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 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 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 - Click to Enlarge
CONTENTS
YUCATAN MINI GUIDES
Tulum, Cenotes, Cozumel & More
Our Mini Guides are designed to give you the best, most up to date info, in easy to read bites. With a combination of visitor’s guides, restaurant guides, hotel guides, and awesome Mexican travel tips, the info you need is all here at your fingertips. Enjoy!
CANCUN
Cancun Visitors Guide
Since 1989, Cancun has been considered one of the most dynamic cities in Mexico. Pillow soft sand, warm seas and dreams coming true keep patrons coming back year after year. From food to beaches to nightlife, here is our guide to the best of Cancun!
Cancun Restaurant Guide
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!
Cancun Hotel Guide
Cancun is Mexico’s most popular resort destination, hosting millions of visitors from around the world each year. The city has an outstanding selection of accommodations that work for any budget. If you plan on visiting Cancun, here are the best places to stay.
TULUM
Tulum Visitors Guide
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 Restaurant Guide
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.
Tulum Mayan Ruins Guide
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 Hotel Guide
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’s Best All Inclusive Resorts
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 3 of the best all-inclusive resorts in Tulum that you should definitely look into.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Playa Del Carmen Visitors Guide
Playa Del Carmen is a jewel along Mexico's Riviera Maya. With it's beaches, the water, the amenities, the nightlife, the nearby Mayan cultural centers and offshore islands, there's a little something for everyone in "Playa".
Playa Del Carmen Restaurant Guide
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.
Playa Del Carmen Hotel Guide
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!
COZUMEL
Cozumel Visitors Guide
The island of Cozumel holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a place where one can access all the modern amenities we enjoy and STILL find numerous places to get away from it all! Here is some basic info to get you started and many of our top choices.
Cozumel Restaurant Guide
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 Hotel Guide
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.
The Best Beaches In Cozumel Without The Crowds
Many beach clubs and hotels on Cozumel offer beaches with pools, thumping music and more. Yet most charge fees and are crowded with tourists and children. That's fine for some, but we prefer getting away from it all! Here are the best wild beaches to avoid the crowds.
Cozumel’s Best All Inclusive Resorts
Cozumel has everything you could desire for a perfect tropical getaway; a warm climate, sparkling blue waters, delicious food, and friendly locals. Here are 5 of the best all-inclusive resorts on the island that you should definitely look into.
Cozumel Scuba Diving Guide
Get ready to step into the blue! Our Cozumel Diving Guide offers info for novice and experienced divers alike. We've included reef recommendations, dive resort recommendations and more. Check out our Cozumel Diving Guide.
Cozumel Beach Bar Guide
Are you looking to unwind with a cool drink by the sea? From morning mimosas to sunset mojitos, Cozumel has you covered no matter what your mood or budget. For all-day libations on the Caribbean shore, check out our absolute favorite spots with a view.
HOLBOX
Holbox Visitors Guide
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!
Holbox Restaurant Guide
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 Hotel Guide
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!
ISLA MUJERES & ISLA CONTOY
Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide
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!
Isla Mujeres Restaurant Guide
Just eight miles offshore from Cancún is the enchanting island of Isla Mujeres. This magical place is 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.
Isla Mujeres Hotel Guide
Just eight miles offshore from Cancún 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!
Isla Contoy Visitors Guide
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!
YUCATAN TRAVEL TIPS & INFO
What To Pack For Your Trip
The Mexican Caribbean is an enchanting wonderland of relaxation and adventure. Packing for such a vacation shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a list to help you out and included some of our favorites as well. We hope you enjoy!
The Best Cenotes in Yucatan
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 the Yucatan.
Getting Around The Yucatan
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!
7 Yucatan Foods That Will Blow Your Mind
The Yucatan Peninsula 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 when visiting the Caribbean. Here are some of our favorite foods of the Yucatan!
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
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.
Coronavirus In Mexico’s Caribbean
Is visiting places like Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel safe? What is the current situation like in Quintana Roo and the Mexican Caribbean? Here is an update on Covid-19 in the Yucatan region. Cases, vaccines, hospital info & more.