I'm going to be in Cancun off a cruise ship late April from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. with my husband and 12-year-old. I've read how overrun in general the best attractions can be when cruise ships are in port, yet want to avoid a touristy mob scene myself. Which one of these destinations is the better for the time frame? How late can I catch a ferry back from Isla Mujeres? If I go there, I'd like to watch the sun set from Playa Norte. But I've also heard about the evening show at Xcaret. How good is it? <BR> <BR>Also wondering if it's feasible to rent a car and drive down to Tulum before it closes at 5:00 p.m.

It will take you probably at least close to an hour and a half to reach Tulum from Cancun with a car. It takes at least close to an hour to tour the site, and you may want some time on the beach. I guess it is doable if you have the car reserved ahead. However, you will be pushed for time and may be very rushed. Isla Mujeres is only 15 minutes by boat from Cancun. This is what Lonely Planet's Yucatan guide says about boat schedules: Puerto Juarez departures - every 15 minutes until 8:30; Punta Sam - car ferry, leaves at 4:15 and 7:15 for return to Cancun; Playa Linda - 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. returns; Playa Tortugas - latest at 5:00 p.m. (this one is more expensive - $10 each). I would think you would be able to at least have time for walking around to the small shops in town and for spending a little time on the beach. I have not seen the show at Xcaret. You can also see decent sunsets in Cancun on the lagoon side. There are some restaurants with outdoor patios there. This is what we did on our final night. It is generally hard to avoid the crowds in Cancun. However, there are some less touristy and very good restaurants downtown.

We visited Cancun 2 years ago and took a combined tour of Tulum and Xcaret. Most travel agencies do not recommend renting cars if you are going to drive out of Cancun. It's not the safest thing to do. By bus, Tulum was approx. a 1 hour ride and it was well worth it! The site is breathtaking. You can plan on a minimum of 1 hour at this site. The tour guides here are great (at least ours was). The history of Tulum is fascinating. Tulum provides some great photo opportunities also. I understand that it can get pretty crowded. We were there in October so it wasn't bad. On the way back to Cancun we stopped at Xcaret. This would be a fun stop for your 12 year old. They have snorkeling, tubing, a variety of tropical birds, dolphin, iguana everywhere, walking trails, a "field" of hammocks for relaxing, and secluded areas for families to be away from the crowds. It's really quite nice. We weren't there during the evening so I have no information about the show. Even with your limited amount of time you ought to be able to do both of these sites. If you want to see Cancun itself, I would recommend doing only one (Tulum or Xcaret). If you are going to do Cancun take the bus to the real downtown Cancun (not the shops that are in the hotel zone) and visit the open air market. You will get your best bargains there. Don't be afraid to haggle about the prices either. Enjoy your trip.

I haven't visited Tulum but did go to X-Caret two years ago. I though the show was an absolute treasure, not to mention the rest of the park is absolutely incredible. They have unbelievable rivers that your swim on inflated tubes, and other attractions. <BR> <BR> I would highly recommend the show, however considering your time constraints I don't know if its feasible.

Hi Michele <BR>Visited Xcaret 2 years ago, really good place, you can learn all about the eco stuff they are doing out there with all the animals, snorkel through the underground caves, sit on the beach and watch the ducks go by (honest), there is are loads of animals, birds etc to see and they have a show at night which I didn't see. Isla Mujeures didn't offer half as much, just did some snorkelling and a trip around the island. Hope this helps

check sites at www.xcaretcancun.com and www.xelha.com to help you decide. good cruising!