Summer Splashes

When the summer heat sizzles, you’ll want to head straight for the water to cool down and here in the Mexican Caribbean you have a choice of ocean-going activities, or you can venture into the Riviera Maya jungle and leap into the cool clear waters of a sinkhole or cenote. Take your pick.

The mighty Mesomerican Reef

Go below the surface to explore the incredible coral realm of the Mexican Caribbean, part of the Mesoamerican Reef system, the world’s second longest. From Isla Mujeres and Cancun to Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Paamul and Akumal, there are snorkeling and scuba diving trips to reefs all along the coast. 

   More than 300 species of fish, rays, sea turtles and other marine life are a shimmering spectacle, a kaleidoscope of colors amidst the coral gardens, huge sponges and sea fans.  

   For more snorkeling thrills with children, make a beeline for the caletas or turquoise inlets and lagoons at Xel-Ha Park and Yalku, they are literally natural aquariums, full of fish from the nearby reefs.

Swimming with giants

During the summer you have the chance to swim with the mysterious giants of the deep, the peaceful whale sharks. This unforgettable eco trip is available from June to September when hundreds of whale sharks or pez domino (domino fish, so named for their mottled skin) gather to feed on plankton and fish roe in the waters off Holbox and Cabo Catoche and to the east of Contoy.

Sail ahoy

Cutting through the waves on board a catamaran or yacht with a stiff breeze to cool you is almost as good as being in the water and you are safe in the knowledge that there will be stops on the way to swim and snorkel.  

Jungle chills

There is more aquatic fun in store in the jungle. Head away from the coast one day and explore the cenotes or sinkholes of the Riviera Maya. In caves, partially covered by a cave roof or completely open, these limestone sinkholes are filled with cold, crystalline waters in turquoise or emerald-green. Gaze into the mirror-like depths and the columns, stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years look like a mysterious submerged city.  

   You can start your cenote discoveries along the Cenote Route to the west of Puerto Morelos. There are cenotes suitable for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and zip lining. For more cenote fun, don’t miss Selvatica, Xplor, Aktun Chen and Dos Ojos adventure parks. 

Ask your Concierge

Your Concierge can help you book snorkeling and scuba trips, whale shark swims, catamaran cruises, cenote excursions and park days.