Cozumel

Junior year spring break, and one of the best beach decisions I've made.

The key to Cozumel is getting away from the port. The port is Señor Frog's and souvenir shops and other cruise passengers. Fine, if that's what you want. But if you go far enough out, you find beaches where you are the only person there. Calm, clear, impossibly blue water and white sand that does not feel real. Some of the most pristine beaches I've ever seen, and I've seen a few.

There are also booze cruises that will take just your group out on the water, stop somewhere beautiful, and pour tequila directly into your mouths. This is a legitimate activity and I recommend it. They may mention, almost as an afterthought, that there are technically crocodiles in this area. Get in the water. Atlantic crocodiles are shy, the water is crystal clear, and the odds of anything happening are essentially zero. It's just a fun thing to say to tourists.

Go away from the port. That's the whole tip.