Luxury Family Trip to Mexico's Riviera Maya - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Puerto Aventuras

Welcome to Mexico! After your arrival at Cancún Airport, you'll be transferred to Puerto Aventuras on the Riviera Maya. Located on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, this stretch of Caribbean coast is famous for its white-sand beaches, pearl-blue water, ancient Maya ruins, and rich Indigenous culture. Check into your luxury villa, which will serve as the perfect base for the week's adventures, and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or playing at the beach. The spacious villas are ideal for families as they offer a maid service, chef, and concierge. You can also ask for special dinners or other family-friendly services.

Day 2: Chichén Itzá Tour, Lunch at Yalcobá

Day 3: Sian Ka'an Boat Tour

Sian Ka'an is a tropical wetland paradise where underground freshwater rivers flow out to meet the Caribbean Sea. On this full-day adventure, you'll visit a thin strip of land bordered by empty stretches of beaches, lagoons, and lush vegetation by boat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its ecological importance, the overlapping mix of ecosystems here provides a space for a variety of fish, mammal, bird, and reptile species. Kids will love spotting the reserve's plentiful wildlife, from dolphins in the waves to monkeys in the treetops.

Weather permitting, older ages can head out into the open water to snorkel on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, where you'll find healthy coral and fish in abundance. In case the weather isn't ideal for snorkeling, you'll visit a fabulous open cenote instead. Finish up with a homemade lunch on a beach surrounded by coconut palms and a swim in the sea. 

Day 4: Swimming with Whale Sharks

Adventurous kids and adults alike will love today's activity: swimming with whale sharks. These incredible animals can reach up to 46 feet (14 m) long and are considered the largest fish in the world. They are totally harmless, so it's safe to go into the water to snorkel and swim with them. On the boat ride out, you may also encounter turtles, giant manta rays, dolphins, and many other species. Any members of the family who aren't swimming with the whale sharks will still have an enjoyable experience on the boat as they spot the plentiful marine life and relax on deck.

Day 5: Río Secreto Caving

Today is for adventurers, as your family has the opportunity to explore one of the greatest wonders of the natural world: the Río Secreto. It is one of the largest underground river systems in the world and a great introduction to caving for older kids. After donning your helmets and life jackets, you'll descend into a world of turquoise water, soaring caverns, and shimmering stalactites and stalagmites. Float along the clear underground river as you learn more about its geological formations from your experienced guide. Your guide will tailor the experience to suit your needs, so everyone has fun.

Day 6: Free Day on the Riviera Maya

Spend your last full day in Mexico chilling out at your luxury villa or enjoying other sites and activities that you haven't explored yet. If the kids have had their fill of the villa pool, head back to the cenotes, take a road trip to ancient UNESCO-listed ruins at Tulum, or stroll down the main thoroughfare of Fifth Avenue to shop for souvenirs. Celebrate the end of a fabulous family trip with a special meal of traditional Maya or international fare at one of the town's many fine restaurants. As many restaurants here offer outdoor seating, you can admire the sunset and gaze at the starry skies once it's dark.

Day 7: Transfer to Cancún, Depart

Depending on your time of departure, you may have time to enjoy a final beach stroll or sea swim before you have to check out and head to the airport. A private driver will pick you up at your accommodation and transfer you to the airport in Cancún. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your family trip to Mexico? Check out these other Mexico itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Mexico with the family, or discover the best time to visit Mexico.