Cancun treats every day as a holiday, but also plans a few organized events throughout the year. The biggest event is Carnaval, a joyous, usually drunken celebration held in February right before Lent's period of fasting and penitence. Inmaculada Concepcion is a religious festival held on Isla Mujeres in December.

Day 1: Water

You're brilliantly positioned to hit the water at Cancun. Jump in with a Jungle Speedboat Tour across lagoons and coral reefs, with time to stop for a snorkel adventure to explore the magical underwater world. Or trade adrenaline for adorable with a Cancun Dolphin Encounter or an amazing swim with the dolphins experience you'll never forget. Mexico's other gentle sea creatures are the whale sharks, the world's largest fish. A whale shark snorkel adventure takes you swimming underwater with these gentle giants of the Caribbean. For a water tour with a difference, go horseback riding by the beach and through jungle.

Day 2: Fun

Budding pirates and romantics alike will love the Captain Hook Cruise aboard a Spanish galleon. The Caribbean Carnival on Isla Mujeres takes you on an early-evening cruise to the island, with a buffet dinner and Caribbean show. For a more laid-back evening, take the Lobster Dinner Cruise on the calm Nichupte Lagoon. And for you party animals, the Cancun Bar Hopping Tour takes you to the most happening bars in the Spring Break capital.

Day 3: Adventure

Chichen Itza isn't the only day-trip destination from Cancun, though those Mayan archaeological ruins are mighty popular. The Chichen Itza Light & Sound Tour lingers until after nightfall for a spectacular audio-visual show. The abandoned Mayan city of Tulum is another must-see, especially combined with a swim in the Xel-Ha Aquarium. Mexico's eco attractions come together at Xcaret, including an aquarium, inlet lagoon, pools and beaches, Mayan Village and an underground river. Eco adventures go underwater at Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, with wetlands kayaking and snorkeling underwater caves.