It offers the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. This section of the coast covers 130 km (81 mi), not including the Reserve. It includes many small towns and hideaways, plus nature parks and large resorts, among which are luxury resorts of 5 or even more stars. The greatest towns are Puerto Morelos and Puerto Aventuras. They're lesser known but equally worthy vacation spots. Hideaways include Punta Bete, Xpu-Ha, Paamul, and Punta Allen. Major cities in this stretch include Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum. Cancún and the island of Cozumel are just minutes away by car or ferry. As you can imagine there are lots of things to do for vacationers of preferences. Whether you wish to relax on the beach, snorkel in the clear blue waters, look for souvenirs, visit historical or nature preserves, or eat at a plethora of restaurants, Riviera Maya will more then fulfill your vacation desire.

Lots To Do

Swimming with the Dolphins - Dolphin Discovery (998/887-0207) is found at Treasure Island on the side of Isla Mujeres, facing Cancun. Around six people can swim with two dolphins and one trainer. Another option is Xel-Ha (998/883-3293), a theme park in Puerto Juárez. For less than $90 US per person, you can swim for 30 minutes in an all-natural habitat environment called dolphinaria.

Snorkeling - Isla Mujeres is found close to 1 of several coral reefs, and the area is popular for the snorkeling and scuba diving. The most used snorkeling area is El Garrafón National Park. Another popular spot is Bahía de Mujeres.

SCUBA Diving - Definitely, the most used destination is Cozumel. It ranks among the top five dive destinations. But don't forget your dive card and dive log. Dive shops will rent you gear but won't take you out on a boat until you demonstrate some documentation. You can cut costs by obtaining a dive package as well as hotel stay. Cozumel has plenty of diving locations. A number of the more famous are Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, San Francisco Reef, and Yucab Reef. The Great Maya coral reef can also be breathtaking.

Wildlife - No, not the through the night partying kind, but natural Reserves is what we're speaing frankly about here. South of Cancún, near the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, you'll encounter the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Here you are able to enjoy wildlife inside their natural habitat. Activities include kayaking, fly fishing, and educational programs. In Isla Mujeres you might want to go to the Turtle Sanctuary, a reserve focused on preserving Caribbean Sea turtles and educating people about them.

Beaches - Playa del Carmen offers same quality of beaches as Cancun with fewer crowds, though it keeps growing in popularity. Couple of minutes by ferry will take you to the island of Cozumel which includes wonderful beaches such as for example Playa San Francisco and Playa Palancar.

Swimming - If you're in Isla Mujeres, then we recommend Playa Norte. Anywhere there is a superb beach in the Riviera Maya you'll find a great swimming experience.

Fishing - Riviera Maya offers great fishing experience. To prepare per day of fishing contact the Sociedad Cooperativa Turística. Alternatively your travel agent can arrange a fishing tour for you. Best months for fishing are April to September.

Museums and Maya Ruins - On rainy afternoons you may decide to have a look at a museum or two. In Cazumel, Museo de la Isla de Cozumel merits a visit. Mayan ruins are certainly worth a call when you're in the Riviera Maya. One notable spot will be the Ruins of Tulum, a Maya fortress-city overlooking the Caribbean. They are located thirteen kilometers (8 miles) south of Xel-ha.

You will find so many activities in the Riviera Maya to have the ability to list them in a short article such as this one. In the near future search for more articles dedicated to one or few destinations in the Riviera Maya.