When in Playa del Carmen, take the opportunity to go on eco-tours and eco-excursions to the many natural parks in the area. Not only are these unforgettable because of the beauty they yield, but you also take something with you after your visit: a love and a growing respect for nature's bounty.

Crococun

This used to be a breeding farm build for the purpose of selling crocodile skins, but not it is a regional zoo and park belonging to the Riviera Maya. Here, you can hold and pet crocodiles and other creatures, such as baby deer, boas, parrots, monkeys and even the Mayan dog, a hairless, pig-like creature. The setting is in a lush jungle and is a great place to bring children.

Address: Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km 30 Cancun
Telephone: 998-850-3719
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Xcaret

Xcaret also has a park that is home to sea turtles, crocodiles, jaguars, spider monkeys, macaws and flamingos. It also provides opportunities to learn more about ancient Mayan culture and rituals. It even recreates the ancient Maya ball game and, at night, you can see fantastic fire ritual ceremonies and ancestral dances.

Here are some of the things you can do:

• Visit the aquarium
  Get a load of rich marine life without getting wet. The aquarium features a dazzling variety of marine life.

• Head for the beach
  Of course, you shouldn't miss the beach. The white sand beach is perfect for relaxation and a variety of watersports.

• Swim with the dolphins
  Quite an unforgettable experience where you can mingle with the dolphins and see them up close and personal.

• Explore the lagoon
  Go snorkeling and get a load of the tropical fish that flock the area. The waters are cool and pristine and provide an atmosphere for fun and relaxation.

• Plunge into the wading pools
  Take a dip in nature's jacuzzis! These wading pools provide a tranquil and soothing experience.

• Go Scuba Diving
  Professional dive instructors give you guidance that you need in order to enjoy the Barracuda Reef or go wrecking in the Mama Viña dive site.

• Explore the richness of marine wildlife
  Go scuba diving, snorkeling, sea trekking or snuba.

Tres Rios

Set in the subtropical jungle, Tres Rios holds a wealth of subtropical flora and is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and horseback riding. Tres Rios also has a bicycle and hiking trail along jungle paths, a beach, a subtropical forest and mangrove, cenotes that are at ground level, scuba diving, reef running and snorkeling facilities.

Address: Carretera Cancun, Playa del Carmne Km. 40
Telephone: 998-887-8077/998-887-8078
Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Aktun-chen

Cenotes, stalactites and stalagmites- these are various points of interest that you can discover in Aktun-chen. The park is also home to local wildlife, such as iguanas, wild birds, white-tailed deer and spider monkeys.

Address: Carretera 307, Km 107, Akumal
Telephone: 984-884-0444
Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Kantun-chi

Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, this ecopark also has several cenotes that provide excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing. Go down to the magical Grutaventura, a breathtaking underground cavern. It has stalactites and stalagmites that provide a mystic, almost worshipful atmosphere.

Address: 22 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen

Garrafon

This is probably the highest elevation in the Yucatan. It also houses a Mayan temple dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. You can indulge in a variety of activities: scuba-diving, snorkeling at the Garrafon reef (one of the best in the world), sea trekking, rappelling and kayaking. For the adventurous, there are zip-lining and bungee-jumping facilities or swimming with the dolphins on Isla Mujeres.

Address: South of Isla Mujeres
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Dolphin Discovery

This resort features Dolphin Discovery facility in which you can swim with dolphins in a tropical lagoon. You can even get up close and personal with the park's two manatees.

Address: Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

This ecotourism ad educational center is also a place for birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and simply appreciating wildlife.

Address: Highway 307, Tulum
Telephone: 984-871 2499