Hi all, I am taking my family (wife and 3 kids) to Cancun for a week, middle of Aug, and was wondering if someone could help me out with a few things. We are staying in an all-inclusive and don't really plan on making many trips outside of the resort albeit for maybe a "swim with the dolphin" excursion. Staying at the Gran Caribe Real for 6 nights. Can you help me out with the following? 1) How much money should I convert over before leaving? Not sure how the whole "tipping" thing is done in Mexico, peso/US dollars, do you tip every time in an all-inclusive, etc...Am I better paying with everything from a credit card? Just wondering about all those gotcha's like hair beading/rentals etc, where I'm going to need cash etc... 2) Does anyone know what "swim with Dolphin" program is closest to the Gran Caribe? I read about the Isla Mujeres, which seems the closest, but read about the 40 min ferry ride and not sure how long it takes to get to ferry. What about purchasing tickets, am I better buying them now or through the hotel? 3) Does anyone have any comments on the Gran Caribe Real, good or bad in the past year? Food/Drinks/Kids stuff is what I'm interested in obviously, anything that I should be aware of, using a safe in the room, stay away etc.. 4) Anyone have any info on the Sea Lice in 2012? Should I be worried for my kids in the ocean? Thanks again to anyone who answers, I appreciate any/all feedback.
Welcome to the board! 1)You can tip in USD or Pesos, but no need to exchange money before you leave. The way to get the best exchange rate is to take money out of the ATM when you are here. 2)Dreams Cancun or the Interactive aquarium at Plaza la Isla (that is a good one since it includes the dolphin show in the late afternoon and entrance into the Aquarium) is much closer than Isla Mujeres. You can book them here on Steve's board and he gets a commission to help with the cost of running this site. Dreams Dolphins La Isla Mall Dolphins 3)Sorry can't help with that one. 4)I don't think you should have a problem that late in the summer.
