Cancun Vacation Review

• The beaches were not as good as expected.
  
• The major excursions were great.
  
• Dining, nightlife and public transportation were above average.

Our week in Cancun was our first visit to the resort strip on the Mexican coast of the Caribbean. Our impressions were decidedly mixed, but we would go back now that we know its strengths and weaknesses compared to other Caribbean destinations.

On the positive side, the people were the friendliest we have ever met in all of our many trips to the Caribbean. We stayed at two different hotels, and we can't say enough about the quality of the staff at the J.W. Marriott in particular. Their service was exceptional, and every one of them was warm and friendly.


We went on two excursions. The first was a swim with the dolphins at Isla Mujeres, a small island about a half-hour ferry ride from Cancun. We spent about an hour in the water with eight other people. The dophin was cute and remarkably well-trained. The price was higher than most Caribbean excursions, but it was not out of line considering the time we spent with it, the boat ride, and a small amount of food and refreshments included in the price.

The second excursion was a full-day trip to the large and extensive Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. This highly educational tour with a knowledgeable guide provides views of great numerous ruins and a thorough background on a fascinating culture. It is highly recommended as a family excursion.


Other appealing aspects of Cancun include easy access to shopping and restaurants along the strip because of buses that run continually.

Less appealing on this particular trip was the weather, which was quite windy for February, and the beaches that have been heavily damaged by recent hurricanes.