Planning Activities on a Mexican Vacation

With the ocean as tempting as it is off of Mexico's miles of coastline, you're certain to find multiple ways to enjoy it above and below the surface. There's also plenty to do on land as well. Here are some great things to do:

• Golf in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta, with its seven championship courses, is the new destination for golfers to keep their eyes on. The Corridor between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is one of the world's premier golf destinations, with five championship courses open and a total of 207 holes slated for the area.

• Cenote Diving on the Yucatán Mainland: Dive into the clear depths of the Yucatán's cenotes for an interesting twist on underwater exploration. The Maya considered the cenotes sacred — and their vivid colors indeed seem otherworldly. Most are located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and dive shops in these areas regularly run trips for experienced divers.

• Scuba Diving in Cozumel and along the Yucatán's Caribbean Coast: The coral reefs off the island, Mexico's premier diving destination, are among the top five dive spots in the world, though damage from 2005's Hurricane Wilma has affected some areas. The Yucatán's coastal reef, part of the second-largest reef system in the world, affords excellent diving all along the coast. Especially beautiful is the Chinchorro Reef, lying 32km (20 miles) offshore from Majahual or Xcalak. Diving from Isla Mujeres is also quite spectacular.

• Surfing Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido: This world-class break is a lure for surfers from around the globe. It challenges the best in the sport each September and October, when the waves peak and the annual surf competitions take place. Other noted surf breaks in Mexico include Sayulita and Las Islitas Beach near San Blas (both north of Puerto Vallarta), and Playa Costa Azul, on the outskirts of San José del Cabo.

• Sportfishing in Cabo San Lucas: Billfishing for magnificent marlin and sailfish is a popular sport throughout southern Baja, and it's what originally put Cabo San Lucas on the map. Fishing is also excellent in Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo.

• Sea Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez: From Cabo San Lucas to La Paz and continuing north, the Sea of Cortez is a sea kayaker's dream. It has dozens of tiny coves and impressive inlets to pull into and explore under the watchful gaze of sea lions and dolphins. Professional outfitters provide gear, guides, and instruction for novices.

• Exploring the Bays of Huatulco: Whether you travel by party boat or in a small skiff to a pristine cove, the nine Bays of Huatulco offer beach lovers a treasure-trove of sand and sea pleasures.

• Whale-Watching in Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay: From December to May each year, the magnificent humpback whales make their annual migration to these waters to breed and bear calves. Watching these mammoth yet highly social sea mammals entertain an audience is a truly life-enhancing experience. Whale-watching is also a popular pastime in mid-Baja's Magdalena Bay, with trips available from Cabo San Lucas.