Welcome To
THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
At Island Life Mexico, we aim to give you the best, most up to date info, in easy to read bites. Consider this travel guide your first stop for exploring what to do, where to stay, what to eat and how to make your trip to the Mexican Caribbean the best imaginable!
Welcome To
THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
From Holbox to Xcalak and everywhere in between, at Island Life Mexico we aim to give you the best, most up to date info, in easy to read bites.
Consider this travel guide your first stop for exploring what to do, where to stay, what to eat and how to make your trip to the Mexican Caribbean the best imaginable!
What is the Mexican Caribbean?
Stretching from the island of Holbox in the north to the laid back beach village of Xcalak in the south, the idyllic Mexican Caribbean has something for everyone. Dive with whale sharks. Eat ceviche at the beach. Snorkel with sea turtles. Swim in jungle cenotes. Explore Mayan ruins. And so much more.
So dust off your sunglasses, grab your swimsuit and sunblock, and get ready for the tropical vacation you’ve been waiting for!
Mexican Caribbean Map
CONTENTS
YUCATAN MINI GUIDES
Tulum, Cenotes, Cozumel & More
Visitor’s guides, restaurant guides, hotel guides, and so much more. The info you need is all right here at your fingertips. Enjoy!
CANCUN
Looking to plan the perfect Cancun vacation? Cancun is one of Mexico’s largest and most popular vacation spots. Our complete guide to Cancun includes when to visit, maps, the best things to do, top attractions, travel tips and more.
Cancun, Mexico is a dream destination for many travelers looking for sun, sand, and a luxurious getaway. Here is our guide to many of the best Cancun all inclusive resorts that you should definitely look into this year.
Cancun beaches are some of the best in the world. The white sand of Cancun beaches is famous and the clear Caribbean waters make it easy to see tropical fish and other marine life. Here are the best beaches in Cancun!
Cancun, a famous resort town perched right on the Caribbean Sea, is blessed with stunning beaches, pristine waters, and exciting nightlife. On top of being an electrifying destination, Cancun has a fantastic variety of unique and wonderful places to eat!
Welcome to our Cancun Hotels Guide! Whether you want luxurious beachfront resorts, family friendly accommodations, or affordable options, we've carefully selected the top rated hotels to suit all preferences.
Cancun is one of the top resort destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico’s #1 vacation town. Here is our guide to the Cancun International Airport (CUN) with everything you need to know to make your travels a breeze.
Cancun’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination with its warm temperatures. However, it does have distinct dry and wet seasons. Here is our Cancun month-to-month guide to better help you decide when to visit!
Cancun is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, and some of the highlights are found beneath the waves. Keep reading our Cancun snorkeling and scuba diving guide for everything you need to know about underwater adventures in this tropical paradise!
COZUMEL
The island of Cozumel holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a place where one can access all the modern amenities and STILL find numerous places to get away from it all! Here is some basic info to get you started and many of the best things to do in Cozumel.
Cozumel has everything you could want in a tropical getaway; a warm climate, sparkling blue water, delicious food, friendly locals, and some incredible hotel choices. From high-end resorts to laid back hostels, here are the best places to stay in Cozumel.
Cozumel may be a small island, but the depth and breadth of dining opportunities would make you think otherwise. From quick eats to fine dining, Latin favorites to European delights, whatever you are craving, you will find it here. Buen Provecho!
Cozumel has everything you could desire for a perfect tropical getaway; a warm climate, sparkling blue waters and friendly locals. Here are 7 of the best resorts on Cozumel with all inclusive amenities that you should definitely look into.
Cozumel has some incredible beach clubs where visitors have access to sandy beaches, swimming pools, oceanfront restaurants, beach bars, sun loungers, and more. Here are three of the best Cozumel beach clubs that you should check out.
Get ready to step into the blue! Our Cozumel Diving Guide offers info for beginners and experienced divers alike. We've included top reef recommendations, dive resort recommendations and much more. Check out our Cozumel Diving Guide.
"Sea" life from a whole new perspective! Our Cozumel Snorkeling Guide gives you all the info you need to plan your snorkeling adventure. We've included some top reef choices, shore snorkeling sites, snorkel tour recommendations and much more.
Are you looking to unwind with a refreshing drink by the Caribbean Sea? From morning mimosas to sunset mojitos, Cozumel has you covered no matter what your mood or budget. For all-day libations on the shore, check out our absolute favorite spots with a view.
Sometimes we just want to escape the crowds of Cozumel's famous beach clubs, and really get away from it all. So we put together this unique list of the best wild beaches in Cozumel to avoid the crowds. We hope you enjoy!
TULUM
Tulum is an extraordinary destination on the Mexican Caribbean whose magic lies not only in the history of the ruins, but the energetic pull the city and sea have over those who come to visit. Here is our guide to the best of Tulum!
Tulum is a beautiful beach town on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan that combines high luxury options with hints of a bohemian vibe. Here are 10 of the best resorts in Tulum where guests can enjoy all inclusive amenities and more.
There are a number of fantastic Tulum beach options to choose from. White sand and turquoise Caribbean water are the standard in the Tulum area. Enjoy this guide to the very best beaches in Tulum to visit this year.
For decades, travelers of all ages have been enchanted by one of Mexico’s most unique tourist locations, Tulum. The stone ruins of the ancient Mayan city sit perched over the Caribbean sea and are a mesmerizing combination of history and beauty.
Tulum Town (often called Tulum Pueblo, or just Tulum) is a beautiful beach town near the famous Mayan Ruins of Tulum. Whether sleeping in town, or at the beach, if you're planning to travel to this gorgeous place, here are our top hotel picks in Tulum.
Tulum is a dream locale for those looking to sample the best of Yucatan cuisine. From delicious streetside snacks to seafood at the seashore to five-star jungle dining, Tulum has you covered. Here are some of our favorite restaurants for all budget types.
The new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) recently opened on December 1, 2023 in Tulum, Mexico. If you plan to travel to Tulum in 2024, keep reading for our guide to the new Tulum International Airport.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Playa Del Carmen is a jewel along Mexico's Riviera Maya. With its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, world-class amenities, nightlife, nearby Mayan cultural centers and offshore islands, there's a little something for everyone in "Playa".
Playa del Carmen has been a dreamy vacation destination for decades and it certainly isn’t slowing down now. Finding a great place to land is a breeze. Here are 10 of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen that you should definitely look into.
The beaches in Play del Carmen are some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, with pillowy white sand and turquoise waters. It is hard to choose just one. This list of the best Playa Del Carmen beaches should help any visitor find the perfect beach for them.
Playa del Carmen is a gem of a resort town known for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. There are all sorts of accomodations available from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Here are our picks for the best of Playa del Carmen!
Playa del Carmen is a sunny oceanside paradise on the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican Caribbean’s Riviera Maya. With an extensive tourism district and a cool local culture, you can find mouthwatering food everywhere you go in this vibrant city.
ISLA MUJERES & ISLA CONTOY
Isla Mujeres is a beautiful small island off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Often visited as pert of sailing expeditions from Cancun, Isla Mujeres has a lot to offer the island loving traveler. Here is our guide to the best of Isla Mujeres!
Just eight miles offshore from Cancún is the enchanting island of Isla Mujeres. This magical place has pristine beaches and a laid back vibe. Here are 5 of the best resorts on Isla Mujeres that you should definitely look into this year.
Isla Contoy is a snorkelers paradise located just off of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula north of Cancun. Its crystal-clear blue waters, pristine beaches, and relaxed life pace are enough to attract anyone. Here is our guide to the best of Isla Contoy!
Just eight miles offshore from Cancun is the enchanting island of Isla Mujeres. This magical place has pristine beaches, a laid back vibe and excellent diving & snorkeling. Here are the top hotels for every budget for your stay on Isla Mujeres!
Just 8 miles offshore from Cancun is the enchanting island of Isla Mujeres. Known for its pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling, laid back vibe, and delicious island cuisine, here are some of our favorite places to taste the island.
HOLBOX
Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is an island paradise located off the northern tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. With fantastic snorkeling, no cars and a laid-back vibe, Holbox is one of our personal favorites. Here is our guide to the best of Holbox!
Isla Holbox is a spectacular island off the northern shores of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This laid back island (no cars) offers a pleasant respite in the Mexican Caribbean and has a wide-variety of centrally located restaurants sure to make your mouth water!
Holbox is a laid-back and beautiful island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The island offers the best of both worlds as it is one of the most stunning islands in the area, and one of the most fairly priced as well. Here is our guide to the best Holbox hotels!
Holbox is a rustic, tropical island located a few hours north of Cancun. Its crystal-clear blue waters, pristine beaches, and relaxed life pace are enough to attract anyone. Here are the best resorts in Holbox that you should definitely check out.
AKUMAL & PUERTO MORELOS
For those looking for a laid-back beach town on the beautiful Caribbean Sea, Akumal, Mexico is a perfect choice. One of the best places in Mexico to spot and swim with sea turtles, come to Akumal if you want white sand beaches and turquoise water without the crowds.
Akumal is a charming small beach town on the Riviera Maya. This peaceful area between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, is a great place to snorkel, dive with sea turtles, and relax in the sunshine. Here are our top 10 Akumal resorts to check out this year.
Akumal is a beautiful beach town on the Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo Mexico. Famous for its white sandy beaches and richness in marine life, it welcomes thousands of visitors each year and is a superb place for a Mexican beach getaway.
Puerto Morelos is a charmingly authentic beach town that started as a quaint fishing village. With warm and welcoming locals, in Puerto Morelos, you’ll find more off-the-radar beach destinations that are just as beautiful as the more extensive resort town beaches.
Puerto Morelos is a laid back and charming Caribbean destination just 20 minutes south of Cancun, and 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen. If you’re looking for an amazing resort in Puerto Morelos, these are 8 of the best.
MORE MEXICO GUIDES
The Riviera Maya is full of treasures waiting to be explored, offering sparkling turquoise waves, picturesque cenotes and incredible ancient ruins. From Puerto Morelos to Tulum, here is our guide to the best of the Riviera Maya!
Riviera Maya resorts offer all inclusive amenities and convenience in a luxurious tropical setting. Here is our list of the best Riviera Maya resorts in Cozumel, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Akumal and more.
Bacalar, Mexico is a dreamy destination with stunning lakes, lagoons, cenotes and friendly locals. Adventures await in this southern Yucatan wilderness playground. Plan your dream visit with great info, travel tips and fun things to do in Bacalar.
Welcome to our ultimate guide to the best Cabo all inclusive resorts! Nestled on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas offers a tropical paradise where sun kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious accommodations await.
Puerto Vallarta offers beautiful views, exciting culinary and arts scenes, exciting nightlife, and countless adventures! There are some great options in terms of luxury resorts. Here are our top 10 Puerto Vallarta resorts to check out this year.
The ancient Mayan capital of Chichen Itza is one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you should plan to visit on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Keep reading for everything you need to know to visit Chichen Itza.
MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS & INFO
There are thousands of cenotes in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The cave-like structures filled will clear waters are a must-see when visiting the region. Swim, snorkel, or even scuba dive in the beautiful blue pools. Here are the BEST cenotes in Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun and Valladolid.
The Yucatan offers some of the best seafood and unique dishes in all of Mexico. From fish tacos to ceviches and more, the Yucatan is a surprising food destination. Here are some of our favorite foods of the Yucatan!
Packing for beach vacations shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a unique beach vacation packing list to help and included some of our favorite items. From clothes to electronics and everything in between, we've got all the tips to make packing a breeze.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is an extensive coral reef system stretching over 650 miles along the Caribbean coast of Central America. From Isla Contoy off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, down to Belize, Guatemala and the Bay Islands of Honduras.
All the information you need to get around the Yucatan. Times, prices and location info. Information on the bus, rental cars, taxis, ferries and even colectivos! Cancun to Tulum, Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, Cancun to Holbox and Isla Mujeres,, and more!
Throughout Island Life Mexico and our other online guides, you may find affiliate links to businesses where we collect a small commission if you click on them. This is how we keep the lights on but does not influence our recommendations in any way. We would never recommend something we don’t personally love and trust. If you ever find a recommendation in any of our guides that you think isn’t up to par, send us an email below and let us know. We’ll check it out, and if you are correct that something we recommended has indeed fallen from grace, we will swiftly take it down. A few dollars commission is not worth losing the trust of you, our website visitors. You are why we do this. That is the Island Life Promise.
Island Life Mexico was created by a pair of seasoned travelers with a passion for the tropics and the goal of making your next Mexican getaway the trip of a lifetime. We work with local communities and travelers alike to give you the inside scoop and take the guesswork out of your Yucatan vacation. We highlight the best places to eat, things to do and the perfect accommodations to lay your head at night. From catamaran sails to scuba diving excursions, jungle adventures to sunset cocktails on the beach, we are passionate about helping you curate the tropical vacation of your dreams. We hope you enjoy!
