Surf, swim and snorkel in Mexico's beckoning — and warm! — waters.
By: Joe Yogerst
Swim with sharks in Cancun
At the opposite end of the underwater spectrum from the fearsome man-eater in Jaws, the lumbering whale shark is known for its beautiful spotted patterns (unique to each animal) and mild manner. The huge plankton eaters gather in large numbers in the warm waters off the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, especially around the untouristy Holbox Island. The best time to see them is between May and September. Local outfitters like Cancun Whale Shark Tours offer daytrips from Cancun that include snorkeling or swimming with the gentle giants of the deep, as well as a chance to spot dolphins, rays, flamingos and other local marine creatures.
Photo courtesy of Cancun Whale Shark Tours
Where to Stay:
Luxuriate at the grand all-inclusive Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort in Cancun. The sprawling resort features more than 2,400 rooms spread along 2,000 feet of a Caribbean white-sand strand. Moon Palace is divided into three distinct life-style zones, with “Sunrise” the most active and edgy with its simulated wave pool and a younger, hipper clientele than the other two sections.
In addition to golf and spa treatments, the resort also features tennis, beach volleyball, theme parties, a dance club, a comedy club and eight swimming pools (six of them with swim-up bars). Sunrise has its own Mexican, Asian and Italian eateries, but guests are free to dine at any of Moon Palace’s 14 restaurants or order from 24/7 room service. The rooms are spacious and modern, many with Caribbean views and include large-enough-for-two Jacuzzis (room rates start at $427 a night and are all-inclusive; moonpalacecancun.com).
The beaches of Cancun and Tulum are among the world's top 10strands of sand, according to a survey conducted by TripAdvisor.
