Caribbean sailing

Do you fancy a day at sea on your next visit, sailing through sparkling turquoise, azure and indigo waters on board a catamaran or yacht?  If so, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from in the Mexican Caribbean for an unforgettable sailing adventure.

Sailing and snorkeling in Puerto Morelos

For starters, cast off from the marina for a morning of snorkeling in Puerto Morelos National Marine Park. It only takes a few minutes by boat to get out to the reef and as soon as you jump into the crystal-clear waters, you’ll see the wonders of the coral kingdom.

Part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second longest coral reef system, the Puerto Morelos reef is rich in biodiversity. Keep a look out for schools of pork fish and French grunts, regal angelfish, parrot fish and tiny butterfly fish. Turtles are often spotted near the reef and you may even see rays emerging from the sand.

Across the bay to Isla Mujeres

Next stop, charter a luxury yacht and set sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. As you cross the bay relax and admire the view of endless turquoise waters. You can stop for a spot of snorkeling on the way and after exploring Isla and spending time on the beach at Playa Norte, sit down for a delicious seafood lunch at one of the restaurants along the waterfront. The sunsets are incredible from a vantage point on Isla.

Contoy calls

Go in search of nature and plan a trip to Contoy, the palm-fringed desert island of Caribbean legend and lore that is an important bird sanctuary. Over 150 species make their home on the island year-round or are migratory visitors in the winter. They include colonies of frigate birds and cormorants, terns, ibis, roseate spoonbills, herons and egrets.

Contoy is a two-and-a-half-hour boat trip north of Cancun and the views of turquoise and blue water on the way are worth it before you even reach this beautiful island. Spend the day watching the birds, relaxing on the beach or snorkeling and swimming with rays and other fish in the sheltered bay.

Eco cruises are available to Contoy during the week, ask your Concierge for information.

Coasting along the Riviera Maya

Follow the maritime routes of the ancient Maya along the Riviera Maya shoreline on a catamaran or yacht cruise. You’ll see beaches and palm-lined bays that you didn’t even know existed, hidden inlets and even tiny temples and lookout points on rocky promontories that were used by long-lost mariners.

Sunset cruises

Watching the sun go down over the mainland and the sky turn rose, gold, violet and red and then to the deepest blue as the first stars appear is an amazing moment and it’s even better when you catch a glimpse of the Caribbean moon rising. There are sunset catamaran and yacht trips departing from Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Cozumel.

Gone fishing!

Charter a yacht for a morning of fishing, seasoned local fishermen will take you right to where the fish are running.

Puerto Morelos is one of the most popular spots in the Mexican Caribbean for sport fishing and is just a short boat ride away from the rich fishing grounds along the deep ocean trench between the Riviera Maya coast and the island of Cozumel known as the Cozumel Channel.

Other good fishing grounds in the area lie to the east of Isla Mujeres, along the Arrowsmith Bank, Punta Allen and around Contoy and Holbox islands. Further south along the Costa Maya, the fishing villages of Mahahual and Xcalak also attract sport fishermen.

Your Concierge can help

For information on cruises and yacht charters, eco trips and fishing excursions ask your Concierge.