Sea turtles and vacationers always enjoy the fab beaches of Gran Caribe Real Cancun  and THE ROYAL in Cancun, Mexico, during the summer months and this year was no exception. In fact, both resorts reported record high occupancies meaning they are an affordable Mexico vacation option.

But, the big news is about some little guys. Dozens of sea turtles laid hundreds of eggs on these beaches in June. The Mexican Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources along with staff from both resorts moved all of the eggs to protected areas so visitors would not disrupt them during the 45-day incubation period. It wasn’t for naught. Earlier in August the baby sea turtles began hatching and guests of the resorts had an incredible experience: they along with staff helped guide more than 200 baby sea turtles into the Caribbean.

Resort staff has been specially trained on the safe handling of sea turtles and educated resort guests about their life cycle. Sea turtle nesting season is May through October and turtle hatching continues through the summer.

When vacationing in Cancun and if you have an interest in sea turtles and marine life should visit the eco-park called Xcaret, about 35 miles south. Xcaret means “small inlet” in Mayan. Here, visitors can see sea turtles in the aquarium and participate in various aquatic activities not necessarily involving turtles but other creatures. Depending on the time of year, travelers to Cancun can snorkel with sharks, explore reefs during a snuba adventure or explore the crystal waters of underground rivers. There’s also a boat tour, swim with the dolphins program, beach to enjoy and lots more to do out of the water.

Don’t you deserve a vacation in Cancun to experience this? We’re here to assist in finding the most affordable Cancun hotel rooms.

Photo Source: Real Resorts

Musical greats as George Duke, John MacLaughlin and The Manhattan Transfer will join other acclaimed performers during the 8th Annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Nov. 25 – 28, 2010.

Located south of Cancun International Airport on Mexico’s east coast, Riviera Maya is an eco-archeological destination with easy access to adventures as kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring significant Mayan archeological sites. It’s been named a Top Destination in Mexico for five years running by Travel Weekly and has been called one of the hottest beach destinations (by Orbitz, 2008) and has even received a Sexiest Destination nod (Recommend Magazine).

More than 50,000 jazz enthusiasts attended the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival last year and 2010 promises to be just as fantastical.

Like previous years, this musical event is free and begins around 7 p.m. each evening, giving visitors plenty of time during the day to experience the wonders of Riviera Maya. Whether it be worshiping the sun on the beach or embarking on an underground rafting trip to see stalactites and other cave wonders at Xplor, an nature-based adventure park, Riviera Maya visitors will find plenty to do before evening music begins.

“With white sand beaches, an ideal climate and the warmth of the local people, the Riviera Maya provides the perfect setting for this inspired Festival,” said Javier Aranda, general director of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office. “The opportunity to sit on the beach, under the bright stars while listening to a mixed genre of jazz is sure to turn a good evening in the Riviera Maya into a truly great one.”

Following a sampling of Riviera Maya Jazz Festival performers, be sure to check out the official festival site for the complete schedule (www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com).
Nov. 25 – Mike Stern and Dave Weckl, Luis Conte and Armando Montiel
Nov. 26 – Eldar Djangirov and Al Dimeola
Nov. 27 – George Duke, John McLaughlin and The Manhattan Transfer
Nov. 28 – Eugenia León and Armando Manzanero with the Mexican Big Band

The Jazz Festival is taking place over the American Thanksgiving holiday weekend, now’s the time to start planning that trip to ensure the best airfare and accommodations. Check out affordable Riviera Maya accommodations here.

Photo Credit: Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office

There are opportunities to swim with dolphins throughout Florida and the Caribbean but what about swimming with sharks? Now is a special time of year, whale sharks visit Cancun’s warm waters between May and September and several tour operators offer the opportunity for humans to interact with these gentle beasts.

Reaching lengths of 40 feet and 47,000 pounds, whale sharks are the largest living fish species in the ocean and are filter feeding meaning they filter out food from the water and have no interest in chomping down on a Cancun visitor. Divers and snorkelers who have swum along whale sharks have said they are playful and amazingly gentle. Whale sharks have only been spotted in about 15 destinations across the globe, including off Cancun’s beaches.

Which whale shark tour operator is right for you? There are dozens of operators to choose from and following are some questions to consider when selecting the right guide service for you:

• Do you require a bilingual guide?
• Does the operator provide snorkeling equipment?
• What is the operator’s cancellation policy?
• How many people will participate in the swim?
• Will the operator pick you up from your resort?
• Does the fee fit into your budget?
• How long as the operator been in service?
• What are others saying about this operator on social networking sites such as TripAdvisor.com?

The whale sharks will inhabit the Yuctan’s warm waters until September so now’s the time to take advantage of the affordable accommodations Resort Rentals International offers to plan that Cancun vacation to swim with whale sharks.

Image Source: Yucatan Holidays