of Punta Allen to an overnight camping trip deep in the jungle, or even a boat tour through the mangrove-lined canals in search of crocodiles, manatees, and a wide variety of bird species fluttering through the canopies.

But regardless of how you choose to spend your time in the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, one thing is for sure youll be blown away by the sheer beauty and biodiversity of this special place.

Nature aside, the area is steeped in history too. Throughout the reserve, youll find almost two-dozen Maya civilization archaeological sites , as well as a handful of remains of the early 20th-century Decauville railway Vigía Chico-Santa Cruz.

The name itself translates to Gate of heaven, and once youve spent a day wandering around its diverse landscapes, youll quickly understand why.

Cool Off In The Natural Swimming Holes At Xenotes Park

Considered one of the best things to do near Cancun for nature lovers, especially when the sun is sizzling, Xenotes Park is an outdoor oasis thats home to four different types of cenote : semi-open, open, ancient, and cavern.

Far more than just a collection of beautiful swimming holes, this family-friendly park combines the excitement of zip-lining, rappelling, and ATVing with the opportunity to cool down in some of Mexicos most stunning natural wonders.

Highlights include swimming in crystal clear waters beneath a cathedral-like cavern roof, zip-lining into an ancient cenote, kayaking through the underwater gardens of Ha, cliff jumping from more than 20 feet into deep turquoise waters, and exploring an underground cave system.

Hot tip: As part of the Xcaret Group, you can save upwards of 20% by combining Xenotes with some of the other parks mentioned above .

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