Mexico - Caribbean Coast Holidays

from € 1538 pp

Holidays to the Caribbean coast of Mexico are about more than just picture-perfect beaches, although the soft white sands are definitely a major draw. This part of the country is bursting with natural wonders and historical sites, making it one of the best destinations in Mexico for a memorable getaway.

Beaches and jungle

Whether you’re looking to stay in traditional accommodations nestled within the old towns of the Riviera Maya, or in modern purpose-built resorts with access to private beaches, Mexico’s Caribbean coast has it all. Choose tropical beaches and cocktail bars or exhilarating watersports and jungle adventures. Or do it all. It’s totally up to you.

Just so you know, the beaches on this stretch of coastline sometimes experience increased levels of seaweed – called sargassum. It’s influenced by the weather and ocean currents. If your hotel’s affected, the staff will do everything they can to clear it.

Cancun

Cancun is certainly the highlight of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with a dedicated Hotel Zone that’s home to some of the biggest and most luxurious resorts in the country. Massive shopping malls, golf courses and casinos dominate the landscape, creating a Las Vegas-style atmosphere where the fun never ends. Dive down to check out the underwater artworks, visit the aquariums, and learn more at the museums.

Top destinations

If you’re looking to venture beyond Cancun, there are many other top destinations dotted along Mexico’s stunning Caribbean coast. A favourite of the elite, Playacar offers a very exclusive beachside setting, while the Riviera Maya boasts some amazing dive sites among the offshore reefs. The Riviera Maya is also famous for its old Mayan ruins, including the Pyramid El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes.

At a glance

Explore the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum
Experience Cancun’s legendary nightlife
Relax on the Riviera Maya’s white-sand beaches

Destinations in Mexico - Caribbean Coast

Top Destinations

Top things to See and Do in Mexico - Caribbean Coast

BEACHES
SHOPPING
NIGHTLIFE
FOOD & DRINK

Parties & watersports

If you’re looking for a lively and energetic beachfront in Cancun, there’s nowhere better than Playa Gaviota Azul. There’s a long strip of restaurants and bars just behind the beach, and there’s music and dancing all through the night. Or if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Mamitas Beach is the party hotspot. There are watersports like jet-skiing during the day, and vibrant beach bars to visit come sundown.

Just so you know, the beaches on this stretch of coastline sometimes experience increased levels of seaweed – called sargassum. It’s influenced by the weather and ocean currents. If your hotel’s affected, the staff will do everything they can to clear it.
Family beaches

Although Cancun has a reputation for being a party destination, its beaches are actually fantastic for families looking for quiet and fun spots. Playa Tortugas offers fine white sand and blue-green waters, and if you’re lucky you might spot a lizard or two. Alternatively, head just north of the city centre to Playa El Nino. Tucked away from the crowds, this Blue Flag beach has very clean waters perfect for a swim.
Total peace and quiet

Believe it or not, it is possible to get away from it all, even in Cancun. Playa Marlin is great for relaxation. It’s a protected area for the local sea turtles, so it’s much quieter than other Cancun beaches, even though there’s still plenty going on. In Playa del Carmen, Playacar Fase 1 is ideal for unwinding. There are no amenities here, and very few tourists. Instead, it’s mainly locals playing ball games with their dogs.

Bargain Buys

Alongside most beachfronts on the Caribbean coast, there are gift shops selling all sorts of trinkets and small gifts. Kids especially will love browsing through the aisles, finding little souvenirs to spend their holiday money on. Wind chimes are very popular here, along with traditional Mayan jewellery. You can find t-shirts and magnets with town names on, authentic sombreros, and even Christmas ornaments.
Mid-Range Buys

Local gift shops are also good places to pick up some higher quality goods, particularly local items such as vanilla. Pure vanilla extract is easy to find on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Locally-made alcohol such as tequila and Kahlua can be purchased at good prices, but be sure to stay within your customs limit. If you’re in Cancun, be sure to check out the gift shops and boutiques in the Plaza Caracol shopping centre.
Designer Buys

Cancun’s exclusive Hotel Zone, or Zona Hotelera, is the place to go for designer goods. Many of the big resorts here feature shopping areas, with designer stores such as Boss, Tiffany, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Armani. Playacar also has its fair share of designer stores, like Tag Heuer, Tommy Hilfiger, and Harley-Davidson. You’ll find the main shopping district here just behind the harbour and Los Fundadores Park.

Laid-back evenings

Many travellers never venture out of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, but if you’re looking for a quieter nightlife experience, the city centre is perfect. There’s still plenty going on here, with Irish pubs, karaoke bars, and cocktail bars, but things are a lot more laidback. You’ll find this vibrant yet not-over-the-top nightlife in other parts of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, too. Check out destinations like Playa del Carmen and Playa Mujeres. You’ll still have your choice of bars, but without the exclusivity of Playacar or the Hotel Zone.
Lively evenings

Cancun and Playacar are the Caribbean coast’s prime party destinations. In Cancun, stick to the Hotel Zone, where you’ll find everything from beach bars blaring out live music to chic cocktail bars and exclusive nightclubs with strict dress codes. You’ll have your choice of local joints, and global chains like Señor Frog's. In Playacar, the pedestrianised Fifth Avenue is a bar-hopping dream, with pubs, clubs, sports bars, and even dedicated tequila joints where you can sample all sorts of different brands and types.

Papadzules

The enchiladas and tacos that you’ve enjoyed at Mexican restaurants at home are certainly delicious, but you won’t find them on the Caribbean coast. Here, you’ll enjoy authentic flavours of the Yucatan and real Mexican dishes beyond Tex-Mex. Try papadzules, which are filled tortillas with a pumpkin seed sauce.
Ceviche

Across Mexico, pulled meats, beans, and veggies are considered staples. However, on the Caribbean coast, you’ll also find a lot of seafood on the menu. A very popular menu item here is ceviche, which is fresh raw fish cured in lime juice. It’s best enjoyed at one of the seafront restaurants, where it’s often freshest.
International Cancun

In the huge resorts of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, you can find pretty much any type of cuisine you’re craving. There’s seafood, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and almost anything you can dream up. You’ll even find international franchises like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and Hooters.
Machacado de frutas

Mexico’s Caribbean coast can get very hot, and the locals love cooling down with a machacado de frutas, which translates to ‘crushed fruit’ in English. It’s a cool and refreshing frozen drink made from a mixture of fresh local fruits, condensed milk, and crushed ice, a bit like a slushie. The little ones are sure to love it.
Marquesitas

One thing you’ll find in this part of Mexico is that the locals love blending sweet flavours and savoury tastes together. As the sun begins to set, the local street carts come out, offering freshly made marquesitas. These are crispy cheese crepes with a choice of sweet fillings like jam and chocolate.

Mexico - Caribbean Coast Holidays

Beaches and jungle

Cancun

Top destinations

At a glance

Destinations in Mexico - Caribbean Coast

Top Destinations

Top things to See and Do in Mexico - Caribbean Coast

Parties & watersports

Family beaches

Total peace and quiet

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Papadzules

Ceviche

International Cancun

Machacado de frutas

Marquesitas

Our destinations in Mexico - Caribbean Coast

Cancun

Costa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres

Playa del Carmen

Playacar

Puerto Morelos

Riviera Maya

Tulum

Popular holidays

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