Diving and Snorkeling in Cancun   Known for its shallow reefs, dazzling color, and diversity of sea life, Cancun is one of the best places in the world for beginning scuba diving. Punta Nizuc is the northern tip of the Great Meso American Reef (Gran Aricife Mayan), the largest reef in the western hemisphere, and one of the largest in the world. In addition to the sea life present along this reef system, several sunken boats add a variety of dive options. Inland, a series of caverns and wellsprings, known as cenotes, are fascinating venues for the more experienced diver. Drift diving is the norm here, with popular dives going to the reefs at El Garrafon and the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks.

Resort courses that teach the basics of diving - enough to make shallow dives and slowly ease your way into this underwater world of unimaginable beauty - are offered in a variety of hotels. Scuba trips run around $60 for two-tank dives at nearby reefs, $100 and up for locations farther out. Scuba Cancun, km 5 Paseo Kukulkan, on the lagoon side, offers a 4-hour resort course for $88 (Ph. 9/883-1011; fax 9/884-2336; phone reservations also available in the evenings from 7:30 to 10:30pm using the fax line). Full certification takes 4 to 5 days and costs around $325. They're open from 8:30am to 8pm, and accept major credit cards. The largest operator is Aquaworld (ph. 9/885-2288 or 9/883-3007, located across from the Melia Cancun at km 15.2 Kululcan), offering resort courses and diving from their man-made anchored dive platform, Paradise Island. Scuba Cancun also offers diving trips to 20 nearby reefs, including Cuevones at 30 feet and the open ocean at 30 to 60 feet (offered in good weather only). The average dive is around 35 feet. One-tank dives cost $45, and two-tank dives cost $60. Discounts apply if you bring your own equipment. Dives usually start around 9am and return by 2:15pm. Snorkeling trips costs $25 and leave every afternoon after 2pm for shallow reefs about a 20-minute boat ride away