What people tend to not realize when booking Mexico, is that Riviera Maya and Cancun are not just two towns, but an entire region along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. There are many options to choose from!
Starting at the top, north-east of Cancun via a short ferry ride is a small island called Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres has all-inclusive resorts on it from larger to boutique style. The island has a rocky, wavy coast on one side, and calm crystal blue waters on the other. The island is known for its beautiful North Beach. The island is well known for its charm, offering great snorkeling, scuba, and restaurants, many tours operate during the day but it is much quieter at night. Golf cart and scooter rentals are available as alternatives to taxis or walking to get around the island. From May-September, Whale Sharks migrate through the area and the opportunity to swim with them is incredible.
Next you have the Cancun, which has two areas consisting of Downtown Cancun, on the mainland, and the hotel zone on a strip between the sea and a lagoon. Cancun is known for its activities and world-famous nightlife including Coco Bongo, Mandala, and Senor Frogs. There are hotels on the lagoon side and off beach, it is important to pick a hotel that suits your needs. The hotels on the seaside along the strip are comparable to a strip in Myrtle Beach. They are high-rise hotels with all of the all-inclusive amenities built in. There are over ten beaches in Cancun, therefore each resorts beach may vary, off of the strip is beautiful crystal clear blue waters with waves.
Riviera Maya is the coast from Cancun down, boasting multiple towns each with its own charm. Resorts in Riviera Maya are mostly low-rise sprawling resorts that offer more wildlife and jungle scenery.
Playa Maroma has been rated by Travel Channel as a top beach in the world and offers gorgeous sand and waters, as well the Coral reef right offshore. Many luxury and romantic resorts in the area, as well as wonderful excursions for parasailing over the gorgeous beach and reef.
Playa del Carmen is a little further down the coast and is a small city with resorts in it and along the coast next to it. Playa boasts beautiful beaches as well, especially in the Playacar resort area. 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen is an awesome place to go walk and explore miles of shops, dine at delicious open air restaurants and catch some live music or sports at the variety of bars. There is also a park down town with cultural entertainment. Off of 5th Avenue on 12th Street, you can find a nightlife district similar to Cancun, in a smaller scale, offering Coco Bongo and many other open air bars and dance clubs. In Playa del Carmen you can also board the Ferry over to Cozumel for a day trip, some resorts even offer exchange privileges.
Puerto Adventuras is a small town with down the coast with a marina and small downtown shopping and restaurant area, also offers visits with dolphins and manatees, it is a popular family and retiree location.
Akumal is another small town further down the coast yet, that is known most for its sea turtles, from the public beach you can walk out and swim with and snorkel with the turtles.
Tulum is at the very bottom, and known for its Mayan Ruins, as well as the postcard worthy beach at the Ruins. Popular excursion attraction to visit the ruins and learn history, while enjoying a beautiful beach.
When you’re ready to book your tropical getaway, be sure to contact Alyssa, she is your All-inclusive specialist! She can be reached at [email protected].