The geography of Cancun and the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula provides a nurturing habitat for the thousands of plant and animal species that live in this area. From colorful birds, to reptiles, to monkeys, to leopards and jaguars – nature’s beauty abounds.

Although Cancun has experienced a tremendous boom in tourism over the past 20 years, its residents have made it their mission to maintain the beauty and ecology of the land that makes the destination so unique. That is why ecotourists – travelers who have an inherent appreciation of the natural world and combine it with their love of travel – are discovering Cancun and all it has to offer.

Cancun’s resort zone has preserved areas and sanctuaries that are thriving ecologically. The enormous Laguna Nichupte borders the resort zone. It is rich with waterfowl, fish, crocodiles, shellfish, and mangrove vegetation. A unique “jungle tour” allows visitors to navigate the Lagoon’s canals in their own two-seater wave-runner, as guides point out special flora and fauna.

Joggers, bicyclers, and walkers can enjoy picture perfect mornings along our seaside and lagoonside pathways. Many of the marinas in Cancun are now offering an eco-adventure through the Nichupte Lagoon they have dubbed the jungle tour. Manning your own two-person water craft, take a guided tour through the dense mangrove forests to a section of the largest coral reefs in the world where you can snorkel, sunbathe and relax before returning to the marina.

Other excursions to the reefs are in glass-bottom boats, where the fish and coral can be eyed without ever getting wet. Jet skis and waverunners can be rented at most marinas for selfguided excursions on the lagoon. Water skiing is also popular on the lagoon. Several marinas will provide boats for private charter that can accommodate anywhere from two to 200 passengers.