Spot Whale Sharks

Guide to Quintanna Roo/Mexican Caribbean

When you’re planning a vacation, it can be hard to squeeze in all the elements that make up the ideal getaway. You want time to relax, but you always want to be able to do things – along with eating and drinking well, and perhaps hitting the links or the spa. Whether you’re traveling as a family or as a couple, the Mexican Caribbean has everything you need. While there is no doubt that the beaches are picture perfect, there’s much more to do than just work on your tan.

Where else can you explore Mayan ruins in the jungle by bicycle, spot whale sharks or descend deep underground to explore freshwater caves, called cenotes? Whether you want to combine beach days with fine dining and partying, or just escape to an island where everyone gets around on a by golf cart, the Mexican Caribbean has something for everyone to suit your every vacation style.

Cancun

Come to Cancun if you want a great beach vacation combined with sophisticated nightlife, shopping and dining. The 14 mile long14-mile-long beach is a playground for water sports, but when the sun goes down, it’s time to experience the legendary nightlife here.

Things to do and see:

The Interactive Aquarium: Families will love this hands-on aquarium, where visitors can swim with dolphins, as well as touch urchins and stings rays in the touch tank. Don’t miss the unique “Sea Trek,” where you put on a special helmet and walk along the bottom of a huge tank among fish.

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Ventura Park Cancun: No matter what age you are, you’ll have a blast enjoying the slides, zip lines and seaside go-kart track here. For an unforgettable experience, try swimming with dolphins here.

Wine and Dine: Cancun is a fine dining destination and sampling the fresh seafood is a must- along with a tropical drink or two. Head to Lorenzillo’s which has its own lobster farm, or the magical Thai Lounge, where you can enjoy a mango martini and fried jasmine rice in your own private thatched hut overlooking a lagoon.

Coco Bongo: There’s no place else in the world like World Renowned Coco Bongo, with its live music, acrobats, conga lines and bubbles. Enjoy the tropical breeze from a rooftop bar or just dance the night away. Comment by Jil Bancroft – BookIt.com Director of Marketing: This world-renowned nightclub is famous for it’s high-energy, live music, acrobats, conga lines, and legendary parties. Comment by Jil Bancroft – BookIt.com Director of Marketing:

Where to stay: The Hyatt Ziva Cancun is chic and stylish, with two beaches and multiple infinity edge pools. Families will appreciate the kids club, but there’s also an adult-only tower.

Puerto Morelos

Located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this quiet area is perfect for anyone who just wants the basics: beach, eats and a handful of activities.

Things to do and see:

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef: Puerto Morelos is home to the world’s second largest coral reef. Located just a few thousand feet off shore, the reef is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Crococun Zoo: This petite zoo is ideal for a quick trip. Its home to crocodiles, monkeys and iguanas, many of which have been rescued. Visitors can hold and even feed some of the animals.

Yaax Che Botanical Garden: At 150 acres, this is the largest botanical park in Mexico and worth a visit to see the orchids, monkeys and authentic Mayan house here.

Cenotes: Head out on the Ruta de Los Cenotes (Cenote Route) and find your perfect cenote to explore.

Salciccium food truck village: Take your pick among the Thai, French and vegan trucks here and don’t miss the lionfish tacos at Dk, which is crafted from an old shipping container.

Where to stay: The Now Jade Riviera Cancun All-Suites Resort is ideal for both families and couples. The sleek hotel has a spa, adults-only restaurants as well as a kids club. Comment by Christina Valhouli: Ideally I would include a smaller, boutique style property here but I couldn’t find one on BookIt. I’m open to suggestions – or will the hotel inventory change?

Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is home to everything that makes this area special, including beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins and cenotes – along with fine dining and clubs.

Things to do and see:

Tulum: This boho chic town is the place to see Mayan ruins dramatically situated on a cliff by the sea. After exploring them, head into town to check out the boutiques, juice bars and legendary restaurants like Hartwood, where everything is cooked on an open fire.

Coba: The best way to explore the Mayan ruins at Coba is by bike. Cycling through the jungle is half the fun, and make sure to climb to the top of the pyramid here; it’s tough but well worth it for the views.

Rio Secreto: Hike or swim through this otherworldly cave that has crystal clear turquoise water. Another way to appreciate the cave’s stalagmites and stalactites is with a sound and light show.

Sian Ka’an: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to manatees, turtles and giant land crabs. The best way to explore it is by a guided tour.

Where to stay: The new Hotel Xcaret is a beautiful, upscale eco-lodge where guests can spend their days by the pool or exploring a network of rivers. Guests get free access and transport to Xcaret, Xenses, Xplor, and Xel-Ha parks. Comment by Jil Bancroft – BookIt.com Director of Marketing: Do you think we should call any of these out in the things to do? Xcaret and Xel-Ha are very popular.

Grand Costa Maya Comment by Christina Valhouli: Some magazines say that “Costa Maya” refers to a small port while others say it refers to an entire region (which is also what the tourism board calls it) so I wanted to double check this

If your vacation style is off the beaten track and you’re looking for a quiet escape, then head to Mexico’s southern Caribbean cost, or the Grand Costa Maya. It’s perfect for beach time combined with active exploration.

Things to do and see:

Chacchoben: Excavated in 2005, this ancient city is still partially buried under the jungle. Explore the temples and ceremonial grounds here, and keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys and deer.

Kohunlich: A lesser-visited site is the ancient city at Kohunlich, which has a ball court, spiritual areas and palaces. Expect to spend a most of a day here.

Laguna Bacalar: A must-see is this extraordinary freshwater lake known as the “’lagoon of seven colors” for its dramatic stripes of blue – the unusual colors are because of the lake’s limestone bottom. You can experience it by diving in, taking a boat tour or trying SUP (stand up paddle boarding).

Xcalak: Head to the southernmost point in Quintanna Roo for world-class fishing and scuba diving among the shipwrecks and magnificent coral at Chinchorro Banks.

Where to stay: For a low key escape, book a room at the boutique Almaplena Eco Resort & Beach Club, which has a prime beach front location. The décor is rustic chic, and uses locally sourced materials such as tiles from Chiapas and wood from the Yucatan.

Cozumel

Head to Cozumel for an island adventure that offers a little bit of everything in a compact space – including superb diving in some of the best reefs in the world and luxurious hotels.

Things to do and see:

Maracaibo: Experienced divers will love this spot. At 150 feet it’s one of the deepest dives in Cozumel and divers may spot reef sharks and eagle rays.

Punta Sur Reef: Located within Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, this reef is home to a dramatic cathedral as well as a cave dubbed the Devil’s Throat. If you’re on a dive boat, any lion fish that are caught will probably be turned into ceviche.

National Park of Chankanaab: Spend a whole day here exploring the beach, saltwater lagoon and an archaeological park. Swimming with dolphins is also available here at Dolphin Discovery.

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park: Connect with your inner child at this water park where the whole gang can enjoy water slides, a water park and water trampolines. Grab a snorkel and explore the underwater Mayan city here.

Where to stay: The all-suites, all-adults Secrets Aura Cozumel is located right on the beach near Chankanaab. Divide your time between the beach or the four swimming pools.

Holbox

If you want to get away from it all, Holbox is your place. At just 1¼ miles wide and 26 miles long, the preferred ways to get around the sandy streets here are by golf cart and bicycle. A vacation to Isla Holbox is all about relaxing and unwinding, and eating with your toes firmly in the sand.

Things to do and see:

Spot Whale Sharks: Plan your trip between May and September for the best opportunity to spot whale sharks. You can even swim near these gentle giants if you take a tour.

Cenote Yalahau: Located 30 minutes away via a boat ride, this cenote was thought to be a refuge for the 16th century pirate Molas. Spend a day here swimming in the clear, fresh waters.

Bioluminescent Tour: The southern beaches of the island are the best place to view the extraordinary bioluminescent waters. The best times to see it are July through January.

Isla Pajaros: Bring your camera and take a day trip to this remote island to see the extraordinary sight of 40,000 flamingoes. The birds come here between April and October to feed. The island is also home to wide variety of endangered birds.

Where to stay: The Villas HM Paraiso del Mar is an eco-friendly hotel with rustic décor and a laid back vibe. This is the place to stay if you just want simple pleasures and beach front access.

Isla Mujeres

If Cancun sounds like too much and Isla Holbox seems too quiet, Isla Mujeres may be just right. Just a 20 minute ferry ride from Cancun, this island attracts beach-lovers looking for a low-key, laid back getaway with a handful of things to do to break up beach time.

Tortugranja: This turtle sanctuary is home to loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles. There’s also a tiny aquarium here.

Garrafon: You could easily spend all day at this park, which has zip lines, kayaks, snorkels- and plenty of cocktails.

Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA): Located halfway between here and Cancun, this underwater museum has more than 400 life sized sculptures. They range from people clustered in a circle to an old VW Beetle. Comment by Christina Valhouli: We could move this to the Cancun section

Punta Sur: Head to the southern tip of the island for turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and the remains of the temple dedicated to the goddess Ixchel.

Where to stay: The Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres is a boutique sized all-inclusive hotel on its own private beach. There are three pools to choose from and the most upscale restaurant here serves Mexican-French fare.