Wisps of white clouds pass high over the sunny Caribbean shores of Playa del Carmen. Ferries link from the port here to the island of Cozumel, though this stretch of beach and water is fast becoming an important destination in its own right.
Plunge in to the cool waters of one of the cenotes - fresh water sinkholes - that supply this region with water and serve as swimming holes for locals and visitors in the know. Certified cave divers can explore the subterranean tributaries that vein this part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Snorkellers and scuba divers generally can plumb the depths around the reefs off Playa del Carmen's sandy shores.
Escape the lazy, lulling effect of warm sunshine and salt water with a day or two of activity. Snorkel the lagoons in one of the local ecological parks, watch turtles hatch and canoe the waters of rivers around Playa del Carmen before retreating for lunch.
Get a cultural break from languid days of diving and beach chairs at area archaeological attractions like Tulum and Coba.
Playa del Carmen is located 42 miles south of Cancun, west over the water from Cozumel.
