Beaches of Quintana Roo

Cancún
Known as one of the most popular tourist resorts in the world, Cancún was nothing but a sleepy fishing village until 1974, when the Mexican government began its development. It has transformed into a 23-km. stretch of hotels, white sand beaches, restaurants, shopping, and night life. If you want lots of action, Cancún is the place to go. Although damaged in 1988 by Hurricane Gilbert, and again in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma, Cancún has recovered and is as popular as ever. There is a golf course and ferry terminal to Isla Mujeres, and more than 150 hotels to choose from. Millions of visitors go to Cancún every year! We recommend Hotel Parador, with quality lodging at an affordable price and a comfortable and safe environment. www.hotelparadorcancun.com

Cozumel
The island of Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together. Famous all over the world for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Cozumel's mostly undeveloped territory at the center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons, which are home to tiny mammals and endemic birds that have never left the island. Cozumel is a shelter for many of the island's endemic species, as well as other endangered forms of life, such as marine turtles and their nesting areas. With its beautiful beaches and exotic locale, Cozumel is an ideal destination where honeymooners can enjoy colorful and breathtaking sunsets, moonlit walks on secluded beaches, swim through crystal clear blue waters and enjoy romantic candlelight dinners.

Mahahual
This classic fishing village is one of the last frontiers of the Mexican Caribbean. If you had visited Cancún 35 years ago or Playa del Carmen 20 years ago, you would have seen something like what Mahahual looks like today. Although the area is most publicized as a dive resort, Mahahual is also for the non-diver. With miles of open, palm tree-studded beaches, pristine waters and ocean breezes, this is the perfect place to hang out in a hammock, sleep the hours away and/or read to your heart’s content! Maya Palms Resort has an on-site dive center, seaside and garden villas with AC and covered porches, exclusive restaurant and bar, pool, palapas, kayaks, and white sand beaches. www.mayapalms.com

Playa del Carmen
From a sleepy village with unpaved streets only ten years ago, Playa del Carmen has been discovered by travelers from all over the world, and is growing every day. Centered around its main attraction, the chic Fifth Avenue, Playa offers the visitor lovely beaches and beautiful Caribbean waters without the costs or hustle and bustle of Cancún. The southern end of the tourist area is occupied by Playacar, a large vacation complex featuring many all-inclusive resorts, condos, and family houses to rent or buy, and an 18 hole golf course. At this end is also the pier which receives the ferry from Cozumel. We recommend Hotel Labnah, not fancy, but the location can’t be beat. Less than 150 feet and you’re on the sand. www.labnah.com