Every year I plan a trip to someplace warm during February to escape the winter weather in New York. In 2016, I chose the Yucatán Peninsula for its diving, beaches, food, history, and culture.

Beach Resorts

Playa del Carmen has miles of beautiful beaches lined with resorts where you can relax.

Cozumel

Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, accessible by a 45-minute ferry ride that departs from the shopping district in Playa del Carmen every hour. Be prepared for the ferry boat to rock from side to side as it crosses the choppy water. I’ve never had problems with motion sickness before, but this boat got to me. Many others on board were also affected by the waves. This is normal, and the ferry staff are standing ready to pass out little bags to anyone who needs them.

Diving

Cozumel boasts some of the best diving in the world. Most of the other divers on my boat were repeat customers who come back year after year to explore these waters. During our dives we saw sea turtles, a barracuda, and tons of tropical fish.

Food

The most interesting part of my trip was the cooking class that I took with Josefina. The class begins with a visit to the local market to source the ingredients. When you return to Josefina’s cocina, you can enjoy endless margaritas and guacamole while learning to prepare authentic Mexican food. My favorite dishes were the grilled cactus and pumpkinseed dip.

Mayan Ruins

Ruins of the once-thriving city of Chichen Itzá are an easy half-day trip from Playa del Carmen. Get a history lesson in ancient Mayan culture while exploring the intricate architecture.

Flora and Fauna

During my stay, I also saw many tropical plants and strange reptiles.

Adiós