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Cancun: Mexico's Playground on the Caribbean Coast

Cancun, Mexico is a mixture of breathtaking natural beauty, historical sites dating back 1000 years, and mega resorts that draw European vacationers, spring breakers, and sun worshippers in droves. Cancun is actually a Caribbean island separated from mainland Mexico by two bridges. This separation only adds to the mystical allure of this island getaway. A day's itinerary in Cancun can include snorkeling, water skiing, swimming, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, bargain hunting, or just plopping down a towel and lounging on one of the many area beaches.

Cancun is famous for the gorgeous beaches that line the shores along the Caribbean. Most of the sand is cared for by the hotel it fronts. All of the beaches in Mexico are public, so if you wish to visit a beach associated with a hotel, access is through the hotel lobby. Some of the designated public beaches along the strand are Playa Tortuga (Turtle Beach), Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach), Playa Linda (Pretty Beach), and Playa Las Perlas (Beach of the Pearls). All of these beaches are great places to parasail, windsurf, jet ski, and catch some Caribbean rays. For calmer waters, head to the end of the island with waters facing the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women). Here the calmer water provides excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

Scuba divers have come to call Cancun one of the best places in the world for beginning divers. The shallow reef, clear water, and plentiful ocean life make for exciting dive excursions. Punta Nizuc is the northern tip of the Great Meso-American Reef, the largest reef in the western hemisphere, and one of the largest reefs in the world. Drift divers visit various points along the reef like the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks. More advanced divers may want to look inland to a series of a well springs and caverns, known as cenotes.

Isla Mujeres (Island of Women), just 10 miles off the coast, is another great spot for snorkeling or soaking up some prime sunshine. On one end of the island is the El Garrafon National Underwater Park. At the other end is the island's best beach, Playa Norte. This wide beach has fine white sand and calm turquoise blue waters. Water sport rentals are available at the kiosks that line the beach. For an out-of-the-ordinary experience, head to Treasure Island and swim with some bottlenose dolphins. Isla Mujeres is also home to a prominent turtle sanctuary, located near the southern end of Laguna Makax. The shelter houses various species of sea turtles, and informs visitors about how the turtles almost became extinct on the island a few years ago.

Golfers visiting the Caribbean Coast of Mexico have plenty of options if they want to tee it up. True golfing zealots will want to battle the links at Pok Ta Pok, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course incorporates Mayan ruins as a backdrop and uses the ocean as a hazard on a number of holes. You will also love the course at Playacar Golf Club, located 40 miles south in Playa del Carmen. Designed by Robert Von Hagge, this course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle, and also offers stunning views of the Caribbean.

Cancun can serve as a jumping off point for other Caribbean Coast attractions. Rent a charter boat and go deep-sea fishing for marlin or tuna. Lovers of a vibrant nightlife can dance the night away in some of the world's largest discothèques. Shoppers can venture to Playa del Carmen and see all the shops along 5th Avenue. History and archeological lovers can venture to Chichén Itzá, a Mayan city founded in 445 AD. However you choose to spend your Cancun vacation, you will be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime.