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 way 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 120 pesos for adults and 50 pesos for children ages 2 to 8.
Scuba Diving -- Divers can explore a series of reefs and shipwrecks south of town toward Boca del Río. Contact Dorado Divers (tel. 229/931-4305; www.doradobuceo.com) at Avila Camacho 865. Or try Mundo Submarino (tel. 229/980-6374; www.mundosubmarino.com.mx) at Avila Camacho 3549.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
