Flights to Cancun and all inclusive hotel prices have brought the Mexico Caribbean Coast within more family budgets than would have been believed possible ten years ago.



The question remains what do you do to entertain the children that won't cost the earth outside the hotel. It seems a shame not to explore the Mexico Caribbean Coast when there is so much that is interesting to see and do, especially when you can do much of it relatively inexpensively, and yet keep the children entertained, educated, and happy.

If you want to see crocodiles, then go to Croco Cun at Puerto Mereles, and not only crocs at this zoo.

Go to north of Playa de Carmen to the Tres Rios Ecopark where you can float down a clear clean river all the way to the beach. It is a real all day activity centre with canoes, kayaks, bicycles, snorkels, or even horseback riding, or take a boat tour to the coral reef.

South of Playa de Carmen is Xcaret an eco archaeological park which has grown up around the Maya ruins of the port city of Pole, and there is a lot to be enjoyed here.

Bring bathers so you can snorkel in the underground rivers, and don't worry life jackets are provided, and you can rent snorkels.

You can swim with the dolphins but it's important to know that you need to get signed up early in the day for this.

There is a terrific butterfly exhibition in a canyon.

There is the ruins of the old Mayan port and also scale models in the museum.

You can ride on horseback through the jungle and on the beach.

Finally there is early evening entertainment for all the family.

Go to Akumel which is like a big warm bathtub with shallow water going out a long way, and a great place for rock pools. Older children can take their first steps to scuba diving, and snorkel, whilst mums and dads can go diving and have their children cared for.

Close to Akumel is the Aktun Chen Cave with plenty of stalactites and stalagmites.

The Xel-Ha Lagoon National Park is another unmissable treat with beach, snorkeling, archeology, and hiking. Lots to do and equipment to hire.

Tulum is the only real Mayan ruin overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and lots to look at, and you can then go for a swim on the beach below.

For the good swimmers go to Grand Cenote on the road to Coba, and when in Coba visit their Maya ruins.

If you are prepared to travel inland then the Maya Ruins of Chichen Iiza are a couple of hours away.

This has been just a few ideas, and there are many more things to do on your Mexico Caribbean Coast Vacation which could give you the best family holiday package ever.