Weather Conditions:
The average temperature is 27° C (80° F) with more than 240 days of sunshine, and rain is rare. In summer the temperature goes higher, but an onshore breeze makes the climate enjoyable throughout the day.
Climate & Topography:
Cancun is divided into two parts. The narrow 23-kilometer-long (14-mile) island section (Cancun Island) is lined with modern beachfront hotels surrounded by the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women), the Caribbean Sea, and the Nichupte and Bojorquez lagoons. Each end of the boomerang-shaped islet is connected to the mainland by bridges, the southernmost connecting to the airport and the highway south.
To the north, the bridge connects the Hotel Zone with Cancun 'Centro' on the mainland. 'El Centro' has colorful shops, restaurants and smaller hotels catering more to European and national tourism. The 100 km stretch known as the Riviera Maya is in the middle of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. Here the towns are smaller and there are fewer tourists with miles of solitary virgin beaches, sparkling white sand and crystalline turquoise waters. The second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Reef, runs along the coastline and an unrestrained jungle surrounds the towns and beaches.
In this part of the Mexican Caribbean, full of exotic tropical animals peering or flying through the branches, there are many places to explore. A unique and complex underground river system flows beneath the surface and surprises visitors with magical caverns, caves and cenotes (sinkholes). There are also hundreds of archaeological sites, remnants of the incredible and timeless Mayan civilization, and a spectacular and plentiful marine life.
Adventures at Sea:
The 75-mile stretch of gorgeous Caribbean coastline along the Mayan Riviera is a wondrous area for any visitor, but especially for the avid diver. Empty beaches, a labyrinth of underground rivers, underwater caverns (known as cenotes) and the second largest coral reef system in the world are among its principle attractions. And much of the diving - even the cavern diving - is available to novices.
The Great Maya Reef
is home to hundreds of species of fish, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna. This natural wonder stretches all the way from the north of Cancun to the coasts of Venezuela, and is placed less than 50 meters from the beach, beneath clear turquoise waters. The 13 marked dive sites of the Great Maya Reef are a short boat ride away from such resort areas as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum.
Cavern Diving
offers the unique opportunity of exploring the magnificent underground river systems of this remarkable area. Divers slip into this amazing underwater world through natural wells called 'cenotes,' which are generally located in the middle of tropical forests. Nine of the world's top 10 cave systems can be found in the Riviera Maya, and of the 40 dive shops operating in the area, 38 offer cave diving.
Sizzling Sites:
Chichen-Itza
The most important archaeological site on the Yucatan Peninsula and the ancient capital of the Mayan Culture. Climb the 91 steps to the top of the main pyramid of the Maya empire. Visit the fascinating temples and the well preserved Main Ball Court with its unique carving and remarkable acoustics.
Tulum & Xel-Ha
Less than a 2 hour drive southwest of Cancun, discover this walled Mayan city and the only archeological site next to the Caribbean Sea. After touring Tulum, cool off in the natural aquarium of Xel- Ha, a snorkeler's paradise.
Xcaret - Nature's Secret Paradise!
This 150-acre ecological park is just three miles south of Playa del Carmen. Snorkel through limestone tunnels and lagoons, and witness the tropical splendor of exotic birds and animals in their natural environment.
Isla Mujeres
A 45 minute boat ride from Cancun, this laid-back island is an authentic reminder of Mexico's past. Shop in the village and dine at inexpensive open-air cafes. Then relax on the beautiful beaches, or partake in fabulous snorkeling, diving or fishing. For an incredible experience, you can even swim with the dolphins!
At present, the Cancun Hotel Zone offers two championship 18-hole golf courses, and The Melia Cancun and Oasis Cancun each have short but fun Par 3 courses open to play for both guests and non-guests. Additionally, the Riviera Maya offers an 18-hole course in Playa del Carmen, and a 9-hole course in Puerto Aventuras.
Pok-Ta-Pok artistically incorporates hundreds of meters of dramatic shoreline and ancient Mayan ruins into a flat yet challenging course that winds past Cancun's saltwater lagoon and turquoise Caribbean waters. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this scenic 18-hole course, which is conveniently located in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone. Visitors will delight in the authentic Mayan temple situated next to one of its greens. Green fees range from $65 to $100 U.S. per person.
The Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort is home to a Par 72, 18-hole championship course that reaches a total of 6,767 yards. Constructed by the Aoki Corp. (Japanese), the Hilton Course features challenging sand traps, a driving range, a golf shop with name brand equipment for both men and women, electric carts, equipment rental, and resident golf pros. (tel. 1-800-228-3000).
Playacar Golf Club is located just 45 minutes south of Cancun, and was designed by Robert Von Hagge. This 7,202-yard course is rated 73.1, and has plenty of tee boxes for every level of play. It features long narrow fairways and undulating greens that are protected by very large snow-white sand bunkers. This course is situated next to Playa del Carmen, in the exclusive Playacar development. Approximate green fees are $100 - $120 for 18 holes.
Puerto Aventuras Golf Club is a beautiful Par 36 jungle course designed in 1991 by Thomas Leman. One of the best kept secrets in the area, the fairways and greens are covered by a smooth carpet of Bermuda grass, and surrounded by Palm trees, bugambilias, tropical ficus and lush foliage.
