The Mayan Riviera is an extension of paradise…and we give thanks for being here.
Our winters are mild, free of ice and cold…and we give thanks for living in a warm place…with warm people…surrounded by nature and smiles.
We give thanks for the beauty that surrounds us, and for the wanders we see every day.
We love the ocean and we love the jungle…and we give thanks for the place that we live in.
We give thanks for the opportunity to work together, because it is YOUR trust that allows us to be here.
Happy Thanksgiving from Top Mexico Real Estate
Author Archives: Thomas Lloyd
The Hunt for Lionfish
Lionfish hunting has increasingly become a very popular activity in the Riviera Maya since awareness about its danger to the ecosystem has risen. Since their mysterious introduction into Caribbean waters (hurricanes, shipwrecks and bored aquarium owners are suspected), these beautiful animals have reproduced at astonishing rates and have invaded the reefs. With no natural predators in the Riviera Maya, only humans are able to eliminate them and end the damage that these fish are doing to the ecosystem.
Nothing embodies the beauty and danger of the ocean as well as the lionfish. They are hypnotizing to look at, mesmerizing divers with their calm and beauty. But beware; they are as venomous as they are beautiful. While fatalities are rare, being stung by a lionfish can cause strong burning pains, swollen body areas and ugly-crying adults. However, in case of a sting, immediate medical treatment is required because, as mentioned before, they can be fatal.
The lionfish is originally from the Pacific and Indian Ocean and is known to corner their pray with their astonishingly beautiful pectoral fins and swallow them whole. They consume almost 500,000 fish per acre, per year, in the Caribbean.
Reproduction can occur every four days, year-round, with females releasing approximately 2 million eggs per year. Although efforts are being made to control the increasing population, thousands of them are still swimming out there breaking the balance of the reef harmony.
Lionfish hunting has become a sport in smaller areas of the Riviera Maya, such as Akumal and Tulum, where hunting groups go out daily to hunt the invasive species. A rebound of the native fish populations has been noted in areas where hunters have maintained the lionfish kingdom at a low.
Eating Lionfish
Considered a delicacy, and very rare to find, lionfish can be eaten when cooked and prepared properly. Remember, these are venomous animals and can still sting if not handled with care. The important part is to fillet them after detoxifying the fish, as Gynna Sainz, who owns Gynn’AK, a lionfish specialty restaurant in Akumal, says.
Lionfish can be cooked in any way, because, as Gynna puts it, “fish is fish!” A favorite dish is lionfish ceviche, lionfish tacos and lionfish sushi.
Hunting Lionfish
Are you interested in helping conserve the balance of the ecosystem? While not everyone is eligible for lionfish hunting – knowledge of spear hunting is a big plus – you can join in on a hunting dive just to watch. Just ask at any local dive shop and they will give you the options! There are usually only one or two hunting dives weekly, but whatever you catch is yours to eat. Caught lionfish will be handed to a chef at a restaurant to cook for you.
So there you go! You can add this to your bucket list of one-of-a-kind activities to do at the Riviera Maya, while helping conservation efforts reboot the ecosystem!
You can eat lionfish here!
Fishing in the Riviera Maya
Fishing in the Riviera Maya is one of the most popular attractions for thousands of visitors every year. The Riviera Maya has access to the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system in the world, offering a wide variety of sea life and sea fishing experiences.
Fishing in the Riviera Maya is a year-round opportunity and there are activities for every level, from professionals to children; everyone can enjoy fishing in the Riviera Maya!
The predominant fishing season for sailfish, blue marlin, white marlin and dorado (mahi-mahi) begins in March and runs through July. In other seasons the abundant fish are wahoo, tuna, kingfish, and barracuda as well as snapper, grouper, and triggerfish. The smaller kinds of fish you can opt to cook yourself or you can pick a restaurant and let them do all the work for you!
Fishing in the Riviera Maya: Calendar
Source: https://rivieramayafishing.com/
Note: Sailfish, Marlin and some other fish are catch and release only. Recent law bans shark fishing.
Fishing in the Riviera Maya: Locations
If you want to stay away from larger tourist destinations like Playa del Carmen or Cancun, we have three suggestions for fishing destinations:
Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is a gated community located halfway between the popular tourist destinations Playa del Carmen and Tulum. This is a wonderful place for sport fishing, it also has its own marina and most of the fishing areas are very close; forget about long trips into the sea!
The best time to go fishing is from March to June, but there are always fish and fishing tours with year round success rates. If someone in your group is not into fishing, there is also the option of snorkeling in the nearby reef; an ideal activity for kids.
More Information:
https://rivieramayafishing.com/
Riviera Maya Fishing
US Phone: 513-410-1644
From Mexico: 984-112-1989
International: 011-52-984-112-1989
Email: info@rivieramayafishing.com
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Moreleos is a sleepy fishing town, there are only a few restaurants and hotels in the downtown area. Puerto Morelos is located 15 minutes south from the Cancun International Airport and halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
The reef at Puerto Morelos is so close, you won’t be wasting any time before you are ready to catch something!
More Information:
https://www.puertomorelosfishing.com/
US Phone (303)325-3986
From Mexico: 01 (998)848-8819
International: 011-52-1-(998)201-9805
Cell local: 044-(998)201-9805/ Cell another city in Mexico 045-(998)201-9805
Sian Ka’an Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Reserve is a beautiful place and you can either go fishing in deep waters or fly-fishing in the world famous salt water lagoons of Sian Ka’an.
Some of the fish that can be found in these waters are: bonefish, tarpon, permit, jack and barracuda.
Visiting the Sian Ka’an reserve is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the local
wildlife as well as the ancient Mayan civilization. Most of these tours are run by experienced guides that also live in the Sian Ka’an Reserve.
Although the primary fishing season is March through August, the year-round marine resources provide abundant schools of many species throughout the year.
More Information:
CESIAK:
https://www.cesiak.org/
Email: info@cesiak.org
Community Tours Sian Ka’an:
https://www.siankaantours.org/en/fly-fishing/
info@siankaantours.org
+52 (984) 871 22 02
+52 (984) 114 07 50
Fishing in the Riviera Maya provides year round options, whether it’s deep sea fishing or fly fishing, fishing for sport or fishing for your dinner, you are sure to catch a good time.
November, Things To Do In the Riviera Maya
Finally the fall is here, we notice a drop in the temperature, the cool breeze; this is our favorite time of the year! It also marks the return of tourists and snowbirds escaping the cold weather, so we have prepared a list of things to do during your stay in the Riviera Maya during November, 2014.
November, things to do in the Riviera Maya: OHL Classic at Mayakoba
The OHL Classic at Mayakoba made history in the world of golf by becoming the first PGA TOUR event to be played outside the United States and Canada. Today, the OHL Classic remains the only PGA TOUR event in Mexico and Latin America, with a total purse of $ 6.1 million dollars. The participants can also get 500 points for the FedEx Cup and an invitation to the Masters, it is the most important golf tournament in Latin America.
The tournament is held annually in November and will feature 132 professional golfers. The tournament is held in El Camaleon Golf Club at Mayakoba, designed by Greg Norman. The rising star, Harris English, is the current defending champion of Mayakoba. Past champions include: John Huh (2012), Johnson Wagner (2011), Cameron Beckman (2010), Mark Wilson (2009), Brian Gay (2008) and Fred Funk (2007).
The best golfer in the country, Carlos Ortiz, three times winner of the Web.com Tour, and defending champion, Harris English, head the list of players who are planning to compete in the only PGA TOUR event in Mexico. There will be also five “Major” winners amongst the 132 participants: Ángel Cabrera, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Justin Leonard and Mike Weir, as well as the Spanish player Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño.
When:
November 13th-16th
Where:
El Camaleon Golf Club
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
https://www.ohlclassic.com
Schedule:
Thursday 13th at 6:20a.m.-First Round of Professional Competition
Friday 14th at 6:20a.m.-Second Round of Professional Competition
Saturday 15th at 9:00a.m.-Third Round of Professional Competition
Sunday 16th at 9:00a.m.-Final Round of Professional Competition
November, things to do in the Riviera Maya: The Cancun Challenge
Live the Cancun Challenge, an exciting event with NCAA college basketball. Every year, thousands of fans gather in the Convention Center at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya to enjoy some of the best college basketball teams fight it out for the championship.
Support your favorite basketball team during the game while enjoying the Riviera Maya.
When:
November 25th-26th: Men’s tournament
November 27th-29th: Women’s tournament
Where:
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Km 72, Carretera Cancun-Chetumal
Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, 77710
Reservations: +52-984-875-1130
Schedule:
| Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014Riviera Tournament
Hartford (A) vs. Furman (H) Noon CT Florida State (A) vs. Washington(H) 2:30 p.m. CT Mayan Tournament Charlotte (A) vs. Montana (H) 5 p.m. CT Princeton (A) vs. Wake Forest (H) 7:30 p.m. CT A (Away) H (Home) |
Friday, Nov. 28, 2014Riviera Tournament
Furman (A) vs. Florida State(H) Noon CT Washington (A) vs. Hartford (H) 2:30 p.m. CT Mayan Tournament Montana (A) vs. Princeton (H) 5 p.m. CT Wake Forest (A)vs. Charlotte(H) 7:30 p.m. CT |
Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014Riviera Tournament
Washington (A) vs. Furman (H) Noon CT Florida State (A) vs. Hartford (H) 2:30 p.m. CT Mayan Tournament Montana (A) vs. Wake Forest (H) 5 p.m. CT Charlotte (A) vs. Princeton (H) 7:30 p.m. CT |
November, things to do in the Riviera Maya: Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
Have you ever dreamed of listening to great jazz music under the stars on the beach, well now you can. Mark your calendar, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is almost here! Remember this is a free event, but you need to arrive early to get a good spot on the beach and you may want to bring chairs, blankets, snacks and some beer or wine to enjoy during the event.
When:
November 27th-29th
Where:
Mamita’s Beach Club
Playa del Carmen
| +52 (984) 803 2868 |
Schedule:
Thursday 27th
Colin Hunter
Pato Machete
TAKE 6
Jorge Vercillo
Friday 28th
Hiram Gomez
Pat Metheny Unity Group (Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez, Ben Williams)
Saturday 29th
Kenny Garrett
Virgil Donati
Chick Corea & The Vigil
Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen
Scuba diving in Playa del Carmen has become a very popular activity for tourists and professional divers from all over the world. Playa del Carmen offers novice and expert courses and tours of various levels of difficulty, making it ideal for everyone interested in diving.
Playa del Carmen is a popular Caribbean destination, with beautiful calm beaches, white sandy shores and a vibrant culture and nightlife. When it comes to destinations in the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen offers an interesting mix of real Mexico and a modern city.
Playa del Carmen is located 45 minutes south of the Cancun International Airport, and sits along the Mesoamerican Reef; the second largest barrier reef in the world. The Mesoamerican Reef is 600 miles (965 km. long) and it is renowned for its abundance of fish life and variety of diving sites.
The Mesoamerican Reef has a wide variety of animal life such as turtles, groupers, barracuda, and tarpon. Other animals that can be found in the reefs are: seahorses, pipefish, fire worms, and all sorts of tiny shrimp and crabs.
Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen: Once in a lifetime experiences
If you visit Playa del Carmen, and you are interested in a diving tour; make sure to shop around for a certified provider. Check sites like Tripadvisor or PADI to make sure you are picking the right provider for you! There are however, diving experiences that are unique, and shouldn’t be missed by any diver visiting the area.
Whale Shark
(May-September)
The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world, it can grow up to 40 feet in length and can weigh up to 13.6 tons. Despite its enormous size, it does not pose any danger to humans since it feeds on phytoplankton, microalgae, plankton, krill and small nektonic life, such as small squid or vertebrates. Do not miss the opportunity to swim close to these gentle giants, a magical experience you will never forget!
Sailfish Adventure
(December–March)
Swim with one of the fastest fish in the ocean, the sailfish can reach speeds of up to 68 mph. During winter, the sailfish arrive in the Mexican Caribbean, near the shores of Contoy Island; attracted by the abundance of sardines in this area. Contoy Island is a nature reserve and a beautiful tropical paradise, this tour is an excellent opportunity to see a variety of native animals in their natural environment.
Bull Shark Dive
(November–March)
Experience the dive of a lifetime with these amazing creatures! The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is a robust shark with a flat rounded snout, grey top and white bottom. The larger females can grow up to 11 feet long, weighs upwards of 500 pounds and live over 15 years. A bull shark is a unique species that can tolerate freshwater, hence these species have been found up rivers and have been responsible for attacks on humans and other species. The attacks of Bull Sharks have inspired movies like jaws, where sharks attack their prey in the open sea, near the shore and even rivers!
Searching for the adventure of a lifetime, look no farther, scuba diving on the Mesoamerican Reef. Don’t miss one of these wonderful experiences! Visit Playa del Carmen.
Looking for the perfect retirement spot, think Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a very popular retirement destination for foreigners, with a booming growth in specialized retirement communities. This makes Puerto Vallarta one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico.
If you are looking for the perfect balance between colonial charm and beautiful beaches, Puerta Vallarta real estate is the place for you! Puerto Vallarta and Hawaii share the same latitude, meaning you can enjoying perfect weather with an average temperature of 84° F; at a fraction of the price for real estate.
With an estimated population of 350,000 inhabitants, Puerto Vallarta has a modern urban infrastructure with paved streets, water treatment and distribution plants, power plants, electrical wiring and a newly expanded airport. There are also marine terminals, hospitals, universities and all the amenities of a big city without losing its colonial charm.
What is it like to retire in Puerto Vallarta?
There is a growing community of expats and retirees, mainly Americans and Canadians. If you do not speak Spanish, a big part of the population, especially young people; can communicate with you in English.
The safety of the population is one of the main concerns of the city, which works really hard on keeping crime at bay. Also, the value of real estate has increased 300% since 2000, making it an excellent long-term investment.
If you live in Vallarta you do not need to deprive yourself of anything, you can have your high speed Internet, cable television and all the major American publications. There is also a wide array of big department stores, specialized shops like office depot or home depot and fast food chains.
Puerto Vallarta is also known for the quality of its medical services, the cost for specialized treatments, including cosmetic surgery; is really affordable. Puerto Vallarta offers qualified professional doctors.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta?
If you are an active individual, Puerto Vallarta offers golf courses, sports fishing and watersports for everybody. Retirement communities also have top notch walking paths, pools and even sports centers.
If you are more into relaxation, there are cinemas, theaters and restaurants. If you love to learn, there is a wide range of educational and cultural activities: languages, flamenco, tango, salsa, and yoga, various styles of martial arts, gardening, cooking, music and visual arts.
You can also volunteer to one of many nonprofit organizations, such as: defense and health care to women, child care, environmental protection and advocacy for the rights of animals.
If you are looking for the perfect balance between colonial charm, beautiful beaches and gorgeous weather, Puerta Vallarta is the place for you!
Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.
And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…
We make it happen!
NFL in Playa del Carmen
The football season is finally here! We are looking forwards the games and the excitement of watching our favorite sports team.
Many expats living in Mexico often wonder where they can go to watch the games?? We have listed some of popular places to enjoy all the NFL games as well as a frosty cold beverage and delicious food.
Here we go!
Legends sports bar
16th Street, between 10th and 15th Avenues
(984) 8030662
https://www.legendsplaya.com
This is one of the best sports bars in Playa del Carmen, with 8 huge HD Screens and a giant projector to enjoy every second of your favorite sport team. Legends Sports Bar update their programs daily, check out if they are showing your team here!
Legends has a very sports bar vibe, an expansive menu and air conditioning. Legends is ideal for enjoying some hot wing and an ice cold beer with friends and family, while cheering for your sports team.
Wah Wah
2nd Street North and the beach
(984) 143 6009
https://www.wahwahbeach.com
Wah Wah is the only sports bar on the beach, and is favorite spot for their cold drinks and delicious food. We recommend the BBQ food and their crispy tacos are to die for, but everything on their menu is top quality.
Wah Wah offers 4 huge flat screen televisions throughout the bar and the largest HD screen in Playa del Carmen all showing sporting and other live events including NFL Football, Hockey, Boxing, Baseball, Soccer and much more. With daily food and drink specials there is no better place to in town to meet up with friends and fellow fans to cheer on your favorite team!
End Zone or EZ Sports Bar
5th Avenue, between 12th and 14th streets.
(984) 803 1872
This popular Sports Bar is located on 5th Avenue, you will always see a crowd watching the game. EZ has access to all important sport events: NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, Soccer, Rugby, Baseball, NASCAR, F1 & boxing. Do not miss a moment of your team, EZ has large screens throughout the bar as well as a projector and the staff is always willing to accommodate their client’s requests.
EZ Bar serves a variety of national and foreign beers, as well as cocktails and soft drinks, they also have restaurant service with tasty snacks and entrees to satisfy anyone’s taste.
One exciting sporting event and three wonderful options to enjoy every minute. If you are more of a homebody, and you would rather host your own NFL Party, many of our properties have huge club houses, palapas and terraces ideal for hosting the gathering of a lifetime. So grill up so steak, crack open a cold one and kick back with your friend and family as your team fight for the championship.
Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.
And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…
We make it happen!
The Long Awaited Home Depot Opens in Playa del Carmen.
When possible, we try to buy our DIY materials and equipment in local shops, but sometimes we couldn’t find what we needed or the selection was limited; so we were forced to go to Cancun to get whatever we needed.
As I have said before, living in Playa del Carmen can spoil you. It sounds terrible when you have to say to your family or friends living overseas, ”Oh well, my weekend was ruined I had to go to Cancun!!”
Anyways, we were excited to see a Home Depot being opened here in Playa del Carmen, on the corner of Carretera Federal and Luis Donaldo Colosio. This is the 109th store opened in Mexico, the second in Quintana Roo. It brings 100 new jobs that benefits local families.
We are sure both professional builders and weekend DYI -ers are excited to have this store in our city. Home Depot offers all sorts of products and materials to build, remodel or decorate your Playa Del Carmen Property.
The governor Roberto Borge Angulo leaded the official traditional “board-cutting ceremony”, surrounded by government officials, suppliers, customers and the general community. After the ceremony The Home Depot donated 100,000 pesos in construction materials to the local branch of “Save The Children”, to help kids in need.
The store looks like any other Home Depot in North America; however it is interesting to see the differences in products that are available. Also, most of the Mexico real estate properties are sold missing closets, kitchens and appliances so Home Depot offers a huge section of products to furnish these areas.
Expect a highly knowledgeable staff that speaks Spanish, there is also some English speaking staff members that can help you to find the right product for your home. Since it is hurricane season, it is a good opportunity to buy materials to weatherproof your home: seals for doors and windows, sealing paint or cool roof coating.
Visit our local Home Depot to find everything you need to remodel or decorate your dream home.
Home Depot – Playa del Carmen
Carretera Cancun – Tulum km 55
Or for locals is the corner of Carretera Federal and Luis Donaldo Colosio
Playa del Carmen
C.P. 77712
Phone number: (984) 871 5800
Hours of Operation
Monday-Saturday 7:00am-10:00pm Sundays 8:00am-10:00pm
Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.
And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…
We make it happen!
ViDAS Gives Back In Playa Del Carmen
ViDAS held its Annual Sterilization Campaign in Playa del Carmen this week. ViDAS the Spanish word for lives, is a non-profit organization made up of Veterinarians, veterinary students and other animal lovers dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through veterinary medicine and education.
ViDAS conducted its first clinic in 2002 with only six veterinary students and two veterinarians. The five day clinic managed to safely sterilize 100 cats and dogs. ViDAS founding members were veterinary students of Colorado State University. Through Dr. Ruth Parkin, one of the founding member’s tireless efforts, ViDAS has grown since that very first clinic in 2002. ViDAS has sterilized over 11,500 animals in over eight different cities around the Yucatan Peninsula.
The six day Annual ViDAS clinic in Playa del Carmen boasted almost 100 volunteers, and around 30 of those volunteers traveled all the way from the United States to aid this great cause. The contribution of many organizations like IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) and local Coco’s Cat Rescue helped to make this week long event a success. It was a record breaking week, ViDAS sterilized around 1,600 cats and dogs.
At the clinic cats and dogs are kept separate to not add stress to the cats. The surgery takes about 15 minutes and then the animal are moved into the first recovery room where they recover from the anesthesia. Then the cat or dog is moved into the second recovery room were their family can join them to provide comfort and aid in their recovery.
The ViDAS clinic is so important to Playa del Carmen because not only does it aid in decreasing the overpopulation of cats and dogs through sterilization but ViDAS also provides much needed education to the community.
ViDAS is constantly working toward their goal: to become more productive and effective at each clinic, to educate locals about the problems and solutions to pet overpopulation and to work with local veterinarians and municipalities on sustainable and humane solutions to overpopulation.
Coco’s Cat Rescue is a local non-profit organization with a no kill policy and is dedicated to reducing the population of unwanted pets in Playa del Carmen. Coco’s Cat Rescue has many project such as offering low cost or free sterilization on a daily basis to pets, street and rescued animals.
TOPMexicoRealEstate.com NETWORK; “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”
Living in Mexico: The Riviera Maya Ultimate Bucket List
So now that you own a slice of gorgeous Mexico real estate, you have all this free time in your hands. You find yourself being more active then you’ve ever been. When you look out your window and see your beautiful Caribbean paradise… you want get out there… and enjoy living in Mexico. So why not start with the ultimate bucket list that lives inside your head. For most dare devils, a bucket list favorite might be something like… swimming with sharks.
Well let’s not get that crazy.
You would like to be alive long enough to enjoy living in Mexico. So might I suggest swimming with the “whale sharks”?
(If you can’t see the video, click here.)
What is a whale shark? Is it a whale or is it a shark? Well they are a shark.
“What! And you want me to swim with them?”
Even though they are the largest known fish, with a record of 41.5 feet long, they are gentle giants. Whale sharks are very docile fish that pose no danger to humans.
The whale shark is named after the whale because of their sheer size and feeding habits. The whale shark is a filter feeder, swimming close to the surface with their mouths open surviving on a buffet of plankton.
Whale shark season is from June to September. That is when the whale sharks migrate to Isla Mujeres to feed; an Island located just north of Cancun. All you have to do is throw on your snorkel gear, jump in the water and swim with these massively impressive but gentle giants.
And guess what, you’re now swimming with sharks… and you get to live to tell about it!
Be adventurist, enjoy living in Mexico, go swim with the “sharks”.
And cross it off your list…
… It’ll be our little secret.
Now if you have any question about this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.
And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…
We make it happen!
TOPMexicoRealEstate.com NETWORK; “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”
