While we often imagine a travel experience free of stress and hassle, we know that finding the right things to do that will please everyone can be a challenge, especially in large groups or families. When looking for ideas, take into account the age of your family members, what their interests are, and how much time you think everyone will enjoy being away from the hotel. Luckily, several tours combine different experiences, which makes it easier to find something for everyone.
13 great Riviera Maya and Cancun family activities
Chichen Itza Deluxe
Discover one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world and the capital of the Mayan empire, Chichen Itza, before continuing on for an exploration of the amazing Ik Kil cenote (sinkhole).
Minimum age requirements: None
Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours
Considerations: The length of this tour and the Yucatan heat may be too much for the very young or elderly. Private tours are available for those who want to have more flexibility.
Tulum-Akumal
Visit one of the most beautiful Maya archaeological sites in all of Mexico then head off to Akumal, a sea turtle sanctuary with abundant marine life and the ideal spot for snorkeling.
Minimum age requirements: 8 years old
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Considerations: With just a few hours at each place, this tour is a great option for those who want to combine the best of both worlds. With little to no waves, snorkeling in Akumal Bay is something for pretty much everybody.
Captain Hook
Cruise the calm Cancun waters aboard an 18th century replica of a Spanish Galleon for an evening filled with laughter, music, dancing, delicious food and great entertainment.
Minimum age requirements: None
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Considerations: This tour is wonderful for all of us who grew up dreaming about and playing pirates. A great surprise for the little ones!
Xplor Adventure Park
Fly over unspoiled jungle on zip lines, enjoy magnificent views, swim in underground rivers, ride an amphibious vehicle and raft through mystical underground waters. For adventure lovers!
Minimum age requirements: 5 years old (4.7 ft.)
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Considerations: This activity is more for those adventure-seeking families who want to share the thrill of flying through the jungle and submerging in ancient, subterraneous waterways.
Xcaret
Experience a feast of color while learning about Mexico’s rich history at this majestic park by the sea featuring unique activities for the entire family. Don’t miss the spectacular evening show!
Minimum age requirements: None
Duration: Approx. 10 hours
Considerations: While this is definitely an all-day activity, there is definitely something for everyone here. Plus, the park has enough shaded areas for a little R&R that it doesn’t have to be so tiring.
Dolphin Encounter
Live out the dream of young and old alike and experience the sensation of swimming alongside some of Earth’s most wondrous and intelligent creatures: dolphins. Interact, play, feel, dream!
Minimum age requirements: No infants
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Considerations: With options for the entire family, this activity is perfect for those who have always dreamed of having a first-hand experience with dolphins.
Rio Secreto
Immerse through one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Riviera Maya and discover stunning underground rivers with thousands of stalactites and stalagmite formations!
Minimum age requirements: 4 years old
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Considerations: A fascinating journey through the subterraneous world of the Riviera Maya. Truly for all ages, but perhaps not for people who are claustrophobic or afraid of the water.
Xel-Ha
Swim in a Caribbean inlet, snorkel, ride a bike, venture into a marine forest, slide easily down the river in an inner tube, explore the jungle paths, all this and more at the world’s largest natural aquatic park!
Minimum age requirements: None
Duration: Approx. 10 hours
Considerations: Like its sister park Xcaret, a visit to Xel-Ha is well worth a full day of vacation. While not as extensive as Xcaret, this incredible park just outside of Tulum won’t leave you disappointed.
Whale Shark Adventure
Submerge into the azure waters of the Caribbean and get ready for an experience you will never forget swimming alongside whale sharks—the largest fish on the entire planet!
Minimum age requirements: 3 years and older
Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Considerations: A once-and-a-lifetime adventure for nature and animal lovers, words cannot describe the emotion of descending down into the water with these gentle and harmless giants. However, take into account that very young children and the elderly may not take well to the trip out to swim with the whale sharks due to the waves and subsequent movement of the boat. Season runs from June through September.
Isla Mujeres Day Tour
Sit back, feel the breeze and get ready for an exciting day of sailing, snorkeling, great food and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea aboard a spacious and comfortable catamaran.
Minimum age requirements: None
Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Considerations: Sailing the Caribbean, snorkeling at a reef, relaxing at a private beach club and discovering the charming island town of Isla Mujeres.
Fishing Expeditions
Venture out into the expansive Caribbean for an exciting excursion into the realm of expert fishermen who know all the best spots for a fun day of reeling in the catch. Ready for the big one?
Minimum age requirements: None
Duration: 4, 6 or 8 hours
Considerations: A great way to spend a relaxing few hours sailing the Caribbean Sea, it’s also a lot of fun for young and old alike.
Snorkeling Adventure
Snorkel at the world’s second largest barrier reef and experience the most spectacular underwater encounter of your life surrounded by colorful marine life and coral reef formations.
Minimum age requirements: None
Duration: Approximately 9 hours
Considerations: Submerging into the fascinating world of colorful marine life provides magical moments of awe and wonder. An unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Coba-Mayan Encounter
Venture deep into the jungle for a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba. Later, zip line, rappel and swim the crystal clear waters of a sacred cenote, followed by a delicious Mayan style lunch.
Minimum age requirements: 5 years old
Duration: Approx. 10 hours
Considerations: This is a thrilling cultural adventure to explore the astonishing beauty and history of the Riviera Maya and its people.
Amstar dmc is online and in destination 365 days a year to help you with more information about Cancun family activities or anything else you may need. With 25 years experience providing inspiring travel services, we’re your local destination experts for the best airport transfers and activities in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Costa Rica. Contact us online, at our toll-free number or in destination and get the best travel tips around.
