08 Dec 10 Epic Experiences To Have In The Mexican Caribbean
We FINALLY made it to Mexico! And what a meet-and-greet it’s been – over a week exploring the gorgeous Mexican Caribbean with the Expedia team. Sitting on Mexico’s east coast, it’s home to the city of Cancún, town of Playa Del Carmen, and the widely different islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel (along with many other cute and charming towns, of course). There’s activities for all kinds of travellers, and since some of the most important Mayan ruins are dotted all over the region, it’s a very important historical location too, offering you a glimpse into the incredible Mayan culture.
But with so much to see, eat, and do, it can be overwhelming, so we’ve broken down the 10 best experiences in the Mexican Caribbean below, to make planning your trip a little bit easier:
Swimming in Cenotes – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
There could be no more unique activity as entering the Mayan underworld to swim in the turquoise waters of the more than 8,000-known cenotes in the region. We chose Kin-Ha and Coba to have a dip, but the options in the Mexican Caribbean are endless. Formed by rain water seeping through limestone, and over time collecting into vast underground river systems, these cenotes allow you to swim in mineral-rich waters surrounded by jungle. A real wanderlist experience for us – hopefully it’s on yours too!
Mayan Beach Club for sunset cocktails – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
Who wouldn’t want to watch the sun go down on one of the most famous beaches in the world, with a drink in hand? Mayan Beach Club Restaurant and Tequileria, on the well-known Playa Norte beach on Isla Mujeres, offers tasty cuisine and local cocktails (and is also a stunning venue for weddings if you are maybe thinking of getting hitched sometime soon). The romantic setting with hanging lights and live music will make for an eventful evening, and the talented barmen will be sure to mix something to your taste.
Jeep Tour & Tequila Tastings – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, Cozumel, is best seen by Jeep. Starting at the Explorean Resort (where activities are included as part of your stay) you make your way around the island with one of the highlights – a Tequila tasting tour at Mi México Lindo. Tantalize your tastebuds and test your Tequila knowledge with an insightful tasting of some of Mexico’s best Tequila, and then let your guide show you the rest of the island, stopping at a tiny beach hut known to serve the world’s best mojito – and we tried it – it was gooooooood.
Azulik Uh May – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
A sensory-rich experience hidden in the jungle near Tulum, the Azulik Uh May museum and creative space is a location in which you can wonder for hours. This architectural masterpiece doubles up as an exhibition space for local and international artists, where every six months, new pieces interact with the surroundings, giving the structure a whole new experiential feel. Don’t forget to look up too, as the roof is an incredible piece of art woven out of indigenous materials towering above you.
Kayaking the Nichupte Lagoon – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
Spanning more than 7,000 acres in the heart of Cancún, the Nichupte Lagoon is a kayaker’s haven. Conexión Nativa Cancún offer guided and customizable tours through the lagoon, allowing you to work up a bit of a sweat, but at the same time learn about the delicate ecosystem of the lagoon. Kayaking allows you to get closer than usual to wildlife (in a non-intrusive way), and the the guides have a wealth of knowledge about the fauna and flora that reside there. Treat yourself to a natural clay mask near the end of the tour too.
The Traveler’s Table Experience – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
Rated as one of the best food experiences in Riviera Maya (and in our opinion – in the whole Mexican Caribbean), The Traveler’s Table brings people from all over the world together for a fun night, filled with experimental Mexican cuisine and lots of laughs. The experience lasts a few hours, and of course caters to all diets (what’s up fellow travel vegans!) This interactive encounter is unlike anything you would have done before, and allows you to mingle with like-minded people over great food and drinks (drinks, I might add, you’ll shake up yourself).
Snorkel the Caribbean Sea – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
Hop off land and onto a private boat fully stocked with refreshments (with other guests staying at the Explorean Resort), and head out onto the blue waters surrounding Cozumel – home to the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. You’ll quickly understand why these waters are some of the best to snorkel in. Expect to see an abundance of sea-life, and even a turtle if you are lucky. After working up an appetite, you’ll head to a pristine beach to relax with some local snacks, and, oh yes, don’t forget to pinch yourself.
Visiting Coba – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
You step back in time when visiting the impressive archaeological site of Coba, a few hours drive from Playa del Carmen. This extensive ancient site is home to Nohoch Mul, the tallest temple in the Yucatan Peninsula. The city was said to have over 50,000 inhabitants at its peak, and there are many well-preserved remnants scattered throughout the ancient city. The best vantage point is of course at the top of Nohoch Mul, which gives you a 360-degree view of an endless jungle landscape.
Sian Kaan Ancient Canal Floating – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
The Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve in the south of the Mexican Caribbean is home to many important and protected animals. The tour starts off by taking a boat trip around two large lagoons where Black Vultures and Egrets can be spotted (just to name a couple). These lagoons are connected by crystal clear canals, one made by the Mayans as a water highway of the past, and another, naturally made allowing water to exit the lagoon. Floating down the limestone canal with Community Tours Sian Kaan is a peaceful yet exciting experience that takes approximately 40 minutes. Allow yourself to float with the current and take it all in.
Kin-Ha Kayaking and Paddle-boarding – Epic Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
A short golf-cart ride from the ferry terminal on Isla Mujeres is Kin-Ha Isla Mujeres. You can kayak in a see-through boat, or try balance the sea water on a paddle board. Whether you’re looking for some island adventures for the whole family, or feel like adding some water-sports to your honeymoon, Kin-Ha is the perfect spot.
Side note: you’ll more than likely be flying into Cancun to begin your adventures, so check out TransfersDV for your Cancun airport transportation or eTransfers for a Cancun airport shuttle. Either one will be able to take you to your first stop, no problem.
That about wraps up our recommendations. If you’d like to see us experiencing these main attractions, then head on over to our Instagram page and watch the archived InstaStories in our “MEXICO” highlights bubble.
Happy Mexican travels!
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