Visit the Surrounding Islands

There are many boat rides from Cancun to the islands sprinkled throughout the Caribbean. One is Isla Mujeres, just the place to scuba dive, snorkel, visit Mayan ruins, and check out the ancient sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel. We recommend visiting Islote El Yunque, El Farito lighthouse, Cueva de los Tiburones Dormidos–an underwater cave where sharks hang out–and Isla Contoy, a nature reserve where you can see an extraordinary population of marine birds.