IXTAPA / ZIHUATANEJO
The twin cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo (sometimes the two are referred to as Ixta-Zihua) are anything but identical. It's the perfect vacation destionation for travelers looking for a round of golf on a lush, green course followed by a leisurely lunch of lobster bisque and champagne. Travelers who would rather poke through an outdoor Mexican market and then amble over to the beach where fisherfolk are mending their nets should head 4 miles down the coast to Zihuatanejo (zee-wha-tah-NEH-ho).
Mexico's tourism-development agency dreamed up Ixtapa when trying to create a Pacific-coast Mexican resort area. Zihuatanejo, on the other hand, is a traditional Mexico fishing village that has been around for centuries. Whatever Mexican beach vacation travelers prefer, one of these towns should suit everyone.
CANCUN
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, Cancun attracts about four million visitors each year to its pristine white beaches, its top-notch resort and hotel scene and its crystal blue water. The city is home to hundreds of hotels that line the beaches in an area called the hotel zone, attracting all types of guests, from traveling business people to timeshare owners to families. The city is probably most famous for its Mayan ruins, which dot the landscape around this southern region of Mexico. From El Rey to Tulum, the ancient stone remains are unique archaeological attractions that tell the original story of the now bustling modern city. Many people also visit the area for its great dive sites. Colorful coral reefs and diverse sea life are located right offshore, and a variety of inland cenotes (deep natural wells) attract diving enthusiasts to explore the rich underwater worlds of Cancun.
LOS CABOS
Los Cabos is a magic land full of contrast, from breathtaking seas, to desert and mountains. Also known as “Land’s End” for being located at the tip of the southern Baja California Península. Step into the extraordinary world of Los Cabos where the unparalleled natural beauty, biodiversity and range of amenities will appeal to any personality.
Los Cabos is comprised primarily of two towns, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas; which are linked by a 20-mile corridor lined with world-class resort properties and championship golf courses.
PUERTO VALLARTA / RIVIERA NAYARIT
One of Mexico's most popular vacation destinations, Puerto Vallarta is a favorite for tourists from around the world and Mexicans alike. Renowned for its great beaches, charming cobblestone streets in the city and world-class resorts, Vallarta is a gem among destinations. The city is located on Mexico's Pacific coastline at a central point within the expansive Banderas Bay, which stretches from Punta Mia and the Sierra de Vallejo Mountains in the north to Cabo Corrientes in the south. Known for its tropical climate and lush mountain backdrop, Puerto Vallarta actually shares approximate latitude with the Hawaiian Islands and the Cancun/Riviera Maya region of Mexico.
Tourists flock to Puerto Vallarta for many reasons. The numerous golden beaches offer great sun bathing, relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Travelers who don't want to be confined to only their resorts will thoroughly enjoy the charming town with its boutiques and restaurants ranging from casual fare to upscale and stylish. Excursions make for a well-rounded vacation and include horseback riding, diving, zip-lining and day eco tours. Culturally, Puerto Vallarta is also very LGBT-friendly and is often dubbed the gay capital of Mexico. The coastline is boasting with all-inclusive and boutique resorts that are great for families and adults alike.
ACAPULCO
Located along the white sands of a crescent-shaped bay along Mexico's Pacific Coast, Acapulco is one of Mexico's original tourist destinations. The city remains a favorite for its spirited nightlife, inviting beaches and charming cityscape. Acapulco is located in the state of Guerrero and is about 200 miles southeast of Mexico City. It has long been a popular sea port for shipping and cruising and of course tourism.
Acapulco is a popular place for weekend trips from Mexico City residents with its close proximity and in fact the majority of the tourists here are from other parts of Mexico. Spring breakers have continually flocked to the city in addition to the sister spring break city of Cancun. Acapulco is also home to a variety of high-rise hotels, condos and luxurious resorts.
With a warm and humid climate, sunny Acapulco remains a popular choice for travel. Located along the northern part of the bay is the Old Acapulco, also known as Tradicional or Nautica Acapulco. This is where the boardwalk is located along with many of the Mexican hotels, dance clubs and restaurants. Toward the south side of the bay is where the newer high-rise hotels and resorts are located. While the nightlife is often a big draw for visitors, the area also offers plenty of great things to do by day including lounging on the beach, enjoying the warm water, shopping and enjoying water sports. One of the quintessential things to see while traveling to Acapulco is the seemingly fearless cliff divers who dive from platforms off the La Quebrada cliffs. This has been a long-standing tradition since the 1930s and the divers can be seen from a platform for visitors or at the nearby restaurant. The divers put on a daily and nightly show not to be missed.
COZUMEL
Beautiful Isla Cozumel is an immensely popular vacation and diving destination located in the Caribbean Sea off the Riviera Maya coastline in Mexico. The island is relatively small, only 10 miles wide and 30 miles long but packs a big punch with many high-end resorts and a wealth of diving opportunities for travelers. It boasts great beaches, nice people, and safe streets, with prices comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations.
Most visitors travel to Cozumel to explore the underwater gems. The main town and dive operations are on the west side of the island, which is the more touristy area. The east side is less developed with beautiful beaches, big waves and rocky outcrops over the ocean. If the waves are sufficient you can find a few small blowholes. Every few miles, you will also find a restaurant along the beach.
Cozumel is a diver's paradise. Visit any of the reefs in Cozumel for a colorful picture of ocean life. Novice divers should plan to go to Columbia Reef; Columbia shallow, is one of the three dives on this reef suitable for beginners. In the sandy areas of the surrounding shallows, loggerhead turtles and southern rays are often spotted. Punta Sur Reef is recommended for more advanced divers. The Devil's Throat leads into a vast cavern called the Cathedral via an underwater passageway. San Francisco Reef allows divers to see colorful fish of all varieties.
Beautiful Cozumel is a great place for not only experienced divers, but also for couples and families looking for a getaway that is sure to provide them with a top-notch beach vacation.