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Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...

3-from-CO
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15 posts
3 reviews
Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...
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Hi

Our first family trip to Cancun (I went to Cozumel years ago) ... any last minute suggestions for family of three - child is 12 yrs old?

We don't want to be on the go all of the time & are thinking about every other day will be at the hotel or at the local markets.

*Staying at Gran Caribe Real (co-workers time share)

*Have round trip transportation to / from airport reserved

*Have Gimme All Challenge at Selvatica booked for Monday

*bringing cash to get pesos

*suggestions for local markets welcome

*will probably go to El Rey since it's close & easy

*will probably do the feeding the sharks at the Interactive Aquarium

*12-yr old not interested in swimming with the dolphins (may change his mind when we are there though lol).

Have considered a snorkeling trip or deep sea fishing - but a bit concerned about the weather mid-week.

This is such a great forum with so much info - thanks to everyone who takes the time to post!

Poughkeepsie, NY
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527 posts
165 reviews
193 helpful votes
1. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...
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Take the bus....9.5 pesos ( 75 cents ) for the ride of your life......La Isla mall is near you, for wife's sake.... Go to Playa Tortugas ( bus driver will tell you ) and go to Isla Mujeres for the day.....Snorkeling? Bus to Aqua World for snorkeling to Punta Nizuc....Better snorkeling in Puerto Morales, and, of course, Akumal, but mucho farther...Been to El Rey, only thing interesting there are the iguanas......Bus to mercado 23 or 28 downtown for marketplaces......Have a swell time....

Edited: 10 years ago
Massachusetts
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24 reviews
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2. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...
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"*12-yr old not interested in swimming with the dolphins (may change his mind when we are there though lol)."

So happy to read that. Please do not encourage him/her. Have a great vacation, and when you get back and have some spare time, please do some research on these "dolphin prisons".

Dix Hills, New York
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9 posts
71 reviews
38 helpful votes
3. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...
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The "jungle tour" is always fun for kids - you take wave runners or these little boats out to an area where you snorkel. You can do them through Aqua World or some other places - I am sure they will have info at your hotel. If your 12 year old is adventurous, the ATV - zip line tour is another fun one. There is also a Wet N Wild if your child likes water parks (avoid the hot dogs). When my kids were younger 1 day was always spent there and they really enjoyed it. And in case of the "r" word, there is a movie theater at La Isla that shows pretty current movies in English. Dont be afraid to use the buses - they are inexpensive and easy to figure out. Have fun!

3-from-CO
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15 posts
3 reviews
4. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...
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Thanks everyone!! I think we will take the ferry over to Isla Mujeres for a day too!

5. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...

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SpingBreakAshley
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20 posts
46 reviews
43 helpful votes
6. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...
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What about trying the Jet Pack excursion? Your 12 year old would LOVE that. You can find this at La isla shopping mall, practically across the street from the Gran Caribe (5 minutes walking to your left). Ask for Celeste, she's the manager, and speaks amazing english so you can get all the info you need! This is probably one of the coolest excursions Ive seen here in Cancun and its fairly new. You fly via jetpack over the water for about 30 minutes, directing yourself with the handles on your jet pack. It's straight out of an action movie.. I think your 12 year old would absolutely love this, and so would you honestly!

Milwaukee
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138 posts
12 reviews
23 helpful votes
7. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...
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So much to do, but I wouldn't pack it all in.

You will be back :) again and again with him.

We have done something different every time we've gone to Mexico.

1. Chichen Itza ; Did an all day tour with trip to a Cenote. Was so amazing. The lunch was really wonderful buffet at a nice hotel right outside of Chichen Itza. There was some light entertainment while we ate lunch and enjoyed margaritas. About a half hour away on the way home, we stopped for a 20 min jump/swim into a cenote. Cenote was beautiful and exciting for the kids. Long drive, but easy on the comfortable bus. When I ask my 3 kids what the most memorable thing they have ever done in Mexico - it's Chichen Itza. Must have a tour guide for this because you will miss out on the amazing history and the legends. We got a discounted rate for our family through the resort - did a 1 hour "update/check" of our timeshare at the Westin Lagunamar. We were going to hire a private driver - I am so glad we didn't because the tour guide was essential, the bus was so comfortable, and we were able to sleep on the way back. There were also refreshments on the bus and we stopped a few times for a snack and for 10 min of shopping on the way there. If you are not up for a road trip adventure, or if you could care less about ruins, then I think your plan to see El Rey is just fine. It is very small but will be fun for pictures. http://www.mycancuntours.com/tours/chichen-itza-tour.asp

2. Heard Xcaret is really great with an amazing evening show. We will probably do this with our kids this year.

3. Isla Mujeras day trip - rent a golf cart and cruise the small island. Swim at Playa Norte. Stand Up Paddleboard rental on the beach. Snorkling also on island.

4. Tulum and Xel Ha combo trip - If I had to choose only one, it would be Chichen Itza. Although, Tulum has a beach on site that you can climb down to and take a dip if it is hot out.

5. The beach by our hotel was wonderful and the lifeguard had boogie boards that they rented very cheaply.

6. Something I read about but have not done yet is Pericos in downtown. Supposedly it is very fun and lively with entertainement going on all around as you eat or enjoy a few cocktails. I think it is family appropriate. My husband and I are going to check it out and then probably bring our 15 and 16 year old when we go at Easter.

Have fun!!!

8. Re: Arriving in Cancun on Saturday ...

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