Pacific Coast or Mexican Riviera

The Pacific Coast of Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, stretches along the western side of the country. It encompasses popular destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas.

Here’s what you can expect from a vacation on the Pacific Coast:

Stunning Scenery: The Pacific Coast is renowned for its landscapes with rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and stunning sunsets. The Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta and the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas are just a couple of the iconic natural landmarks you can explore.

Adventure and Water Sports: This coast is ideal for adventure enthusiasts. You can go whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, or even try your hand at deep-sea fishing. The waves along the Pacific Coast are also great for surfing and boogie boarding.

Vibrant Nightlife: Many cities along the Pacific Coast offer a vibrant nightlife scene. Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are known for their lively clubs, bars, and restaurants, where you can enjoy entertainment, live music, and a variety of cuisine.

Atlantic (Caribbean) Coast or Riviera Maya

The Atlantic or Caribbean Coast, also known as the Riviera Maya, borders the Caribbean Sea and is home to popular tourist destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel.

Here’s what you can expect from a vacation on the Atlantic Coast:

Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters: The Caribbean Coast is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are known for their beachlines and provide an ideal setting for relaxation and sunbathing.

Ancient Mayan Ruins: The Riviera Maya is rich in history and offers the opportunity to explore ancient Mayan ruins such as Tulum and Chichén Itzá. These archaeological sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.

Snorkeling and Diving: The Caribbean Coast boasts a vibrant underwater world with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to explore these underwater wonders.

The Great Mesoamerican Reef is one of the most popular diving destinations.

Ecotourism and Natural Wonders: The region is also known for its eco-parks, cenotes (natural sinkholes), and biosphere reserves. You can experience thrilling activities like zip-lining, swimming in cenotes, and exploring the lush jungles.

In summary, both the Pacific Coast (Mexican Riviera) and the Atlantic Coast (Riviera Maya) offer distinct experiences and attractions.

The Pacific Coast is ideal for those seeking stunning landscapes, adventure, and vibrant nightlife, while the Atlantic Coast is perfect for those who love pristine beaches, ancient ruins, water sports, and natural wonders.

Consider your preferences, interests, and the type of vacation you desire when choosing between the two, and rest assured that Mexico has something incredible to offer, regardless of which coast you decide to explore.

Among the main destinations included in the Riviera Maya are Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Akumal.

What to do in the Riviera Maya?

Find below the best destinations in the Riviera Maya and what to do in each of them to live an unforgettable adventure.

Playa del Carmen

In Playa del Carmen, you can not only enjoy beautiful beaches, but it is also an ideal destination for shopping on the famous Fifth Avenue, which has duty-free stores, boutiques, and perfumeries with the best brands and items.

You will also find many restaurants with delicious food and hundreds of stalls with handicrafts that you can buy as souvenirs for your trip.

To facilitate your mobility in this destination, a Playa del Carmen shuttle service can be very useful for touring the area and carrying your purchases without inconvenience to your hotel.

Tulum

Tulum has one of Mexico’s most wonderful archaeological sites, as well as beautiful turquoise beaches where you can snorkel, kayak, scuba dive, and much more.

Due to its location, it is recommended to use the private shuttle Tulum service if you go there from Cancun Airport.

Cozumel

Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island, where you can enjoy great water-related activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also an important cruise ship destination. Delight yourself in the beautiful and transparent waters of Cozumel.

To get to Cozumel, keep in mind that it is necessary to take a Ferry from Playa del Carmen, which crosses every hour during the day.

Akumal

Akumal is a small town in a protected area with beautiful beaches and an incredible cove where you can snorkel. This is considered a tropical paradise where you can get away from civilization and enjoy moments of peace and tranquility surrounded by nature.

Recommendations

Here are some main recommendations every tourist should know when visiting the Riviera Maya.

Getting from the airport to your hotel

Cancun International Airport is Mexico’s second most important airport, which handles direct flights and connections.

To move from the airport to your hotel, it is advisable to hire a private transportation service or book a Cancun Airport car rental, which will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the airport on time.

Cancun Airport is located at Cancun – Chetumal Km 22, 77565 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Make an itinerary

You will probably need many days to get to know the Riviera Maya properly. Therefore, to visit as much as possible, you must make a list of all the most emblematic places in the area that interest you and your companions.

An itinerary will facilitate your trip considerably since you will also be able to study the necessary routes and times not to waste a single second of your trip to the Riviera Maya.

Book your hotel in an accessible area

If you plan to travel to the Riviera Maya and tour the area in a short time, we recommend choosing a hotel in an area accessible to most of the attractions and transportation routes.

However, remember that some hotels are located far from downtown areas, so if you don’t have the budget or adequate transportation, it won’t be easy to get around, especially if you are traveling in a group.

Sailing along the Mexican Riviera is the best way to discover famous Mexican beach resorts, picturesque small fishing villages, and natural landscapes that range from quiet beaches to rocky cliffs.

A sailboat tour along the Mexican Riviera is a unique experience in this tropical paradise. Each stop on this route is an opportunity to learn about the culture of the region and visit historical places that will leave you impressed.

Thanks to a sailing boat you can visit all the Mexican Riviera coastline as you wish and all being in incredible proximity to the seawater enjoying the picturesque landscapes of this coastline.

The sea rocks your sailboat in full calm during the night and you wake up calmly in the morning taking a look from your cabin, starting the day with an impressive view of the horizon that will make the early risers wake up to enjoy the calm and intimacy with nature and the sea.

Renting a sailboat is an excellent choice for those who enjoy the sensations of speed, open sea and want a more unique travel experience.

Another advantage is the silence when sailing without an engine and that will envelop you creating the impression that you are totally fused with the natural environment.

The choice of the sailboat is based on your navigation program. Keep your vacation goals in mind if you are tempted by active vacations as you can sail between the different islands without taking too many breaks and enjoying life on board.

Depending on your budget – renting a sailboat is generally cheaper than other boat types. Choose the sailboat according to your destination and your itinerary – in certain navigation areas it is more convenient to rent a catamaran than a sailboat.

Once you choose your route, the possibilities for mooring or anchoring are endless. Enjoy the Pacific Coast of Mexico, visit Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas. At the end of the day, the perfect choice is to visit the different picturesque small fishing villages, discover the local culture and traditions.

Let yourself be seduced by a tropical night full of conversations and laughter aboard a sailboat. Enjoy a relaxing mesmerizing evening to start the next day.

If you want to know more about all sailboat types and learn to choose the right one that will fit you, read more on Southern Cross Cruises blog.