DK Travel : Cancún and the Yucatán : Outdoor

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Puerto Morelos

Much lower key than the islands, but deep water close to shore means superb fishing.
Puerto Morelos

The reef off Puerto Morelos is one of the least disturbed sections of coral near the mainland in the northern part of the Maya reef and is now protected as a marine park. Snorkelers can see spectacular marine life – lobsters, giant sponges, luminous parrot fish, and angelfish. Dive operators in the town offer low-impact snorkel and diving tours.
Puerto Morelos

One of the most vibrant of the mainland beaches and now officially protected as a parque maritimo . The reef is unusually close to the shore, and so is great for snorkel tours and introductory diving. The few dive and snorkel operators in Puerto Morelos give personal, friendly service.
Pufferfish

Bizarre fish that, when provoked, inflate themselves by taking in water in order to deter attackers.
Punta Bete

Often unnoticed between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, and kept off the beaten track by a bumpy 3-km (2-mile) access road through the jungle, this point is flanked by long lines of palm-fringed bays – perfect arcs of dazzling white sand by a smooth turquoise sea. They are shared by a few resort hotels, and far more small-scale (and much cheaper) clusters of mellow beach cabañas (see also Punta Bete, Punta Bete).
Punta Bete

One of the most beautiful spots on the whole Riviera – palms, white sand bays, and turquoise sea. A terrible access road helps keep it that way.
Punta Laguna

Spider monkeys are quite common in the Yucatán but often hard to see. Set in very dense forest around a lake near Cobá, this small village-run reserve is one of the places to find them. Villagers will guide you to the best spots, and monkeys are most likely to be around in the early morning and early afternoon.
Punta Solimán

Shaded by lolling palms, this near-empty beach feels far from anywhere, even though it’s only a dirt-track away from the Highway. A few boats on the sand and the bar (see Oscar y Lalo, Punta Solimán) are the main signs of habitation.
Punta Xamach & Conoco

Getting to these remote, deserted beaches involves negotiating the wild, rutted road between Boca Paila and Punta Allen. So, whether this appeals or not may depend on your vehicle.
Rays

Spotted eagle rays, elegantly waving their “wings” as if to fly through the water, are common around some of the Cozumel reefs.