Need suggestions for Cancun:<BR>1. Where to snorkel? <BR>2. Where to get tickets for Pirate Cruise-the one for families-not the booze cruise.<BR>3. How about Xel-Ha--is it worth the trip?<BR>4. Garrafon Park on Isla Mujeres--what's it like and is it worth it?<BR>5. Isla Mujeres again--where to rent golf carts or scooters. Also best transportation from Cancun to Isla. We're not looking for a boat with food and drink or a tour--just a ride to and from.<BR>6. How about Aqua World--we are traveling with 5 kids and wondered if this would be a good option for parasailing, jet skiis, etc.<BR>7. Restaurants--anything special for kids ages 9 through 17?<BR>My husband and I have been to Cancun this year already and loved it. Now it's time to share the fun with the kids. Our kids have traveled quite a lot and we'd love for this to be a vacation favorite. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks. Stephanie

Stephanie, I haven't stayed in Cancun, so can't give any advice there, nor do I have kids, so I probably can't give advice on what they'll like. I have stayed on Isla Mujeres a couple of times though. It's very easy to take the ferry from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres. You'd have to get to Puerto Juarez first - either by taxi or maybe there's even a local bus. (That might be an adventure for the kids.) Ferries run frequently throughout the day. They aren't particularly expensive (it's a ferry used by local people) so that's your best bet. There are several places on Isla that rent golf carts. I'm not sure of the cost - maybe $35 USD/ day? With 5 kids, you'll need a couple of them. Might be cheaper to take taxis on the island. There's also a bus that runs around a lot of the island - really inexpensive. (We weren't staying in town last time, so used the bus a few times.) We went to Garrafon the first time we went to Isla Mujeres, before it was expanded. It was really inexpensive then, now I think it's quite pricey. Last time (March) we went snorkeling at the hotel right next to the park - there was a small admission and it's the same reef, etc., literally right next to the park. Playa Norte, which is the beach on Isla Mujeres, doesn't really offer much in the snorkeling, but it's a really nice beach for swimming, people watching, etc. If you do end up going around the island and want to stop for a meal, Playa Lancheros is good. <BR><BR>Haven't been to Xelha. I've been to Xcaret and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. We ended up spending the day and part of the evening. <BR><BR>Have fun.

Steph:<BR><BR>Your kids will love Cancun. Here are some of my suggestions to your questions.<BR><BR>1. Cancun doesn't have the best snorkeling I've heard. Supposedly the beach between Club Med and the Westin Regina has some fairly good snorkeling. My boyfriend is a diver and we always go to Cozumel for the day to dive and snorkel.<BR><BR>2. You should be able to buy tickets for the Pirate Cruise within your hotel. Most resorts have resident travel agents who have a little office or desk near the lobby somewhere. Ask the front desk staff. <BR><BR>3. For the money, my opinion is that Xel-Ha is not worth it. It has become very commercialized, over-crowded (during peak times) and expensive. However, there are lots of activities for families with children and I believe everyone should experience it at least one time. <BR><BR>4 &amp; 5. I haven't been to Isla Mujeres so have no comments.<BR><BR>6. Aqua World offers a variety of activities for families - be sure and check them out. Jet skis, boogie boards, parasailing, etc. are also offered within most resorts and you wouldn't have to go outside for these things. You should check that out first.<BR><BR>7. Cancun has the Hard Rock cafe which most teenagers would enjoy. I think they would like Senor Frogs too. There is another restaurant overlooking the lagoon about halfway down the hotel zone and I can't remember the name of it but it has excellent seafood.

I would like to know about Isla Mujeres also - we are thinking of staying there in February but never having been there aren't sure what acommodations are nice or not. Also, is there snorkeling available from Isla Mujerers?

For a family place, the kids might like the Rainfoest Cafe in the Forum Mall.

Marsha,<BR>For info on Isla Mujeres, check out<BR>www.isla-mujeres.net.<BR>They have a very active board, although they can get off topic easily!<BR>I went to Isla for the first time last month and fell in love with it! There are plenty of nice places to stay including Media Luna, NautiBeach Condo's, Hotel Secreto and many more! The island is so much more relaxing than Cancun. Check it out!