If you drive south from Cancun for about forty miles, you'll reach Riviera Maya, one of the ancient homes of the Mayans, which has become a popular tourist and resort destination. By taking a short boat or airplane ride, you can visit nearby Cozumel, another beautiful island that attracts scuba divers and vacationers from around the world.

Riviera Maya

For a more upscale and less nightlife-oriented vacation experience than what's offered in Cancun, Riviera Maya features plenty of beaches, numerous resort hotels, three golf courses, easy access to many Mayan ruins, plus both Xcaret and Xel-Ha (two popular ecological parks that families shouldn't miss visiting).

Additional information about Riviera Maya can be found by going online to 877-746-6292.

Cozumel

In addition to offering a few all-inclusive resorts and other top-notch accommodations, Cozumel offers some of the best scuba diving in the world, thanks to underwater visibility of up to 200 feet and over 200 varieties of colorful fish. The land that makes up this island is also a wonderful place to explore if you want to see Mayan ruins, like El Cedral, San Gervasio, and the Castillo Ruins.

For people who aren't attracted to Cancun's famous nightlife and all-night party atmosphere, Cozumel offers a more tranquil vacation experience. Some travel packages offer a several-night stay in both Cancun and Cozumel, which is a great way to experience both popular islands. If you're staying in Cancun, however, a trip to Cozumel by airplane or boat makes for a fun and memorable day trip. While the two islands are geographically close together, they offer somewhat different experiences. Cozumel offers a more Caribbean flair, while Cancun offers a taste of Mexico. Cozumel is also a port of call for several cruise lines.

A ferry makes multiple trips daily, between 5:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M., back and forth between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen (Riviera Maya). The forty-five-minute journey costs between $15 and $18 per person for a round-trip ticket.