Like PV, with better snorkelling
 

We have gone the last two winters to PV and stayed in Casa Andrea, in the old town. We did mostly less popular tours, such as Vallarta adventures air tours to mexican towns, ate in local restaurants, did a lot of walking in the old town and along the rocks. We don't care for the beachy, pricey, AI type environment (Cancun etc.)

Can anyone suggest a similar environment in Mexico, for a one-week trip? Maybe with some good snorkelling?

We have thought about Playa Escondido, or Playa del Carmen, or Veracruz. Is the latter more like Cancun? How sensible is it to fly into Acupulco, spend a week in Playa Escondido with a day trip to Oaxaca? Are there cheap travel routes to Veracruz?

i have no 1st hand facts but since no one has answered will top your post with...

i don't think you want Veracruz, because it is a commercial port and not known for its clean beaches or waters (is my impression from research only i have never been there).

Playa del Carmen in on my list to visit, because i perceive it as close to a sister city as you can find to PV but on the Caribbean side. and i know nearby Cozumel is a hot diving spot so i'd guess good snorkeling there?

I have no first hand experience either, but Akumal, just south of Playa del Carmen has good snorkeling, and I think the best in Mexico is off of the nearby island of Cozumel.

Yes, suze, I thought the same but I have read some recent things about Veracruz being the next big thing in winter destinations... anyone with experience?

Hmmm... now you've got me curious! Maybe a new post with "Veracruz" in the title? see if we get any nibbles (just thinking the Veracruz people might not read a PV snorkeling post).

Actualy PV has some of the better snorkeling on the Pacfoc coast. Have you snorkled at Conchas Chinos, a wonderful spot right off the baech & very safe.
Now the La Paz area on the Sea of Cortez has some terrific snorkling right off the beach south of town or incredible trips via boat. I saw a Manta Ray several years ago . Now it can be a bit cool in mid winter & very hot in the summer. Best times are november-december or april to june.

To fully respond to your question, the time of year you plan to go would be helpful as well as what type of lodging you like. I have done quite alot of travel the past three years in Belize, the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico, and up and down the Pacific Coast of Mexico. You can find some extremely beautiful areas south of Cancun, such as Punta Placer (north of Mahahual), Sur Akumal, Bahia Tankah, Punta Soliman, etc. with good snorkeling (not like one finds out in the Caribbean), however, travel times are greater (by car or by bus) and there are fewer real "communities" in this part of Mexico. I have found that snorkeling along the Pacific Coast of Mexico is quite poor: no coral structures to speak of and very poor visibility.