Active Pursuits

Beaches -- Veracruz has beaches, but they mostly have brown sand, and the Gulf water is a dull green. The nearest true beach is at the Villa del Mar, a little ways down el bulevar, followed by Costa de Oro and then Mocambo beach.

Boat Trips -- Boats tour the harbor (most narration is in Spanish only), around the tankers and ships docked in the port and San Juan de Ulúa fortress, and out to the Isle of Sacrifices. Departures are sporadic (depending on the weather and demand) from the malecón in front of the Hotel Emporio. The cost is 100 pesos for adults and 50 pesos for children ages 2 to 8.

Excursions -- Popular day-trip destinations include La Antigua; the Totonac ruins at Zempoala; Xalapa, the state capital and home of an excellent anthropology museum; and the archaeological site at El Tajín. For prices and reservations, contact VIP Tours (tel. 229/922-3315, -1918) or Centro de Reservaciones de Veracruz (tel. 229/935-6422).

For the actively inclined, river rafting, mountain climbing, and diving are all options. River rafting centers outside Xalapa. Divers can explore series of reefs and shipwrecks south of town toward Boca del Río. Contact Dorado Divers (tel. 229/931-4305) for details.