The pristine waters and coastal setting of Cabo San Lucas draws thousands of sport fishing enthusiasts and experts each year. Events and tournaments take place right on the oceanfront, while boat tours and weeklong trips have become a popular attraction for the area. Cabo San Lucas is a prime destination for sport fishing, offering a wide range of targeted species and plenty of options for boat rentals and new experiences. Often considered one of the world’s finest sport fishing destinations, Cabo San Lucas is home to many fleets and professional teams for a unique sport fishing experience.

Fleet and Charter Options for Sport fishing in Cabo San Lucas

From sport fishing record holders to first class yachts, Cabo San Lucas offers some unique and luxurious options for sport fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels. The most common sport fishing fleets and charters in the area include:

• Pisces Sport fishing

• Salvador’s Sport fishing Charter: El Budster

• Juanita’s Sport fishing

• Minervas Baja Tackle

• Cabo Sport Fishing Fleet

• Cortez Yacht Charters

• Bajaboy Sport fishing

Private Yacht Charters for Sport fishing in Cabo San Lucas

A private yacht can offer a luxurious alternative to standard sport fishing boats, and many can cruise to a different port or coast to pick up a regular fishing boat instead. The most common private yacht charter companies in the Cabo San Lucas area include:

• Rissalena Bay Cruises

• Luxury Yacht Rentals

• Wit’s End Sport fishing

What to Expect with Sport fishing in Cabo San Lucas

From the marinas in Baja California Sur, to the rich waters at Cape San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas offers a multitude of locations, ports, and coasts for the targeted species. The marlin is a highly prized fish that has captured the attention of anglers for decades; the average size for the species is 250 pounds, and the challenge is a test of skill, determination, and perseverance.

The most common targeted species in the Cabo San Lucas waters include:

• Blue marlin

• Striped marlin

• Black marlin

• Acrobatic sailfish

• Billfish

• Yellow fin tuna

Hundreds of tournaments and events take place along the Sea of Cortez and coasts of the Pacific Ocean. The setting is ideal for professional sport fishing teams, as well as individuals who are looking for a fresh activity to partake in. Fish can reach the 250 pound mark, and the majority fall into the 100-150 range. From charter boats to coastal cruises, Cabo San Lucas is a top destination for the novice and experienced angler.

By: Eliseo Lao
Eliseo is an avid fishing guy
For more info and related article about fishing visit http://www.charasfishinginfo.com

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant part of the Mundo Maya located on the shores of beautiful Mexican Caribbean. Beach, as is commonly known, is the perfect starting point for those who want to explore the fascinating places exist along the Cancun-Tulum corridor, now called Mayan Riviera. Playa del Carmen is blessed with extensive white sand beaches bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Viva a vacation in Playa del Carmen and the countless adventures Mundo Maya has to offer. The capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from having been a villa pequea descendant of Maya, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. Its Aspects natural beauty and great beaches, its enviable geographical location and its mix of sea and jungle make this destination in the Mexican Caribbean, a magnet for visitors from Mexico and elsewhere in the world.

Beach is a great place for a vacation, spend a day or live. The town has grown along the beach, as far as anywhere you go, feel the closeness with the sea. The main street is called Fifth Avenue, is a pedestrian passage and very common point of reference. Here you will find most hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Life in Playa del Carmen is characterized by its variety and diversity.

To the south of the pier is an area called Playacar, is a development which is all big hotels with all inclusive plans; here also find the golf course, some houses and condominiums particular, the aviary and some interesting Mayan ruins. The deep waters that separate Playa del Carmen, Cozumel are ideal for sport fishing, jungle invited to explore their magical exuberance is approaching while archaeological sites. The experience will be rewarding. In your vacation in Playa del Carmen you can find a huge variety of water sports ranging from swimming at the beach until more vigorous sports such as windsurfing, sailing or diving in the nearby reef, or go on a journey by boat or other vessel .

The extreme sports lovers will enjoy diving into the open sea in the crystalline waters of Playa del Carmen. You can dive and snorkel in the Great Mayan Reef located less than 100 meters from the beach. You can also dive in the caves, which you can be sure will be a great experience.

Playa del Carmen is also an ideal starting point for visiting one of the most beautiful ecological parks in Mexico: Xcaret, where they also get the ferry to the island of Cozumel. It is also near the area of natural springs in Puerto Aventuras and the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha.

The evenings offer a number of options, places to dance and combat insomnia caused by the Carib nights; festivals on the beaches and bars with an excellent atmosphere.

By: Jitesh Arora
If you want to know more about Romantic Beach Vacations then feel free to visit http://www.romanticbeachvacation.org

One of the many joys of taking Mexico vacations to Guadalajara is that this charming city is jam packed with so many fun and inspirational things to do and see!

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is located more towards the middle of Mexico on the Western side. You'll also be happy to know that it is just a couple of hours from Puerto Vallarta (which makes a nice little extra weekend trip)!

While you are visiting Guadalajara, which just might turn out to be one of your favorite of all Mexico vacations, you'll definitely want to take advantage of the many wonderful historical, cultural and sports attractions that this world famous city has to offer... in addition to its charm!

The city is very modern yet surprisingly still preserves its past which is clearly evident when you step into the downtown district known as el centro historico. While you're touring through downtown Guadalajara, you'll realize that the attractions are very close together and easily make up a fun walking tour (be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes).

The main attraction of downtown and a proud and shining emblem of the city is the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Cathedral construction began in the 1560's and took over 50 years to complete! Any time you step inside you are sure to find people attending mass or many tourists looking on with curiosity at this marvelous structure.

Just a few steps away from the Cathedral is the Rotunda of Illustrious Men and Women of the state of Jalisco. The rotunda is dedicated to a few select, departed citizens of Jalisco who were honored for their outstanding contributions to society. One in particular was a famous muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, who sprinkled the city with some powerful and extraordinary murals.

The murals of Orozco can be viewed about 15 minutes away in the Cabañas Cultural Institute which once served as an orphanage when it was first built. The old chapel at the institute is home to some of Orozco's masterpieces and the most famous may be his mural appropriately titled "Man of Fire."

If you are a brave soul and interested in history then you may want to consider a stop by the Bethlehem Cemetery, El Panteon de Belen. When you visit this peaceful and beautiful attraction, you will truly feel like you've been transported back in time.

It is historically rich as it served as a cemetery during a particularly hard time of famine and disease in Guadalajara back in 1785. This old cemetery stopped serving as a "working" cemetery in October 1896. It has since been converted as an eerie attraction and museum for visitors and residents of Guadalajara to enjoy... and enjoy it they do!

Many residents believe this old graveyard to be haunted and night tours are even available if you are feeling brave enough to walk around the old tombs at night!

If you are a sports fan you will want to see at least one of Guadalajara's most popular sport, soccer. There are 3 division one soccer teams and 2 stadiums. Even if you are not a sports fan you'll be able to appreciate the camaraderie and excitement of the soccer games.

After a long day of seeing museums, a graveyard, beautiful colonial buildings and discovering you newfound love for soccer, the end to a perfect day is biting into a yummy torta ahogada, the all time favorite and famous "drowned sandwich" of Guadalajara!

This wonderful city is definitely a jewel of Mexico and a "must do," so make Guadalajara, Mexico vacations next on your list of places to see.

By: E. Llamas
View more attractions in Guadalajara or for more information please visit Guadalajara, Mexico vacations.

Many people normally would not describe a building as being particularly "special," (unless you built it!) however; there is one very special building in the cosmopolitan city of Guadalajara, Mexico that is certainly worthy of the title.

Upon entering the Cabañas Cultural Institute you'll find this to be true because of the rich history of the building and also because the Institute is home to some of the most fascinating Mexican murals by the late and brilliant muralist Jose Clemente Orozco.

The building was named after its founder and financial backer Bishop Juan Ruiz de Cabañas. Something so very endearing about this wonderful treasure in Guadalajara is that it was originally built to provide a home for orphans, the poor, handicapped and the elderly.

To no surprise, it became a World Heritage site in 1997 and can be described by many as being "simply breathtaking!"

The Cabañas Cultural Institute is affectionately known by many of the elders in Guadalajara by its previous name of Hospicio Cabañas (Cabañas Orphanage). If you ask many of them, one or two may fondly recall passing by to see little children playing happily.

The construction of this special building began in the early 1800's under the supervision of architect Manuel Tulsa and its doors were opened in 1810 to the first orphans while still under construction. Unfortunately, the construction had to stop temporarily due to the War for Mexican Independence (1810-1821) and wasn't finished until around 1845.

In 1937 Jose Clemente Orozco (Jalisco native) was invited by the government to paint the chapel of the Institute which he later completed in 1939.

The Cabañas Cultural Institute is now used as a cultural promotion center and offers classes as well as tours of the awe inspiring large scale murals by Orozco including his world famous mural Man of Fire (Hombre de Fuego).

By: E. Llamas
To view more of his pieces and for more information about the Cabañas Cultural Institute please see http://www.explore-guadalajara.com/HospicioCabanas.html

Buzz... People... Buzz and People

Greater Mexico City sometimes considered the world's largest and most populated city is the most ancient metropolis of America. Founded by the Nahua Aztec or Mexican tribe as Tenochtitlán in 1325, it rapidly became the capital of a sophisticated growing empire. Mexico City is the highest (2,240 meters / 347 ft) metropolis on the North American continent and is located in the large Valley of Mexico, also called the Valley of Anáhuac. Sheltered by the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl Mexico City has the best climate of the world, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.

The Mexico City population is around 28.5 million inhabitants!!! Yes, I know there are a lot of people over there... but Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico, the nerve center of the all political, financial and cultural activities and has an important relevance as the "bridge" among the United States and the Latin America.

Mexico City is also the Federal District (Distrito Federal in Spanish, and hence the abbreviation D.F. that officially follows the name of the city). The Federal District is coextensive with Mexico City: both are governed by a single institution and are constitutionally considered to be the same entity.

Mexico City incorporates 58 adjacent municipalities of Mexico State and 1 municipality of the state of Hidalgo, according to the most recent definition agreed upon by the federal and state governments.

Mexico City offers everything a modern, savvy traveler or family vacationer could ever want.

Mexico City D.F. is huge and that's why the number of hotels and accommodations are also high!

In Mexico D.F you can find luxurious rooms with services of every kind, boutique, suites, comforting low price rooms, budget accommodations and amazing colonial hotels in the historical zone...so, in Mexico City you will have so many options to choose the hotel that is just right for you.

This colossal city offers a great variety of cultural, commercial and tourist attractions where you and your family will be able to realize all kinds of activities as visiting museums and admiring its marvelous collections that reflect the historical and artistic evolution of the people of Mexico, from the pre-Hispanic epoch to the present day. Mexico City is a city with world class events, festivals, shopping, food and wine, and a fabulous arts scene.

Mexico City is one of the most important cultural centers in the world boasting more museums than any other city. It is also the fourth city in number of theaters after New York City, London and Toronto.

Mexico City Mexico has, recently, received significant attention for its incredible architecture. A mix of 16th, 17th and 18th century European buildings are found with contemporary day businesses near by.

History shows up everywhere in the city, for example, there are at least a dozen major working archaeological sites within the city limits!

Speaking of the past, you won't want to miss the Xochimilco floating gardens, which have been in existence for seven centuries, since the time of the Aztecs!

Such an experience awaits you in the Zocalo, the historic heart of Mexico City. The Zocalo is just one of many amazing spots in this vibrant and ever-changing city, though, dominated by its monumental Metropolitan Cathedral.

Chapultepec Park, the largest park within a city in the world, is a fantastic example. The park is in places exactly as it was centuries ago, but elsewhere in the park you will find a host of entertainments for adults, kids and the entire family. From mime troupes to magic shows, there's something for everyone.

And then, Mexico City offer a beautiful zone, Coyoacan. Coyoacan is an enchanting colonial neighborhood in which you can actually feel the tranquility and colonial charm of Old Mexico.

If you want to know more about the history of this marvelous nation, and not only, I suggest you to visit "The National Anthropological Museum"

México City is also a very special place for shoppers. Anything that is made in México is available here along with countless imported designer items.

Shopping in Mexico City ranges from extraordinarily varied (and frenetic) markets to swanky boutiques, department stores, and shops specializing in Mexican arts and crafts. For its numerous bazaars, squares and malls up to exclusive boutiques Mexico City offer crafts, clothes and silver jewels of every kind at exclusive prices.

Plan a visit to Polanco, especially the areas of Presidente Masaryk, Centro Santa Fe and Zona Rosa if you would like to bring home good stuff. Centro Coyoacán and Perisur, which are both located in the southern part of the city, are other very popular shopping places.

TRAVEL TIPS - Try to negotiate on the price, sometimes it gives good results :-)

What about the Mexican cuisine you will taste in this huge city?

The arrays of restaurants, of every kind, dotting the roads of Mexico City propose delicious recipes and spicy tastes! Most of the Mexicans eat meals on the street in the marketplaces, but the Mexico City restaurants range from traditional Mexican restaurants, seafood specialists, Spanish, French, Chinese, Argentinean and Italian cuisines. You will find some of the world's greatest steak houses and also some of the best tacos.

After a good tacos dinner, maybe accompanied by the typical Mariachi music, the party starts...

The Mexico City nightlife is some of the best in the entire world. You will have an almost endless choice of options. Nightlife doesn't usually get going in Mexico City until 10 pm at the earliest, and while the more sober places close at 2am, others stay open until 4 am or later. Mexico City is always alive, but at night, the vibrations pound and the parties kick into full swing.

The music scene boasts jazz clubs, loud all-night discos, Mariachi music, Flamenco, Cuban and salsa clubs, classical concerts, opera, philharmonic orchestras, romantic trios, chamber music and much much more!

TRAVEL TIPS -Check with yours and other local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your Mexico City Vacation. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out!

TRAVEL TIPS - Mexico City has a reputation for danger. The average tourist is not likely to be a victim of these crimes. The first rule of Mexico City is NEVER hail a taxi on the street. Take only sitio (stationed) cabs that operate out of stands or cabs called for by hotel or restaurant staff. Major tourist areas are generally very safe, but be on your guard against petty theft, as that threat is pervasive. Mexico City has an inexpensive, easy-to-use metro, and an equally cheap and practical bus system plying all the main routes.

The amount of fun you can have in a Mexico City Vacation is impressive!

By: Elena Piccini
Travel and information about Mexico and its destinations - Mexico vacations, Mexico hotels and all inclusive resorts with many travel ideas and deals! Check our Travel News page and discover the inside secrets of Mexico.
Elena Piccini
http://www.letsgomexico.com

Chances are, your little ones won't appreciate the Toltec influence on the Mayan pyramids at Chichen Itza, nor will they delight in the architectural beauty of Merida's colonial buildings - but that does not mean the city has nothing to offer them.

First of all, though they might complain about the heat and their lack of interest in a pile of rocks, do not miss the chance to watch their faces light up when they see the Castillo at Chichen Itza in real life. Climbing the main attraction, checking out a real Mayan hut, and seeing the cenote where human sacrifices may have been made once are sure to interest most children. Some kids may find the huge machine on display by the bathrooms interesting when they learn it was used to dredge the cenote and take out the treasures found at the bottom.

And while the majority of kids may not appreciate the excellent museum and the peaceful ruins as much as you will, most kids cannot resist the cenote at another Mayan site called Dzabilchaltun. Bring some snorkel gear and let them see the little freshwater fish that live there. But please watch them and don't take children who can't swim. The cenote is shallow on one end, but very deep on the other. Be sure to bring your own towels, sunscreen and water to drink as well. There are no changing facilities or lifeguards.

Part of the educational value of travel is being able to see how people live differently around the world. If you can, drive from Chichen Itza to Merida on the "free" or "libre" road, you will have a chance to drive through and stop in some small Mayan towns or pueblitos (pweh-BLEE-toes). Children will learn a lot from seeing how children their own age live and play in the Yucatan. Stop in one of the towns for an ice cream or helado (ay-LA-doh) or a Coca Cola (Yucatan drinks more Coke per capita than any other place in the world!) and take that chance to interact with the local people at the store. You will all learn something!

Once you are back in Merida, the Centennario Zoo, located near the southern edge of downtown, is a wonderland of fun activities for parents and children alike. This huge park is home to hundreds of exotic animals including giraffes, lions, bears, chimpanzees, crocodiles, hippos, tigers, turtles and snakes. Each animal pen has its own placard in Spanish and Maya with facts about the creature's environment, diet and lifestyle. Patrons are also welcome to meander through the zoo's huge aviary, a tropical garden filled with parrots, peacocks and other beautiful birds. You can stroll through the park on foot or catch a ride on the train that circles the perimeter.

In addition to animals, the zoo has several playgrounds, an area for rollerblading and toy vendors galore. Entrance to the park is free, but some of the activities like pony rides, bumper boats and go-carts charge a few pesos per person. You can treat yourself to traditional carnival fare like corndogs, popcorn and cotton candy, or enjoy Mexican treats like chicharrones, tacos and panuchos. And on a hot day, all those beautiful trees provide shade for the animals and for you and the kids.

Close to the Hyatt and Fiesta Americana Hotels, Salvador Alvarado Stadium and Park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a softball diamond and two soccer fields, in addition to facilities for weight lifting, boxing, aerobics, gymnastics and dance. As part of the Yucatan State Sports Institute, this 65-year-old establishments serves as both a training grounds for local athletes and a recreational center for the public.

The entrance is located on Calle 62 in the Buena Vista neighborhood and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with peak hours between 3 and 8 p.m. when local sports teams come to practice. While there is no official charge to use the facilities, they do ask that patrons make an occasional donation - in whatever amount possible - to put toward maintenance costs, and use of the pool is $12 pesos per visit. Month-long courses in various sports, even including salsa dancing, are offered to the public, meeting once a week for around $150 pesos.

Never underestimate the pleasure of a swimming pool to children. If your hotel has a pool, and most do, why not take a day to enjoy yourselves poolside and really concentrate on what vacations are all about: being together with family. And if your hotel does not have a pool, then spend a day at the beach in Progreso or one of the surrounding towns. Your kids can have fun picking up shells, swimming in the shallow water or maybe even renting a boogie board or waverunner. The beach at Progreso is shallow and the waves are seldom more than a foot at most. You can have fresh guacamole with chips and a cold beer right on the beach while you watch your kids play. What could be better?

After you have enjoyed these activities, there are still several tried and true methods of entertaining kids. Merida's professional baseball team, the Leones, have home games at Kukulkán Stadium and Sports Complex with ticket prices as low as $5 pesos. The Merida English Library, located on Calle 53 (in between Calles 66 and 68) hosts a story hour every Saturday at 10 a.m. Finally, when your travels have exhausted you, enjoy a low-key evening movie. The Fantasio Cinema in Hidalgo Park downtown and the Cinerex Theaters on Calle 58 near 59 have at least one movie showing in English at all times. Take a bus or taxi to the Gran Plaza and you will have up to 12 movies available to you, including a VIP room that features barca-lounger chairs and waiters providing everything from piña coladas to sushi, as well as the usual movie fare of popcorn, hotdogs and cokes. Keep in mind, however, that PG-rated movies in Merida will be dubbed in Spanish.

Remember to always bring water when you are going outside and make sure your children drink even when they are not thirsty. Dehydration can creep up on them when they are not accustomed to the heat.

Merida and the Yucatan provide you and your children a place to go that is exotic and probably vastly different than your home town, but it still has the comforts of home. If you need to help your child feel comfortable, there is a McDonalds or Burger King nearby. But when your child is feeling adventurous, there is much to explore and learn about. It is a place none of you will ever forget.

By: Ellen Fields and Jim Fields
Ellen and Jim Fields are expatriates who write Yucatan Living http://www.yucatanliving.com, a lifestyle website about living, working and traveling in Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

1) La Quebrada Cliff Divers

A visit to Acapulco is incomplete if you do not make the time to visit the famed La Quebrada Cliff Divers. This is a group of professional sky divers who put on daily shows for the public. In each of these shows, they will dive 45 metres from the cliffs into the sea. Their stunts will literally take your breath away. Night shows are also held, and are even more fascinating to behold. The divers bring torches with them as they make their dives and look like bright lights streaking into the dark sea.

2) Nightlife on La Costera

Acapulco's nightlife is known the world over and any visitor looking to let down their hair and enjoy themselves must make it a point to visit La Costero. This is a street in Acapulco with a variety of pubs and clubs that will allow you to hop from club to club without having to travel long distances. Three clubs frequently visited by foreigners include Disco Beach, which features a dance floor directly adjacent to the Condesa beach, Barbarroja, a club in the shape of a pirate ship, as well as Andromedas, which features a real mermaid in a tank by the wall! (The mermaid is actually a scuba diver, but it is still a pretty cool sight to behold!)

3) Coyuca Lagoon

Coyuca Lagoon is a breathtaking fresh water lagoon and is a gorgeous sight for the eyes to behold. Surrounded by palm trees and a variety of flora and fauna, framed by blue shallow waters, and teeming with wildlife, Coyuca Lagoon is the stuff that stories are made of. A variety of lagoon tours are offered. Visitors can enjoy a cruise along the Lagoon before hopping off and enjoying the food at the local beachfront restaurant. Or, you can simply find an empty hammock and de-stress. Either way, Coyuca Lagoon is a must-see for visitors.

4) Acapulco Botanical Garden

Acapulco Botanical Gardens is a beautiful piece of greenery located in the picturesque Southern Sierra Madre Mountains. Visitors will find themselves entranced by its two creeks, its tropical weather and its mind-boggling range of flora and fauna. The animals also feature prominently among the Garden's many attractions. Have fun trying to spot the iguanas, lizards, snakes, possums and racoons as you trek through the Garden.

5) Fort of San Diego

The Fort of San Diego is Acapulco's most revered historical monument. The Fort attracts a steady stream of visitors who are not only interested in seeing its unique star shape design, but who want to visit the Acapulco History Museum, which is housed within the Fort. The museum features several collections which portray Acapulco's general history and the role of the Fort in Acapulco's past. The Fort also has beautiful gardens and provide countless phototaking opportunities.

By: Orson Johnson
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Holiday accommodation in Acapulco & Holiday apartments Mexico

You are laying in a hammock, watching one of the most spectacular sunsets you have ever seen. Softly,it swings as your toes dig into the soft warm sand and you reach for your favorite drink. It is hard to tell where the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea start and the shimmering sky ends.

Iguanas sun themselves on the pavement and mangroves grow on either side of the road. Familiar scenes like this one above happen every day on Mexico's Peninsula. From Cancun to the Belize border.

But where is Costa Maya and why is it so special? Costa Maya is a 57-mile long stripe of the Caribbean Mexican coastline that is unspoiled, relatively convenient, eco-friendly, culture inspiring and full of profitable excitement. The beautiful beaches are what sets Costa Maya over other areas. The barrier reef, the Chinchorro Reef is one of the best diving and snorkeling in the Western Hemisphere. With most divers every day choosing Cozumel, Cancun, or Belize...you can enjoy 20 miles of unexplored reefs and shipwrecks to yourself.

Costa Maya has one draw back with their beaches, being to close to the barrier reef. The water is shallow, there is little surf, and the existence of sea grass makes the water look darker. You have to have someone rake up the sea grass daily if you want a clean beach.

This is the first Western Caribbean port designed exclusively for the cruise industry, but their stop at the port only allows its clients one day at the port. You can drive from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen but it is a long and expensive drive in a private car. Tourism has caused the area around the pier to be just one shop after another and three cruise ship can dock at the pier at the same time.

With acres of unspoiled coastal land, vast natural resources and rich historic and cultural influences Costa Maya offers tourists a view into the Mayan History. Costa Maya is the largest concentration of Mayan archaeological sites and existing Mayan population.

By: Kathi E Jacobs
http://www.kathijacobs.mtravel.com
I am a certified TRAVEL AGENT and also the Vice President of an oilfield instrumentation company. I love to restore artifacts, paint, cruise and antique cars.

Diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is an absolute wonderful activity for the whole family to do together on a family vacation. There are some great places to dive and snorkel in and around Playa. Safety first though, make sure that every family member wears a life jacket when snorkeling. It is an activity for both beginner and expert swimmers as long as you are provided with life jackets and snorkel equipment.
Should you want to venture off yourself and not take a tour with a guide OR should you like to go with a tour guide, either way, there are 3 great places to snorkel around Playa del Carmen.

Xel-Ha - A beautiful outdoor water theme park (ecological park) located 33.5 miles south of Playa del Carmen. At Xel-Ha, you will be amazed by the exotic flora and fauna that the park treasures. For your convenience, there are several stands to rent snorkel equipment where you can get full equipment rentals, mask rentals, flippers and wet suits.

Akumal (Yal Ku Lagoon) - Akumal is a small town located 23 miles south of Playa del Carmen not far from Xel-Ha. You may want to go on a tour provided by one of the two dive shops in town. It is about $40 USD per person. Or, rent or buy your own equipment and swim out alone. The coral reefs are not too far from the shore and can be easily accessed by swimming, especially with the help of a life preserver. Much of the bay is not more than five feet deep. Be very careful to stay away from the "fire reef" marked with buoys and a distinctive red colored coral. It stings and excessive contact can be fatal. Since coral dies on human contact, you should avoid touching coral at all costs. It is also illegal to touch the wildlife, such as the sea turtles.

Marina Maroma - Maroma is the site of the world's second largest barrier reef and just offshore, you will find world-class Playa diving-snorkeling with your own guides. The marine life there is absolutely delightful, and the colors are vibrant and exciting. Maroma Beach is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, only 20 minutes by car fron Cancun International Airport.

By: Deanna Robinson
Playa del Carmen, Mexico is the site of the world's second largest barrier reef. The diving and snorkeling in Playa is outstanding!
For more information regarding Diving and Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, go to Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com.

This large country whose capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest countries in the world and also boasts of a lot of wonders. If you are a nature-tripper who would love to spend your time on the beach or on the green, Mexico will appeal to your taste. If you fancy ancient architecture, you would be pleased to know that Mexico is just the right place for you.

1.) Rio Grande Rivers

Rivers are abundant in Mexico. The biggest of the Mexican rivers and of all the rivers in the world is the Rio Grande. It serves as a separator between Mexico and the USA, and it is also known as Rio Bravo in Mexico, a river that is popular for thrill-seeking tourists.

2.) Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental

There are two mountain ranges that run across Mexico, and these are Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental. Both are known for their majestic height and beauty. While here, make sure that you take a visit to this place for you to see these mountain ranges.

3.) Oaxaca Plateau

Situated in Oaxaca in Southwest Mexico, the Oaxaca Plateau is more than just a wonder of nature. It is also where the early Zapotecs, one of the predecessors of the Mexicans, built an ancient city. As such, Oaxaca Plateua remains to be one of Mexico's greatest treasures.

4.) Isla Mujeres

You will be excited to know that the Caribbean Sea is actually a nearby neighbor of Mexico. Isla Mujeres is one of those beautiful islands whose beauty is partly thanks to the Caribbean seas. Aside from a perfect place to sunbathe, Isla Mujeres was also actually part of the Mayan civilization.

5.) Internationally recognized beaches

Beaches are aplenty in Mexico. You will definitely want to visit at least one of the Mexican beaches - prided by the Mexicans for its pristine waters and precious sand. These beaches are good places for you to hang out, sunbathe or swim in.

6.) Bull fighting

The Mexicans have this rich cultural heritage that has been remarkably well preserved. Until now, traditional practices such as the bull fighting are still being exercised. You will do well to witness at least one of these cultural events.

7.) Day of the Dead or El Dia de los Muertos

Mexicans love to celebrate, and one of their most cherished celebrations is the El Dia de los Muertos, a day meant to commemorate the people who have passed over. The celebration is marked with a festive mood. Colorful costumes, food and flowers mark this event.

8.) Nuestra Señora del Carmen

The cathedrals in Mexico are of high value, just as much as religion is a big part of a Mexican's life. Your visit to Nuestra Señora del Carmen will grant you witness to the "Doorway of the Archangels." This is a world-famous altarpiece that is alluded to as the doorway of the angels.

9.) Maya City of Tulum

Marvel at the beauty and glory of Mayan civilization through the ruins of their city. You can find this in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Aside from ancient and well-preserved structures, the Maya City of Tulum is also where you can find preserved objects and tools used by the ancient people of Maya.

10.) Pyramids of Teotihuacan

A few minutes drive away from Mexico City will bring you to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, one of the ancient ruins of early Aztec civilization in the place. In here are some of the largest buildings and pyramids built by the ancient Aztec people. Some of the most noteworthy parts of Teotihuacan, aside from the pyramids, include the Avenue of the Dead and the Pyramid of the Moon.

By: Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.DestinationGuide.tv/Mexico to view or share Mexico travel videos.