Guide to the Mexican Caribbean Coast

Tulum Ruins

Tulum is the most visited of the Maya sites in the Yucatan and not only because of its proximity to Cancun. Although the ruins are structurally less impressive than Chichen Itza or Uxmal and much less extensive, they have the azure Caribbean as a backdrop - a startling contrast, and heaven for the photographer or artist. Because the area is small and there is comparatively little climbing involved, you can gain a fair appreciation of Tulum in a couple of hours.

Coba

Coba is beautiful and mysterious - a visit here requires some effort but is very worthwhile. Its name means "ruffled waters", derived from the five lakes in the vicinity, and it is one of the oldest Mayan settlements on the peninsula.
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Chichen Itza

The ruins of Chichen Itza lie about midway between Cancun and Merida, so that the journey from each city takes around two to three hours via the toll highway. It is possible to see the main structures on a day trip from Cancun, and many tour buses do just this resulting in a large influx of visitors around 10-11am.
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Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

The largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve begins just south of Tulum and extends for near 1.3 million acres, including lagoons, beaches, wetlands and mangroves. More than one hundred species of mammals and more than three hundred types of birds can be found here. The best way to see the reserve is on a guided tour (on foot and by boat) organized by Cesiak (the Centro Ecologico Sian Ka’an).
Website: www.cesiak.org

Xcaret

An ecological theme park with snorkeling attractions and dolphin program. It's popular and fun, particularly for families. It is possible to 'swim' (with floats and snorkels) through underground rivers or join the dolphins in the water (advance reservation is required to swim with the dolphins). Entrance fee is around US$60 and most visitors spend the day here.
Website: www.xcaret.com

Xel-ha

Ecological water park with a mix of water and land based activities including snorkelling, scuba, kayaks, nature trails, a turtle camp- even cliff diving! There are plenty of activities for adults and children alike.
Website: www.xel-ha.com

Swim with the Dolphins

One of the best dolphin encounter programs in the area is at Puerto Aventuras, about 6 miles south of Playa del Carmen. Puerto Aventuras is a marina complex with bars and cafes overlooking the harbor and dolphin pools. Interactive programs allow you to meet not only dolphins but also manatees and sea lions.
Website www.dolphindiscovery.com

Snorkeling and Diving

The Great Mesoamerican reef is the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the largest in the world. It follows the coastline from Cancun down to Belize, offering excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities for beginners and experts alike. You’ll be able to arrange a snorkelling trip by boat to the reef at, or close to, any of our recommended hotels in this area and this is an good introduction to the underwater treasures of the area. More specialized tours can be arranged by dive shops in Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

Playa del Carmen

Only a few years ago, Playa del Carmen was a sleepy seaside town with a handful of small hotels and some great beaches. Today it’s a major resort, although most it is dominated by stylish boutique properties rather than the high rise mega-hotels of Cancun, and it’s still a great place for strolling (a thirty minute walk along the legendary 5th Avenue will take you past dozens of chic bars, themed restaurants and trendy boutiques). Stay here if you want to enjoy great nightlife and a central location for sightseeing, but not if you want a quiet, romantic hideaway.

Cancun

Cancun’s hotel zone is a mini-Miami with miles of breathtakingly large hotels side by side on a strip of beautiful beach shaped like the number seven. Here you’ll find themed restaurants, shopping malls and a dazzling range of entertainment. The damage wreaked by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 is almost invisible, and Cancun now boasts new beaches even wider and better than before. For a taste of Mexico though, it’s better to look outside this glossy resort.

Tulum

Tulum’s “hotel zone” is a string of cabana-style properties scattered along long, wide white-sand beaches south of the archaeological site. Telephone lines and mains electricity has yet to reach most of this area, so this is a place to escape the modern world – at least for the moment. New developments are in the pipeline for Tulum and it’s already getting a taste of Playa del Carmen with a couple of modern bars and one or two larger, more conventional hotels. Visit now to enjoy a simple but idyllic vacation away from the crowds.

Isla Mujeres

Although only around ten miles or thirty minutes across the sea from Cancun, Isla Mujeres offers a totally different style of vacation. In contrast to Cancun's high rises and themed restaurants, the relaxed island town has adapted to tourism without losing its identity. Today you'll find an increasing number of souvenir shops and tourist orientated restaurants, but the pace of life here is slower, prices are lower and the smiles are genuine.
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Cozumel

Cozumel is popular as a diving location and as a major port for cruise ships. The island’s town is commercialized and gets very busy when a few large ships are in port, but is good for shopping. Escape the crowds by travelling just a few miles outside the town to the Chankanaab National Park or the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio, or to some of the secluded beaches on the East coast. Cozumel can be reached by a regular ferry service from Playa del Carmen (foot passengers only) with journey time around 30- 40 minutes.