Animal Focused Activities in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Riviera Maya in Mexico is a place full of natural treasures that is visited year-round by people from all over the world. In additional to its abundance of flora and fauna, it also has an amazing diversity of animals and wildlife in the area.  There are many opportunities to get up close and personal with the wildlife here while you stay at all inclusive resorts Mexico like Karisma Hotels Resorts, from zoos to ecological parts to snorkeling in the ocean with sea turtles.  There is much to see and discover in this side of the world when you go on Mexico vacations!

1. Crocozun Zoo- The Crocozun zoo is an interactive zoo in the Riviera Maya, just 19 miles from Cancun.  In this zoo, visitors can observe, hold and feed more than 400 animals from 40 different species, most that are native to the area and many of them endangered.   The animals here include crocodiles, monkeys, deer, and snakes.  They even have boa constrictors for visitors to hold!
2. Turtle Snorkeling at Akumal Beach- If you are interested in seeing sea animals, Akumal Beach is a great place to visit. Located 62 miles south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum it is a well-known spot for snorkeling due to its rich marine life and in particular, it is famous for its abundance of turtles.  Besides turtles, you may also be able to spot many types of fish, crabs, cuttlefish, and rays.
3. Xaman Ha Aviary-The Riviera Maya is home to a wide variety of rare tropical birds, and Xaman Ha Aviary is a perfect way to see them. Located in the Riviera Maya’s Playa del Carmen, Xaman Ha Aviary is a protected natural bird habitat that is home to over 60 species of birds.  Among the species that you might find are Scarlet Macaws, Flamingos, Yellow Tailed Orioles, and Keel Billed Toucans. In addition to the birds, you may also be able to spot iguanas, butterflies, and squirrels. This bird sanctuary is a perfect escape for bird lovers.
4. Dolphinaris Park- At Dolphinaris you can swim, meet, interact with friendly and trained dolphins!  There are many different packages to choose from, and get a chance to pet them, kiss them, hug them, and do the Foot Push or Dorsal Ride with them! With various locations along the Riviera Maya, it is convenient for everyone.  Their locations are: Dolphinaris Cancún, Dolphinaris Park Riviera Maya, Dolphinaris Cozumel, Dolphinaris Barceló and Dolphinaris Tulum.
5. Delphinus-An alternative for swimming with dolphins is Delphinus. Swim and dive with dolphins at their various dolphinariums located in Cancun and Riviera Maya, in Xcaret Park and at Xel-Ha’s nature reserve.
6. Horseback Riding in the Riviera Maya- Imagine horseback riding on the white sand beaches of the Riviera Maya! Thankfully there are many horseback riding tours and packages available all throughout the coast.  Among them, you can try the tours at: Punta Venado Eco-Aventura, Rancho Baxaal, and Bonanza Ranch.

Don’t wait; explore the exotic wildlife of the Mexican Riviera Maya today.  There is something for everyone, and you can do everything from going to a zoo to snorkeling with turtles, bird watching and horseback riding! Your adventure awaits.