It may be difficult to beat the excitement of swimming with whale sharks and exploring the Caribbean waters off the coast of Cancun, but Gabriel López Silva has a few suggestions.
López Silva dives and swims with whale sharks for a living (and talked about it in his last interview with LatinFlyer.com — contact him via his Facebook page to set up a tour). But this 32-year-old dive expert and tour guide — who’s originally from Tampico, Tamaulipas — discovered additional ways to enjoy free time during his four years living here.
In this follow-up interview, he shares recommendations for restaurants, nightlife and memorable travel experiences around the Mexican state of Quintana Roo — including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Akumal. Whether you’re looking for unique things to do in Playa del Carmen or a gorgeous, out-of-the-way Mexico beach, López Silva has plenty of helpful Mexico travel tips.
What do you like best about living in Mexico’s biggest tourism destination?
What I like best is the sea and the beautiful beaches.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I like to go to the movies, enjoy a good meal, and also go to the beach and scuba dive in new places.
What about nightlife — what do you do after dark?
I’m living in Puerto Morelos now, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and there are several seafood restaurants on the side of the beach and others that are Uruguayan and Argentinian — also some bars.
Which restaurants do you recommend?
El Chimichurri, in Puerto Morelos, and La Cueva del Mono in Playa del Carmen. Los Aguachiles, in Playa del Carmen, is also very good — and La Cueva del Chango.
What lesser-known travel experience would you recommend to vacationers in Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
Rent a car and venture out to Tulum and Akumal, which are small towns in the south, about an hour and a half from Cancun. They’re magical, beautiful towns. Akumal is a turtle sanctuary where you can snorkel with them, and Tulum — its beaches are like being in a paradise from a movie.
MORE MEXICO BEACH TRAVEL TIPS & INSPIRATION:
• 5 Tips for Choosing the Best All-Inclusive Family Resort
• VIDEO: Grand Oasis Palm Resort — The Travel With Kids Report
• How to go Clothes Shopping in Cancun — Without Looking Like a Tourist