riviera maya

Swim in a Cenote in Riviera Maya

Simply put, cenotes are sinkholes (the longer explanation is fascinating). These subterranean river caverns are one of Mexico’s unique natural wonders for divers, snorkelers and swimmers alike. There are thousands scattered over Riviera Maya: some are fully collapsed and open swimming holes; others lie several meters underground. You can find everything from vibrant marine life, such as in Gran Cenote with its sandy bottom, to underground grotto diving, such as in Dos Ojos. In Cenote La Noria, you swim under stalagmites, while Cenote Azul has curious underwater rock platforms to rest on between snorkeling. We list some local cenotes in Riviera Maya and Tulum, and for diving.

There are also adventure parks for families and adrenaline seekers, such as Xel-ha, Xplorer and Rio Secreto. They are touristic but safe. They cost much more than local ones but include things like food, snorkeling, ziplining or ATVs. Xel-Há Park is the largest cenote, with diverse tropical fish to snorkel with; Rio Secreto is the least touristic of the major parks.

Disconnect on Holbox Island

Holbox is Mexico’s car-free, laid-back island. The small town center has mostly sand streets, no banks or high-rises, and a mix of rustic and luxury beachfront hotels. The other 75% of the island is protected and completely virgin.

The natural environment is wild and diverse. You can see bioluminescent plankton, flamingos, pelicans, and crocodiles in the natural reserves, which can be explored by boat or bike. Dive underwater to spend time with the island’s marine life – turtles, enormous manta rays, tropical fish and, the island’s biggest fame, whale sharks the size of buses which pass during summer (July to August are the best months).

It’s one of Yucatan’s top locations to unplug. Electricity only arrived in the late 80s and today connection is still spotty. The water may not be as clear as the Caribbean but you can’t beat watching the sun sink over the Mexican Gulf. The water is knee-deep for more than 20 meters and warm like a mild bath. You can also chill on the hammocks hanging over the water, or take a street-art mural tour.

It’s just 26 miles (42 km) long. It’s reached by direct flights or by driving 2–3 hours northwest of Cancun and catching a ferry. If you hire a car, you will need to leave it at the ferry parking before you cross.

Kayak in Bacalar Lakeside Town

The ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors’ changes color as the sunlight and depth shift. The calm water is perfect to float, or rent a kayak to experience the multi-hues up close.

As Tulum becomes overrun with tourists, Bacalar has quietly taken its place for its off-the-beaten-track chill vibe. You can rent cabanas that sit directly over the water, or find a number of affordable cabins nestled in the jungle.

This quiet town has less than 15,000 people, which is a contrast from when it was once overrun by pirates. In the 17th century, pirates navigated the natural waterways from the sea to plunder and attack a basically defenseless town. There are remnants to explore from this era, including a fortress.

It sits at the very south end of the Yucatan Peninsula, near Belize’s border and served by Chetumal airport. You can also visit the sleepy beachtown of Mahahual. If you plan on doing the entire coast, fly into Cancun and fly out of Chetumal.

Discover Mayan Chewing Gum

Mexico and Central America are considered to be the birthplace of modern chewing gum. The Aztecs and Mayans used to extract a resin – chicle – by strategically slicing chicozapote trees and creating a chewable substance with it.

Today you can go into the jungle and explore Sian Ka’an lagoon, see how they make chicle, discover Mayan culture, climb a pyramid, and paddle among mangroves in the largest protected area on the Mexican Caribbean.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is UNESCO protected and covers an area of half a million hectares. It includes beaches, coral reefs, a tropical jungle, dunes and cenotes, inhabited by more than 300 species of birds and countless plants and animals.

Snorkel on Cozumel Island

Cozumel’s beating heart is its diving scene, with many devoted returnees attracted to one of world’s biggest reefs, the Mesoamerican Reef.

But you don’t have to dive to see the island’s unique beauty. There are plenty of snorkeling spots, plus a submarine tour that takes you 10m underwater to a shipwreck and the reef. Some interesting sights include the El Mirador sea arch, and snorkeling at Money Bar Beach Club.

The main port caters to massive cruises, with touristic shopping boulevards, internationalized Mexican food and English-speaking promoters calling you to bars and restaurants.

But it’s easy to escape. A short distance from the touristic port lies exclusive beachfront resorts, isolated beach clubs, and natural reserves with crocodiles, turtles and birds. Hire a scooter or a jeep and spend the day exploring island’s untouched areas.

Relax on Isla Mujeres

In 30 minutes a ferry will whisk you from Cancun to this island paradise, translated as ‘Women’s island.’ Legend says that pirates used to leave their women here while plundering Spanish ships carrying gold.

It’s here you will find one of Yucatan’s most photographed beaches, Playa Norte. The white sand and transparent water make it look like a huge swimming pool. You can easily spend the whole day eating fresh seafood at beach restaurants with sandy floors, and drinking cocktails on chaise lounges.

There are also beach clubs and resorts that sell day-passes ($40–80), where you can access their facilities and some of the island’s best beachfront real estate.

Otherwise, it’s easy enough to get the Ultarmar ferry from Cancun’s Puerto Juarez and certain beaches (check departure times and locations here). Once there, a fun way to explore the car-free island is to hire a gold buggy and drive along its rocky coastline, virgin landscape and sand dunes ($15–20 per hour) or see some historical sites.

Explore Virgin Natural Reserves

Riviera Maya’s touristic areas may leave you hunting something more virgin. And this is easily done the more south you head.

Beyond Tulum starts an enormous biodiverse environment of unique bird colonies, delicate fauna and flora ecosystems, stretches of untouched coastline, dense jungle and swampy wetlands.

You can get lost for weeks in the array of activities but heading as far as Punta Allen is enough to sample a taste of the area’s biodiversity without costing too much time.

Hit Cancun’s Beaches

Whether Cancun is a top Mexican destination is debatable. The beaches are undeniably beautiful. But its man-made hotel zone, massive resorts, golden shopping mile, and international chains are far from an authentic Mexican holiday.

Many feel secure in the all-inclusive resorts, where local sites can be visited via tours from the hotel. There’s a lot to be said about a convenient, hassle-free holiday, particularly for families who want supervision included. There are still opportunities to eat street tacos or visit a small village or cenote if you want more.

Cancun also has the underwater statue museum (MUSO), and is easy to take a ferry to one of the islands. Being the closest to the airport, it is also the most accessible. Prices tend to be higher though. Despite all of that, many love the bar-hopping lifestyle and more than 20km of white sandy beach.

The popular beach in the hotel zone is Playa Marlin, but you can sneak away to Playa Cac Mool or Playa Delfines for a quieter vibe (and a selfie with the Cancun sign!). Playa Tortugas and Playa Ballenas have several aquatic sport options, and Playa Las Perlas is a small beach for something different.