Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox holidays
Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox holidays at a glance
The Riviera Maya refers to the run of pale golden sand along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, stretching south from the purpose-built resort of Cancún to Tulum, home to some of the region’s most celebrated cliff-top Maya ruins.
A close-to-shore barrier reef, rich in marine life, follows the coastline, with leisure islands such as Isla Mujeres and Cozumel just offshore. Former fishing villages and small resorts cater to visitors along the way, notably the family-friendly Playa del Carmen, and inland several ruined Maya cities sit tucked into the rainforest, including the grand pyramids of Cobá.
Holbox Island offers something different again. Sitting around 75km from Cancún but worlds away from its resort energy, Holbox has no vehicles to speak of – the streets are sand, and golf buggies do the work instead.
A shallow lagoon separates the island from the mainland and draws migrating flamingos, while whale shark viewing here is some of the best in the world between June and September, alongside a growing reputation for kite-surfing.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Mexico’s Caribbean coast offers the perfect combination of tropical relaxation and access to some of the country’s most celebrated cultural attractions.
When to visit Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
The Caribbean coast can be enjoyed throughout much of the year and remains one of Mexico’s most popular holiday destinations. Many travellers favour the drier months for beach holidays and outdoor activities. The wetter period brings lush tropical landscapes while maintaining the appeal of the coastline. The combination of beaches, scenery and easy access to cultural attractions makes the region attractive throughout the year.
This is the dry season, with slightly lower temperatures which still average around 25°C at their coolest. Weather conditions are perfect for the beach, with little rainfall, although in November there is still a chance of hurricanes. The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival on Mamitas beach, Playa del Carmen, takes place annually in late November.
May constitutes the hottest month, peaking at a sweltering 36°C, with next to no rain. October is the wettest month with an average of five rainy days, though this rainfall comes in quick, heavy bursts which clear up quickly. You can enjoy the beach at any time of year here, although there is a risk of tropical storms between September – November.
Top Things to do in Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
The Caribbean coast is ideal for travellers who want to combine beach time with opportunities to discover Mexico’s wider cultural and natural heritage.
Jump in and swim alongside the world’s largest species of fish.
Observe flocks of flamingos numbering in the thousands at Lake Celestún.
Take a memorable dip in one of the Yucatán peninsula’s distinctive turquoise limestone sinkholes and visit a hacienda brimming with colonial character.
Take a guided tour of a spectacularly situated Mayan clifftop fortress before enjoying a relaxing swim in the Caribbean cove at the foot of the ruins.
Accommodation in Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
Accommodation ranges from beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to more intimate island retreats. Many properties are positioned to provide easy access to both the beaches and the wider attractions of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Relaxed low rise resort hotel located on perhaps the most flawless beach in Cancún.
A small, luxurious Belmond hotel away from the crowds on an idyllic Caribbean beach.
Casa Sandra is a laid-back boutique style hotel on Isla Holbox, managed by the owner, a prolific artist.
A luxurious, all-inclusive beach retreat spread over 85 acres and surrounded by the white-sand beaches and lush jungle of the Riviera Maya.
Luxury beach hideaway with a minimalist philosophy: a place to clear the mind of clutter in an environment dedicated to your every comfort.
The Intercontinental Presidente is a family-friendly, modern beach hotel in a peaceful area of the party town Cancún on the Mayan Riviera.
Beachfront resort of thatched cabañas interspersed amongst palm trees. A particularly good choice for families.
Small hotel set on a secluded Caribbean beach, with stylish rooms, a relaxing atmosphere and exceptional service.
Villas HM Paraiso del Mar is a rustic Mexican style beach hotel perfect as a base to explore Mexico’s relaxed Holbox island.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
Group Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Eagle: Aztecs, Mayas and conquistadores
Places visited: Mexico City · Oaxaca · Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
15 days from £4,598
Tailor-Made Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Luxury Mexico: Yucatan in style
Places visited: Mexico City · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
11 days from £5,850
Self-drive Mexico: Discover the Yucatan Peninsula
Places visited: Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
13 days from £2,320
Self-Drive Mexico: Highlights of the Yucatan
Places visited: Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
10 days from £2,250
Signature Mexico: Cultural heartlands to Caribbean coast
Places visited: Mexico City · Oaxaca · Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
15 days from £4,485
Value Mexico: Highlights of Mexico City and the Yucatán
Places visited: Mexico City · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
11 days from £2,300
Value Mexico: Mayan Yucatan and coast
Places visited: Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
8 days from £2,050
FAQs about visiting Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit the Caribbean coast?
It’s hot and fairly humid all year round, with a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes Sep-Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken on the Caribbean coast?
The main language spoken on the Caribbean coast is Spanish.
- What currency do I need on the Caribbean coast?
The Mexican peso is the main currency used on the Caribbean coast. Notes can be withdrawn from the ATMs in Cancún, Playa using a UK credit or debit card. You may have ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and amounts are limited to about £100. There are also banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) here, and money exchanges in Tulum. Holbox has just one ATM, best not to rely on that.
- What is the time difference between the Caribbean coast and the UK?
The time difference between the Caribbean coast and the UK is GMT -6 hours.
- What does a visit to the Caribbean coast combine well with?
A visit to almost anywhere else in Mexico: the domestic flight network is comprehensive and roads are good. Mexico City is less than 2hrs’ flying time away. Havana, Cuba, is also just 2hrs away from Cancún by air.
- How do I get to the Caribbean coast?
There are direct flights from London to Cancún (10.5 hours) and routes via hubs in Europe and the USA. Holbox is a 2-2.5hr drive from Cancún to Chiquila followed by a 20 minute ferry ride. It’s just 1-1.5hrs by the new toll motorway 305 from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila (1.5-2hrs from Tulum).
- What key events are there on the Caribbean coast?
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival: Mamitas beach, Playa del Carmen, late Nov annually.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.