Best of Cancún

Museo Subacuático de Arte [1]: This remarkable “museum” features hundreds of statues of people of all ages and walks of life, standing on the ocean floor in 9–20 feet of crystal clear water. What’s more, they’re made of material designed to promote coral growth, so they’ll only get more interesting as time passe.

Cancún Nightlife [2]: You don’t have to be a Sigma Chi econ major on spring break to enjoy Cancún’s nightclubs — but it helps! If the all-night-every-night club scene isn’t for you, head downtown for wine bars, jazz clubs, and cafés featuring local guitarists .

Playa Norte [3]: Surfers need not apply — Isla Mujeres’s best beach has virtually no waves, just soft white sand lapped by glassy blue water. Relax under a palm tree or nosh on ceviche at a beachfront restaurant. Playa Norte is great for families, couples, and single sun worshippers alike.

Isla Contoy [4]: Go island hopping on this popular day trip from Isla Mujeres. A nice morning boat ride is followed by snorkeling on a rich coral reef, hiking and bird-watching on Contoy’s protected shores, chilling out in the sun, and digging into a fresh fish barbecue on the beach.

Whale Shark Feeding Grounds [5]: Just because they weigh 10 tons and are longer than a Winnebago doesn’t make whale sharks bad snorkeling partners. Get goggles-to-gills with the world’s biggest fish when they congregate in the krill-rich waters off Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy between June and September.