Cancun to Belize

[aliltexgal]

I need help - information, suggestions, advice...
I want to plan a trip for R&R and diving. I thought we would land in Cancun and take 10 days or so to drive down coast (then back). I wanted to go to Tulum area and heard area around Majahual and Chetumal was nice for beaches and diving.... then wanted to drive into Belize to dive. I have never been to any of these places - only Cancun and Cozumel. I have spent a day online and my eyes are bleeding!!! I am confused and frustrated. Don't know where to stay, how to get there, etc... Every where I look says do not drive into Belize because of rental car and insurance hassel. Any help to plan this trip would be much appreciated.

 

[Spratman]

For Tulum, check out H2O PRO DIVING - Training - Guiding and Xploration in the Cavern and Caves of the Yucatan Peninsula. Drop a line to Min, she is one of the owners. They have a small resort down there. She can also give you some advice on driving to Belize.

 

[Gaviota]

You are correct about the rental cars - not allowed to cross border into Belize. One option is to pick up a bus in Chetumal. For what it worth - save the time and hassel - who needs that on a holiday - take the road to Costa Maya (Xcalak and Mahahual). PS - it all part of the Meso-american reef. If you have the time - take the trip to Chinchorro, which depart from either Xcalak or Mahahual.

Also, there are plenty of options on the way down. Allow yourself some time for some non-diving - explore some ruins at Tulum or Coba.

Most of the highway 307 from Cancun south to Tulum is now mostly 4 lane highway. From Tulum south the road is 2 lanes and in many areas the road is being made into a wide 2 lane road. Suggestion - plan for daylight driving south of Tulum - only because with road construction Mexico is no known for marking lane shifts or construction areas very well and in dark(and rain) can be a bit confusing. Been there - done that - all of a sudden 4 lanes are now 2 lanes with oncoming traffic - no signs to warn.