See Mexico’s History The Riviera Maya is the moniker given to the beautiful coastline stretching south of Cancun toward Belize. Tropical conditions coupled with the Riviera Maya’s geography yield some of the most abundant ecosystems on the planet. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing, proximity to Mexico’s Mayan archeological sites and more.
View Larger Map ISLANDS contributing editor Ted Alan Stedman recently visited Isla Holbox, which offers a much more rustic — yet still active — island feel to balance the revelry of the Riviera Maya while still being only 40 miles northwest of Cancun. Holbox and all of its activities, even whale shark swims, are in the Best of the Caribbean 2008.
