Formally a small fishing town in the Yucatán peninsula, Playa del Carmen has grown into one of the region’s most fashionable locations. Playa, as it’s commonly referred to, offers visitors a trendy getaway ideal for shopping, bar-and-restaurant hopping and dancing the night away at any of its many beach clubs. No trip to Playa is complete without a walk down the town’s very own 5th Avenue, Quinta Avenida, a cobblestone street where locals and tourists come to play. Those in search of quieter activities can explore the exquisite reefs and rich ocean life whilst diving and snorkelling, or spend some time on a local fishing boat.
The Caribbean Island of Cozumel is a glistening tropical paradise off the east coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, directly across the water from Playa Del Carmen. This picture-perfect idyll draws countless cruise ship traffic - more than any other in the Caribbean - to its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and swathes of tropical forest. Visitors can browse the craft markets and jewellery shops that line the seaside boulevard before paying a visit to the nearby Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park. The eco-park offers snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities to explore the underwater caves and abundant marine life and attend the sea lion show, dolphin presentation, manatee exhibition, crocodile exhibition, and eco-archaeological tour. For history enthusiasts, rent a scooter to explore the sights and attractions, including the scenic coastal road that leads to small but fascinating Mayan ruins. Southwest of the island is the immensely popular Palancar Reef, a large coral reef and underwater Eden, with myriad species of corals and marine life, including splendid toadfish, giant anemones, fire coral, hawksbill turtles, green and spotted moray eels, eagle rays, angelfish, filefish, damselfish, butterflyfish, and more.
