Cancun overview

Cancun stretches for 12 miles along a strip of land known as the 'Hotel Zone' and connects to the mainland at both ends and to 'Downtown' Cancun. On the one side are the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean whilst on the other side is the lagoon. The whole length of the narrow island is dotted with large, smart, modern and international-style hotels.

The beaches in Cancun are top of the range, with long swathes of soft, white, coral sand lapped by clear, blue water. The sea off the North-facing coast, protected by the Isla Mujeres, is considerably calmer and better suited to water sports than the sea off the longer, more exposed, East-facing coast, most hotels operate a flag system to warn of dangerous conditions. Lagoon-facing hotels usually have sandy terraces or boardwalks.

Activities during the day can include lazing on the beach or around the pool; countless water sports including sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, canoeing, snorkelling, banana rides and scuba diving (with courses for beginners); swimming with dolphins; water parks; boat trips to Isla Mujeres, providing alternative locations for the usual beach and water activities; glass-bottomed boat and semi-submersible trips give non swimmers a chance to explore the deep; plus shopping; golf; horse riding.

Public Holidays 2006 Jan 1 New Years Day, Feb 6 Constitution Day, Mar 21 Birth of Benito Juarez, May 1 Labour Day, Sep 16 Independence Day, Nov 20 Revolution Day, Dec 25 Christmas Day

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