Cancun family vacations, relaxation and stress tied hand in hand as you try to plan day trips that will please the whole crew.
You’ve booked your flights, selected your hotel and now you are looking at the hundreds of Cancun tours available and are feeling overwhelmed by the choices. Mom wants to relax, the kids just want to play and dad is looking for some excitement and adventure.
Snorkel trips, zip line parks, bike tours, kayaking adventures, swimming with dolphins, you just don’t have enough vacation days to do it all. And then you stumble on Garrafon Park Isla Mujeres, a one day trip that covers all the bases!
The tiny island of Isla Mujeres lies across the bay from Cancun, a 30 minute ferry ride to paradise. At the southern tip of the island you’ll find Garrafon Natural Reef Park, set on stunning cliffs and a coral reef, with spectacular views of sea blues that seem to be straight out of a postcard. The ideal spot to spend a day enjoying the tropical breezes, the underwater world and quality time with loved ones.
Your journey begins in Cancun as you board the modern ferry for your trip across the sea. You’ll enjoy a light breakfast, fresh juices and coffee as you oooh and ahhh at the colors of the ocean. When you land at Isla Mujeres, leaping dolphins greet you at the docks of Dolphin Discovery. You may choose to have the experience of a lifetime and swim with these friendly marine mammals in addition to your day at Garrafon, the dolphin swim package deals are a great way to combine two unique adventures.
A quick taxi ride down an island road and you arrive at the top of a cliff, with soaring palm trees, blooming flowers and vistas that are almost impossible to describe. You hear a “zzzzzzzzzzzzip” and a “wheeeee” as you spot someone flying down from the top of the cliff to the waters below on a zip line. You could choose to walk down the garden path, but your heart is pumping and you strap on the harness and take the adrenaline path instead, laughing and thinking about what everyone in the office will say about your daring.
At the base of the cliff you find the cozy beach, an infinity pool and the reef area for snorkeling and kayaks. Mom orders a cool drink and heads for the pool, finding a shady spot in a hidden cave, taking a moment to breathe and relax. Dad and the kids find their snorkel gear and hit the reef, marveling at the tropical fish and coral they discover. Next up is a spin in the kayaks, floating and gliding over the calm seas and maybe even a no holds barred splash war.
By now everyone has worked up quite an appetite and it’s time to enjoy the all you can eat buffet. With a wide variety of delicious salads, pastas, Mexican fare and good old pizza and burgers, everyone is energized (and with all the exercise you’re getting, that second piece of cake is not a bad idea at all). You sip your Garrafon Lemonade (highly recommended!) and gaze across the ocean at the skyline of Cancun in the distance. This is the moment where you feel perfectly at peace, in touch with nature and reconnected with your family.
The rest of the day is spent exploring the cliffs, riding bikes to Punta Sur, learning to do handstands underwater, swinging in the hammocks, watching the soaring frigate birds, chasing iguanas and butterflies, and burying Dad in the sand. You look around at your family, bronzed skin, pink noses and sparkling eyes and let out a sigh of contentment. This was better than you could have imagined, the perfect, stress-free family vacation day at Garrafon Park.
About the Author: Kelly McLaughlin is a Canadian woman living in Cancun, Mexico. She lives to explore the region, write about it, photograph it and share her tales through social media. She loves visiting Isla Mujures and Garrafon Park.
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