Definitely have that on my list..well if we decide we want to venture out from the resort one day! And xoximilco for the retro 90s floating fiesta
We don't do tours. TTR is too much fun but if you need to feel like you went somewhere else go to Isla Mujeres. This is what we do. We go 1/2 mile down the beach to the ferry. Take the ferry on our own and get a golf cart for the day. We drive around drink too much and have an awesome time. Invite some people. They will all be glad. You may have to pay for drinks but it is fun. We went in our swimsuits with a cover and had a great time. You return around 5pm to the resort. AND you can collect shells from beach combing. There are a lot of things you can do as well but we just make the most of it while we are there.
Yes, we booked when we go to TTR. This was the old TTR when the excursion booth was down by the beach (I think? I was drunk). Does anyone know if the same excursion company is still there?
We don't bother leaving the resort usually. We have gone to Isla Mujeres for the day and rented the golf carts, that is a fun day and break from the resort.
We have done xel ha and liked it but I think is really a theme park so be sure that is what you want. Crowded but there are ways to escape the crowds. Huge nature theme park. We also rent villas each summer down the coast near Akumal. Highly recommend a visit there if you want to avoid the huge crowds and tour buses. You can rent a car and drive (it is perfectly safe) or pay for a taxi. I would choose either of those over an organized tour where you will be on a bus for a while. Go early in the morning, rent snorkeling gear, see the turtles before the tour bus crowds then get lunch and drinks overlooking the water. Let me know if you decide on Akumal and want more details.
I wish our kids would have been there (7 and 10) because they would have loved it. Snorkeling, floating, tons of food, dolphins, manatees, exotic birds...I could go on and on!