Punta Bete - nice beach for the day

Punta Bete is a stretch of beach down a lush jungle road, with a half dozen family run hotels and restaurants.

If you walk North on the beach for 2 hours you can swim in a fresh water lagoon. There is a tiny Mayan ruin - but its not worth the jungle walk. Snorkel equipment and lunch are available at Xcalacoco. Snorkeling off a boat is better at Punta Bete since the reef is sparse.

You can stay overnight

For a low price, there are a few cabañas for rent for around $25 a night, or you can hang your hammock ($2), pitch your tent ($5), or drive your trailer in (no hook ups). There are showers and bathrooms.

At the Y near the end of the road, you have a choice of going to two different sections of the beach. To the left are Coco Cabañas, not on the beach buy the nicest of the lot and Jerry's sports bar.

At the end to the left is Los Piños (#987 31506), a simple restaurant with a nice view of the beach, excellent ceviche and fresh fish. Los Piños has four large, but basic, hotel rooms with private bath ($25) and camping ($4/person) with clean bathroom facilities. They also run fishing and snorkeling trips.

Right on the Y takes you to Paradise Point ($25) and at the end of the road, Bahia Xcalacoco which is a larger hotel with basic rooms and nice landscaping. FrancoH Club Playa Cococ Hotel and Beach is also nice ($60+).