MEXICAN CARIBBEAN

On the historic Yucatan peninsula, Caribbean Mexico has some of the region's most modern resorts.    The main resort areas combine the magic and myths of Mexico, the convenience and luxury of modern, Western hotels and the calming waters and winds of the Caribbean. 
The L-shaped island of Cancun – linked to the mainland by a causeway – is 14 miles long and only a quarter of a mile wide.  Its beach is lined by more than 75 hotels, built during the past 25 years.  The waters along the northern side of the hotel strip are perfect for children and adults who are learning to swim.  Cancun offers a variety of restaurants, entertainment, world-class shopping and sports activities.

Cozumel, nine miles from the mainland and reached by ferry, is an 181 square mile limestone island with excellent beaches, palm groves, relics of Mayan settlements dating back to 1,000 AD and nature parks and reserves. On the mainland coast opposite Cozumel is the Riviera Maya, a long stretch of tiny fishing villages and hidden resorts and the modern resort area of Playa del Carmen. 

Just south of Cancun is the smaller Isla Mujeres – the Island of Women, named after Mayan terracotta figures found there.  Only 5.5 square miles, it is a popular resort for tourists attracted to a quieter atmosphere where excellent coral reefs and superb diving can be found.  Other attractions here include a turtle farm and a marine biological station where visitors can see dolphins, sea lions and sea elephants.
Wherever you are on these resort islands, you are never far away from the many Mayan sites of the Yucatan peninsula – sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum, with temples, walled towns, castles and pyramids. Another major attraction is Xcaret, 35 miles south of Cancun and Mexico’s only eco-archaeological park, where you can swim with dolphins and explore Mayan caves.