Beating the Heat in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Cancun and the Riviera Maya in the summer time are HOT, the perfect excuse to spend your days in the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean!  Of course you can hang out all day at the swim up bar of your resort, but we’ve got some more exciting ideas to keep cool on your summer vacation.

1.  Snorkeling-  The Mesoamerican Reef sits just off the coast of the Riviera Maya, the second largest reef in the world!  The snorkeling is divine, from Isla Mujeres to Cozumel to Akumal, you’ll find yourself surrounded by colourful fish and coral formations as you flipper your way through cool waters.  One of the most popular spots for snorkeling is the Yal Ku lagoon in Akumal, this calm ocean inlet is the perfect place for beginners and veteran snorkelers alike.  The Akumal area is famous for the sea turtles that visit, be sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the magic!  “Cenotes” (natural limestone sinkholes), underground rivers and caves common in the Riviera Maya bring you the opportunity to enjoy a unique snorkeling experience.  The ancient stalactite and stalagmite formations create a beautiful underwater landscape amidst the rich green flora of the jungle.  If you’re lucky you’ll spot the “pez ciego” or “blind fish” that live in the caves or a school of fresh water catfish  The water in the cenotes is always fresh and cool, a welcome diversion on a hot summer day!

2.  Boat trips and cruises-  The wind in your  hair, soft breeze on your face and the occasional splash as you hit a wave.  Cruising the waters around Cancun is a great way to beat the heat!  For a whole day of family fun, the Caribbean Funday tour departs from Cancun for the nearby island of Isla Mujeres.  After cruising across the sea you’ll find yourself at a private beach club where you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, bike tours and a delicious lunch buffet (and open bar of course!)  The Pirate Assault tour is great fun on the high seas, a night adventure cruise that will have you dancing and singing all night long as you sail to Isla Mujeres and enjoy the energetic pirate show.  For those looking for romance, the Lobster Dinner Cruise Cancun is ideal for lovers.   Find yourself on a slow cruise of the Nichupte Lagoon as the sun sets over the water. Live jazz music plays, cool wine flows and fresh lobster cooks on the open grill, slow dance with the one you love and leave the cares of the world behind.

3.  Swimming with dolphins-  This is not only a great way to refresh, it’s truly the experience of a lifetime!  Dolphin Discovery has three locations in the Mexican Caribbean- Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras and Isla Mujeres.  Enjoy a dolphin kiss, feel the adrenaline rush of the famous “foot push” and learn all about these incredible creatures.  In Cozumel you can even scuba dive with dolphins and enjoy a day in Chankanaab Park as part of your package!  In Puerto Aventuras you can swim with manatees and sea lions as well as dolphins and spend some time in this quaint little village.  If you are visiting the Isla Mujeres location, be sure to take a trip to Garrafon Park for some of the most amazing views and snorkeling in the region!

Summertime is the perfect time to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya, bring the whole family and take advantage of the great deals for the season.  Be sure to get out and enjoy the local attractions, don’t get stuck in a pool bar rut, find an adventure and refresh your soul in the paradise of the Mexican Caribbean!

New Celebrity Ship “Equinox” Comes to Cozumel

One of the newest ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet will be docking in Cozumel for the first time on November 21, 2009.  The Equinox is the epitome of luxury on the high seas, sophisticated elegance from bow to stern.  Inaugurated in August of 2009, the ship boasts accomodations for up to 2850 guests, from the standard staterooms up to the “beyond your wildest dreams” penthouse with floor to ceiling windows and a huge private terrace.  For a unique cruising experience, the Equinox invites guests to use “The Lawn Club”, an upper deck area covered with live growing grass, there’s nothing else like it!  With ten restaurants offering endless choices for dining, a variety of bars and nightclubs, theaters and art galleries and onboard activities, guests will never be bored on board!

Passengers on the Equinox will be able to explore Cozumel for the day, one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the world.  Cozumel offers cruise passengers a wealth of shopping, dining and shore excursions, including swimming with dolphins in Chankanaab Park, snorkelling the amazing reefs or taking a horse back ride on the beach.  The people of Cozumel welcome the Equinox and all it’s guests and they will surely make everyone feel like the island paradise is their Mexican home away from home.  Congratulations to Celebrity Cruises for their fine new addition.