Cancun Parks and Gardens

(Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

Many beautiful parks, gardens and reserves lie within the Cancun area and throughout Quintana Roo. Close to Cancun and known for its large sea turtles and lighthouse, visitors to the Isla Contoy will also be able to enjoy a small museum, which features information about the island and its many attractions.

The nearby Garrafon Natural Reef Eco Park is popular with scuba diving enthusiasts and known for its colourful fish and other marine creatures, along with the Parque Nizuc reserve. Cancun's Sian Ka'an Reserve is a good place to observe local monkeys and other small creatures, which live in the many trees and are familiar with visitors. The main parks, nature reserves and gardens within Cancun are described further below.

Isla Contoy (Contoy Island / Island of the Birds)

Address: Puerto de Embarque de Isla Mujeres y Puerto Juárez, Cancun, 77500, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 998 287 3671
A particularly tranquil spot brimming with indigenous wildlife and many beautiful native plants, the Isla Contoy is known for its large mangroves and high concentration of wildlife. The peaceful reserve has become nothing short of a bird sanctuary and as such it has long been a popular area for bird watchers, being home to around 150 different species of tropical birds. This small island covers just over 750 acres / 304 hectares and is restricted to around 200 visitors each day.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Garrafon Natural Reef Eco Park

Address: Isla Mujeres, Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres, 77400, Mexico, MX
The natural beauty spot of Garrafon Natural Reef Eco Park can be reached from Cancun in less than 30 minutes, being connected by regular ferries and boasting both dramatic cliff faces and a beautiful coastline. Many people come here to enjoy the underwater scenery and the park has become a top dive spot and also more than suitable for snorkelling.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 08:30 to 18:30; October to March - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: free

Parque Nizuc (Nizuc Park)

Address: Boulevard Kukulcán, Cancun, 77500, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 998 881 3000
Parque Nizuc lies within Cancun's Hotel Zone and is an appealing marine reserve, complete with a number of outstanding family attractions. Always popular with all ages are friendly dolphins and large manta rays, while children will enjoy the swimming pools and water toboggan trails.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: free

Sian Ka'an Reserve

Address: Carretera Cancun Chetumal, Sian Ka'an, Cancun, 77500, Mexico, MX
This large wildlife reserve features areas of lush rainforest and mangroves, close to Cancun. Guided tours around the reserve will ensure that you make the most of your visit.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free