Page 56 - Mexico Diving From the Caribbean to Pacific Isles

THE RIVIERA MAYA extends along the coastline of Mexico’s
Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Morelos in the north to just
south of Tulum, and includes the island of Cozumel. Fabulous
weather, long stretches of white sandy beach, clear turquoise
waters, and numerous resorts have made it a world famous
vacation destination. The Riviera Maya also includes Playa
del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, the Mayan ruins at Tu-
lum, and the fantastic Xcaret and Xel-Ha parks. Parelleling the
coast is the Maya Barrier Reef, the second longest reef in the
world. This and the underground caverns called cenotes make
the Riviera Maya a must-visit for the world’s scuba divers. The
beauty and magic of the Riviera Maya can’t be described - it has
to be seen to be believed.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN This city is rapidly growing, and now
has ballooned to over 100,000 people. Playa del Carmen fea-
tures numerous hotels and resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs,
and is home to the dock where a passenger ferry takes tourists
to Cozumel.
XCARET This wonderful nature park is a favorite place to visit
in the Riviera Maya. See Xcaret map to the right.
COZUMEL Isla de Cozumel is known to avid divers as one of
the top dive destinations, with clear waters, towering underwa-
ter pinnacles, and delightful coral gardens. The island is also
one of the world’s most busy cruise ship destinations. Thus,
Cozumel has exceptional shops, restaurants, a superb museum,
and great lodging. For details of this island paradise, and all
of its world-class dive sites and attractions,see Franko’s Map of
Cozumel.