The Yucatan Peninsula, in southeastern Mexico, separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. The popular vacation destinations of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and Riviera Maya are on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula and are collectively referred to as the Mexican Caribbean.

Here you’ll find beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, some of the region’s most modern resorts, ancient Mayan ruins and abundant marine and wildlife.  There is simply so much to do here that one trip is never enough. You can swim, snorkel, golf, climb up pyramids and eat to your hearts content. Whatever your dream vacation is, Caribbean Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula can bring it to life.  The main resort areas combine the magic and myths of Mexico with the convenience and luxury of modern resort hotels and the calming waters and winds of the Caribbean.

Some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs can be found off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from the northern tip right down to the Belize border. These reefs are excellent for both divers and snorkelers alike and marine life abounds.

Weather on the Yucatan Peninsula is hot and humid. The rainy season is mid-August to mid-October, when there’s afternoon showers most days. The best time to visit is during the dryer, slightly cooler months between November and March. Hurricane season runs from June to November.

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 eco-archaeological park, where visitors can swim with dolphins and explore Mayan caves.

Cancun



Cancun delivers the best of both worlds: the Caribbean AND Mexico.  It's an island paradise with something for everyone and appeals to travelers of all ages, from families with small children, to young singles, honeymooners and seniors. As with many Caribbean destinations, there are certain times of the year (ie. Spring Break and in June) when the percentage of young people visiting Cancun increases.

Resting on the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun was a part of the ancient Mayan civilization and is still considered the gateway to the Mayan world. The fascinating Mayan culture is all around you in Cancun.  In fact, Cancun is known as the Maya Gold Coast. Tourists can visit dozens of archaeological zones on excursions that are both educational and spellbinding.

The island of Cancun is shaped like the number “7” and linked to the mainland by a causeway, 14 miles long and only a quarter of a mile wide.  Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in and around Cancun. The calm waters along the northern side of the hotel strip are perfect for children and adults who are learning to swim.


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Cozumel



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.

According to Mayan legend, Cozumel was the home of the goddess Ixchel, devoted to love and fertility. Religious temples were dedicated with honor to the goddess and in return she sent her favorite bird as a sign of gratitude and good fortune. For this reason, the Mayans named this island "the land of the swallows". Today, Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico, with one existing town called San Miguel and is renowned for having the second largest coral reef in the world. It offers the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in Mexico.



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