Riviera Maya or Puerto Vallarta
 

Which would you recommend for a
2 week holiday in June?

Thanks

I love them both and have been to both multiple times. But being a turquoise water kinda gal myself, I'd go with Riviera Maya, headed back down for 9 days in May myself to Akumal.

Thanks.

Are there snorkelling opportunities in both places?

Snorkeling will be way, way, way better in Riviera Maya--better reef, better water conditions, better access.

the only thing that may tilt the decision is weather that time of year. It will be very hot and humid in the Riviera Maya. I know this from scrawl summers recently there, spending several weeks at a time the last to Junes in Playa DL Carmen at our condo. I am not sure of the weather in June in Puerto Vallarta.

I much prefer Puerto Vallarta. Love the mountains and the 'jungle' feel in the area. Very walkable if you stay downtown or on the south side/Old Town/Romantic zone.

Lots to see and do. Great restaurants at all price points. Wonderful street food.

However, if beach is your top priority, the Caribbean side is better. Depends on what you're looking for in your trip.

The snorkeling is not that great in PV. A few years ago I took a tour to Yelapa with Pegaso Charters on a classic sailboat (great small tour) and we stopped to snorkel for an hour on the way there, I saw some fish but they were all mostly the same kind. Best snorkeling is in Akumal, Puerto Morelos (you have to take a boat for $25pp as the snorkeling is in a marine park), and I have heard it is also excellent in Cozumel.

We prefer Riviera Maya. Have been 10+ with another trip booked for May. The weather in May will not be as hot and humid as say July or August. We have been to PV once.

Lots of things to see and do in RM. The food is better in PV and Cabo though. The snorkeling is much better in RM. The water is much clearer. Akumal, Yal-Ku Lagoon, cenotes, Puerto Morelos and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere.

I enjoy both, but prefer the Riviera Maya, even though its a longer trip from my location. And for water, swimming/snorkeling, its no contest.

I love Puerto Vallarta and have been there many times (20+) so that's always my pick. But the beaches and ocean water are more "beautiful" over on the Caribbean side, if that is important to you. PV is more about the vibrant town and friendly local people (with plenty of tourist activities also available).

emd3- The weather in Vallarta is the same in June, hot and humid and the very early part of the rainy (summer) season.

Definitely Riviera Maya. Climate same in both places in summer, but, for water sports - snorkeling, scuba, etc., hands down the Riviera Maya with the second largest coral reef in the world.

I think it's a tossup. You won't get the turquoise water in Puerto Vallarta, but away from downtown, it gets very clear -- particularly in some of the outlying areas. There are also some very good snorkeling sites such as Los Arcos and the Marietas.

That said, I really liked Playa Del Carmen, too. Great town, like Puerto Vallarta. Excellent beach. Easy access to Cozumel, Tulum.

Having said all that, I'm not sure I would want to go back to Mexico in the summer. I went to Cancun once in July, and the heat and humidity were beyond brutal. You couldn't really cool off in the water, either, because it was so warm. I got a great deal on the air and hotel, and I realized why as soon as I stepped off the plane.

Another thought. With two weeks, you could split time between Riviera Maya and PV.

hmmm... I wouldn't do it (since they are really nowhere near each other).

I realize PV and Riviera Maya are about as close and NY and Miami. But with a nonstop flight, it might be worthwhile, particularly for someone who's coming from someplace far off like Europe or Australia as opposed to the U.S. Given the use of "holiday" instead of "vacation," I'm guessing Tinks fits that description. That said, I could easily spend two weeks in either place without getting bored.

I guess I was thinking more why travel all that extra for basically two "beach" vacations? If I were going to split it, I'd do one week at the beach (either side), and the other week in one of the inland mountain colonial cities/towns.

I'd be surprised if there are non-stop flights between cancun and PVR. Most likely there will be a stop in Mexico City. Pretty much what everyone is saying - if you want crystal blue waters, white sand, and good snorkeling, I'd go with Riviera Maya area. If you want a more mountainous landscape, vibrant downtown area, lots of good restaurants, and amazing sunsets, I'd go with Puerto Vallarta.

Of course Riviera Maya!

Fairly certain no non stops. A layover in MEX is almost always necessary.
If snorkeling is important The East coast should be your first choice.
I love much about PV but the constant (& I mean constant) hustle from the beach peddlers drove me South to Zihuatanejo in '99. While I do return every 5 years ago it is not for the beach but a Suze states the vibe of the town, the great cafes & my many amigos.
PS Better beaches at Zihua but the snorkeling is poor