Ecotourism

Wildlife abounds on land and sea. Starting with tierra firma, the state of Quintana Roo has several biosphere reserves, each safeguarding hundreds of varieties of protected flora and fauna. Sian Ka’an, Isla Contoy, Rio Lagartos and Calakmul reserves in the south of the state are home to everything from exotic flamingos to breeding pelicans to wild toucans. Nature parks such as Xcaret, Garrafon, Xel-ha, Tres Rios provide close-up experiences with wildlife, orchids, dolphins and mysterious marine life. Two major aquaria put you face to face with sharks, manatees and coral reefs, without even getting their hair wet. Then there’s the snorkelling and diving, all taking place in crystalline Caribbean waters over the world’s second largest barrier reef system, and discover the archipelago composed by Holbox, Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and Chinchorro islands. Fly and sport fishing, birding tours, scuba and snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, motorized and non-motorized water sports, guided nature tours into the heart of the tropical jungle, even cave and cavern diving await the adventurous.