Search for vacation rental homes in Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras: Heart of the Mayan Riviera

Puerto Aventuras is an upscale resort community in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, located about 11 miles south of Playa del Carmen. "Puerto", as it is called by the locals, has the only mainland marina along the Riviera, and is best known as the sports fishing center on Mexico's Caribbean Coast. The deep water marina is a safe haven for sport fishermen and sailing enthusiasts cruising the Caribbean. Anglers flock to the area in May for the famous fishing tournament.

Puerto Aventuras is centrally located to the major attractions on the Yucatan Peninsula, but offers a quieter alternative to larger coastal towns. Puerto Aventuras offers a 9 hole golf course, tennis courts, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing, shopping, fine restaurants, 24-hour security patrols, and a beautiful beach The main beach area along Fatima Bay is wide and stable, with water sports and services on or near the beach. The Shipwreck Museum features the remains of many shipwrecks that occurred along Mexico's Caribbean Coast. Nearby are the eco-parks and archeological sites of Xel Há and Xcaret, where visitors enjoy spectacular snorkeling and diving, swimming with dolphins, jungle hikes, and horseback riding.

Puerto Aventuras can also serve as base camp for exploring other coast attractions. Head south to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, "City of the Dawn". The Caribbean Sea provides a striking backdrop to the Mayan ruins. Perched on the edge of a cliff, El Castillo is the tallest and most impressive building. Other ruins include the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God. Nearby is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a 1.5 million acre park and safe haven for 350 bird species, which also has an extensive coral reef perfect for snorkeling.

Head north to visit Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue; the street is filled with little cafes, restaurants, and locally owned shops offering everything from Guatemalan clothing to Cuban cigars. Golfers will love the course at Playacar Golf Club. Designed by Robert Von Hagge, this course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle with stunning views of the Caribbean.

Scuba diving enthusiasts flock to the Mayan Riviera because the Island of Cozumel, Mexico's premier dive destination, is just 12 miles offshore. Scuba Diving Magazine rated the area the #2 dive site in the Caribbean. The world famous Palancar Reef became popular after a visit by legendary undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau, who called the reef the best dive destination in the world. Most of the reef's dives take place in less than 30 feet of water. Other popular dive spots include the Santa Rosa Reef and the San Francisco Reef. Regular ferry service provides transportation between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

A vacation on the Mayan Riviera will bring Caribbean memories that will last a lifetime.