Garrafon Natural Reef Park

Garrafon Natural Reef Park is on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres and a 25-minute boat trip from Cancun. Leave behind the hustle and bustle and come into this natural playground where you can snorkel right off the shore, go trekking through the jungle, swim with dolphins or simply find yourself a lounger and enjoy a long cool drink.

This a great snorkelling spot. There’s no need to arrange a lift out to sea as you can simply wade out into the water from the beach and enjoy the dazzling palette of the underwater world of the reef. The entrance fee includes snorkelling gear, so all you need is swimwear and a towel.

You could also get further out to sea on a kayak. There are one- or two-man kayaks available and you’ll always be safely within the confines of the park.

Then there are the dolphins to swim, play and make friends with. Have a chat to one of the staff to find the best dolphin experience to suit you. If the waves are looking rough out there, don’t forget there’s also a 30-metre freshwater swimming pool.

For those of us who are feeling more energetic, there is also the option of hiking up through the jungle to the top of the cliff at Punta Sur, where the view is even more breathtaking. Up at the top there is also an outdoor sculpture garden where you can wander around among works by 23 artists from Mexico and beyond. There is also a ruined Mayan Temple up here. Built in reverence to Ixchel, Goddess of the Moon, the temple was damaged quite severely by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, but still stands as a cultural monument. Then, last but not least, rip through the air on the zip-line which will take you back down to the coast!

Boats to Isla Mujeres leave from Playa Tortuga and other coastal areas around Cancun. The park is open daily, and the entrance fee covers most activities as well as a buffet.