You can visit San Gervasio on your own via taxi or rental car. Entrance fee is about 50 pesos ($5) per person. English speaking guides are available for an additional fee ($15 for groups of up to 5 people). It is worthwhile to have a guide so you can learn about the history of this area. The Mayan ruins cover an area of approximately 10 acres in the jungle. While there are no skyscraping pyramids or large structurs, you'll find the history interesting. Located on the cross-island road.

Today, they've improved the road, put up a gate, declared it an ecotourist project and charge $15 per person (under 12, free). Of course, other amenities and services have been added. The park offers restrooms, restaurant, bicycle rental, small shops, an archaelogical site, bar, beach, showers, snorkeling, beach activities, swallow zone, crododile area, lagoons and flora.

Continue up the coast to other beach areas (left) where you'll find inviting little beachfront bars offering white sand, ice cold margaritas and snacks at Punta Chiqueros, Chen Rio or Punta Morena.

Do not miss Coconuts, a cliffside bar/restaurant (limited menu), with a breathtaking view. From this lofty perch you can watch waves break all the way down the coast. Local surfers can often be seen riding– and wiping out–on the waves below. Enjoy the view at Coconuts from the cliffs! There's a small hotel just north of Coconuts.

Completed in 2006, Senor Iguana's is now the second-to-the-last stop along the coast heading north. This oceanfront restaurant and bar competes wiht Mezcalito's (see below); keep them both happy and stop at each. Great views, cold beer and reportedly tasty –but pricey–food is offered here. Conveniently located next to "Target" so shopaholics have easy access to satisfy their buying needs.

Last stop along the coast before cutting back across the island, is well known Mezcalito's (right) which has been holding down the beach at this end of the island for years. Stop in for a brew (we really do hope you have a designated driver if you're taking our advice and drinking all that beer), join in a volleyball game, slink into the sand, or for god's sake buy some of those damn Big Mexican Blankets, which are "almost free," and "cheaper than Walmart". Mezcalito's is said to have some pretty decent food, but maybe that's because everyone's had a few beers before they get there.

Now from here you have two choices, you can head back into town on the cross island road. Or, if you've had a few too many drinks you might consider taking a drive down Punta Molas Road. You may want to think again. Your insurance on your rental vehicle is null and void when you leave the paved road (UNLESS you are with an official guide). This dirt/sand path is a "jeep only" road that leads to the northern-most lighthouse. It passes several great beaches and some Mayan ruins along the way. Sounds really neat, huh? Well, do remember that you have no insurance if you choose to go this route. And don't be a cry baby when you end up paying big bucks to get your car out. Note that this road is closed to ALL at this time and it is patrolled (do you really want to see the inside of a Mexican jail?)

Start the beach tour at the north end in County Club Estates. Beach area is open to the public; just walk along the trail that has a small sign pointing to the playa. This is a very quiet beach area with no jet skis or boat traffic; just a lot of sand and plenty of it. Bring your own beer and snacks, there are no bars or restaurants. Make sure to pick up after you leave. This area is noted for its superb kite-boarding.

Next, stop in at Playa Azul where you'll fnd jet skis, a restaurant, bar, volleyball and more.

Playa Casitas is on the north edge of town and you'll see throngs of locals here on Sundays. They gather along with their families for a picnic on the beach. You're welcome to drop by. Often there is live music.

Heading south of town, you could stop at Mama Hog's (across the road from Papa Hog's), for a cold beer on their patio which overlooks the ocean. Not a beach area, but a good excuse to stop for a beer or a burger before you leave town.

Continuing down the beach is Dzul Ha (left), where they serve drinks and lunch all day. Take a dip in the ocean. Snorkeling is fine!

Another small beach area that is worth a stop is Uva's Beach Club, just past Fiesta Americana, but before Chankanaab. It has a bar/restaurant and tables overlooking the ocean. This is a pretty private area, never too many people.

Chankanaab is next along the line. You'll pay an entry fee into this national park area. Superb snorkeling, restaurants, bars, shops, botanical gardens, swimming with the dolphins as well as other activities are offered here. Try get here when there aren't too many cruise ships in.

Playa Corona (right): A popular gathering point along the ocean. There is a pier in this area, snorkeling, a bar and restaurant . A raft is usually anchored not far off-shore. No admittance charge.

San Francisco: Now we're getting into the major beach sites. Restaurant, bar, watersports and LOTS of sandy beach. Carlos and Charlie's now has a restaurant/bar on this beach.

Paradise Beach (left): Just south of San Francisco. Lots of diversions here with a bar/restaurant, kayaks, diving, massage, shops, etc. Beautifully manitured garden and entry area (looks like a golf course!).

Playa Mia: Sun, sand and creatures. There is plenty of powdery white sand, beach chairs, hammocks as well as a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Activities include jet skiing, sea kayaks, snorkeling, water skiing, diving, volleyball, banana boat rides and more. Climb to the stop of the giant inflatable plastic "iceberg" and slide down into the warm waters of the Caribbean. If you're in the mood for a ride along the beach, horses are available. Entrance fee varies depending on which package you would like, from basic package, to all-inclusive package including all you can eat. There are bathroom and shower facilities. Also, look for the monkeys, alligators, and iguanas; no, they don't roam free, but are on display in the small zoo. If nothing else, stop in and name a monkey. Personally, I'd skip this area and choose one of the areas with no entrance fees.

Next beach playground is Mr. Sancho's which has most everything that Playa Mia has, without the entry fee. Great beach area with pool, jacuzzi, hammocks, bar/restaurant. You can get mighty comfy here! A DJ on the beach keeps things moving along if you want to join in the tug of war, limbo, volleyball or other activities. They now have a giant inflatible trampoline in the ocean (their answer to Playa Mia's iceberg, I guess).

Nachi Cocom Beach: Another beach area with swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, pier for dive boats, watersports. This is a beautiful spot and a very pleasant place to spend a day. Not too busy, not too slow . . . picture-perfect views and long stretches of sand to leave your footprints as you take a long stroll in the warm sunshine.

Alberto's: Beach area is a dramatic contrast to some of the other beaches with trees that are reminiscent of pine. You'll also find a restaurant with some tasty treats and COLD cerveza.

And finally, one of our favorites: Palancar with lots of sand and few people. Quieter than some of the other beach areas . . . and NO motorized water toys (jet skis, etc.). A very pretty area where you can take long walks along the beach without seeing many other people. You'll find a restaurant, bar and restrooms. One of our FAVORITE beach areas.

Have a designated driver!