Cancún Arenales — White Sand Dunes of Cancún Bay

Board the Tafil at Cancun By Boat Marina in Km 4 and head out into the open bay. Just 20 minutes from the marina sit the Arenales — shallow white sandy dunes rising from the seafloor where the water turns an impossible shade of turquoise. This is Cancun's best-kept swimming spot and one of the most photogenic scenes you'll find anywhere in the bay.

We anchor over the sandbanks for swimming, sunbathing and drinks while the white sandy bottom lights up the water around the boat. Keep an eye out for carey sea turtles surfacing to breathe and larger fish moving fast just below the surface — the visibility here is remarkable.

From the Arenales we cruise toward Punta Cancun for a closer look at the lighthouse and reef. If conditions allow we stop at Presidente Beach — one of the calmest stretches of sand in the Hotel Zone — for a swim and a chance to step ashore. On the way back we weave through the mangrove canals before arriving at the marina. If snorkeling interests you, Punta Cancun reef and Presidente dock both have excellent smaller sea life — a great option for children.

A fresh light lunch, soft drinks and open bar are served throughout. This is the perfect half-day refresh on a hot Cancun day.