Ecoparks

Despite the deluge of advertising you’ll see for Xcaret, Xel-Há, and Garrafón, none are actually in Cancún. Parque Garrafón is the closest, situated on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. The other two are 60–90 minutes south of Cancún, near Playa del Carmen and Tulum respectively.

You can buy tickets at the gates, though most people buy them at their hotels or through a travel agency in Cancún so that bus transportation is included in the cost; discounted park tickets also are popular giveaways for taking part in a time-share presentation.

Water Parks

Also known as Parque Nizúc, Wet n’ Wild (Blvd. Kukulcán Km. 25, tel. 998/193-2000, www.wetnwildcancun.com, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, US$59 adult all-inclusive, US$49 child all-inclusive) is a small but classic water park with a handful of twisting slippery slides, high-speed water toboggans, and family-size inner tubing. It’s a great way to cool off, especially if you’re traveling with kids (or want to channel your own inner five-year-old). The all-inclusive plan includes all rides, meals, and drinks (BYO towel, though).

The park is also home to Dolphinaris Cancún (Blvd. Kukulcán Km. 25, tel. 998/881-3000, toll-free Mex. tel. 800/365-7446, www.dolphinaris.com, US$79–200), a dolphin interaction program.