Perhaps the honeymoon capital of Mexico, Cancun is a paradise on the coast. With endless picturesque beaches, blue waters, and fantastic views, you will undoubtedly enjoy your time at any of the many resorts in Cancun. However, there is more to a Cancun trip than just beaches and daiquiris. To truly get as much as possible out of your trip, consider seeing a little more of Cancun. Some of the best activities away from the beach are the Cancun ecological parks.

If you want to get off the beach and still enjoy the outdoors, the ecological parks in the area present the perfect opportunity for you. Some say that the Cancun area is the home of the best ecological parks in the world. The climate and indigenous wildlife of this part of Mexico make the parks fun and exciting for anyone who loves nature.

Perhaps the most famous of the ecological parks is Xceret. Nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya, this park's name actually means "small cove." The park offers you 30 activities that are fully interactive. Everything from underground rivers to a butterfly pavilion to a turtle farm makes this a day-long adventure for the entire family. There is even a dolphin center and interactive aquarium. Additionally, you can experience traditional Mayan ceremonies and celebrations. Traditional dances and games will also help you wrap up your day on a cultural note.

If you enjoy the water, then you may want to make sure you visit Xel-Ha, which is widely considered the largest natural aquarium on the globe. The name even means "where the water is born" in Mayan language. Visit to see much of the indigenous aquatic life in the area. The aquarium itself is formed by a lagoon with currents flowing to the Caribbean Sea. Overall, this eco-park offers blue lagoon waters, tranquil river feeds, and a lively jungle for you to enjoy.

If you want to combine an eco-park visit with relaxation, then consider visiting Garrafon, which is located in Isla Mujeres. The park is located where the Mayans once worshipped the Goddess Ixchel. Here, you will enjoy relaxation, adventure, and up close exposure to Cancun's natural wonders. The key feature is a shallow coral reef where depths are no more than 4 meters. Coupled with the clear waters, the shallow reefs allow you to examine the various types of coral and marine wildlife through the water. This park is considered by many to actually be the most exciting for this reason.

As you can see, there is more to Cancun than just the beaches. So, between days on the beach with an umbrella-drink, consider a trip to explore the ecological parks of the area. With some diverse wildlife, enjoyable scenery, and a little bit of education you will have a fantastic break in your vacation to create unique and exciting memories. Whether it is a swim with dolphins, exploring a reef, or seeing the native dances, a visit to the eco-parks in Cancun has a lot to offer you.