On the historic Yucatan peninsula, Mexican Caribbean has some of the region's
most modern resorts. Whatever your dream vacation, Mexican Caribbean’s Yucatan
peninsula can bring it to life. 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.
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. A little more than 12 miles north of Mujeres is Isla
Contoy, a protected sanctuary for 75 bird species.
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 visitors can
swim with dolphins and explore Mayan caves.
If you want to put down a table-top, a cheese roll or a 360, you
must come to the Mexican Caribbean and discover the sea, the wind –
and the thrill-seekers who converge from around the world.
Come to where trade winds and coral reefs combine to produce waves
up to 15 foot high and create conditions for spectacular double
somersaults above a 26C sea. Join those who chase the wind.
Surf riding, with or without sail, is enjoying a boom and there are
excellent facilities throughout our countries. From December to
April, the north-eastern trade winds build up a powerful swell on
the open sea, which is driven west to break on Atlantic-facing
coasts.
This warm water swell provides perfect conditions for surfing. In
the many reef-sheltered bays, wind-surfing has developed into one of
the most popular watersports in the Mexican Caribbean. Competitions
are widespread, some of them world championships.
These are typical trade wind locations, the wind nearly calm in the
morning and building throughout the day to peak between 3pm and
5.30pm. From mid-December through June, the wind will blow in the
15-25 knot range most days, rising to 30 knots in February and
March.
Both surfing and windsurfing require superb body control, excellent
physical condition and nerves of steel. At most tourist resorts,
there are surf boards for hire and expert instructors. If you are
learning, you can use a boogie board where the waves are gentler.
On even the smallest of our tropical and subtropical lands and
coasts, we usually have at least one beach where you will find all
the watersports from windsurfing to waterskiing to parasailing.
Jetskis and waterbikes are available for hire at most major centres,
along with knee boards, wakeboards, trick skis and tandem
parasailing.
The options, like the sun and sea, are endless.
Dive below the surface of the Caribbean and you dive into paradise –
a vast unspoiled playground filled with exotic sea creatures,
breathtaking vistas and ever-changing colors. It's a silent world
teeming with life where mankind is always the visitor, never the
master.
Our azure waters are wonderfully clear and warm. In them, divers
find treasures shaped and polished by nature for millions of years.
We have the world's third largest barrier reef. There are canyons
and caves, sand chutes, mountain walls plunging sheer to the ocean
floor, warm water springs and coral formations whose textures and
colors can never be forgotten. All this is home to a spectacular
diversity of sea plants and tropical fish, from sponges and snappers
to barracuda, shark and octopus. Explore not only the reefs, but
also the wrecks of hundreds of ships, many of them centuries old,
sent to the bottom by storms, pirates and enemy fire.
There are challenging dives for the experienced and shallows for
beginners. Regular visitors to the Mexican Caribbean's top diving
zones include movie stars, athletes and astronauts. You never know
who'll be your dive buddy.
It's no surprise that scuba diving was invented in the Mexican
Caribbean. What is guaranteed to amaze you is the mysterious world
you'll see beneath its blue surface. Dive in and you'll never want
to leave.
You’re never too young or too old to try snorkeling. Just take one
look below the surface and you’ll see that’s where all the action
is. Snorkeling is a great adventure and your opportunity to see and
interact with the underwater world. Best of all . . . anyone can do
it!
Make the most of your snorkeling adventure by sharing it with the
entire family. the Mexican Caribbean provides an exciting variety of
snorkeling services and activities for singles, couples and
families. There is something for everyone. Visit the country of your
choice or just browse the site to find the snorkeling adventure that
interests you.
And, whether you are jumping in for the first time or looking to
perfect your snorkeling skills, there are a variety of programs,
such as PADI’s Discover Snorkeling, that will enhance your
snorkeling experience.
In the Mexican Caribbean, diving can be relaxing and tranquil or
action-packed, adrenaline pumping and adventurous - the choice is
yours. Just imagine being in a tropical location diving in crystal
clear water, surrounded by brightly colored coral and fish. You
enter the water and drift effortlessly over an abundant coral reef
or plunge down a sheer wall to explore the vast array of marine
life. Or, you’re off exploring the wreck of a 200 year old ship off
the coast of a small island out in the middle of the ocean. There
are endless opportunities (these are just some of the more popular
adventures) but, whatever you choose to do, you’ll surely have
something to write home about.
Whether you’re just learning to scuba dive, improving your skills or
just having fun, do it in some of the best waters in the world.
There are diving programs in the Mexican Caribbean to suit
everyone’s desires and thousands of knowledgeable and enthusiastic
instructors for every standard of diver.
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DRIFT DIVING — Experience the sheer thrill of floating
effortlessly along a coral reef or sandy bottom alive with brightly
colored tropical fish and a variety of marine life. Relax and let
the current guide you along the reef and feel the rush of flying
underwater. This is what drift diving is all about. And, the best
place to do it is in the Mexican Caribbean!
REEF DIVING — You’ll find the reefs alive with dramatic coral and
sponge formations complimented with turtles, stingrays, brightly
colored schools of tropical fish, eels, sharks and much, much more.
Enjoy these spectacular displays of grace and beauty as only mother
nature can provide.
WRECK DIVING — The treacherous reefs that cover the Mexican
Caribbean have lured many unwary captains to disaster. Fierce naval
battles have claimed more ships over the centuries and pirates used
to ply their cut-throat trade here, too. View the splendor of sunken
ships, downed planes and lost treasures beneath the surface. The
wrecks now seethe with underwater life – and beckon you to explore.
When you discover scuba diving during your vacation in the Mexican
Caribbean, you discover excitement and adventure – freedom and
serenity. Nothing compares to the weightless exhilaration of
breathing underwater. Only a diver knows the feeling.
Discover scuba programs thatallow nondivers, adults and youths, to
experience the thrill and taste the excitement of diving in the
Mexican Caribbean. Select from a variety of scuba diving vacations
designed to get you under the crystal waters of the Caribbean in a
minimal amount of time with the maximum amount of fun. Each program
teaches the basics of scuba diving in a controlled environment under
the direct supervision of a diving professional.
ADULTS — Experience the thrill of scuba diving while vacationing in
the Mexican Caribbean under the supervision of a certified
instructor in ideal conditions, such as those found at a resort.
During your adventure, you’ll master some basic concepts and scuba
skills before heading off on an open water dive.
These programs are ideal for beginners or for those who may not be
ready to take the full plunge into diving. In addition to discover
scuba diving experiences, adults can even try Supplied Air
Snorkeling for Adults (SASA). SASA is a great way to snorkel while
breathing with scuba equipment and relaxing on the surface. Some
discover scuba programs in the Mexican Caribbean are designed to
give you credit toward becoming a fully certified diver – a great
way to get a head start on your open water certification. Ask your
instructor how you can apply your experience to the next level of
diving.
YOUTHS — Children as young as 5 years old can enjoy the thrills of
“blowing bubbles” underwater. In addition to discover scuba diving
experiences, there are several programs designed specifically for
youths (some of the more popular ones are listed below). There is no
better way to share the excitement of diving than with the entire
family.
SASY (5 years and up) — It's snorkeling – a new and exciting way!
Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth (SASY) lets kids (and even adults
can try with SASA) experience the underwater world the easy way – by
snorkeling with scuba equipment instead of a snorkel.
A SASY unit is simply a personal flotation device (PFD) with a scuba
tank and regulator attached. This allows kids to float on the
surface, but with the scuba equipment attached, they’re free to keep
their head underwater so they don't miss any of the action beneath
the surface. It's fun, it's safe, it's easy!
BUBBLEMAKER (8 years and up) — This is the perfect opportunity for
kids to fulfill their underwater adventures and bring their parents
along. Take the plunge and go pool diving.
For young adventurers, the Bubblemaker program is an introduction to
the thrill of breathing underwater. Under close supervision, kids
get to swim around on scuba in a shallow confined water environment.
PADI SEAL TEAM (8 years and up) — The PADI Seal Team is for young
divers who are looking for an action-packed, adventurous program
filled with exciting scuba AquaMissions.
Divers have the chance to explore exciting adventures like
navigating the pool with a compass, taking photos underwater or
floating effortlessly like an Astronaut in a swimming pool. They
learn the basics of safe diving and explore different AquaMissions –
or specialty dives – like wreck, navigation, buoyancy, underwater
photography, environmental awareness and much more.
Ever dream of being kissed by a dolphin? Swimming with the sharks?
Or, having a stingray eat out of your hand? Not only is it possible,
it’s just another day at the office for our many divers. So what are
you waiting for… incredible underwater adventures can be yours to
enjoy and remember for a lifetime! Do It Caribbean!
DOLPHIN DIVES — Make your dream of swimming side-by-side with
dolphins a reality. These amazing mammals have won favor in the
hearts of all and there is no better place than in the warm clear
blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean to make your dreams come true.
You and your family can take advantage of a variety of heartwarming
interactions and dolphin adventures. Have a once-in-a-lifetime
experience, aboard a boat, with Atlantic spotted and bottlenose
dolphins in a wild dolphin encounter. Or you can choose to swim with
the dolphins as well as touch, kiss, hug and feed these lovable
mammals. For the truly unforgettable experience, there are programs
that allow you to spend an entire day with the dolphins and their
trainers. No matter what experience you choose, it will be truly
memorable!
While this is the adrenaline rush you’re searching for, it may not
be the shark’s. Remember to behave like a well-mannered guest, you
are the visitor in their home. A good rule to live by on any dive.
RAY DIVES — As you’re combing the Mexican Caribbean’s reefs and
sandy bottom, you may happen upon a spotted eagle ray, Southern
stingray, bat ray, or maybe, soaring high above you, a manta ray.
Whether you’re just learning to scuba dive, improving your skills,
exploring the unerwater through an adventure or just having fun
during yoru vacation, do it in some of the best waters in the world,
the Mexican Caribbean. There are diving programs to suit everyone’s
desires and thousands of knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors
for every standard of diver. For information on special caribbean
diving opportunities, such as referrals, specialty programs and
professional opportunities, contact your local dive center or
resort.
REFERRAL PROGRAMS — Referral programs are great for nondivers and
divers who want to begin their dive training at home and complete it
during a in the Mexican Caribbean vacation. Referrals allow students
to be handed to another qualified instructor to continue training or
complete final certification. You can opt for a referral for almost
all levels of training, from PADI Scuba Diver to Advanced Open Water
to a wide variety of PADI Specialty certifications.
SPECIALTY COURSES — Does the thought of flying through the water on
a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) or capturing those amazing tropical
underwater adventures on film interest you? If so, there are a
number of specialty programs designed to prepare you for those niche
dives that interest you most: deep, drift, DPV, enriched air,
multilevel-computer, night, search and recovery, underwater
naturalist, underwater photography, videography, wreck, and many
more.
Specialty programs are an enjoyable and simple way to gain more
diving experience and confidence for you to enjoy diving safely. So
whether you’re in the Mexican Caribbean on vacation, business or…
you live there, sign up for a specialty course that you’ve always
wanted to try.
GO PRO — The Mexican Caribbean is captivating and you’ve decided to
stay for awhile. Not sure what to do? Find out how you can become a
professional scuba instructor. Entering the professional world of
scuba diving brings exciting challenges and endless possibilities:
There is the chance to explore nature’s fascinating underwater
creatures, and the opportunity to share your professional knowledge
and experiences with students who want to learn.
Scuba diving is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in
the world. Imagine entering a realm that artists can only imagine in
their wildest dreams, and on a daily basis! Getting paid to do
something you enjoy is something everyone wants to achieve.
Professional divers achieve this goal, and are both respected and
admired for their hard work and accomplishments. From owning and
operating a mainland dive center or resort, to working, teaching,
and traveling across the ocean on a live-aboard dive boat,
professional divers get to take part in a wide variety of fun and
exciting experiences – both on land and underwater.
A career as a scuba instructor can break you out of a nine-to-five
rut, or open the door to adventurous part-time or full-time
possibilities. Contact your local dive center or resort during your
Mexican Caribbean vacation or visit www.padi.com for more
information.
HONEYMOONS AND WEDDINGS
Lovers in Search of Paradise
You want to make your wedding a day that you will always remember
and your honeymoon a vacation that you will never forget. In the
Mexican Caribbean, all your dreams will come true.
You can make that promise to spend your lives together, or renew
your vows, in a forest, at a historic site, or to the sound of waves
gently lapping on the beach. Some couples have even married
underwater, complete with aquatic wedding outfits and scuba-diving
gear.
Whatever your choice of ceremony, our natural sense of fun and our
love for lovers will help your celebration to go with a relaxed
swing, against a backdrop of the most romantic location in the
world.
Marriage requirements are different on each island so there are a
variety of options available. Check for details on national tourism
web sites and take advantage of the many services offered by hotels
and local event managers to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Wherever you get married in the Mexican Caribbean you can enjoy the
best in accommodation and cuisine, bask in the sun on golden beaches
then party through the night at carnivals and festivals – or simply
stroll hand-in-hand along the beach, watching the spectacular sunset
and the glory of the stars.
We offer a special welcome to newly-weds, and we make an extra
effort for honeymooners. There will be wine and flowers in your room
to add sparkle, while many tour operators offer discounts if you
want to extend your stay. We promise you the holiday of a lifetime –
to set you up for a lifetime together.
SPAS AND WELLNESS
Spas are a hot topic the world over and no less so in the Mexican
Caribbean. Here follows a small sampling of locally grown and
harvested ingredients that are used alongside traditional spa
treatments and high-end brand names. Available at numerous spas and
wellness centres in the region, these treatments contribute to an
exotic and indulgent experience for guests.
LAND SPORTS
Sports for All Seasons
Sport and leisure, relaxation and exercise are inseparable in the
Mexican Caribbean. Whatever you choose to do and wherever you choose
to do it, you also become an observer, enchanted by the beauty of
your surroundings as you're warmed by the sun and fanned by gentle
breezes, infected by the enthusiasm of the spectators around you.
One of the most pleasant ways of enjoying our spectacular scenery is
a sport in itself. On horseback, you can canter along our
magnificent coastlines or explore lush inland trails. Excellent
mounts can be hired from our stables and equestrian centres. In some
places, you can even get a game of polo.
Sea and sand have shaped our land-bound sports as well as those on
the water. The golf is spectacular because most of the courses –
many designed by today’s top names – have truly magnificent views of
the Mexican Caribbean from elevated tees and promontory greens.
Golfing vacations don’t come any better than this.
XPLOR PARK
¡New coolest park in the Riviera Maya!
The brand new 50-hectare complex is located two
kilometers away from Xcaret Park and has a daily capacity for 1200
visitors. Xplor Park features an underground river with stalactites,
water caves and cenotes for rafting, and also has the longest
zip-line in Mexico with an extension of more than 500 meters, as
journeys with amphibian vehicle through the jungle.
Investment opportunities and Real Estate properties for sale or
rent in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Residential
Real Estate in the city or on the
Caribbean Sea shore. Villas condominiums, apartments,
beachfront houses, lots and more.
Click Here!
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