denof4

My husband and I would like to get away the beginning of Dec. We enjoy snorkeling so would love a white sandy beach and the closer to the beach the better. I am wondering if there are any smaller resorts with this scenario or are all the resorts large in Cancun? Would we do better in the area of Riviera Maya? I like reading on the beach, my husband likes drinking at the bars and we both like sailboat rides/snorkeling, etc. We'd be flying from Southern California so don't know about the airlines. (Really hate to drive to LAX but don't know if San Diego would have the same flight schedules?) We don't mind spending a little more to get what we like. Someone mentioned beach erosions and others talked about rocky beaches and strong currents. We haven't been to Cancun before. We would certainly appreciate some advice. Thanks

welch

The ocean is a little cool for me at the beginning of December but nothing like SoCal, so it depends on what you're looking for and expect.
I haven't stayed in Cancun so am not certain of the snorkeling there but I believe you have to head to Isla Mujeres or the Riviera Maya.
Are you looking for an all inclusive? Price range?
There's gorgeous beach south of Playa del Carmen called Xpu Ha with a reasonably priced resort- Catalonia Royal Tulum.
Look at the reviews on TripAdvisor to see if it sounds right for you.
Probably the best priced flights are from LA. You can find packages with Apple Vacations.

schmerl

I also agree we need more information. I would also advise going south of Cancun. But again...do you want all inclusive, adults only, etc.??

KVR

Cancun has had some beach erosion and most of the hotels are AI high rise resorts. The hotel zone is shaped like a "7". Most of the hotels at the top of the "7" will have the better beach. If you are wanting luxary look at the Royal Cancun or Le Blanc. The RIU Las Palace Americas sits on a good beach and is walkable to bars, restuarants and shopping, but is not adults only.

The Playa del Carmen area has boutique hotels off 5th Avenue. Look at La Tortuga. 5th Avenue is a closed off street for pedstrians. There are tons of bars, restaurants, entertainment and shopping. The farther you get from Playa del Carmen, the more AI resorts you will find because there is nothing close by.

For snorkeling take a tour that goes to Maroma Beach, Xel-Ha, Xcaret, Yal-Ku Lagoon, and the cenotes. Look at

http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/snorkeling.htm

We are using them for our December Cozumel trip.

There are so many hotels/resorts in the Riviera Maya, it's hard to recommend. I agree give more info of the specifics you are looking for and we can better assist.

RAC

For reef snorkeling, try the area around Puerto Morelos. Lots of operators in town for $25/person.

You can see turtles in Akumal bay, and Yal-Ku is also known for good snorkeling.

This coming December, we're using Ecab explorers for our Puerto Morelos snorkeling:

http://ekaabts.spaces.live.com/

And we're doing Yal-Ku, Akumal, and cenotes snorkeling with Edventure Tours:

http://edventuretours.com.mx/

Trip report when we get back.

MonicaRichards

I'd certainly look further South than Cancun. We stayed at the Akumal Beach Resort and we could snorkel right from that beach, which we did at least once a day. Yal Kul is also very close to there.

KVR

Also look into Cozumel. We picked the El Cozumeleno due to good snorkeling from the beach. It's a AI hotel, but Cozumel has many boutique hotels also. There are many bars. Rent a car and drive around to the "wild side". Several beach bars there. The choices are not so over whelming as Cancun/Riviera Maya.

BeniciaChris

denof4-Hi
My husband 7 I will be flying from SFO to LAX November 27th. We are flying Alaska-I have the credit card & you buy one companion $50. Going up to $99 next year. We have to spend the night in LA-uck!!!! We have our first week in Cozumel-2nd week in Playa Del Carmen & 3rd week in Cancun.The Alaska flight leaves LAX-non stop for you at 8AM-arrives in Cancun @ 2;40PM. I got a flight on Maya air to Cozumel-otherwise you would have to take a bus-cab to Playa & then a ferry.
Caught my eye when you said your husband liked to sit at a bar-sounds like mine!!
Write me direct if you want. I am in my 60's & hubby is in his 70's. [email protected]
Last year we went to Portugal for a month-lots of sightseeing-Next year Egypt & Jordan for a month so this year just sun reading & margaritas-Chris

gabriele

Club Med in Cancun offers all you are looking for, and their beaches have been the least affected by erosion.