First-time visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico are in for a pleasant surprise if they arrive expecting it to be like any other Caribbean tourist hot-spot. While Cancun can certainly live up to its loud and wild party reputation, if you’re looking for something a little more peaceful you won’t have to go too far out of town to find some of the best beaches and exclusive resorts in North America.
1. Cancun
Unless you’re coming in from the west or by cruise ship, Cancun is going to be most visitors’ arrival point into the Yucatan. While the downtown strip is heavily developed and touristy, there are many quieter areas on the outskirts of town and it’s well worth spending a few nights here to explore the local attractions.
Sights & Activities
The best beaches in Cancun are found along the Zona Hotelera, which is a narrow strip of sand that separates the Laguna de Nichupte from the Caribbean. Because of its somewhat sheltered location, the surf on the northern edge (known as the Playa Caracol) is the calmest in all of the Yucatan and is an ideal place to bring children or to learn watersports and snorkeling.
There are two small Mayan ruins worth visiting and both are along the southern half of the Zona Hotelera. Both are accessible by local bus.
Alternately, you can easily arrange a day-trip to either the famous ruins of Chichen Itza to the northwest or the smaller but closer Tulum site which is around 80 miles south of Cancun. There are countless tour operators available so it pays to shop around or ask at your resort for maximum convenience.
2. Puerto Morelos
The small beachside town of Puerto Morelos lies less than an hour south of Cancun but visitors will immediately feel like they’re in another world. Here the vibes are much more relaxed and it’s all about lounging on the beach or going diving at the nearby barrier reef, a protected National Marine Park.
Sights & Activities
The town itself is remarkably small and it only takes around 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other. During the day, most visitors spend their time either sunbathing along the beautiful white sand beach or taking diving or snorkeling trips. At night things pick up a little and there is a good selection of restaurants to choose from that offer both local and international cuisine. Oh, and if you’re wondering why that lighthouse on the beach is leaning like the Tower of Pisa, it’s because it was knocked sideways by Hurricane Beulah in 1967 and has since become the unofficial symbol of the town.
Accommodation
Because of the incredible beauty of this stretch of coastline and its close proximity to Cancun, many hotels in Puerto Morelos are booked well in advance. A good bet is to make a reservation at one of the all-inclusive resorts which offer airport pickup and let you enjoy your vacation in worry-free luxury.
Consider staying at one of the Karisma Resorts, which are ranked by Travelers Choice as one of the best family-friendly resorts in Mexico. The renowned Azul Beach Resort lies on the northern edge of Puerto Morelos and offers numerous amenities like 24-hour room service, childcare services, and a full spa and fitness area. It’s also an extremely popular site for wedding packages and often hosts one or more services a day.
3. Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is the third-largest town in the region and a good option for people who are looking for a place with a little more nightlife than Puerto Morelos but a little less hectic than Cancun. Here’s where the ferry to Cozumel departs so if you’re heading in that direction, consider spending a little time in Carmen to enjoy its atmosphere and shopping opportunities.
Sights & Activities
All the beaches along the Yucatan coast are open to the public. Keep to the center or southern half of the beach to stay where the action is, or go to the northern end for a little more privacy.
Playa Del Carmen is one of the main launch sites for trips to Tulum and many tour packages also include the aquatic theme park Xel-Ha, which has both an aquarium and a series of underground caves to explore.
Accommodation
There is a full range of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts available to suit every taste and budget. Because there’s so much competition, its possible to get some great deals that can include transport and activities bundled in with your stay.
4. Cozumel
Cozumel is a picturesque island located 8 miles off the coast from Playa Del Carmen. It has a small international airport and several ferries a day run from the mainland to the island’s only town, San Miguel de Cozumel.
Sights & Activities
Cozumel is quite possibly the most famous site for scuba diving in the Yucatan and there are countless tour operators offering expeditions for all skill levels. Snorkeling opportunities also abound and, if you’d prefer to stay dry, there are several glass bottom boat operators that give tours of the nearby reefs.
About halfway down the island on the south side is the Chankanaab National Park. It offers walking trails, a botanical garden, and an on-site restaurant.
At the southern point of the island is the Parque Punta Sur which has a lighthouse, museum, and a Mayan temple.
Accommodation
Because most of Cozumel is in a national preserve, the only accommodation is in San Miguel. Several large resorts are on the north side of town while the center near the ferry has the budget and franchise hotels.
Conclusion
The Yucatan is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. The towns have a lively nightlife and offer accommodations for any budget. Outside of the urban centers, you’ll find world class beaches which offer a range of water activities. Additionally, there are several National Parks and nature reserves, and the ancient history of the region can be glimpsed in the Mayan ruins scattered throughout the area.
