If you're honeymooning in Cancun, you should plan a fun all-day outing to Isla Mujeres' Garrafón Natural Reef Park, located at the southern tip of the small island, about a 30- minute ferry ride from Cancun.

Comfortable ferry service (serving refreshments and light snacks) is offered between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, operated by Ultramar, which also has service to the Island of Cozumel. There are two ferry docks in Cancun: one in Puerto Juarez, and another in the Cancun hotel zone. The ferry runs every half hour from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Later in the evening, ferries only run to Puerto Juarez and not to the hotel zone, so plan accordingly. In the hotel zone, the Ultramar ferry departs from Playa Tortugas, at Kukulcán Blvd. Km. 6.5. See the ferry schedule on the Ultramar website.

Ancient Maya Site
Known during the Maya Empire days as Ekab, the island is one of the four territories forming today's State of Quintana Roo. It once served as the sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility and medicine.

Nowadays, Garrafón is a beautiful natural park ringed by rugged cliffs, colorful underwater reefs and tranquil Caribbean seas offering a host of recreational activities for every age.

Admission is sold as packages and there are a number of different ones to choose from, some which include ferry transport from Cancun, meals and drinks. Admission generally includes recreational activities, including: swimming in the sea or pool, kayaking, snorkeling, skimming the turquoise waters on a zip-line, hiking and bike riding. Admission also includes snorkel gear, life jackets, kayaks, hammocks, pool and showers.

The recent opening of a temazcál - an ancient Maya steam hut "cleansing" - is an added attraction to the overall experience. After this mystical ceremony, guests are invited to relax in large hammocks under shady palm trees.

The park also is home to the scenic cliff area called Punta Sur where you will have access to the eclectic Sculpture Garden, lighthouse, and the Maya temple dedicated to Ixchel, once serving as a lighthouse, which guided ancient navigators at sea. These sites can be reached via a long winding walking path leading from the park's main activity area.

Purchase a Day Trip Package
Packages vary and offer many options. If you opt for the VIP package, you can use the meticulously maintained and much less crowded (and romantic), VIP section, which offers more privacy and contains and adults-only areas. Here, you will find an infinity pool overlooking the serene sea, terrace-topped Jacuzzis, showers and private lockers.

After you've worked up an appetite, a tasty buffet offers international cuisine with treats ranging from sushi, salmon, shrimp and ceviche, to grilled meats, vegetables, fresh fruit salads and decadent desserts. The VIP option offers unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks from the open bar.

If you prefer something lighter, the public snack bar dishes up chicken wings, hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries.

Whenever you need a break, snooze in a shaded hammock, or head back to the VIP lounge and hop into the Jacuzzi (made for two) or infinity pool overlooking the sea and ponder why your own backyard doesn’t have a few coconut trees.

When day is done, head back to Cancun and indulge in some of Cancun's energizing nightlife.