Besides sun and fun, one of my favorite perks of the Yucatan coast is that it´s an easy visiting distance of absolutely awesome Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá and Uxmal. The Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) of Cancún has become a beach resort powerhouse first and foremost on the strength of its gorgeous sands and invigorating surf on stretches such as Playa Delfines – adding impressive shopping, dining, nightlife, and activities galore to the mix. For something slightly more laid back, hop the ferry out to the smaller isle Isla Mujeres (my fave: Playa Norte).
The 84-mile (135-kilometer) coastline south of here, the so-called Riviera Maya, has come a long way, baby, since I first started visiting in the 1990s. If what you’re interested in is a mix of lovely sand and sea with a buzzy social scene, Playa Mamitas and the rest of the strand alongside the strip’s main city, Playa del Carmen, is definitely your choice. North of town, along with big to gargantuan resorts lining the coast, you’ll find equally lovely but more laid-back beach options at Puerto Morelos and offshore Isla Holbox. Also laid back, south of Playa, the town of Akumal is known for its five bays of shimmering beaches and magnificent snorkeling – during which you may well see giant, marine green turtles that come here to nest. A bit farther south still, Playa Paraíso and the other powdery sands of Tulum (pictured here) are also more laid back, with small lodgings and bungalows along with the occasional large property; its most magical beach of all, though, may be right below the seaside Mayan ruins – a uniquely dramatic counterpoint to the natural beauty.
Read more in my post 29 of Mexico's Most Magnificent Beaches.
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