Whether you fancy 100 percent agave añejos or are just fine with Jose Cuervo, there are more ways to enjoy your tequila than the traditional day-glo margarita. While there’s a time and a place for this salt-rimmed cocktail – ubiquitous in every Mexican restaurant and cantina — here are eight new ways to enjoy the wonderful nuances of this underrated liquor while quenching your thirst.

Tequila Neat

A no frills option for a well-aged tequila that can be slowly sipped and savored pre-dinner – much like you would a fine scotch or brandy. Best sipped at room temperature. Look for these premium añejos: Pueblo Viejo Orgullo Añejo Tequila, Tributo, Tequila Añejo and Partida Añejo.

Paloma

This refreshing tequila cocktail is citrusy and full of bright flavors. To make, simply mix:

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup quality tequila
• 1/4 cup club soda
• 1 tsp. sugar

Gingerita

This heavenly concoction soothes the soul on a hot day. Mix up equal parts of fresh lime juice and silver tequila and add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Stir in a teaspoon of agave syrup or cane sugar.

Cinnamon Tamarind Margarita

Slightly earthy and slightly spicy, this margarita recipe tastes best with a quality reposado or 100 agave tequila. In a mixing glass, add

• 2 ounces agave tequila
• 1 1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce Cointreau or orange liquor
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 3/4 ounce tamarind juice or concentrate

Fill with ice, shake and strain into a glass. Run wedge of lime over the rim of the glass and dip in a mixture of cayenne pepper, salt and cinnamon.

Tequila-pineapple lemonade

This new twist on an old favorite promises a tangy yet sweet sensation, and it’s a snap to make. In a large pitcher, whisk together a half cup of simple syrup, 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 cup of pineapple juice and 1 cup of your favorite tequila.

Spicy chili margarita

Take the poolside margarita to a whole new level with this piquant recipe. In a shaker, add ½ part simple syrup, ½ part fresh lime juice, ¾ part orange liquor, 2 parts aged tequila and 3 slices of muddled red peppers. Shake well and pour over ice. Add a sprig of cilantro for added flavor!

Tequila Sunrise Mimosa

This brunch-friendly cocktail will dazzle your friends, and may become your go-to drink of choice.  Only five ingredients are needed: 1 part tequila, 1 part dry champagne, 2 parts orange juice (blood oranges are even better!) and a splash of grenadine. Garnish with a lemon or orange wedge.

Strawberry & Orange Tequila Fizz

This refreshing drink will transport your senses to the tropical beaches of Mexico and makes for a perfect Cinco de Mayo cocktail!  Muddle four fresh strawberries and a half teaspoon of sugar together in a glass jar. Stir in the juice of a half a lemon, half a lime and one orange. Mix in  half teaspoon of agave syrup and then strain the mixture over a tall glass filled with ice. Add 1 ½ ounces of good tequila and splash of sparkling water.

Additional Tequila Cocktail Resources:

• Spoon University, 13 Grown Up Ways to Drink Tequila https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/fourteen-grown-up-ways-to-drink-tequila
• BuzzFeed, 24 Glorious Ways To Drink More Tequila https://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/feisty-tequila-cocktails?utm_term=.dwDe6G4oV#.rjpvJQ3nD]
• Liquor.com, TEQUILA DRINKS GUIDE http://www.liquor.com/mosaic/tequila-cocktail-recipes/#gs.W6EWh_Q

Situated in an idyllic bay on Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, Puerto Aventuras’ prime location is perfect for excursions to the region’s most exciting activities and highlights along the Caribbean coast. Whether you are planning an intimate girls’ getaway or a week-long family holiday, there are plenty of compelling reasons to vacation in the resort community of Puerto Aventuras. Here you will discover unspoiled beaches, crystalline waters and activities that cater to thrill-seekers, wildlife enthusiasts and those who love leisure sports.

Significantly less crowded than Spring Break hotspots Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this luxurious resort community is a well-rounded vacation destination. Here are five reasons you should start planning your escape to Puerto Aventuras Mexico today!

Luxurious resort amenities in Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras is one of Mexico’s first planned communities boasting a deluxe marina, championship golf course and luxury tourist developments, all within a gated subdivision. For the occasional visitor, that means unparalleled access to first-rate resort amenities, boat charters, tennis courts, fairways, clubhouses, fitness centers, day spas and a wide selection of ocean view condos, bungalows and vacation rentals. Imagine having a full-service marina, a golf course designed by Thomas Leman and more than two miles of palm-fringed beaches just steps from your door!

Diverse activities

Thanks to its privileged location on the Riviera Maya, this 340-acre community promises a diverse range of activities and excursions that take advantage of the area’s secluded bays, pristine shoreline and spectacular natural beauty. Avid golfers can improve their game on the challenging 9-hole, par 36 Puerto Aventuras Golf Course. Snorkeling, diving and kayaking opportunities await at the nearby Xel-Ha natural water eco park. Even novice anglers rave about the offshore fishing at Puerto Aventuras, where you can book half and all-day adventures for chances to reel in outsized sailfish, dorado, bonito and wahoo. The Mexican Caribbean also boasts natural sinkholes (cenotes) and numerous jungle adventures just minutes from Puerto Aventuras.

Tulum ruins close by

Did you know that the famous Maya ruins of Tulum are just 30 minutes south of Puerto Aventuras? Open daily from 8AM to 5PM, this archeological wonder is built on a 40-foot bluff overlooking turquoise waters and facing the rising sun. Visiting the Tulum ruins and surrounding white sand beaches are an easy and interesting day trip.

Dolphin Discovery

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins or getting “hugged” by one, this is your chance to earn some serious bragging rights! Puerto Aventuras Dolphin Discovery is a family-friendly eco-park that caters to visitors of all ages, and also features chances to learn about and interact with playful manatees and sea lions.

Sophisticated Puerto Aventuras cuisine

Foodies can take heart when vacationing in this premier resort community, where talented chefs whip up everything from Italian pastas and fresh sushi to new takes on traditional Mexican favorites. Dig into casual beachside fare, or dress up for an elegant evening of gourmet eats at one of Puerto Aventuras’ top restaurants.

Additional Puerto Aventuras Vacation Resources:

1. PuertoAventurasGolfCourse.com, Puerto Aventuras Golf Course http://www.puertoaventurasgolfcourse.com/en-home.php
2. PuertoAventuras.com, Marina http://www.puertoaventuras.com/en/marina
3. Dolphin Discovery, Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Swim with Dolphins http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/dreams-puerto-aventuras/

Explore the fascinating history and culture of Mexico’s Aztec civilization, which once held the most powerful Mesoamerican Empire that spanned more than 80,000 square miles through Mexico’s central and southern valleys. The Aztec kingdom rose in the 13th century and by 1519, more than 15 million indigenous people worshipped the Emperor Moctezuma II in the empire’s capital stronghold of Tenochtitlan.

Today, vacationers can take a step back in time by visiting some of Mexico’s spectacular Aztec ruins, renowned for their impressive pyramids and abundance of pre-Columbian artifacts. Discover the advanced scientific and technological skills of this Nahuatl speaking civilization by touring one of these archeological sites.

Teotihuacan

Situated less than 35 miles northeast of Mexico City, the vast ruins of Teotihuacan were thought to have been built around 100 BC. Today, this holy Aztec city contains some of the most architecturally significant pyramids constructed in the pre-Columbian Americas. If you only have time to visit one ancient ruin in Mexico, the massive monuments and richly appointed structures of Teotihuacan will not disappoint. This sprawling complex, which at its peak was the most powerful cultural center in all of Mesoamerica, contains sacred sites including the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the Dead – all built according to specific geometric patterns. It is worth noting that the Pyramid of the Sun, which towers more than 75 meters, is the world’s third largest pyramid (following those in Egypt). Several tour operators in Mexico City offer guided day trips to this otherworldly ruin, which can also be explored on your own.

Tenochtitlan

The Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was built on an island on the western shore of Lake Texcoco. Founded in in 1345 CE, it was the religious center and later became the capital city for the ever-expanding Aztec Empire until its destruction by the Spanish conquistadors in 1521. Today, the remains of Tenochtitlan and the ancient lake bed lie beneath modern-day Mexico City. In the late 1970’s archeologists excavated a gigantic pyramid, named the Temple Mayor, near Zocalo Square. Over the years, some of the most beautiful artifacts and ancient pieces of Aztec art have been unearthed in these ruins, which can be seen at the Templo Mayor museum in Mexico City.

Calixtlahuaca

The Aztec ruins of Calixtlahuaca are modest in size, yet offer wonderful insight into the life and culture of this ancient civilization. Situated about two kilometers from Toluca, just west of Mexico City, this city has a number of well-preserved temples, pyramids and monuments that are dispersed across three small areas. Originally called “Matlatzinco,” this settlement was at one time a powerful capital in the Toluca Valley. Visitors can explore the city’s residential dwellings and housing compounds, a distinctive circular temple, altars and palace remains. Because Calixtlahuaca is off the beaten path, there are fewer tourist crowds.

Aztec Ruins of Mexico Resources: 

• USAToday, Ancient Aztec Sites in Mexico http://traveltips.usatoday.com/ancient-aztec-sites-mexico-101488.html
• EscapeHere, Mexico’s 10 Must-See Ancient Ruins Sites http://www.escapehere.com/destination/mexicos-10-must-see-ancient-ruins-sites/
• TheCultureTrip, A Guide To Mexico’s Aztec Ruins https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/a-guide-to-mexicos-aztec-ruins/

Delve into Mexico’s rich culinary heritage as you travel to some of the country’s most renowned gastronomic regions. Ideal for gourmands of all ages, food tours offer a deeper understanding of the ancestral customs and age-old techniques used in authentic Mexican cuisine. Go off the tourist trail as you learn about Mexico’s diverse and fascinating cultures through its mouthwatering moles, artisanal mezcals and flavorful dishes that go beyond tacos and guacamole.

Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or simply adore Mexican cooking, you can’t miss one of these amazing food pilgrimages which are sure to provide a renewed appreciation for how the locals live, cook and dine.

Here are some top food tours and culinary adventures in Mexico.

Taste of Puebla

Situated 75 miles southeast from Mexico City, the small hamlet of Puebla is considered a foodie’s paradise, and is popular for its roasted pork tacos and fried corn masa snacks. Embark on a three-hour culinary extravaganza that includes a trip to the town’s oldest central market, where you’ll learn how to pick out the freshest Mexican ingredients to make local staples. Feast on succulent tacos árabes filled with spit-roasted morsels of pork, fried bread sandwiches, sweet rolls and artisanal treats originally crafted by Puebla nuns. The tour finishes off with a sampling of artisan Puebla liqueur.

Yucatan Peninsula Chocolate Fantasy Workshop

This 3-day/4-night culinary workshop package is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Join chef David Sterling in his award-winning Merida cooking school Los Dos for a delicious journey into the “Food of the Gods.”  Dedicated exclusively to cacao and chocolate, this tour teaches of the culinary importance of chocolate in the Yucatan, and how the ancient Maya roasted and prepared cacao. The workshop  includes trips to the local market, a chocolate museum and plantations where cacao beans are grown.

Cooking Workshop in the Riviera Maya

If you are traveling to Cancun or Playa del Carmen and want a unique culinary experience, head to Mexico Lindo where top chefs explain how to use traditional Mexican ingredients to create some of the country’s most notable dishes. The hands-on cooking class offers nine separate menus that focus on different regions and food specialties. Participants can choose from Central Mexico, Puebla, Yucatan, Coastal Seafood, Holiday Dishes, Corn, Tamales, Mexico Delights or Mexico’s Best Selection.

Oaxaca Culinary Tour

Let your gastronomic interests and passions guide you to Oaxaca, where customized food tours include hands-on demonstrations on how to grind and toast cacao beans using ancestral methods, making homemade tamales from scratch and learning the age-old methods to make spicy chorizo and tejate, the pre-Hispanic drink of the Gods. Culinary tours can accommodate groups of 6-18 people and also feature trips to colorful marketplaces, cooking classes with leading chefs and opportunities to dine in some of the best Oaxacan eateries and restaurants.

Street Food Essentials in Mexico City

The sprawling metropolis of Mexico City is the perfect backdrop for a food-filled adventure with one of the area’s most popular roving supper clubs. Experience regional specialties you’ll find nowhere else on Club Tengo Hambre’s ‘Mexico City Street Food Essentials’ tour. At just $90, this gastronomic escapade –held every Saturday–includes six stops to sample DF’s quintessential street fare.

Additional “Mexico food tours” resources: 

1. Journey Mexico, COOKING CLASSES IN CANCUN AND RIVIERA MAYA https://www.journeymexico.com/blog/cooking-classes-cancun-riviera-maya
2. EatMexico, Puebla Food Tour https://eatmexico.com/tour/puebla-tours/
3. Oaxacaculinarytours, CUSTOM CULINARY, COOKING CLASS & MEZCAL TOURS
   ​IN OAXACA, MEXICO http://www.oaxacaculinarytours.com/
4. ClubTengoHambre, Mexico City Street Food Tour http://clubtengohambre.com/mexicocity
5. com, CHOCOLATE FANTASY WORKSHOP http://www.los-dos.com/class-options/verarticulo.php?IdArticulo=244544

Every year, thousands of tourists head to Mexico for some of the world’s best deep sea fishing. More than 600 species, including big trophies like black marlin, populate the country’s beautiful fishing grounds. Whether you’re a casual angler or a die-hard enthusiast, Mexico’s 6,000 plus miles of coastline offer plenty of dream locations to cast a line. Here are some of the top destinations for amazing sportfishing.

Los Cabos

Anglers from around the globe flock to Los Cabos, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez host a bounty of sailfish and marlin (blue, black and striped). In fact, Cabo San Lucas has earned the honors of being nicknamed “the marlin capital of the world!” Other stand-out catches include mahi mahi, wahoo, yellowtail, roosterfish and corvina. The fishing in Cabo San Lucas is excellent year-round, but if you’re hoping to reel in a black marlin, plan your fishing vacation between May and October.

Puerto Vallarta

Celebrated for its balmy beaches and sublime scenery, Puerto Vallarta is another world-class fishing location, where charters offer unforgettable deep sea fishing expeditions into the fertile waters beyond the Bay of Banderas. Beyond billfish and marlin, anglers can expect to find bonito, tuna and monster red snapper (which make for a delicious dinner!)

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is another prime destination for both light tackle and deep sea fishing. Famed for its marlin-rich waters, this coastal hamlet is on every angler’s radar. Offshore fishing trips provide ample opportunity to land swordfish, wahoo and yellowfin tuna, as well as some of the biggest black marlin ever hooked! For family fun, consider a light tackle fishing trip, where experienced captains will help you catch grouper, snook, roosterfish, trigger fish, and mojarra. 

Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa

The charming village of Zihuatanejo, located mid-way between Acapulco and Manzanillo, is a favorite among fishing devotees who come for the sailfish that run from March-February. Rumor has it that marlin can tip the scales at more than 500 pounds, and large schools of mahi mahi and tuna can be found just 10 miles offshore. Other prime catches include roosterfish, mackerel, bonito, snook and wahoo.

Riviera Maya

Cozumel and Cancun are two of Mexico’s most famous resort towns that also boast superb angling throughout the year. The high season for marlin fishing is April through August while sailfish numbers peak from March through June. Half and full-day charters depart from Isla Mujeres and the docks of Cozumel. Wahoo, barracuda and grouper are plentiful and large in the waters off Playa del Carmen, as are amberjack, shark and king fish.

Mexico Sport Fishing Resources:

1. WideOpenSpaces, 5 DEEP SEA FISHING DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST http://www.wideopenspaces.com/5-deep-sea-fishing-charter-destinations-add-bucket-list-pics/
2. FishFisheMe, TOP DEEP SEA FISHING DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD http://www.fishfishme.com/blog/top-deep-sea-fishing-destinations-world/
3. MexPerience, Sportfishing in Mexico https://www.mexperience.com/travel/outdoors/sportsfishing-in-mexico/

Recently named “the best international destination for family travel,” Mexico continues to lure tourists from far and wide, thanks to its fascinating culture, stunning beaches and great value for money. There’s good reason to have an upbeat outlook on Mexico tourism: recent figures from the Mexican Tourism Board show that a record-setting 35 million international tourists visited the country in 2016, marking a 9 percent jump over the previous year. To put these numbers into perspective, the average tourism growth rate is just 3.9 percent, according to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Mexico Tourism Up: 35 million visitors in 2016

“Mexico’s sustained, fast growth is a testament to the incredible quality and diversity in our tourism offering and the hard work for the entire industry, both internationally and domestically,” Tourism Board CEO Lourdes Berho, offered in a recent press release. To maintain this momentum and build upon these impressive numbers, Beho says that plans are underway to assure that tourists have ample reason to re-visit Mexico, whether on a family holiday, a honeymoon or a vacation with friends.

Traveler feedback gathered by the Mexico Tourism Board indicates a bright future for this diverse nation renowned for its Mayan ruins, friendly locals and amazing cuisine. A whopping 86 percent of polled visitors told tourism officials they would like to visit Mexico again within the next 6 months, and 94 percent said their trip “exceeded their expectations.”

The data reflects not only a surge in international visitors, but an uptick in overall traveler spending. The tourism board reports visitor spending spiked 10.4 percent over 2015, which is another boon to the local economy (more than 9 million Mexicans work in the tourism sector). These increased revenues may be due in part to longer visitor stays, with most tourists booking vacations for at least 7-10 days.

Mexico garners accolades as family-friendly destination

Much more than a Spring Break party destination, Mexico offers something for travelers of all ages and interests. From the sun-drenched beaches of Playa del Carmen to the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, there are so many options to find your ideal “escape.”

Given its wealth of eco-attractions and breathtaking natural wonders, it’s no surprise that Mexico garnered accolades at the 2017 Travvy Awards. Mexico was bestowed the Gold Medal for family travel, and the Silver for Best Travel Destination.

By 2021, the Mexico Tourism Board is hoping to attract some 50 million international visitors, and at this rate it’s entirely possible!

More on Mexico tourism stats:

1. Fox News Travel, Mexico welcomed record 35 million international tourists in 2016 http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/03/01/mexico-welcomed-record-35-million-international-tourists-in-2016.html
2. TravelPulse, 2017 Travvy Awards: Full List of Winners From the Academy Awards of Travel http://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/2017-travvy-awards-full-list-of-winners-from-the-academy-awards-of-travel.html

Dreams do come true – for margarita lovers, that is! Imagine a man-made cloud that rains drops of premium tequila – on command no less. To experience this boozy delight, you’ll need to head to Berlin, where this amazing art installation is currently on exhibit. The tequila cloud was the genius idea of the Mexico Tourism Board, which teamed up with creative ad agency LAPIZ, to entice more German tourists south of the American border.

Apparently, Germans – like many other cultures — have a particular fondness for good tequila and are the world’s second largest consumers after the good old U.S.A.

Tequila cloud rains on demand

Last month at the Urban Spree Art Gallery, rain-drenched Berliners got a tasty reminder that it’s a bit sunnier over in Mexico. According to the LAPIZ team, the tequila cloud was synced with the local climate, so whenever it showered in Berlin, boozy droplets sprinkled from the cloud. 

The high-tech stunt was made using ultrasonic humidifiers which vibrated tequila at a set frequency, transforming the liquid into a visible mist, which was condensed back into liquid form as it fell from the cloud. Tequila lovers could get their fix simply by holding their shot glasses under the cloud as it rained intoxicating droplets.

For those who didn’t feel like waiting for the cloud to rain, LAPIZ fashioned a handy spout beneath the installation, letting visitors pour themselves a shot of silver tequila anytime.

While it seems this inspired attraction was a one-off invention to lure more tourists from Germany, there remains hope that the Mexico Tourism Board will install a tequila cloud on their home turf one day. Until they do, visitors can rest assured that there is no shortage of artisanal reposados, silvers and anejos waiting to be enjoyed.

Tequila aficionados can take their passion to the source by visiting Mexico’s famed Tequila Trail, situated on the outskirts of Guadalajara in Jalisco. Here, you can learn about the milling, fermenting and distillation process from experts at Sauza, Jose Cuervo and La Cofradia, among other popular distilleries, and sample some of the region’s finest spirits.

More on the Mexico tequila cloud:

1. Yahoo News, The Mexico Tourism Board made a cloud that rains tequila and we’re booking our flights now https://www.yahoo.com/news/mexico-tourism-board-made-cloud-011452583.html
2. Huffington Post, Margarita Lovers, Behold: Someone Made A Cloud That Rains Tequila http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cloud-that-rains-tequila_us_58d1e2cae4b02d33b746c510
3. Urban Spree, Tequila Cloud http://www.urbanspree.com/event/tequila-cloud/

Whether you’re into DJ talent, swanky rooftop lounges, or strobe lights and disco balls, Cabo San Lucas has no shortage of bars, clubs and watering holes to get your groove on after sunset. The downtown area is renowned for its rocking nightlife and entertainment venues, where clubs, discos and restaurants have everything from house music to live rock n’ roll along with great pub fare and enticing drink specials for the ladies.

Here’s a roundup of some of Cabo’s most popular and vibrant spots to mix, mingle and party all night long.

Mandala Food & Wine Club

Looking for a posh late-night experience amid Buddha statues, glittering disco balls and pulsating dance music? If you are feeling flush, head to Mandala’s glamorous VIP area where the bottle service is amazing. This stylish after-hours club features hip-hop, trance and electronic music and a huge glass dance floor.

El Squid Roe

No Cabo vacation is complete without a visit to this legendary nightclub, which has been luring hordes of rowdy Spring Breakers since 1989! El Squid Roe boasts a full three stories of energetic, late-night fun, complete with Jello shots, dancing cages and neon strobe lights. Be warned that the party doesn’t really get going until midnight, when locals and tourists alike beeline to this iconic downtown club.

Baja Junkie

Another popular spot on the Cabo nightlife scene, Baja Junkie is an awesome club for after-hours revelry and celebrity sightings! Depending on the night, you can enjoy some DJ talent or live music, and don’t be surprised if the tequila shots lead to some bartop dancing. Their fresh margaritas are heavenly, and the cocktail menu is extensive.

Cabo Wabo Cantina

Opened by Van Halen’s former frontman Sammy Hagar, this landmark club has witnessed a lot of growth over the past two decades, and is a mandatory stop for anyone who visits Los Cabos. Cabo Wabo is renowned for its live music, visiting rockstars, signature Waborita cocktails and tasty eats. If you happen to be there in October, see if you can swing tickets to Hagar’s annual birthday bash, which often includes some famous guests.

Cabo Blue

Located in downtown’s Plaza Real, Cabo Blue is packed with both locals and tourists who come for the atmosphere, delicious food and varied musical stylings. There’s a rock band that jams out four nights a week, and depending on the night, you can enjoy everything from electronic beats to country and house music. Cabo Blue is also popular for their daily specials – the fish tacos come highly recommended! 

Cabo Nightlife Resources:

1. West Jet Magazine, Best NightLife in Cabo San Lucas http://www.westjetmagazine.com/story/article/best-nightlife-cabo-san-lucas
2. CabosBest.com, CABO CLUBS AND NIGHTLIFE GUIDE  http://www.cabosbest.com/best-cabo-clubs.html
3. USA Today, The Party That Never Ends: Downtown Cabo’s Uninhibited Nightlife Scene http://www.10best.com/destinations/mexico/cabo-san-lucas/nightlife/downtown-cabos-best/

Planning a scuba diving vacation to Mexico? This diverse country is literally brimming with exciting dive sites, from thrilling Cenotes (massive sinkholes) and living reefs to shipwrecks and manta ray cleaning stations. Whether you’re exploring the magical seascapes around the Riviera Maya or the caverns and tunnels of Cozumel, there are diving opportunities for all skill levels and interests.

Best dive sites in Mexico: Pacific Coast

If your heart is set on an open ocean dive with whale shark and great white encounters, then head to Mexico’s Pacific coast, where live-aboard cruises feature visits to some of the world’s finest scuba locations. Some of the most popular dive sites on the Pacific coast include: 

• Guadalupe Island – Situated some 380 miles west of Baja California, this volcanic island is renowned for cage diving with nature’s most fearsome apex predator – the great white shark. Liveaboard scuba trips to Guadalupe are offered from August-October, when shark populations are at their peak.
• Socorro Islands(the Revillagigedos) –This archipelago of spectacular islands is located roughly 240 miles from Cabo San Lucas, off the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Socorro promises awe-inspiring encounters with hundreds of sharks, graceful manta rays as well as humpback whales. Dubbed the “Galapagos of Mexico” thanks to its impressive numbers of large animal encounters, Socorro is recommended for experienced divers only.
• Sea of Cortez – Less experienced divers who aren’t quite prepared to brave strong ocean currents are encouraged to book a scuba diving cruise (or day trip) to these biodiverse waters off the Gulf of California. This sheltered swath of water offers unforgettable encounters with sea lions, tropical reef fish, schooling jacks, hammerhead sharks in addition to killer whales, pilot whales and dolphin. Popular dive sites include Las Animas, Angel Island and El Arroyo, Punta Martir. 

Caribbean Sea dive sites 

• Cenote Dos Ojos, Yucatan – Mexico is a terrific introduction to cave diving, and there’s no better place to enjoy this experience than in Cenote Dos Ojos, a network of ancient fresh water caverns that span some 50 miles. Visibility is best between May and September, and tour operators offer this underwater adventure to intermediate and advanced divers.
• Pared Verde – Translated as the “Green Wall,” Pared Verde is an easy 25-minute jaunt from the docks of Playa del Carmen. Considered a drift dive, this massive 90-foot deep wall is surrounded by colorful sponges, sea fans, invertebrates as well as sea turtles, sting rays and moray eels.
• Manchones Reef – If you’re a beginner diver who loves underwater photography, Manchones Reef (also called MUSA) is an easy day trip from Cancun. What sets this site apart from the pack are its beautiful man-made installations, created by a local sculptor. The underwater statues have stimulated new coral growth, while relieving pressures on this delicate ecosystem. 
• Palancar Reef –Cozumel is a world-class diving mecca, but of all the island’s dive sites, Palancar Reef is one of the best. Great for novice and intermediate divers, this stunning reef has gentle currents, enormous coral pinnacles and is thriving with tropical marine life. 
• Puerto Morelos –Puerto Morelos is a famed tourist port town on the Riviera Maya that offers great shipwreck diving. The shipwreck – an old navy boat deliberately sunk – is one of several artificial reefs, created to expand marine habitats. The barnacle-laden ship now hosts a cornucopia of sea life and provides the perfect backdrop for a thrill-seeking adventure.

Additional Mexico Scuba Diving Resources:

1. AquaWorld, SCUBA DIVING IN THE BEST LOCATIONS OF MEXICO https://aquaworld.com.mx/en/scuba-diving-in-the-best-locations-of-mexico/
2. Deep Blue, Top 10 Dive Sites in Mexico https://www.deeperblue.com/top-dive-sites-mexico/
3. The Diving Blog,  Top 10 Best Dive Sites in Mexico http://thedivingblog.com/top-10-best-dive-sites-mexico/

Whether you’re a sun worshipper, thrill-seeker or an outdoor enthusiast, Cancun promises a little slice of tropical paradise off Mexico’s sultry Yucatan Peninsula. Notorious for its rocking nightlife and impossibly beautiful white-sand beaches, Cancun offers amazing diversions and attractions for travelers of all interests. Cancun promises much more than luxury resorts and Spring Break parties, this popular beach destination is full of adventure, culture and history.

If you’re planning a Cancun vacation this year, these 5 attractions are well worth a visit!

Isla Mujeres

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Cancun with a relaxing day trip to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women, pictured), which is a breezy 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun’s nearest ports: Gran Puerto, Punta Sam and Puerto Juarez. Framed by swaying coconut palms, this idyllic spot is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, most notably Playa Norte. If you’re not into swimming and snorkeling or just relaxing in a hammock, the island also has an interesting turtle farm and eco-attraction, the Garrafon Natural Reef Park, where you can do zip-line tours, go sea kayaking and swim with playful dolphins.

Chichen Itza

You can’t vacation in Cancun without taking a sightseeing tour to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza – the largest, most impressive and most visited archeological site in all of Mexico. Local tour operators offer day trips to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where knowledgeable certified guides lead you through this sprawling ceremonial center that boasts massive temples, pyramids and architectural feats.

Dolphinaris Cancun

Billed as the “world’s best dolphinarium,” Dolphinaris Cancun promises a once-in-a-lifetime swimming experience with these highly intelligent marine mammals. This kid-friendly attraction is situated at the southern end of the hotel zone, and features three salt water lagoons surrounded by palm trees and thatched-roof palapas. Choose from a variety of interactive dolphin tours that let you swim, kiss, hug and play with dolphins in naturalistic habitats.

Xoximilco Cancun

If you love Mariachi bands, delicious Mexican cuisine and singing aloud with strangers, you can’t miss an evening at Xoximilco Cancun!  Xoximilco recreates some of the oldest and most celebrated traditions in Mexico, and gives you a chance to tour water canals on a beautifully decorated “trajinera boat” as you listen to lively folk music, sip on tequilas and national beer, and experience the joys of a real Mexican fiesta.

Interactive Aquarium

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity in Cancun, head to the Interactive Aquarium for some hands-on encounters with colorful marine creatures and a spectacular dolphin show. An enclosed tank has touchable animals including sting rays, conches, starfish, urchins and sea turtles. You can even arrange to swim with the dolphins and safely feed sharks with the guidance of a diving trainer. The aquarium is located in La Isla Shopping Plaza and is recommended for kids, tweens and teens!