The 75 mile long coast between Cancun in the north to Tulum in the south is one of the best places to take your family for holiday. The festive atmosphere of the local culture, access to beautiful beaches, historic Mayan ruins, and the amazing Belize Barrier Reef all make for a great vacation setting.

There are many all-inclusive resorts and hotels available to choose from that are family-friendly. You could stay closer to the higher energy of Cancun, or venture further away from the airport to be better positioned should you wish to take a couple of day trips to see the surrounding areas.

All-Inclusive Hotel

AZUL Beach Hotel by Karisma is one all-inclusive that you should check out. It includes a variety of restaurants, a beach butler service, kids’ programs, baby/toddler gear, 24-hour room service, various activities like Spanish or yoga lessons, and water sports in the lodging fee.

This all-inclusive is located just 20 minutes from the Cancun airport and specifically caters to families with younger children. Babies and toddlers up to age 3 stay free and lodging for kids up to age 12 is 50% off. The AZUL Beach Hotel has a partnership with Fisher-Price and even offers a toy lending program – no need to waste precious luggage space and what kid doesn’t enjoy playing with something new?

Tulum

About 80 miles from Cancun lies the ancient seaside town of Tulum. At a point where the sea meets the land sits an ancient Mayan ruin. While here you can spend the day talking about how archaeologists found this site, see who can spot the most iguanas amongst the ruins, buy some lunch and souvenirs at the local market or listen for the music and see the voladores or “dance of the flying men”.

When you’re ready to relax a little, enjoy some quality time on the nearby beach or playing in the beautiful Caribbean waters. The beach is not very big, but the waters are shallow and warm.

Tip: Guided tours of the site are available for approximately $40 USD for a group of 4. There are signs that indicate what various parts of the structure were used for, but a guide will be money well spent to help make the past come to life.

Note: To ensure safer footing, it’s advised to wear rubber soled shoes or hiking footwear around the archeaological sites.

Crococun (Puerto Morelos)

This attraction actually helps rehabilitate crocodiles that were abused or injured so that they may be released back into the wild. You can also feed the monkeys and deer that live here and hold or touch boas, iguanas, and possibly a monkey. The setting is gorgeous and tropical and there are many chances to get some great pictures.

Guided tours are available for about $ 10/person and last about an hour and a half. Give this some serious consideration as something you all can enjoy together where you can learn about crocodiles and other animals.

Beaches

By taking your vacation to the Mayan Riviera, your family will probably spend time vising different area beaches. One thing you might want to try is snorkeling. The warm water hosts colorful fish that will delight the kids for sure. If you have older children, there are numerous places that you can snorkel, jet ski, or learn how to scuba dive.

In addition to the amazing beaches, your family can also enjoy one of several water parks in the area. Two of the most popular and famous are Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Xcaret features an underground river that kids from ages 5 and up can swim in. It also has a river boat ride, snorkeling, Mayan World with real and recreated Mayan ruins, and live entertaninment. Xel-Ha is for those who love animals. Here you can see big cats like pumas and jaguars, butterflies, giant turtles, and manatees.

Tip: Check the Xcaret & Xel-Ha websites to book your entrance online to save 10% and get more details.

Weather

The mean annual temperature in this region of Mexico ranges from 24° – 25° C (77 – 79 F). There is a rainy season that runs from May through November. While hurricanes and tropical storms can occur, they usually don’t make landfall in this area. The temperature fluctuations are not too great, so lighter clothing is advisable pretty much all year-long. If you will be traveling in the cooler months of November – January, you might want to bring a jacket or just buy something there, if necessary.

Underwater Cave Diving

Mexico is a great place for those who enjoy underwater cave exploration. The Yucatan area has some of the most beautiful and extensive underwater caves on the planet. The area called the Quinatan Roo has been the most explored, but one will find numerous cenotes throughout the Mayan Riviera region to explore. The waters generally stay warm year-round and make for some interesting diving experiences.

National Geographic recently reported that some old skeletal remains have been found in an underwater cave just outside of Tulum. Dubbed Eva of Naharon, it appears that this will be the oldest skeleton ever found in the Americas. Who can say what your family might discover while exploring a cenote or cave?

However, let it be noted that you must be an experienced diver and certified in cave diving as it is unique and not safe for those who don’t know what they are doing. If you have some serious divers in your family, this might be an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime experience for the family to try.

Note: If your vacation allows for it, consider a day trip over to Cozumel island. There are ferries which will take you from Playa del Carmen

Mild weather, friendly people, and easy access to historic ruins, fun shopping, and the beach make visiting the Mayan Riviera area of Mexico a great choice for families.