Cancun, Mexico - Not everyone who travel to Cancun is a diver or snorkeler at first. One peek through the "looking glass" -a diving mask-changes everything. The Caribbean is one of the most notoriously seductive bodies of water in the world. Turquoise blue and crystal clear with perfect tepid temperature, the costal waters, protected by offshore reefs, are ideal for a languid float during hot, humid days.

Until 1970s, Quintana Roo economy amounted to very little. For a few years the cichle boom brought a flurry of activity up and down the state. At the time cichle, used to make chewing gum, was shipped from the harbor of Isla Cozumel. Native and hardwood trees have always been in demand; coconuts and fishing were the only other natural resources that added to the economy-but neither on a large scale. With the development of a offshore sandbar-into a multimillion-dollar resort, tourism is now its number-one moneymaker. Cancun is one of Mexico's most modern and popular resorts. Construction is continuing south along the coast. Other naturally attractive sites south are home to modern hotels, while still more and earmarked for suture development. Growth includes a marina, and 18-hole golf course, and talk of another international airport. With several small landing strips already built, new roads give access to previously unknown beaches and often-unseen Maya structures. Many more roads are needed to open the frontier of magnificent Quintana Roo.

The southern coast has been called many thighs Tulum Corridor, Playa Coast, Sunshine Coast, and others-but newest, and probably the name that will survive, is Riviera Maya. No matter what you call it, Mexico's Caribbean coast has become Mexico's sizzling coast, attracting travelers from all over the world. Welcome to Cancun and the Riviera Maya!

Geography
Cancun Island is approximately 16 miles long with the highest point above sea level being 200 feet. The State of Quintana Roo is located 550 miles south of Miami, in the South-eastern part of Mexico. Along the coastline of about 540 miles, there are numerous coral islands and a reef barrier, the second largest in the world.

Cancun is a surf and snorkel paradise. For those who go out more for daytime than night-time sports, Cancun, with its beaches of powdery coral sand, is the place to be. The lagoon, enclosed by the -L- shape of the island, is ideal for sailing and water-skiing. Deep-sea fishing and diving are fantastic in the open sea, which stretches out in shades of light-green to turquoise from the shoreline to the violet-blue horizon.

Climate
The weather in Quintana Roo falls into a wet season [May-October] and a dry season [November-April]. Though most travelers prefer the milder conditions of the dry season, you can enjoy the area any time of the year. Travelers to the area in the dry season can expect hot days, cooling showers, occasional brief storms called notes and a plenty of tourists. Travel in the wet season can be more difficult, with regular rains and hot, muggy air. May and June are infamous in the Yucatan for heat and humidity both on the sweat side of 90[°F/percent].

Hurricane season runs July-November with most activity occurring September-October. However, with the appearance of La Niña, previously predictable patterns often change. Tropical storms are common this time of year and sometimes disrupt travel plans.

To check current weather report, please click here.

Services
Worldwide telephone and Internet facilities are excellent and readily available. The United States and Canada maintain consular offices in Cancun to assist visitors. There are automatic banking machines that accept major credit and debit cards and pharmacies stock just about everything you could need and have many medications at discounted prices. Banks typically offer the best rate of exchange. Bank hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Medical
In case of a medical emergency, your hotel should be able to provide the name of an English speaking physician. Should you have a serious medical problem, you can go to the Total Assist Hospital, located at Claveles No. 5 and Ave. Tulum. This hospital is geared toward tourists and an English speaking doctor is usually on call. The telephone number is (998) 884-1092 or (998) 884-8116. The American consulate can provide information regarding available medical care for tourists as well.

Most of the pharmacies are used to serving visitors and have at least one employee who can speak English. Your hotel information desk should be able to tell you which pharmacies deliver.

Consular
The United States Consular Office telephone number is (998) 883-0272 or fax (998) 883-1373 . Office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Canadian Consulate is located at Plaza Caracol #330 3rd floor and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Should an emergency arise outside of business hours, the Canadian embassy in Mexico City can be reached at (998) 883-3360.

For more information on these or other consulates, contact your travel agency or hotel information desk.

Post Office
The post office in Cancun is located just west of Av. Tulum on Av. Sunyaxchen and Ave. Xel-Ha. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The phone number is (98) 84-1418.

Snorkeling:
You'll find that the sea is where you'll want to spend a good part of your trip. So even, if you never considered underwater sports in the past, you'll probably be eager to learn. First-timers should have a little trouble learning to snorkel. Once you master breathing through a tube, it's simply matter of relaxing and floating. Time disappears one you are introduced to a world of fish in rainbow colors of garish yellow, electric blue, crimson, and a hundred shades of purple.

The longer you look, the more you'll discover: underwater caverns, tall pillars of coral, giant tubular sponges, shy fish hiding on the sandy bottom, and delicate wisp of fine grass.

At Isla Mujeres one of the major attractions is Garrafón-Punta Sur Park, an environmentally protected area located on the southern tip of the island. The park encompasses both land and sea: a section of the longest reef in the hemisphere, and the highest point of the island. The reef is in the shallow water-perfect for snorkeling.

The waters of Cozumel are ideal for beginners, where they can snorkel in the shallow reef near the coast or at Chankaanab National Park.

Xcaret attractions include a beautiful natural inlet, perfect for snorkeling.

Akumal is located on the shores of a tranquil bay with clear, shallow water perfect also for snorkeling. Snorkeling and diving trips to the offshore considered some of the finest in the area, are offered by many waterfront dive operations.

In the Xel-Há National Park nature has created incredible caves, inlets and lagoons. Fish from the Caribbean take refuge in placid waters. Fresh water from nearby streams mixes with ocean. Here snorkelers can mingle with the brilliant fish. A river-snorkel journey, which takes one through the park, is probably the most thrilling activity. You can snorkeling while drifting with the current in a float-tube, or free-float in a life vest through mangrove and jungle.

Scuba Diving:
For the diver, there's even more adventure. Reefs, carvers, and the rugged coastline harbor the unknown. Ships wrecked hundreds of years ago hide undiscovered secrets. Swimming among the curious and brazen fish puts you into another world. This is raw excitement!

Expect to see an astounding array of corals. Even close to shore, these amazing little animals create exotic displays of shape and form, dense or delicate depending on species, depth, light, and current. Most need light to survive; in deeper, low-light areas, some species of coral take the form of a large plate, thereby performing the duties of a solar collector. The sponge, another curious underwater creature, comes in all sizes, chapes, and colors, from common brown to vivid red.

In Chankaanab National Park, experienced divers have the opportunity to explore the impressive walls of coral, like those in Palancar, standing up to 30 m/90 ft tall.

Fishing:
A fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years or older. Good for three days, one month, or a year, licenses are available for a small fee at most fresh- and salt water fishing areas. Ask in the small cafés at the more isolated beaches. Check with the closest Mexican consulate about where you can get a permit for your sportfishing craft; you can also get current information there on fishing season and regulation which vary from the area. Fishing gear may be brought into Mexico without customs tax; however, the customs officials ate the border crossing from Brownsville, Texas, into Mexico are notorious for expecting to have their palms greased before allowing the RVer or boater to cross the border.

Spearfishing is allowed in some areas along the coast, but not on the reef. The spear must be totally unmechanized and used freehand or with a rubber band only [no spear guns]. If you plan on spearfishing, a Mexican fishing license is required. You can obtain one from sportfishing operations and bait and tackle shops in Cancún and Cozumel. If you're visiting a remote fishing lodge, ask if they supply licenses.

The Deep-sea fishing of Cancun is world renowned. Mackerel, red snapper, barracuda, blue fin, and grouper are among the most popular game fish in the area. Seasonal fishing includes the wonderful and exciting sailfish season which runs from March to mid-July, the wahoo and kingfish season which runs from May to September, and the bonito and dorado season which runs from May to early July.

Many charter boats are available. You can expect to pay around $300 for a half-day excursion for a party of up to six. A full-day excursion will cost about $500. This price often includes a fish barbecue at the end of the day.

Shore fishing is much cheaper than the charter trips, but that doesn't mean it is unproductive. Rumor has it that fishing in Nichupte Lagoon next to Nichupte bridge can yield good numbers of barracuda and needlefish, and an occasional shark (surprisingly good eating).

Bird-watching and Flora Fancying:
Bird-watching is wonderful throughout the Yucatan. From north to south the variety of birds is broad and changes with the geography and the weather. Bring binoculars and wear boots and lightweight trousers if you plan on watching in jungle areas.

Studying tropical flora is also a popular activity. For this you most certainly will be in the backcountry-don't forget bug repellent, and be prepared for an occasional rain shower, even in the dry season. For most orchids and bromeliads, look up in the trees, but remember, the jungle also has ground orchids. And please, don't take anything away with you except pictures.

Golf and Tennis:
Golf courses are sprouting up all along the coast. You can play in Cancún, Riviera Maya, and Puerto Aventuras, and a new course is going in on Isla Cozumel. Tennis courts are scattered about Quintana Roo; the large hotels at Cancún, Akumal, Cozumel, and Puerto Aventuras have them. Bring your own racket.

Part of our information by:

Moon Handbooks provides you with the tools to develop your own travel strategy. Before you go2 Cancun, visit the Avalon Travel & Moon Handbooks website and order your Cancun Mexico's Caribbean Coast Travel Guide.

Guidelines to avoid any inconveniences while you swimming and/or snorkeling.

By Bus
Bus stops are dotted throughout the Hotel Zone along Kukulcan Blvd. and Downtown and buses are frequent. From Downtown to the Hotel Zone, look for buses marked 'HOTELES'. This go right to the far end of the Hotel Zone and make frequent stops on between. From the Hotel Zone to Downtown, look for buses marked 'EL CENTRO'

By Taxi
Taxis are everywhere. If you flag one down, you will find it's much cheaper that hiring one parked in a taxi rank. Taxis do not have meters so do negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid a possible dispute. Hotels post a list of fares to certain destinations.

You can also rent a car, moped or bicycle. Always respect the speed limits and don't drive if you drink.

Walking
You can always explore Cancun on foot, specially the Hotel Zone. A red paved path [the ciclopista] winds its way alongside part of Kukulcan Blvd. When crossing the streets, it's important to know that motorists yield to pedestrians on raised crosswalks and yellow crossing only. If you are not on one of these you'll have to wait for a lull in the traffic before attempting to cross. Some crossing in the Hotel Zone have traffic lights indicating when it is safe to walk.