When it’s time to plan the vacation experience you’ve been longing for, the Mexican Caribbean should be at the top of your list. With an epic combination of Mayan ruins, sandy beaches, underwater caverns, nature reserves, and vibrant nightlife, this sunny locale caters to every vacationer’s lifestyle. Read on for a closer look at just some of the many adventures to be found south of the border.

Cancun

With white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise water, top-notch golfing, and a “go hard or go home” party scene, it’s no surprise Cancun is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico. The gorgeous cenotes, diverse marine ecosystem, and enchanting lagoons guarantee amazing snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. And the impressive Mayan ruins and breathtaking landscapes surrounding this diverse utopia can be enjoyed during fun ATV rides and easy to moderate hikes.

If you prefer a remote setting, tiny Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is only a short boat ride away. Its balmy, laid-back atmosphere is perfect for water sports or soaking up sun on powder-sand beaches.

Riviera Maya

Just a few miles south of Cancun, Riviera Maya stretches over nearly 100 miles of pristine coastline and it’s home to the world’s second largest reef. The stunning cenotes and underground rivers and caves can be explored on zip lining tours and snorkeling adventures. And the magnificent Mayan sites offer a glimpse into a Pre-Columbian era of advanced architectural and scientific achievement.

Check out Tulum’s picturesque seaside ruins, the only Mayan port ever discovered. Gaze up at Nohoch Mul in Cobá, the tallest Mayan pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula and the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the world. After a day of sightseeing, you can stroll along La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), Playa del Carmen’s main drag. There you’ll find chic galleries, artisan boutiques, bustling cantinas, and eclectic eateries.

Cozumel

Nestled off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel offers idyllic weather and beautiful scenery. Like the Riviera Maya, it’s known for amazing coral reefs. Famed sea explorer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau called this slice of heaven an underwater paradise, and scuba divers have been congregating there ever since.

When vacationers are finished channeling their inner mermaids, they can enjoy duty-free shopping on a mile-long strip in San Miguel. And they can admire Mayan ruins in San Gervasio that date back to as early as AD 300.

Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or both during your next vacation, the Mexican Caribbean has you covered. Contact your local travel advisor, so you can start planning today!