Cancun’s major attraction is its location on the Caribbean Sea, and the variety visitors to of nautical activities within minutes of the Hotel Zone. Who wouldn’t want to relax on the white sand beaches, especially in the winter when their home is shrouded with snow? Or how about frolicking with the playful dolphins, snorkeling or diving along the miles of colorful reefs?

Cancun is filled with possibilities and plenty of companies willing to get you closer to the turquoise waters, so here are a few suggestions of where to go for your water adventures:

Tour the waters of Cancún with 100% Vela Cancún on one of nine catamarans ranging from 24 to 75 feet. Tours include snorkeling at the marine park, walks through downtown Isla Mujeres, a lunch buffet at the beach club and swimming. Charter your own boat or create an itinerary to include any of a number of possible activities. Snorkeling tours, sunsets and seaside lobster dinners are also available aboard the catamarans.

Aquatours offers jungle tours, navigating through the mangroves of the lagoon and snorkeling in the barrier reef.  Or take the Sailing Quest and arrive at Dolphin Discovery for a buffet lunch and time with dolphins, stingrays and sharks. The Dinner Cruise by the lagoon offers a wine and lobster dinner at sunset on the elegant 60-foot galleon.

Participate in the most exciting underwater experience in BOB Cancún, the breathing observation bubble. Explore the natural reefs, plants and marine life on your own personal submarine. I admit the experience is a little intimidating and claustrophobic at first, but passengers are supervised, assisted and guided by a trained diver. (Bonus: A DVD of submersion is included.)

Learn the history of Cancún and Isla Mujeres aboard Captain Hook, the authentic replica of an XVIII Century Galleon, and experience first-hand the fascinating world of pirates for a couple of hours. During the sailing, “pirates” provide a brief history of the area, followed by lunch or formal dinner. Enjoy the entertainment as another pirate boat approaches and an exciting sword fight breaks out.

Grupo Caribbean Carnaval offers a Caribbean fun day at Isla Mujeres. This tour takes passengers to “El Pescador,” a private club, where they can snorkel, kayak, bike, relax on the beach, play water volleyball or soccer, and tour on glass bottom boats. Shop downtown and enjoy the Caribbean party with tropical music, show and audience participation at night.

Marina Punta del Este Cruise sets you up with your own speedboat to zip along the Nichupte Lagoon and snorkel at the National Park Reef. Scuba diving tours for beginners or certified divers are available as well as fishing charters, wave runners, a snack bar and the Over 30’s night club and disco.

For over 30 years, Naviera Asterix/Kolumbus Tours shares its passion for nature and local naval history by designing, building and operating excursion vessels out of Cancun.

Their eco-historical adventure tours provide an unforgettable experience while conserving nature and the cultural identity of the Mexican Caribbean. Cross the waters of the Caribbean Sea to the island of Contoy. Home to thousands of tropical seabirds, Contoy is approximately five miles long and is situated at the beginning of the coral reef chain.

The oldest dive center, SCUBA CANCUN, was founded in 1980, run by the experienced Captain Luis Hurtado. This company offers snorkeling tours, fishing trips, diving in cenotes, and beginner scuba diving courses.

Another world-class dive center operating for more than 20 years is Solo Buceo. Solo Buceo provides personalized service to visitors including full days of diving adventures in a safe and friendly environment.