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The big one – with the longest stretch of beach, backed by the biggest hotels and malls, and with the most attractions, from parasailing to water parks. The beaches on the north side of the island are the best for swimming and beach-life, but can get rather crowded. On the surf beaches along the east it’s always possible to find a spot to yourself (but check safety conditions, (see Personal Safety).

Isla’s small size means it has a more laid-back beach scene, especially on Playa Norte by Isla town, with its placid, safe waters. The island is a good-value diving center.

Despite its location between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos has avoided big-scale development. There’s plenty of space along the long, white beach, where pelicans hang in the wind. A great snorkeling reef lies close to the shore (see Puerto Morelos, (see Puerto Morelos.

The hippest and fastest-growing spot on the Mayan Riviera, with good shopping, strolling, bar-hanging, and people-watching opportunities in town, and miles of wonderful palm-lined bays stretching away to the north. To the south, the Playacar development has its own, narrower beaches (see Playacar).

The island’s fan base is split into three: divers, cruise passengers, and families. The finest diving locations are in the distant reefs, but the tranquil beaches along Cozumel’s west coast are wonderful for a first experience of snorkeling.San Miguel town has a touristy but easygoing feel.

This Mediterranean-style resort town was purpose-built from scratch around a natural inlet in the coast. It now contains the Riviera’s best-equipped yachting marina, surrounded by a smart holiday village of villas and condo apartments. There’s also a Dolphin Discovery Center, a golf course, tennis center, and several big hotels.

A lovely area that extends through beautiful, sweeping bays of white sands and gentle seas. Some big hotels have opened, but along most of the bays are secluded condo apartments and villas. It’s an excellent diving center (see also Akumal , Akumal).

The favored place in the Yucatán for anyone wanting to settle into a palm-roofed cabin by a beach for a while. Head to the north end for cheap cabins where you get to know your neighbors, or turn south for more seclusion and seductive comforts in some cabins (see also Tulum, Tulum).

Every weekend and in July and August thousands of Meridanos head up the road to Progreso, to lie on the beach and eat in its many great seafood restaurants. The atmosphere is bustling, friendly, and very Mexican. The opal-colored sea is ideal for swimming.

Most tourists go toCelestún only to see its flamingos, but it’s also a tranquil village with an endless white-sand beach lined by fishing boats. There are some very enjoyable beach restaurants (seeLa Palapa, Celestún) and often wonderful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.