Cozumel is an island about 45 minues ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. It has great scuba diving (via short boat rides) with corals and diversity. The oversized cruise ships dock at Cozumel, so there's often more tourists than Mexicans on the island. Playa del Carmen has a bit more authentic feel since there are fewer tourists. The diving off the coast of "Playa" isn't really worthwhile, but the cenotes are a short drive away. You drive into the jungle in a Jeep and walk into an underground cave. Descending into the water, tunnels connect to other large caverns. Some of the diving is in the dark and other areas are filled with rays of sunshine. There are air pockets where you can ascend above water, still underground. These air pockets and the relatively shallow depths you encounter allow for long one-hour dives.

Playa del Carmen is located an hour south of Cancun. There's a white sand beach, abundant housing, and delicious food. A pedestrian street (mall) closed to autos runs parallel to the beach and is the center of activity. The town is developed and touristy but not as much as Cancun or Cozumel.

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