JoyM

Where do I take my college age kids (22 and 19) for a beach/graduation trip? Snorkling a must, diving, prehaps with whale sharks, nice beaches, nightlife for the kids, restrauants and wine for mom. Not sure of what town, or weather to go the AI , condo, hotel route or not. I think my daughter would love the luxury of an AI but would not like to be in an overly kiddy scene. Looking to stay about 5 days in an upscale resort and thought Mexico would be the most affordable.

JoyM

Also, a beautiful pool is a must.

jamie99

What time of year? Whale sharks are seasonal, this year was May 15 to September 17. Best place to go out of would be Isla Mujeres or maybe Isla Holbox (harder to get to).

JoyM

We will be going in mid may, 2014. The kiddos would like night clubs or music of some kind in the evenings. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

emd3

Playa Del Carmen has Calle 12 , which is lined with night clubs for your kids ages at night; the street is barricaded so the party spills out from the clubs to the streets. There are several DJ dance clubs and some live music also. They would like Coco Bongo, google it.

You would leave from Cancun's wharf to do the whale sharks. You can sign up for that in Playa del Carmen and someone will accompany you either in a private vehicle or by colectivo to get the boat in Cancun, and to bring you back.

I would go the condo route as Playa has so many great restaurants to try. Get something with a great pool, close to the beach, and close to 5th Ave. El Taj would fit your requirements. If you and your husband would like some peace and quiet, look on the north end of Playa. Elements has the largest pool in town, and Canibal Royal beach club out front, which your kids might like.

suze

Because of your interest in snorkeling and diving, I'd look to the Caribbean coastline, from Cancun, to Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.

For a fun town with lots to see and do, I'd recommend Puerto Vallarta, but the snorkeling/diving isn't as good there.

Cabo San Lucas is another that offers most of what you seek.

justineparis

We are taking our 17 yr old and two 23 yr olds to the Mayan Riveria.. specifically to the Gran Bahai Principe Akumal. The snorkling is apparently great, my ex hubby was there last year and couldn't believe how easy it was to see sea turtles etc right off beach.

We can visit the Tulum ruins ( about ten minutes away) we can visit cenotes for interesting cave snorkling, or zip lining..

We got an awesome price for late november trip, from west coast canada to Cancun, one week at the AI, transfers included,, was less then 1200 for each of us four adults, and only 899 for dd( she is third in room with her brother and step sister ) . So all in, food, booze transport was less then 6000 dollars for family of five. Sure you can go cheaper but we wanted a nice place too.. and once you look at what you can spend on restaurant meals for family of five for a week you can see the deal.

Katzgar

going non AI will allow you to experience more of the local ...stuff. some condos do have a breakfast agreement with a near by café. there is luxury in non AI.

justineparis

I agree a non AI is a great idea, but we chose an AI for first time because it would give our kids( who are older ) some freedom to go off on their own for breakfast and lunches.. we will always meet for dinner, but this way they can sleep in , get their own breakfast ( on days we are not going on a side trip) and meet us at pool or beach.

I admit never having done an AI we are a bit in the dark, but we have taken a few cruises and had a similar plan, on shore days we all went onshore and stayed together , but on sea days we were able to seperate and just made a point of always having dinner together.

schmerl

If you want an AI without an "overly kiddy scene", look into the Royal Playa del Carmen. It is an adults only AI right in Playa del Carmen. Your kids could eat (and drink) at the resort all day and walk right into town for the night life.
You could take a day trip to Akumal for the great snorkeling.

MFNYC

We've done condo rentals in Playa Del Carmen with our kids at that age. We did the AIs when they were younger, but prefer the freedom of non-AI. PDC is a very convenient town. It's loaded with restaurants, shopping and night life. The beach is great, and there's even great public transportation (Collectivos), to do some of the local sights (tulum, eco parks, etc) easily on your own.

For my son's college graduation we stayed at the Luna Encantada condos. They are located right in town, on the beach and have a pool. There are several grocery stores nearby as well, along with a great produce market (DAC). We stocked breakfast, lunch and snack food at the condo. My kids had each invited a friend, and they had their meals on their own, either in the condo, or they went out. We did the same.

We all did a trip to Tulum via the Collectivo, and also did the Mexico Blue Dreams Dos Ojos Cenote snorkel tour, which was well worth it, and we loved our guide.