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Have you been dreaming about taking an autism friendly vacation in Mexico? This country is incredible and there are a couple autism friendly destinations to choose from. When you vacation in Mexico, you can add numerous activities to your itinerary. Plus, you always have the beach for swimming. And all the resorts offer swimming pools if your autistic child is not a fan of the sand. Today, I am sharing two of the best autism friendly destinations in Mexico with you. This way, you can make an informed decision as you begin to think of all the possibilities your autistic family will have while on vacation in Mexico.
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Best Autism Friendly Destinations in Mexico
Cancun
Cancun is one of the top destinations in Mexico for many travelers. Your autistic family will love the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. You will also find plenty of things to do for each family member, especially if your autistic child loves to spend time at the beach. You will discover lots of beaches in Cancun.
An Autism Friendly Place to Stay in Cancun
One of the resorts to consider staying at in Cancun is The Royal Sands. This all-inclusive resort is family-friendly and autism-friendly. The spacious suites and villas will give your family the space you need during downtime each day. Everyone will have their area to relax, nap, or indulge in a little “me time.”
This will be perfect if your autistic child needs quiet time away from everyone else. They can stay in one room with their headphones on while the rest of the family quietly enjoys an activity in another space.
You may find yourselves at the spectacular sandy beach when you are not in your room. Two swimming pools are available for families. The rest of the wiggles and energy can come out while playing sports or participating in the many activities.
Mealtime is easy with a large variety of restaurants and menu options. Your family members will always find exactly what they want to eat. Or they can order something else if they don’t like what they originally ordered.
Autism Friendly Things to Do in Cancun
Check out these blog posts for more fun things to do while planning a trip to Cancun with me:
Head to Playa Tortugas for a Little Fun in the Sun
Yes, the beach may be steps from your resort room. However, there is nothing wrong with visiting more than one beach during your Mexican vacation!
This public beach is where many of the locals go. The sand is always clean. The water is always warm, calm, and relaxing. And there are quite a few places to grab a bite to eat nearby.
It can get crowded at Playa Tortugas. So, arrive early in the day and choose a spot that isn’t along the main walking path for anyone who arrives later.
Escape to Isla Mujeres
If you don’t want to be around too many people at the beach, catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres. The ferry leaves from Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol. Your ride over will take approximately thirty minutes.
Once you arrive on Isla Mujeres, you can spend time on the uncrowded beach, wander around the five-mile island, or snorkel with marine life.
Go Shopping at La Isla Shopping Village
I know that not everyone loves to shop while on vacation. If you want to purchase a few souvenirs or need some extra clothes, La Isla Shopping Village is the perfect spot in Cancun.
This is an open-air shopping area. In addition to the stores, there is a Ferris wheel and an interactive aquarium. Dolphin shows are held throughout the day at the aquarium.
Have a Blast at Ventura Park
There are multiple amusement parks near Cancun. Those parks may make Cancun your favorite autism friendly destination in Mexico.
Ventura Park is one of the best amusement parks to add to your list. This has six parks in one. Younger kids will love Fun World. Older kids and adults will appreciate ziplining, the virtual reality experiences in the Underworld, and the Grand Prix go-kart racing.
Go Swimming in Ik’Kil Cenote
You don’t need to be near a swimming pool or the beach to swim in Cancun. One of the best places to swim in Mexico is the cenotes. In Cancun, Ik’Kil Cenote is a favorite. Rocks and lush greenery surround the clear blue sparkling water.
This cenote gets very crowded during the day with tour buses to nearby Chichen Itza. Therefore, you should plan to arrive early in the morning to avoid being around too many people.
Explore the Cancun Underwater Museum
The Cancun Underwater Museum is always at the top of everyone’s list while on vacation in Mexico. Diving is one of the best ways to experience this underwater museum, but you can also go snorkeling to see some of the underwater statues, coral reefs, and marine life.
It is best to have a little snorkeling experience before tackling this adventure. Remember if you want your entire family to participate in this activity.
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is also near the top of the list of autism friendly destinations in Mexico. You will find a similar vibe to Cancun while visiting this part of the country. The best part about this area of Mexico is visiting destinations including Playa del Carmen and Tulum. You will find quite a few fabulous adventures throughout all of Riviera Maya.
Where to Stay in Riviera Maya
When vacationing in Riviera Maya, a great option for accommodations is Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts. This all-inclusive resort allows everyone in your family to enjoy their stay.
The spacious suites offer amazing views and the amenities you never knew you needed while away from home. The kids will want to swim in the pool or play at the Aqua Nick water park all day long.
You will be happy escaping to the spa for a couple of hours. You will then be rejuvenated and ready to participate in a pajama jam with your kids’ favorite Nickelodeon characters. Don’t skip Slime Time Live on the Main Stage. It will have the whole family laughing.
Autism Friendly Things to Do in Riviera Maya
Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise
A catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to soak up the sun and enjoy marine life in Riviera Maya. There are plenty of cruise options available. You can choose a simple sailing cruise. You can also choose one that offers sailing with snorkeling, lunch, or even a dinner cruise.
The options are practically endless. So, consider your autistic family’s needs and then choose the catamaran cruise that will work best for you!
Visit Xcaret Park
A day at Xcaret Park can be spent enjoying all forty attractions, which include water activities, educational and cultural adventures, and live shows.
Xcaret Park is also easily accessible from many of the hotels and resorts in Cancun. So, if this amusement park is near the top of your list of autism-friendly things to do in Mexico, feel free to vacation in Cancun instead of Riviera Maya.
Another incredible park option in Riviera Maya is Xplor Adventure Park. At this park, you can go ziplining or drive a four-wheel buggy. Your favorite part, though, might be rafting through the caves.
Explore the Caves at Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto is an underground river system. It is one of the must-see natural attractions within Riviera Maya. The entire cave system is twenty-four miles long. However, most of the caves are unexplored.
Don’t worry; you can see the ten percent open to visitors during your tour. You will want to make sure your autistic child is not afraid to wade through shallow water in the dark before doing this tour.
Oh, and there are spiders in unusual shapes on the cave walls. The spiders are harmless, but I thought you would like to know they are there!
Get In On the Action at the 3D Museum of Wonders
A visit to the 3D Museum of Wonders will have your family immersed in the different optical illusions. Imagine turning into a mountain climber, surfer, or Formula-1 driver. Take pictures as your family immerses themselves in the art. The pictures are a great souvenir to show off when you return home.
Go Birdwatching at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
If your autistic family loves being outside and seeing birds, visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the perfect option. It is a little bit of a drive to reach. So, keep that in mind if you are planning a visit.
There are thousands of different types of flora and fauna within this reserve. One section contains a barrier reef with lots of marine life. The other section is full of marshes, tropical forests, and mangroves.
A visit here will include birdwatching tours, kayaking and snorkeling adventures, and the chance to float down the Chunyaxche.
Interact with the Animals at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
Animal lovers will want to spend some time interacting with the animals at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary. There, you will find howler monkeys, ostriches, zebras, and snakes.
Many of these animals arrived here after a ban prevented animals from being used during live shows. Your favorite part of the day will be interacting with the howler monkeys. They are quite friendly and will get you laughing in no time.
Swim with the Turtles at Gran Cenote
One of the best autism-friendly things to do in the Maya Riviera is to swim with the Gran Cenote turtles. First, walk along the boardwalk to learn about this area. Then, hop into the water to swim with the turtles.
There is a cave system here. Some of the caves and tunnels are not fully submerged. So, it is the perfect spot to explore if you have an autistic child who doesn’t love going underwater.
There are deeper, fully submerged caves, too. If your family is ready, you can venture into those afterward.
Are you getting excited about all the possibilities when you choose one of these autism friendly destinations in Mexico? Let’s chat soon so I can make all your Mexican vacation dreams a reality. Once I know the needs of your autistic family, I can create the perfect itinerary for you. It will include all the activities your family will love and the downtime you need to prevent overwhelming and overstimulated situations.
You don’t need to wait to visit Mexico or any other destination just because someone in your family has autism. You only need to work with a Certified Autism Travel Professional like myself. I will guide you and ensure you have the resources you need as you travel the world together as a family. Let’s connect today!
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