Mexican Riviera
With its mild temperatures, the Mexican Riviera is perfect year-round for vacationers who want to explore its array of beautiful beaches along the Pacific Coast. Water enthusiasts can head to Cozumel for world-class snorkeling and diving or Puerto Vallarta for diving and snorkeling opportunities with sea lions and other marine animals that live in Banderas Bay. Eco-enthusiasts can explore Tres Rios Ecological Park, a tropical reserve just 10 minutes south of Playa del Carmen or Yaax Che Jardin Botanico, which is south of Puerto Morelos. Canoeing and rappelling tours are offered at Pac Chen's jungle tours where patrons can partake of meals cooked in traditional Mayan methods.
Yucatan Peninsula
Scuba divers will delight in the many choices for diving in the Yucatan Peninsula such as the Chinchorro Bank. Divers can explore over 20 shipwrecks in this 9-by-29-mile-long coral reef, which surrounds a lagoon. Specially certified divers can go in the numerous caves while those without advanced training can venture into sinkholes or cenotes, which mean "sacred wells." Once revered by the ancient Mayans, diving into cenotes offer chances to see early Mayan cultural artifacts. Visitors to the ancient ruins of Tulum can walk around El Castillo or the Castle, the city's main structure and admire the spectacular ocean views.
Baja Peninsula
Stretching more than 621 miles from the southern part of California, Mexico's Baja Peninsula does not disappoint in picturesque vistas or its array of outdoor activities. It is surrounded to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Sea of Cortez, also called the Gulf of California. Jacques Cousteau dubbed the waters the "Galapagos of North America," as there are major whale breeding grounds and an abundance of aquatic life. Vacationers of all ages have a plethora of ocean activities from which to choose including snorkeling, surfing and kayaking. La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, which comprise Los Cabos plus Bahia of Loreto, a marine park, are perfect for scuba diving. Hiking and camping are possible amidst the Sierra La Giganta Mountains.
