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EMBRACE THE BLUES
Your eyes weren't playing tricks as your cruise ship approached the Yucatan: The best Cozumel and Cancun cruises take you to stunning beaches, with perfectly white sand and water so clear and blue you'll think you're on a movie set. While you'll likely stay close to where the masses are in Cancun's Zona Hotelera, Cozumel's beaches are easier to explore, from bustling Dzul Ha to quiet Chen Rio.
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DISCOVER THE DEPTHS
One of the best benefits of the clear Caribbean waters off the Yucatan is world-class scuba diving. At Cozumel's Santa Rosa Wall, you can see large schools of grouper fish, while the Cancun Underwater Museum reveals a world of sub-surface art. The water in the Cenote caverns located in the inland part of the peninsula is just as clear— just be prepared for the close quarters of the caves.
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ANCIENT ENCOUNTERS
Head south to see the Mayan ruins of Tulum, which sit right on a beach less than a two-hour drive from Cancun. After you finish exploring, sit down for a beachside Corona at one of the bars just outside the historical site. Or drive two hours inland to Chichen Itza: Its step pyramids are one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world. Shop for Mayan-inspired trinkets from one of the friendly local sellers.
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GET YOUR CULTURE FIX
Cancun and Cozumel's town centers remind you that these places aren't just beach hot spots — they're every bit as "real Mexico" as cities in the country's interior. In Cancun, visit food-truck filled Parque Las Palpas, or stop into the shops and cafes of vibrant Avenida Tulum. In Cozumel, check out the understated, elegant San Miguel Cathedral, or learn about the local ecosystem at the Museum of Cozumel Island.
