The Mexican Caribbean, where Mayan civilization left a strong imprint, has based the development of the tourism industry on the preservation of unique natural treasures that grant the region an excellent position in the promotion of multidestination programs.

The region holds the tourist resort of Isla Mujeres, which the Mayas considered a sacred place to worship Ixchel (the goddess of fertility) and which features the Garrafón Natural Park among its major attractions.

The area boasts a coral reef that is just below the surface of the water and shows all the splendor of underwater life in the Caribbean Sea, in addition to Punta Sur, a natural formation that provides a breathtaking view of the Caribbean, Cancun and the bay of Isla Mujeres.

Described by experts as one of the most beautiful in the world, the reef is four meters deep and 320 meters long, and is characterized by mild currents and crystal-clear waters, which allow divers to watch all kinds of coral formations and underwater life.

Moreover, the area also holds the highest cliff above sea level in the Yucatan Peninsula, which, according to experts, is a place for adoration, peace and fun.

History has provided different versions about the origin of the park's name, one of which is linked to the shape of the channel which separates the two reefs and which is similar to a large bottle with a short narrow neck known as "garrafón" (the Spanish word for demijohn).

Another story says that due to its geographical location, the area was used as a place to refuel the Punta Sur lighthouse and the ships bound for Cozumel, so the fuel was kept in "garrafones" (demijohns).

The park's recreational offers include snorkeling and scuba diving, panoramic trips, marine platforms, kayaks and guided excursions to Punta Sur, among other options for leisure.

A special offer is the one called snuba, a combination of scuba diving and snorkeling that consists of diving freely without aqualungs, since oxygen is supplied from a small raft.

For nautical activities, the park has a highly-trained staff - certified by the World Diving Association - who accompany and assist the visitors who tour the underwater attractions of the area.

In Punta Sur's Caribbean Village, vacationers can buy typical Mexican handicrafts.

Gastronomy is the complement to a pleasant stay in the park, including meat and seafood at the Tamarindo Restaurant, which provides a spectacular view of the unique Caribbean region.