Cancun vs. Riviera Maya

Hi! Can anyone tell me which is the place that has the most beautiful turquoise water and white powdery sand (Cancun or Riviera Maya)? I heard that Cancun is like spring break all year round and overcrowded. I also heard that Riviera Maya is more prettier than Cancun and quiet. Any information will help me decide where I want to stay. Thank you all for your help

I can't help you compare. We chose Riviera Maya tho... just responding cuz you're from New Haven and I'm from CT too! Good luck in your search.

Hola MsSunshine. I can assure you Cancun is not spring break all year long. In fact fewer and fewer spring breakers are going to Cancun. If you are headed to the area next year, do a Google search on Spring Break 2009. That should get you to a website that lists College and Unversities Spring Break schedule. Then skip the summer break (high school seniors) the last couple of weeks in May and first couple in June and you'll be just fine.

Cancun is busy during winter and July-August.

As to beach conditions, that is very tough to say because it depends on Mother Nature. The southern 3rd of Cancun Island is still quite nice. Some places along the Riviera Maya have nice beach, some don't. Generally speaking, the Akumal-Tulum area is quite nice.

My TA who loves them both gave me this comparison.

 

Cancun

Resorts closer together, more Americanized (with food options, etc.), big night scene, right by airport

 

Riviera Maya

Resorts more spread out, takes 20-60 minute transport from airport, not as much night life, can be close to Playa De Carmen

 

He likes them both and simply told me to look at what they each offer and decide what we wanted. He thinks they are both beautiful!!

I've been to both. Personally, Riviera Maya is much more beautiful - lush jungle, stunning beaches, not your "typical" crazy party life. Although, let me say that Playa del Carmen (located in Riviera Maya) has an outstanding and classier night life. The night life has beach clubs that are known world wide.

 

I have been visiting that region (Cancun & Riviera Maya) my entire life, and I have family that live there. Mother nature does play part of the beaches; however, the island of Cozumel protects Riviera Maya Beaches from a lot of the seaweed, etc that a storm might bring to the beaches.

 

Riviera Maya is more catered to adults, and those that want a more quiet, relaxing vacation, hence the cost being more than what you will pay in Cancun.

 

I hope this helps.

I agree with everything that April said with the exception of the prices. I've also been to both several times but found Cancun to be much pricier than Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen. It might have something to do with the resort we chose and the fact that every other time we went, it was through some kind of a special.

 

I can also second the fact that Cancun is not always "spring break" central. We were there first week of November for our wedding last year and it was pretty quiet. Even a little too quiet. Not enough of the or or LOL

For a nice romantic Wedding ....Riviera Maya . Lager white sand beaches, more space and more Caribbean feeling.

I agree a nice romantic wedding would be in the Riviera Maya!!