If you are contemplating a beach destination for your holidays then one place that I whole heartedly recommend is Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Playa del Carmen is quite a famous international destination and people from all over the world visit it. Apart from its beaches it offers many activities which keep everyone engaged and enthralled.

1. Beaches: Playa del Carmen is synonymous with beach. In fact, locals call it ‘Playa’ which means beach in Spanish. It’s white sand and turquoise blue sea water make for a perfect setting. It is one of the better views one can witness anywhere in the world. You can take a dip in its warm waters or just sun bathe while sipping a drink.

2. Snorkeling or Diving: Playa del Carmen offers a great opportunity to go snorkeling and diving. The Great Maya Reef, a string of coral reefs, walls and plateaus that creates a barrier along the Yucatan peninsula, provides amazing views for diving and snorkeling. It is abundant with marine wildlife. The water is clear, providing great visibility also.

Cenotes are also worth visiting. These are large exposed sink holes of clear water under which a complex network of underground rivers flow. These caves are quite magnificent and you will be awestruck by their beauty and size.

3. Dining: A tourist destination is never complete without food and drink. Playa is not short on either of the two. Dining options in Playa del Carmen reflect the international culture of the place. Since, tourist population in Playa del Carmen is an eclectic mix of people form all over the Europe and Americas, the choice of food also is also varied. One can find cuisines from Italy, France, Germany, Argentina, America, and Asia tickling your taste buds. Mexican food is also simply amazing not too mention tequila for which Mexico real estate is famous.

4. Shopping: Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is a shopping destination for a shopaholic. It’s a very touristy area where no vehicles are allowed. You can buy local handicraft items, jewelry, pottery etc. Street performers keep tourists entertained and make this place the hub of Playa del Carmen. This is a must visit place in Playa del Carmen.

5. Boating & Fishing: Renting a boat and then sailing out to sea is also an option in Playa. Apart from paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and sailboats, Catamarans are also available. Or you can simply go on a tour to reefs on a glass bottom boat.

You can go for fishing and catch sailfish or marlins!

6. Visit Xcaret: It was once a site of a Mayan city and the place where Mayans underwent ritual purification before going over the water to Cozumel to worship the goddess of fertility. Now, Xcaret has become a natural theme park. The park specially is a favorite among kids. Xcaret's exhibits specially focus on ecology and archaeology.