this vacation mecca was an unnoticed territory, overgrown by rain forests. But today, the stretch of white sand along Cancun and the Riviera Maya serves as the dividing line between great diving and party central. A 14-mile-long sandbar is home to Cancun's ritzy Hotel Zone, featuring five-star hotels and internationally known dining. A variety of day trips are offered by local operators and ferries make frequent runs between the mainland and Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.
A wide range of diving is available in the area, from snorkel-simple reefs to the labyrinth of freshwater caves beneath the surface of the mainland. Along the northern curve of the peninsula, currents outside the sheltered bays are strong, but the vis is better. You'll find French and queen angelfish, colorful reefs, and bull, black-tip and lemon sharks. The southern shores offer less-explored reefs with pillar coral, delicate sea anemones and current-twisted barrel sponges.
One thing is certain of this region: You'll find as much to explore topside as below. When you aren't ziplining through tree canopies or trekking via four-wheelers through jungles and on beaches, there's colorful history around every corner.
Dive In
Expect pleasant weather year-round, from 85 degrees in the summer to 75 degrees in the winter.
Summer temps are in the mid-80s, and winter temps hang in the 70s.
Great vis is the norm, near 100 feet on deeper sites, less on shallow reefs, and more than 100 feet in the cenotes.
A valid passport is required. Departure tax is usually included in the airline ticket.
www.travelyucatan.com, www.mayanriviera.com.
