Zihuatanejo, located on Mexico's Pacific coast, provides visitors an authentic Mexican experience, complete with magnificent sunsets and laid-back moods. Shopaholics can buy local handicrafts (ceramics and woodcarvings), while foodies can have fresh fish tacos and ceviche along the beach in this fishing community. The city's central coast, Playa La Ropa, stands noted for its clean, family-friendly environment. Playa Larga, another good beach choice, is located a little outside of town, providing a quieter ambience and lots of space to spread out. Divers and snorkelers can choose from diving locations teeming with marine life off the coast.
Tulum, Mexico's most famous beachfront Mayan ruins, appeals to history enthusiasts and sea lovers. Tulum, located about 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya, has some of the top hotels in Mexico, ranging from small boutique hotels to wellness retreats to all-inclusive resorts. Regardless of where you stay, you can spend your time relaxing on some of the world's most beautiful beaches (try traveller-recommended Playa Paraiso or Playa Ruinas), exploring ancient ruins (consider booking a day trip to nearby Chichén Itzá for a larger-scale site), and swimming in secluded cenotes, unique underwater caves found throughout the Yucatán Peninsula.
This island is most famous for its coral reefs and cruise ships. This destination's magnificent blue sea, laid-back beaches, and many water sports activities are popular with visitors. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment are available from various outfitters and resorts. While you could spend your entire vacation in the ocean or on the beach with a good book, Cozumel is also a peaceful spot to learn about Mayan culture. To taste pre-Hispanic history, visit the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio archaeological site.
The Pacific coast city of Ixtapa (located just north of Zihuatanejo) has a lively vibe because of its curved coastline, which is crowded with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Due to the heavy waves, Playa El Palmar, the central beach, is frequently better for sunset strolls and people-watching than swimming or snorkelling. Still, the warm, transparent, and typically soft water and the coral beds further offshore make Ixtapa one of the ideal destinations for beginning scuba divers. Anyone interested in the region's history might also visit the Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande, a modest museum that recounts the numerous cultures and events that distinguish the area.
Isla Mujeres is off the coast of Cancún and offers magnificent beaches for relaxing and coral reefs for exploration. In reality, it's one of the best spots in the world to go snorkelling, thanks to a unique underwater museum and one of the world's most extensive coral reefs (home to various colourful species). A glass bottom boat allows you to see marine life differently. Playa Norte, with its white sand, blue ocean, and swaying palm palms, is the most popular beach for catching some rays.
