Uxuxubi al Natural : Swimming with crocodiles

There is more than one way to connect with the Riviera Maya. Some go to archeological sites, others, to eco-parks. Some snorkel on its beaches and some in a cenote. Yet another way is to mingle with the local community, as in Uxuxubi al natural.

Meet the local Uxuxubi community

Many tourist attractions around the Riviera Maya are managed and looked after by local families or communities. That’s the case with Uxuxubi, too. But, in this instance, it’s a whole area, and they’re happy to show you around. Get to know the history of the place, including the natural disasters they’ve been victims of, and how they have rebuilt after. See the school for children, which has won many local prizes.

What to do there

Though this is not an eco-park per se (people actually do live here), that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. The local guides routinely take visitors on treks around the jungle, pointing out things you wouldn’t normally see, like plants of different uses. From time to time they’ll also point out an animal you hadn’t seen, as they are roaming free.

The jungle trekking continues in the lagoon, as they take you around to see the different kinds of animals that live on its shores—crocodiles included. Want to see them out from above? Zipline across the whole length of the lagoon.

Get closer to the local wildlife

If you’d like to see them up close, at Uxuxubi you can swim with crocodiles. Yes, you read that right. It’s like swimming with sharks but with crocs, as they put you inside a half-sunken cage to get as close to a crocodile as you’ll ever be.

Bees are no less interesting than crocs and you’ll see how the local community produces the honey they later sell. The Mayan bees are like no other you’ve seen—their hives are different and they’re harmless, as they have no sting.

Spend the night in Uxuxubi

There are no hotels here, of course. Bring your camping equipment and spend the night. Listening to the night sounds of the jungle, you’ll never feel closer to it.