xyz99

Next April, my MIL and I will be on an escorted tour to Yucatan peninsula, with a full leisure day in Playa del Carmen. I would like to take a day tour to explore the local wildlife (crocodiles, monkeys, birds, etc). Where should we go?
I am leaning towards Sian Ka’an, but while a lot of people enjoyed the tour, the general consensus seems to be that wildlife sightings are rare.
I think Xcaret is too “Disney” like, and I think Xel Ha might not be for us, since my MIL is not swimming/snorkeling. Maybe Aktun Chen?
What do you think? What’s our best option for wildlife? Thanks

qwovadis

Congrats on your trip and thanks to your MIL for service.

Coba Sac-Be tour probably best for wildlife especially

the monkey sanctuary not as touristic as some of the others

more animal wildlife.

www.xel-ha.com is pretty amazing though just for a visit

even if you do not snorkel though quite touristic.

Happy Journey,

plumboy

I think we're going to check out Punta Laguna while we're there. From what I understand, it's a Mayan owned spider monkey sanctuary of sorts. Not in cages, but wild. It's not far from Coba -- I think it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get to from Playa. Not sure if that would work for you, but maybe look into it. Personally, can't wait!

hopefulist

This sanctuary gets rave reviews on Trip Advisor - any experience or opinions?
http://www.thejungleplace.com/

xyz99

Both the Punta Laguna and the Jungle Place sound wonderful, unfortunately we will not have a car. We need some organized tour, that can pick us up from our hotel (and return us there). I will keep these 2 in mind for another trip, but for this one, I am still looking for suggestions.
Thanks

plumboy

Though we are planning on doing it ourselves, I know for a fact that Punta Laguna can be done with an organized tour, I just don't know much about that. I think Altournative includes one -- maybe email them: http://www.alltournative.com/

Oh, also, there's a botanical garden in Puerto Morelos that, though not guaranteed (like everything else), supposedly offers the chance of seeing monkeys. We're thinking of making it to this place also. Much closer to Playa. Here's the info on that: http://www.locogringo.com/past_spotlights/june2003.cfm

xyz99

Darn, I loved the botanical garden idea – something that my MIL would like, too. However “The park is open Monday to Saturday throughout the year.” We will have the free day on Sunday.
Please, keep these ideas coming, I’m sure we’ll find something.

hopefulist

You could check out Edventures:
http://www.edventuretours.com.mx/

They are highly recommended on www.tripadvisor.com and you can custom design tours with them; I've read that they go to the Jungle Place sometimes. I think it might be closed on Sundays, too, not sure about that.