BEACHES
Along the island?s coastline
you?ll find white-sand beaches
and the beautiful
turquoise-blue sea. In the warm waters off
the coast of the northern
and southern hotel zone, you?ll find
numerous places to do various aquatic activities.
Playa San Francisco ? Located on the southern
coast, 14
km (8.7 mi) from
the town of San Miguel. Here you can enjoy a classic Caribbean beach with fine white sand and
gentle waves. This beach is
a stopover point for glass-bottom
boats that tour the coast. These
boats give you an excellent
view of the
coral banks below.
Playa de San Juan ? Located in the northern hotel zone, 5 km (3 mi) from
the island?s city center. With
its white-sand beach and
calm waters, this spot is ideal for horseback riding,
playing tennis and excursions.
Playa Encantada ? Located on the southern
tip of the
island near Punta Celarain. From its lighthouse, you can take in a breathtaking view of Playa Encantada. About 4 km
(2.5 mi)
from here lies El Caracol archaeological zone, which probably
was once an observatory that the ancient Mayans
used to predict
the arrival of hurricanes and
storms.
Playa Santa Maria ? Located in the southern region
of the Chankanaab
Lagoon, about 25 km
(15 mi) from the town
of San Miguel. The beach is dotted
with palm trees, allowing you to enjoy
a relaxing, shady day in the sand
and escape from the hustle and
bustle of the big city.
Playa Bonita ? Located at Rancho Ixpalbarco near the Colombia Lagoon on the
island?s east coast. This exclusive private beach has limited access and an isolated
cove that invites you to spend
a pleasant and peaceful day, far
removed from civilization.
Playa Hernan ? Located near the ruins
of Parador Turistico de San
Gervasio. This beach has two small islands
off the coast
and El Castillo Real, the island?s largest pre-Hispanic construction.
Isla de la Pasion ? Located north of San Miguel. This is a small
and peaceful island with beautiful
beaches and an abundance of
birds. Its estuaries are a turtle and crocodile habitat.
The coast is accessible if
you have a small boat.
