By Chantae Reden | Published on December 22, 2025
The word “riviera” is typically used to describe stretches of scenic shores, and it's fair to say both the Mexican Riviera and the Riviera Maya have earned their titles. On the western coastline of Mexico, a Mexican Riviera cruise reveals a journey to a wild desert peninsula, dramatic cliffs, romantic cities and epic waves surfers cross oceans for.
Cruise to the eastern coastline for a Mexican vacation along the Riviera Maya, and you'll find ancient Mayan ruins slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, tropical warm waters, thriving coral reefs, stunning cenotes and a vibrant culinary scene. With two wondrous places to consider, here's how to know whether traveling to the Mexican Riviera or the Riviera Maya for a vacation cruise is right for you. Spoiler alert, you can't go wrong with either.
Key Takeaways: The Mexican Riviera and the Riviera Maya, Mexico
- ● The coasts of Mexico — the Mexican Riviera and the Riviera Maya — are renowned vacation destinations for nature, beaches, food and nightlife.
- ● The Mexican Riviera, on the west coast, is home to must-visit spots like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.
- ● The Riviera Maya, in the East, is where you can find Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum.
- ● Taking a cruise to Mexico is an easy, luxurious way to visit these fun destinations.
What Is Considered To Be the Mexican Riviera?
The Mexican Riviera is considered a stretch of coastline spanning over 4,500 miles along Mexico's west coast, encompassing over 20 towns and cities like laid-back Ensenada, fisherman's haven Cabo San Lucas, lush Puerto Vallarta, foodie-friendly Acapulco and the surfer's paradise of Puerto Escondido.
The Sea of Cortez, tucked in between Mexico's mainland and the Baja Peninsula, is within the Mexican Riviera, too. Because a cruise to the Mexican Riviera covers such a large stretch of coastline, you could be kayaking around a dramatic rock formation one day and strolling the streets of an ancient city the next. For travelers who love grand journeys covering varied landscapes, there are few trips better than a cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
Where Is Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is best known for its stunning beaches and exciting outdoor adventures. On Mexico's Caribbean coastline, the Riviera Maya stretches about 90 miles from the southern point of the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, just south of Cancun. It includes the fishing town of Puerto Morelos, the beach paradise of Playa del Carmen, the verdant Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and trendsetting Tulum.
The dream diving destination of Cozumel is found just 10 miles offshore. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-longest barrier coral reef system in the world, flanks the oceanic edge of the Riviera Maya. This region might be small, though it's packed with tons of natural splendor, lively nightlife, epic visits to historic ancient ruins, stunning beaches for relaxing and underwater adventures galore.
Outdoor Travel Ideas On The Coasts Of Mexico
Both the Mexican Riviera and the Riviera Maya will tempt you to abandon land in favor of their spectacular seascapes, while also offering historical landmarks and fun action activities.
There are plenty of similarities. Both coasts have ATV, cycling and horseback riding excursions, making transportation more of a buzz than a bore. And to take a slide down the wild side, the Mexican Riviera and the Riviera Maya host zip line and aerial courses to thrill travelers happy to conquer their fear of heights.
By getting into the details of the different activities offered in each area, you can pick the perfect destination for your next Mexico cruise vacation.
Outdoor Adventures on the Mexican Riviera
In the Mexican Riviera, you can blow bubbles alongside schools of hundreds of flying stingrays and scalloped hammerhead sharks in Cabo San Lucas, snorkel with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez, and search for sea turtles, octopuses, moray eels and dolphins off Puerto Vallarta.
The coastline of the Mexican Riviera ranges from uncharted to world-class when it comes to waves. Puerto Escondido's barreling beach break tempts only the most daring of surfers. For those who want a milder ride, there are plenty of other waves to explore — like the friendly breakers in front of the surf schools at Ensenada, Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas. At these spots, surfers of all ages and abilities have a shot at standing on a wave. Some of the best waves I've ever surfed were perched on the points along the Baja Peninsula, many of which are nowhere to be found in surf guides.
The Mexican Riviera is also no stranger to architectural achievements. In Puerto Vallarta, the impressive Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church stands in the town square, built in the mid-1930s as a dedication to the patron saint of Mexico. In Mazatlán, the city's cathedral was built in 1856 and hosts intricate saint sculptures.
The Mexican Riviera has no shortage of adventure parks as well, like zip line courses racing over the top of Puerto Vallarta's emerald forests or Cabo San Lucas's rust desert pockmarked by cacti.
Getting Outdoors in Riviera Maya
On a Riviera Maya vacation, you'll see that this popular travel destination is no stranger to underwater wonders as well. Clear, warm water all year round makes this Caribbean vacation cruise a snorkeler and scuba diver's fantasy destination. The region's underwater cave and cenote system offers dive sites, and wildlife encounters are near limitless with the clearest visibility. These cenotes are formed by limestone sinkholes, often connected to other cenotes by underground caves and tunnels.
Over on the ocean side, technicolor coral reefs shelter sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, eels, octopuses, puffer fish and other reef fish. The town of Akumal was named after turtles in the Mayan language, and it's common to spot the radical reptiles sunbathing on a beach or searching along the reef for something to eat. For thrill-seekers who have a penchant for toothy predators, bull sharks come to feed on fish from November to February.
While the Riviera Maya is not known to entice expert surfers, there are beginner-friendly waves off Puerto Aventuras. Both the Riviera Maya and the Mexican Riviera offer other ocean activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
History and Culture
Beyond its natural wonders, this part of Mexico has no shortage of fun things to do, largely thanks to its intriguing history and striking natural landscapes. Ever wondered, "What is Riviera Maya known for?" You'll find the answer as soon as you roam away from the shore. Venture just a few miles inland of the Riviera Maya to admire Mayan structures built by one of mankind's most innovative civilizations.
The ancient city of Chichén Itzá is a day trip from Tulum, housing the grand pyramid of El Castillo and nearly 30 other ruins on the grounds. In Tulum, the relics of a stone fortress guard a turquoise sea. In between Tulum and Chichén Itzá, the Mayan city of Cobá reveals a civilization largely built around 600 A.D. Archeologists believe most of the structures of Cobá have yet to be uncovered, so tiptoeing around the jungle ruins is an experience for the intrepid traveler.
In the Si'an Khan Biosphere Reserve on Riviera Maya's southern end, the Muyil Ruins stand as a testament to one of the earliest civilizations in the Yucatán Peninsula, now hidden within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with wildlife.
In Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, buzz over the treetops on a zip line before descending into the cool waters of a cenote and cave system, rife with dripping stalactites.
Comparing the Coasts: Which Beaches Have the Prettiest Water?
Along the Mexican Riviera and the Riviera Maya's majestic shorelines are Mexico's best beaches and the prettiest water. While you can't go wrong in either place, it's worth comparing the two experiences.
The Mexican Riviera Coastline
With the Mexican Riviera's coastline stretching the length of Mexico's western end, there's a beach for every type of traveler. Surfers, sunseekers and beach bums all have a place in the sand. The beaches of Baja California are often surrounded by striking limestone formations, like the wisps of sand tucked in between the cliffs of Land's End at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Cobalt blues stretch to the horizon all along the coast, occasionally marked by the spray of a humpback whale's exhale.
The beaches of Ensenada are wide and spacious, and it's easy to find a spot to yourself. South along the Mexican Riviera, Puerto Vallarta's beaches take on a more tropical feel as waters get warmer and the sands whiter. In Acapulco, it's tempting to lounge the day away under an oversized umbrella — but head to La Quebrada to witness the heart-thumping performances of cliff divers bounding from the edge of 100-foot-high cliffs into the sea.
The Beaches of the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is where you'll find those Caribbean blue hues, palm trees and sugar sands we've all been pining for. A prime snorkeling spot is often just a few fin kicks away. Beaches range from lively to untouched, with beach bars, lounges, yoga classes and hidden enclaves all throughout. The water here tends to be warm year-round and generally calmer than the Pacific Ocean side. For wading and swimming, there are few places better to be.
Things To Do: Mexican Riviera and Riviera Maya
You won't go hungry (or thirsty) on a Mexican Riviera or Riviera Maya vacation, and it's no surprise that both regions are renowned for their seafood. You should also save room in your suitcase; no matter if you're on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera or to Riviera Maya, there are plenty of things worth bringing home.
Larger towns and cities like Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán on the Mexican Riviera as well as Playa del Carmen and Tulum in Riviera Maya have boutiques and markets selling Mexico's finest wares, often crafted elsewhere in Mexico. Look for silver jewelry (typically made in Taxco), brightly colored Talavera ceramics, vibrant textiles, musical instruments and intricate Huichol beaded jewelry.
There's fun to be had long after the sun goes down on a Riviera Maya and Mexican Riviera vacation, but you'll need to know where to look. Live music, dancing, superbly mixed cocktails and cold beers are found in just about every major town and city in Mexico, but some parts of the coastline have more of a party reputation than others. Shows, festivals and performances take place in both areas regularly — it pays to check upcoming event schedules ahead of your journey.
What To Do and Try on a Mexican Riviera Vacation
Because the Mexican Riviera's coastline is longer than the Riviera Maya, the cuisine is more varied. Dive into Ensenada's taco scene, and embrace tortillas stuffed with fish, cabbage, salsa and fresh lime. Order tostadas in Cabo San Lucas, a flat tortilla topped with fresh seafood and salsa.
Legend states that the beloved margarita was first concocted in northern Baja California, and while the facts are blurry, it's only right to order one near its fabled place of origin. If cocktails aren't what you fancy, Baja California's Valle de Guadalupe supports tens of wineries, producing nearly 90% of Mexico's wine. You can't go wrong with a glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc just before sunset. Further south, it's all about pescado embarazado in Puerto Vallarta, where fish is first smothered in a chile and achiote paste and then set on a grill.
Grabbing a drink at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas is practically a rite of passage for a Mexican Riviera cruise. But if a more mellow evening is what you're after, there are sunset cruises, beer and wine tastings, and laid-back beach bars. Puerto Vallarta hosts bars and nightclubs in the heart of the city and dancing in the town square. The quaint area of Zona Romantica has a blend of mellow pubs and bumping clubs, making it easy to ease in and out of a scene depending on your mood.
Fun Places To Stop on a Riviera Maya Vacation
First order of business for food in the Riviera Maya: Order a bowl of ceviche for lunch. While no two ceviche recipes are quite alike in the Riviera Maya, you're likely to have some fine-tuned combination of fresh fish marinated in lime juice, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion and a touch of habanero pepper sauce. Despite its seaside proximity, the most famous dish in the Yucatán is cochinita pibil, pork marinated and braised in local spices, traditionally cooked in a stone-lined barbecue pit. Sopa de lima, Yucatan-style lime soup, is made with meat, juice from Yucatán limes, cilantro and chiles.
The Riviera Maya has always had a pulse come nighttime, but its nightlife scene has really picked up in recent years. The once-sleepy town of Tulum now hosts a party each night of the week, with live music sets as part of the norm. Playa del Carmen is also lively under the stars, with bars offering bottle service to impromptu hotel parties bumping reggaeton. Don't forget to pack a pair of dancing shoes.
Set Sail for Your Next Mexican Adventure
Whatever you're looking for in terms of outdoor activities, historic landmarks, beachfront relaxation, gourmet meals, drinks or clubs, the coasts of Mexico deliver. If it's been a while since you've gotten away from it all, a cruise provides a deluxe way to explore Mexico.
You can sail to Mexican Riviera resorts or other top attractions and destinations.
Explore our Mexican Riviera cruises or trips to the Riviera Maya and see it all for yourself.
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Want to witness the beauty of Mexico for yourself? Venture on a Mexican Riviera Cruise for a blend of beach life, adventure, history, and culture. Oh, and delicious food.
