Diving The island of Cozumel offers the best diving in Mexico and is ranked as one of the top five diving spots in the world. There are exciting reef drop-offs, coral gardens, caves and plenty of marine life, and the snorkeling is also renowned. The region around Playa del Carmen also offers excellent reef diving and snorkeling and some of the best cave diving in the limestone caverns along the coast. The Great Maya Reef is a chain of shallow patches that stretches all along the Yucatan coastline and is home to hundreds of species of fish and sea turtles. The Sea of Cortez, or Gulf of
California, to the east of the Baja California Peninsula does not offer the visibility or warm waters to match destinations in the Caribbean, but its nutrient rich waters support a huge variety of marine life and divers are likely to come into contact with some of the bigger residents of the underwater world such as schools of hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, whale sharks, marlin and whales. El Bajo is considered the best site in the gulf, while the beautiful Ballandra Bay is great for snorkeling.
Whale watching The west coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is regarded as having some of the best whale-watching venues in the world. Every year between December and March thousands of California Gray whales migrate to the protected waters and warm lagoons to mate and calve. Three lagoons on the Pacific Coast that offer the best location for watching Gray Whales are Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon and Scammon's Lagoon, which sees the largest number of these mammals each year. The lagoons are protected marine parks where whale watching is controlled and allowed only in boats operated by trained guides. Humpback and Blue whales breed in the Sea of Cortez, and Bahia de Los Angeles is the center for whale-watching expeditions in the area. Although whales can be sighted from shore, particularly from the Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of the peninsula, boat cruises are the most popular way to see them and take passengers to where they can be observed up close.
Cruises Mexican cruises mix old world charm with modern amenities, giving a great blend of excitement and serenity to the holiday cruise.Starting from Californian port cities, most major cruise lines offer cruises down the west coast of Mexico. Mexican cruises typically only visit the west coast while the beautiful and warm waters on the east are usually included in Caribbean cruise packages.The Baja Peninsula is well positioned for cruisers wishing to escape the bustle of California. Cruise ships pass serene stretches of beach, sparsely dotted with quaint fishing villages. Cruising past its deserted beaches is an ideal escape for whale watching and fishing.This serenity ends abruptly at the peninsula's tip, Cabo San Lucas, where the cool Pacific meets the warm Sea of Cortez and a flurry of activities spice up the Mexican cruise. People can revel in shopping, bars, golf, diving, snorkeling and festivities that lap up on its beaches.Longer voyages enjoy the highlights of Baja while continuing down the west coast to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, commonly known as the 'Mexican Riviera'. Visitors can pick from the best of these towns. Mazatlan boasts world renowned seafood and Puerto Vallarta has retained its colonial era charm.Acapulco has been transformed into a cruise capitol. Ships dock at a new cruise line terminal a short taxi ride from the town square. Pleasant beaches spread along the coast in both directions and visitors can shop at its many markets and up-scale shops. Many just relax the day away in shaded cafés in preparation for legendary night-life under bright lights. For more great information visit the Word Travels guides Mazatlan, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta on our Mexico page.With a sombrero tipped over the eyes, aqua water circling one's feet and a margarita cooling down a beach day, or warming up a hot fiesta night, a cruise down the Mexican coast can be great excuse to live it up in luxury or party down.
Wedding and Honeymoon A wedding or honeymoon in Mexico can be filled with culture, charm and gorgeous scenery, from sun-kissed beaches to colonial settings and cobbled streets. Mexico's Native American heritage and emphatic Spanish influence makes it vibrant, colorful and unique. There are various hotels, villas and resorts geared to hosting wedding functions or honeymoon couples, as well as wedding planners at hand to assist with preparation. Laid-back locals and great weather year-round add to the appeal of this wedding and honeymoon destination.Wedding and Honeymoon things to see and doWedding or honeymoon couples in Mexico will find countless things to see and do. Explore the Templo Mayor, the main Aztec temple, in Mexico City or wander the cobbled streets of San Ángel. The beautiful scenery of Baja California is not to be missed, from azure bays and fine white beaches to rocky cliffs, quiet deserts and cactus covered mountain slopes. Visit the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, or the pyramids they built at Chichén Itzá. And then there are cruises, whale watching and diving for couples to enjoy together...Mexico Wedding Formalities Couples wishing to be married in Mexico will require marriage application forms from the local registry office in Mexico, as well as their full passports (valid for at least 6 months) and copies of both passports. Original copies of the tourist permit which was completed at the port of entry or other immigration permits are also required, as are birth certificates (certified and translated by an approved translator). Chest X-rays and blood test results (written in Spanish) must also be provided. Civil marriage is the only legally recognized marriage in Mexico, and 4 witnesses are required to be present. For more information, visit About.com and Mexperience.
