Garrafon Natural Reef Park

Garrafon Park is an adventure and activity park located very close to Cancun beaches. It is a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and thrilling activities. It is also an ideal place to spoil yourself with a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Keep reading to know how to reach this getaway, what to do, and some other practical tips for a smooth but memorable experience.

Getting to Garrafon Park

If you’re already in Cancun, getting to Garrafon Natural Reef Park is a piece of cake. The park is located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, which is an island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. The island is just 4.5 miles away from Cancun and it takes between 25 to 30 minutes to get there.

There are many ferries that will take you from different points of Cancun to Isla Mujeres, but the most convenient option is booking the park tickets online as your reservation there already includes private boat transportation- The boat departs from Playa Langosta or Marina Aquarorus in the Hotel Zone, depending on the type of package your purchase.

You can get to both departure points on a public bus or take a taxi from a hotel. The exact schedule will be given to you at the time of the reservation and it is recommended to arrive one hour early-

If you’re already staying in Isla Mujeres, you have to get a taxi to the Park location—Carretera Garrafón, Lote 9, Kilometro 6.

Things to Do in Garrafon Park

The best thing about the park is that it can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and tastes. No matter if you come with a group of friends or are a couple looking for a break from a daily routine or for a place that will keep your children busy— Garrafon Reef Park has it all for everybody.

You should calculate at least 3 hours to spend at the park but the more the better, and if you have a whole day, you won’t get bored either.

There are six main activities that usually attract the tourists to this paradise:

1. Snorkelling

Just dive into the vibrant underwater world of Garrafon. The park's crystal-clear waters host an array of colorful fish and stunning coral reefs. You can bring your snorkeling gear or rent it at the park.

2. Swimming with Dolphins

Who doesn’t dream of swimming with dolphins? These playful and intelligent animals expect you at the park. There are three different types of dolphin encounters; they vary in number of participants and the type of interaction you will have with these wonderful animals.

Royal Swim: 10 people maximum. Activities: Foot Push, Dorsal Tow, Handshake, Kiss, Hand target, hug.

Swim Adventure: 12 people maximum. Activities: Belly Ride, Boogie push, Hug, Hand target, handshake, kiss.

Dolphin Encounter: 15 to 20 people maximum. Activities: Hand target, kiss, handshake, as well as information about the behavior and anatomy of dolphins.

3. Kayaking

Grab a kayak and paddle along the coast for a peaceful exploration of the island's beauty. The calm waters make it perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

4. Zip-lining

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you soar over the turquoise waters on the park's zip lines. The panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea are nothing short of breathtaking as you will be flying from a tower at the height of 30 meters!

5. Infinity Pool

Unwind in the park's pools or sunbathe on the sandy beaches. The tranquil atmosphere and gentle sea breeze make it an ideal spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy food and drinks in the beach club.

6. Temazcal

In Garrafon Park you can also enjoy this ancient Mayan tradition, a ritual steam bath. Let the healing properties of the herbal-infused steam rejuvenate your body and soul. It’s a unique and culturally enriching experience, very different from the spas you may have enjoyed elsewhere. This pre-Hispanic ritual intends to pay homage to the four elements: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.

What else can you do around Garrafon Natural Reef Park if you wish? Take a stroll to Punta Sur, the island's southern cliff, with panoramic views, a Sculpture garden, a lighthouse and an ancient Mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel, the Goddess of the Moon. Explore the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden for vibrant artwork in a tropical setting. Conveniently located near Garrafon, these historical and artistic sites offer a unique addition to your Isla Mujeres adventure from Cancun.

Practical Information

The park opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

The admission tickets start at $79.20 USD but can go higher if you choose an All Inclusive Admission, or decide to purchase one of the swimming with dolphins packages. Kids under 5 don’t pay.

All the tickets include pool use, lockers, lifejacket, kayaking, temazcal, snorkel equipment, buffet lunch at the park, round transportation, lockers, and lounge cages. You can also use the bar. That offers typical Mexican drink such as Margarita or Piña Colada. The bar is open from 10:00 to 16:30. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 17:00 and serves salads, tropical fruits, beef, chicken, fast food, desserts, and beverages.

There is also a small playground that smaller kids will enjoy.

Some packages include Buffet VIP and VIP areas, and you can also buy photos. Some activities may be age or height-restricted so please, check the requirements before buying specific packages.

Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen to protect your skin, the environment, and marine species. It is also recommended to bring sandals or water shoes, a towel and obviously swimwear. It is also a good idea to have a dry change of clothing so as not to get cold during your return trip to Cancun.

Ready to Explore Garrafon Park?

Garrafon Natural Reef Park in Isla Mujeres is a paradise waiting for you all year round.

Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, this tropical haven has something for everyone. So, pack your swimsuit, sense of adventure, and a willingness to connect with ancient traditions, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Caribbean.