Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast
Slide Nr 1With white sands, crystal waters, verdant jungles and ancient Mayan treasures, Mexico’s Caribbean coast is one of the country’s most sought-after destinations. Yet despite its popularity and its abundance of well-trodden tourist paths, the region still harbours endless surprises – and blogger Mariel Galán is here to reveal the ones you simply can’t miss.
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Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Slide Nr 2Isla Blanca – Isla Blanca is a small strip of coast jutting off the mainland to the north of Cancún, about an hour’s drive from the city centre. The draw of this stunning beach is the way it’s bordered by the Chacmuchuch Lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, creating a magnificent array of different colours, from emerald green to brilliant turquoise. 20 kilometres long and just 500 metres wide at its narrowest point, Isla Blanca is ideal for kitesurfing, fishing and cycling.
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Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Slide Nr 3Isla Contoy – Situated where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, Isla Contoy National Park is preserved by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas – a good thing, as 152 species of marine birds call its mangrove swamps and lowland rainforests home. Official boat trips run from Isla Mujeres, Puerto Juárez and Cancún, with the journey taking around two hours, depending on the weather and departure point. The first time I came here, I thought I was dreaming. If heaven exists, it must be like this unspoilt island! [Photo: descubriendoelmundo/Flickr]
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Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Slide Nr 8Yal-kú Cove – On the Akumal coast, about an hour south of Playa del Carmen, snorkelling enthusiasts should seek out this little cove for fantastic fish-spotting. The brackish waters are calm, clear and not too deep, and you’ll find hundreds of brightly coloured little fish in this spectacular lagoon. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm, and entrance costs between MXN 200 and 300. There’s also a restaurant serving snacks and simple dishes. [Photo: Laura/Flickr]
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Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Slide Nr 9Bejil-há Eco-Friendly Route – Who better to show you the secret cenotes frequented by locals, than the locals themselves? A group of enterprising young people from the area have created an eco-friendly guided tour for visitors looking for something different. Meaning ‘water road’ in Mayan, their Bejil-Há tour leads travellers to the very cenotes (natural sinkholes) where they themselves played as children. The tour starts by bicycle in the village of Chemuyil, near Tulum, and takes in three different cenotes. Along the way, you’ll learn about the local region as well as the cenotes themselves – and of course, you’re free to take a refreshing dip!
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Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Slide Nr 11Kaan Luum Lagoon – Just outside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Kaan Luum Lagoon (meaning ‘yellow land’ in Mayan) can be found hidden among the mangroves just 15 minutes driving from Tulum. With shallow waters that gently slope into a sapphire cenote 85 metres deep and 25 metres across, the lagoon has an almost supernatural beauty. I recommend visiting in the morning for birdwatching, and when you go for a swim to cool off, be sure to use the sand to naturally exfoliate your skin. Entrance costs MXN 100. [Photo: dronepicr/Flickr]
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Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Slide Nr 17Bonus Tip: Flights – Many travellers think Cancún is the only airport gateway for Mexican Caribbean holidays, but there are other options. Cozumel airport is ideal if you want to discover the island, as well as Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya in general. If you’re travelling to Mahahual or Bacalar, you’d be best opt for a flight to Chetumal. In many cases, these flights are actually cheaper and less crowded.
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Special Coastal Mexico
15 Unspoilt Jewels Of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Slide Nr 19Bonus Tip: Local Eats – Big-name chef-driven restaurants with signature cuisine are growing in popularity all across the Caribbean, but nothing beats the taste of chargrilled fresh fish, Tikin-Xic-style. If you decide to visit Isla Mujeres, catch a ride over from Cancún in a small boat run by one of the boatmen operating out of the Puerto Juárez marina, and ask them to prepare this delicacy for you to enjoy once you get across to the island. You won’t regret it.
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