Cancun -- in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, on the Caribbean Sea-- is a tourist powerhouse, with white-sand beaches, and a double waterfront with both beach and lagoon sides. A 25-kilometre Hotel Zone is full of urban-style pleasures: shopping, dining, and bars that college spring-breakers love... Many families, too, flock to Cancun resorts. Below are some cautions and tips about these getaways.
See also: price comparison of different Cancun resorts, and Map of the Hotel Zone.
Cancun Resort Beach Conditions
Cancun beaches can change dramatically, due to erosion, and tropical storms and subsequent repair. Several hurricanes have struck Cancun in recent years, and in each case Mexicos' government has been quick to rehabilitate beach areas. Still, the best approach for visitors is to not assume that a Cancun resort's beach will look, in real life, exactly as pictured on the web or in brochures. Check the official Cancun Travel site for updates about beach recovery after storms or hurricanes; also, photos at Cancun Beach Conditions show many Cancun resorts. Always read recent visitor comments at a site like TripAdvisor.com, which a Cancun Resort Forum as well as hotel reviews.
More Tips about Cancun Beaches
At some hotel locations, waves are frequently rough, especially on the east side of the Hotel Zone. Don't assume that your family -- and especially your small kids -- will be able to swim at the beach, at a Cancun resort; check hotel info and also visitor comments.
The temperature of the sea should be swim-able year-round.
Hurricane Protection
Families attracted to bargain rates during hurricane season should be aware that a number of vacation packagers and individual resort brands offer Hurricane Season weather guarantees, that will reimburse travelers whose vacations are affected by hurricanes. Be sure to read the fine print, though!
Tipping at Cancun All Inclusive Resorts
Visitors at all inclusive resorts should know that tipping is common at these resorts, even when stated policy says "no tipping". Bring along small bills: perhaps $100, for a week.
Dining Out
Unlike many popular areas for all inclusive resorts -- where properties tend to be secluded and self-contained-- most Cancun resorts are located near dozens of restaurants. Families who typically prefer all included resorts may want to think twice before choosing this option. Some properties offer both all inclusive and non-all inclusive plans. (Be aware, though, that in the Hotel Zone, restaurants are seriously expensive.)
Swimming Pools at Cancun Resorts
Most pools aren't heated, except by the sun. If the weather gets cool, the pools will too.
Also be aware that at some resorts, pool areas lose sun in early afternoon. Again, check visitor comments for a particular resort.
Families with Older Teens
Be aware that in Mexico, drinking age is 18; at an all inclusive resort, your son or daughter will get an "adult" wristband which means unlimited access to alcoholic drinks.
Time-share Sellers
These promoters can be aggressive at some Cancun resorts. Check visitor comments, to be forewarned. A firm "not interested" works best.
Recommended Cancun Resort Day-Trips
Cancun is well-positioned for interesting day-trips, so be sure to plan one for your stay.
- most guests take day-trips to the Mayan Riviera, which has coral reef, "eco-archeological" theme park Xcaret, fascinating Mayan ruins, and more.
- Another popular destination is the Chichen Itza site of Mayan ruins. This is a full-day trip, with 2-1/2 hour drive each way; make sure your kids can handle the long travel time.
- a short ferry ride away is laid-back Isla Mujeres, where Garrafon Natural Reef Park has many tourist activities.
- even easier outings of just a couple of hours can be made to several Mayan Ruins right in the Cancun tourist area
Several Cancun resorts provide convenient drop-off spots for the Give a Toy, Get a Smile project, in which vacationers bring along a toy for a local child -- a nice way for your child to give a little gift to a local boy or girl.
