Eco- and Water Parks

Ecoparks

Despite the deluge of advertising you’ll see for Xcaret [1], Xel-Há [2], and Garrafón [3], none are actually in Cancún. Parque Garrafón is the closest, situated on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres [4]. The other two are 60–90 minutes south of Cancún, near Playa del Carmen [5] and Tulum [6] 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 [7], 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 [8], US$79–200), a dolphin interaction program.