When most people think about vacationing in Mexico, a few places come to mind. The first is probably spring break in Cancun then maybe Mexico City or Tijuana. There are many great destinations, but because of Mexico’s proximity to the US, few really feel off the beaten path.
Instead of getting sucked into tourist traps, charter a sailboat and head to these five hidden locations in Mexico for your next trip. These secret places will show you a side of the country that only locals and the smartest travelers know about.
Isla Mujeres
Just a short tip from the excitement of Cancun and Cozumel is Isla Mujeres. It offers the total splendor of Caribbean sun and fun, in a much more laidback experience. The cozy beach resorts are a great place to chill out for a couple days after you likely spent a couple crazy nights in one of the tourist hotspots.
The natural highlight of Isla Mujeres is Garrafon Natural Reef Park which has a stunning beach, is packed with aquatic life and even offers opportunities to swim with dolphins!
Isla Holbox
Not far from Isla Mujeres is Holbox. It manages to somehow be even less than touristy! The island is almost car-free so people usually just bicycle around. It is just pure white sand and turquoise waters. It is a great place to grab a hammock and enjoy the calm breezes and an afternoon nap.
After a little R&R, jump into the ocean and swim among gentle giants. Whale sharks migrate here from June to September and there are few places on earth where you can get a better chance to experience them up so close and personal.
Isla Contoy
The entire small island of Isla Contoy is a national park. It is the king of hidden gems. Only 200 visitors are admitted each day so you may have to do a little preparation in advance to make sure you can come.
Be sure to head to Ixlache Reef, which is home to a countless array of sea flora and fauna. The local eco- tourism group can guide you to the best places in and around the reef for snorkeling and diving. After all that exercise, there is nothing better than having your own choice of empty beaches. Each has their own grill so bring your own supplies and have your own private cookout!
Progreso
After some time exploring the more secret and relaxed islands and destinations in Mexico, you will likely be ready for a little more excitement. Progreso is the weekend getaway for residents of Merida, the capital of Yucatan. It offers great opportunities for food and fun while not being particularly touristy. It also features some great sailing. You can cruise through tropical swamps in El Corchito Ecological Preserve as well as freshwater pools and other hidden gems. These are just a few of the reasons that Thrillist ranked Progreso one of the most underrated boating destinations in the world.
Bacalar
Bacalar is home to the famous Lake of Seven Colors and is an ideal place for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. There are so many shades of blue and green that locals do not even know how to describe it. There is even an abandoned pirate ship on the shore that you can explore.
Bacalar is also the gateway to Cenote Azul where you can do a little cave diving and encounter rare animals and plants that can’t be found anywhere else. After you have had your fun in the water, you can check out one of the twenty three historical sites in the town and get a taste of local food and culture.
5 Unforgettable Places
All of these great locations are located near each other so that you can comfortably sail between them in less than a day. If you are looking to experience a different side of Mexico and visit some truly beautiful and unique places, then book one of our sailing charters. You can plan the perfect adventure because you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Who knows, maybe you will even discover you own secret gem!
Check out these locations in Mexico with a Boatsetter rental today!
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