Sharing the same Caribbean waters as Belize and being 3 hours south of Tulum, you will find Costa Maya.  If you hurry, you will find very little development so far in the area.  Along the white sands, nature has created an idyllic and extraordinary vacation place - a small resort of mesmerizing ambiance to which  vacationers return each year!

Tucked between Playa del Carmen and Belize, Costa Maya's brilliant Caribbean seas, silky sand beaches and verdant jungle appear to be unchanged since ruled by the vast Mayan empire more than 1,000 years ago. The only break in the emerald horizon is the occasional beach hut. Secluded jungle settings lend an air of mystery. Wild twining orchids, bougainvillea and stately ceiba trees abound. Don't miss the 8-foot-high stucco faces at Kohunlich's Temple of the Masks or the Grand Pyramids at Chacchoben.

Wrapped in brilliant tropical colors, you will find a primitive Mexico, we're known for frugal elegance and intimate atmosphere.  Your day is presented laden with natural gifts--unbelievable swimming and snorkeling in astonishingly clear waters protected by the Belize Reef and designated a Marine Park.   You can flyfish the flats of Chetumal Bay for Permit, Tarpon and Bonefish, visit ancient Pyramids of Kings at Kohunlich, Kinichna, Chacchoben & others.  At eventide, you can find wondrous views of the constellations.

You can snorkel, dive, kayak, horseback ride, or take a jungle trip and explore the vast natural beauty of Costa Maya.  There is so much to do that if you only go on a cruise, you will only have a few hours to see only one or two different amazing trips.  The cruise will give you a good idea of what to expect, but you will want to return and go inland to visit the mayan ruins and much more.

Costa Maya, has become a favorite of the cruise industry with many different cruise ships representing many different cruise lines always in port.  If you do go on a cruise, make sure that you go ashore and that you sample some of the food and that you pick up some of the information available about other trips inland for your next visit.

I have always enjoyed the Yucatan Peninsula and all of the places along the East Coast, including Cancun, Costa Maya and Belize and I think that you will also.  Great shopping, great water and amazing people, customs and much more.