Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
An all-inclusive eco-resort in Riviera Maya, featuring natural cenotes, a water park, jungle trails, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds at water park
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Best Time
Fewer crowds at water park
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An all-inclusive eco-resort in Riviera Maya, featuring natural cenotes, a water park, jungle trails, and abundant wildlife.
"This eco-paradise offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and all-inclusive comfort for families and eco-conscious travelers."
📱 Book Dining via App
Secure your a la carte reservations ASAP on the resort app, as they book up quickly! :iphone:
👟 Pack Water Shoes
The beach has rocks and boulders, so water shoes are essential for comfortable swimming. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Cenotes
Throughout the resort grounds
Swim in crystal-clear, ancient cenotes hidden within the jungle. A truly unique and refreshing experience.
Water Park Fun
Central water park area
A thrilling water park with 29 slides for all ages, perfect for a day of family fun and excitement.
Jungle Trails & Wildlife
Resort grounds
Wander through lush jungle paths and spot playful monkeys, turtles, and coatis in their natural habitat.
Themed A La Carte Dining
Various restaurants
Savor diverse culinary experiences at themed restaurants like Brazilian steakhouse and Italian.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book A La Carte Restaurants Early
Embrace the Eco-Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Book Dining via App
Secure your a la carte reservations ASAP on the resort app, as they book up quickly! :iphone:
👟 Pack Water Shoes
The beach has rocks and boulders, so water shoes are essential for comfortable swimming. :athletic_shoe:
🐒 Respect Wildlife
Please don't feed the animals! It's crucial for their well-being and to keep them around.
💧 Bring a Reusable Bottle
While there are water coolers, some guests reported issues with them. A reusable bottle is handy.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Book Dining via App
Secure your a la carte reservations ASAP on the resort app, as they book up quickly! :iphone:
👟 Pack Water Shoes
The beach has rocks and boulders, so water shoes are essential for comfortable swimming. :athletic_shoe:
🐒 Respect Wildlife
Please don't feed the animals! It's crucial for their well-being and to keep them around.
💧 Bring a Reusable Bottle
While there are water coolers, some guests reported issues with them. A reusable bottle is handy.
☀️ Explore the Jungle
Don't miss the cenotes and jungle trails; they offer a unique eco-experience beyond the beach. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort offers a unique blend of all-inclusive amenities with a strong focus on nature and eco-activities, including cenotes and a water park that families adore. While many praise the natural beauty, wildlife, and spacious rooms, some guests report issues with restaurant reservations, beach conditions, and inconsistent service in certain areas. Overall, it's a resort that appeals to those seeking an active, nature-immersed vacation, though managing expectations regarding dining and beach access is advised.
"My honest review from November 29-dec 6
The good
-checked in around 8 pm and there was no one in line. But did notice long line ups in the lobby through four stay
-I travelled alone with my two kids 4&8 and staff and guests were super friendly.
-los liros and Brazilian steak house were amazing, no complaints about the buffet. Lots of choices for food. When we couldn’t get a reso we would wait to see if there were cancellations, and we were always accommodated. Due to limited times on the app.
-the jungle experience was absolutely stunning, so much to explore and there was no way we could see everything. Definitely looking forward to go back.
-my room was eco family super spacious and it was on the main level. Beds were comfy and kids loved the bunk beds. The AC saved us.
-the water park and all of the pools were a major hit for the kids. Spent a lot of time at the water park.
The bad:
- one major thing was the kids club. We only used it once after our incident. Because I came solo, I used the kids club to get a massage on the beach. While I was walking back to grab them, this lovely lady who braided my hair a few days prior asked me if I was looking for my son. I said my kids were at the kids club so unlikely it was my kid. When I went to go and pick them up my youngest (4) was not there. I noticed his shoes were gone. And when I asked where he was the staff seemed panicked. I was crying and upset because I felt it was safe there while I took a break for an hour by myself. A security came and walked him back to the club thankfully but he told me he was looking for me because he needed water. My 8 year old who was playing the video games the entire time confirmed that they both asked for water but was refused. I was very emotional and my 4 year old clearly was gone for quite some time as he was full of sweat and tears. I am very disappointed and concerned about the level of supervision. My son also complained that staff did not pay any attention or play with them.
I still am looking forward to return based on all the good however the kids club incident was something that I will never use in the future."
Melissa Loyie
"We are not picky but do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. I get that room requests are not guaranteed but to not honor at least one of them (sent in September-travel in December), shows how well you will be treated here. For a party if 4, not able to reserve 1 a la carte restaurant all week! Everything is fully booked. We pulled some strings and got 1 restaurant miraculously and guess what? Not even half full all night... same happens with the walk in toscana restaurant, you wait in line to get in only to realize its at half capacity. Always food missing or people missing to cook something you would like to eat.
Rooms... ground floor, we are pretty much in a swamp. Smells moldy and barely any hot water at all times of day.
Beach.... guys, if you don't have water shoes, forget it! There is a small section closed off for the little kids but sucks for the older kids who want to be in the waves. There are rocks and bolders!! They go far out so i dont know where they end. Worst beach ever!
Very disappointed in the front dest, i have been asking for 3 days to change rooms and guess what? Not possible because they are full of course. Try to explain to anything at all and they pretend they don't understand you so they do not have to answer you, what a great tactic!
Yes, the grounds are lush and beautiful and the water park is a huge hit but yeah... not worth it. Better pay same or more and get a better beach, isnt that what vacation is about anyway?"
Ewa Gagnon
"Overall we quite enjoyed our stay, with a couple bumps in the road. The resort is pretty cool, lots of trails through the jungle and lots of activities. Whatever issues we had were mostly rectified quickly. The kids had a blast, all under age 8. The littlest kids were too small for the bigger water slides but enjoyed the smaller ones. The parents enjoyed it too. The service was great, food was good. Our only real complaint was with the à la carte restaurants; you have to reserve in the app (which was great) except that the resort was full and people were double booking themselves as it doesn’t limit you. So on our very first day we tried to make reservations at the à la carte’s and they were booked full. That was incredibly disappointing, as when you choose your resort, the number of food options is part of that. We did eventually get a reservation (you have to just keep checking) but our travel partners didn’t and it majorly affected our enjoyment of the resort being limited to two buffet options basically every night. Overall we are happy that we went."
Kellie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Sandos Caracol Eco Resort from Cancun International Airport (CUN) is by pre-booked shuttle or private transfer, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive.
While public transport options exist along the Riviera Maya, they are less convenient for reaching the resort directly. A pre-booked transfer or taxi is generally recommended for ease and comfort.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is located just north of Playa del Carmen, making it a short drive (about 15-20 minutes) to the town's attractions and shopping areas.
The resort itself doesn't typically offer direct shuttle services to nearby attractions. However, you can arrange tours or taxis through the concierge for excursions.
Taxis are readily available in Playa del Carmen for getting around town. You can also rent a car if you plan on exploring further afield, but parking can be challenging in the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is an all-inclusive resort, meaning your accommodation, meals, snacks, and most beverages are included in your stay. +2
Booking your accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. While day passes might be available, they are not the primary way to experience the resort.
Standard check-in time is typically around 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM. However, it's always best to confirm these times directly with the resort or your booking agent.
Yes, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort often has various packages and deals available, especially through travel agencies and booking sites. It's worth checking their official website or contacting a travel agent for the latest promotions. +1
Day passes for Sandos Caracol Eco Resort are sometimes available, allowing non-guests to enjoy the facilities for a fee. It's advisable to check with the resort directly for availability and pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sandos Caracol offers a wide range of activities including swimming in cenotes, exploring jungle trails, enjoying the water park with 29 slides, participating in eco-activities, and nightly entertainment. +2
Absolutely! The resort features a dedicated water park with smaller slides, a kids' club, and spacious family rooms, making it a great choice for families. +2
The beach at Sandos Caracol has beautiful sand but can be rocky in the water, making water shoes highly recommended for comfortable swimming.
Yes, Sandos Caracol offers a Select Club for adults-only, providing exclusive access to certain areas and amenities for a more tranquil experience.
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, turtles, coatis, and agoutis, roaming freely throughout the resort's natural jungle environment. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort offers a main buffet, Laguna, and several a la carte restaurants including Brazilian steakhouse, Italian, and Los Lirios. Reservations are often required for a la carte dining.
Reservations for a la carte restaurants can typically be made through the resort's app or by visiting the concierge. It's advised to book as soon as possible upon arrival as they fill up quickly.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. While some guests praise the variety and taste of the buffet and specific a la carte restaurants, others have found food options limited or not up to par.
While the resort aims to cater to various dietary needs, it's recommended to communicate your requirements to the restaurant staff in advance or upon arrival to ensure suitable options are available.
Restaurant hours vary. The main buffet typically serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while a la carte restaurants have specific dinner hours. It's best to check the daily schedule provided by the resort.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural cenotes, lush jungle pathways, and the water park offer stunning photographic opportunities. Don't forget to capture the wildlife encounters! +2
Yes, the wildlife is often quite visible and accustomed to guests, making it relatively easy to capture memorable photos. However, maintaining a respectful distance is key. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed throughout the resort. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits, so it's best to inquire with resort management if you have specific needs.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing ambiance.
Yes, you can take photos of the animals, but always do so from a safe distance and without disturbing them. Avoid using flash, as it can startle them. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be aware that while the resort is family-friendly, some reviews suggest varying levels of supervision in kids' areas. However, the sheer volume of activities, from the water park to the cenotes, ensures that kids will have a memorable and action-packed vacation. Booking a la carte restaurants early is also crucial to ensure varied dining options for the whole family.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Eco-Conscious Travelers
The resort offers various eco-activities that appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, providing opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem. This focus on nature makes it stand out from more conventional beach resorts, offering a deeper connection to the Riviera Maya's natural beauty. Remember to pack comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds.
couples seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure
For couples who enjoy exploring, the cenotes and jungle trails provide a unique backdrop for shared adventures. The resort's natural setting offers a more engaging experience than a typical beachfront property. Just be sure to book your preferred dining experiences in advance to ensure a seamless culinary journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eco-Experience: Nature and Sustainability
This commitment to eco-friendliness extends to various eco-activities designed to educate and engage guests. These can include guided nature walks, opportunities to learn about local flora and fauna, and even participation in conservation efforts. The resort actively promotes responsible tourism, encouraging guests to respect the natural surroundings and its inhabitants.
For travelers seeking an all-inclusive experience that goes beyond the typical beach resort, Sandos Caracol offers a refreshing blend of relaxation and environmental consciousness. It's a place where you can enjoy modern amenities while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Riviera Maya's natural wonders.
Family Fun at the Water Park and Beyond
Beyond the water park, the resort offers numerous family-friendly activities. The kids' club provides supervised fun for younger guests, allowing parents some well-deserved downtime. Exploring the jungle trails and spotting wildlife like monkeys and coatis is an adventure in itself for children. The eco-family suites are also designed with families in mind, offering spacious accommodations with separate sleeping areas for kids.
While the resort generally caters well to families, it's worth noting that some reviews mention varying levels of supervision in certain areas, like the kids' club. However, the overall consensus is that the abundance of activities and the engaging environment make Sandos Caracol a fantastic choice for a family vacation in the Riviera Maya.
Dining Experiences: Variety and Reservations
A significant aspect of dining at Sandos Caracol is the reservation system for a la carte venues. These restaurants are in high demand, and securing a table can be challenging. Many guests recommend using the resort's app to book reservations as soon as possible upon arrival. Failure to do so can result in limited options, primarily the buffet, for the duration of your stay.
Guest reviews on food quality are somewhat divided. While many praise the flavors and service at specific restaurants like Los Lirios, others express disappointment with the variety or consistency. It's advisable to manage expectations and prioritize booking your preferred dining experiences early to make the most of the resort's culinary offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit