Would You Swim with Whale Sharks? I Did and I Loved It! Part 1

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While many visitors associate Cancun and Playa del Carmen with the winter, there are some great and very unique things to do in the summer, when it’s hot, the water is fresh, the breeze is blowing… I love summer time. Just recently, I remembered that for the hottest months of the year, June-September, it’s the chance to go swimming with the amazing, enormous and fascinating whale sharks.

 

Being the largest fish in the world, they could have their choice of meals, but they prefer the taste of plankton. These awesome animals cruise the waters off the coast of Cancun for only a few months of the year. July or August is the best time to catch them.

 
The first time I we went swimming with the whale sharks out of Holbox, Quintana Roo. We decided to take a weekend trip. We drove to Holbox one Saturday afternoon; it’s about 2hrs from Cancun. Then we took the ferry across to the island of Holbox. It’s a small island, still a little primitive in its ways, (there are no cash machines, so take cash). We learned this the hard way and had to drive 30mins back to the nearest atm.

 

We camped for the night and took the boat ride out into the middle of nowhere. All of a sudden we find ourselves surrounded by these whale sharks. They came right up to the surface to greet us. My mouth dropped open the second I saw them, I was speechless. I hadn’t ever seen any animal so graceful and so very large.

 
After jumping in the water and seeing these things underwater I was even more amazed. They were the size of a small airplane and they were everywhere. After swimming with them for a bit we got out to let some other people have a go. You see, each boat has 6-8 people, so you jump in the water 2 at a time. Once everyone had had their chance, we were eager to get back in the water again with these giant but docile creatures.

 

After a few hours observing, we were given a packed lunch and it was time to head back to land. On the boat ride back we were accompanied by a group of dolphins that were having fun diving in and out of the water along side the boat. We also saw a manta ray jump out of the water, flip and slam back into the water again. I’ll never forget that sight. It was huge, well not as big as the whale sharks, but big for a manta ray.

 

On Monday, I’ll share another story about whale sharks.

 

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Love Is in the Air in Playa del Carmen – The MOST Romantic Thing to Do

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When people say that Playa del Carmen is one of the most romantic places on earth, I’m sure that the beautiful villas, boutique hotels, the luxury resorts and the charming restaurants all add something to the romance that overtakes people in this town.

 

Yet, there is something unquestionably romantic about the place itself – something that transcends simply have a nice hotel to stay in, and perhaps even those unique romantic dinners, boat tours or spiritual cleansing experiences that you may not find anywhere else in the world.

 

There is something about it that any couple – old, young, long-time or new – can enjoy any day of the year. Budget also doesn’t matter – a couple can emerge themselves in the deep romantic of Playa del Carmen whether they have a million dollars that they could spend tomorrow, or don’t even have a cent in their pocket.

 

For that reason, our #1 most romantic way to spend time in Playa del Carmen should come as a surprise to no one:

 

Walking on the beach in the moonlight

 

Imagine, you and your lover walking hand-in-hand with the soft sand in your toes, the moonlight reflecting off the sea, the warm water lapping up over your feet.  Somewhere in the distance you hear mariachis singing and happy people laughing.  But quickly, that all fades away, and the whole world ceases to exist for a few moments that seem like eternity, and it’s only the two of you alone in a mystical paradise of nature.

 

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Happy Valentines Day!

Love Is in the Air in Playa del Carmen – 10 Most Romantic Things to Do (#3)

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On Monday and yesterday Bea and I started sharing what we believe are the 10 most romantic things to do in the Playa del Carmen area.  Today, I will share 3 more items – #4, 3 & 2 on our list, preparing you for the “grand finale” tomorrow on Valentine’s Day – in our opinion, the most romantic thing to do in Playa del Carmen!

 

4. Candle-Light Dinner on a Private Boat

 

The canals of Mayakoba, a resort complex just north of town, capture the spirit of the ancient Mayan mysteries which permeate the area’s jungle; a private dinner on a boat to yourselves, candle light, the sound of the water, and the beauty of the surrounding nature make this one of the most romantic settings to be found – anywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Dinner in Alux Cavern Restaurant
Reaching only a little deeper into the heart of the mysterious Mayan nature, you and your Valentine can enjoy a delicious Mayan dinner deep in a beautifully lit cavern at the entrance to one of the area’s “cenotes” – underground pools, waterways and caverns.

 

Alux Restaurant, located just out of downtown, is a dining experience you will not find anywhere else – and, most importantly, offers a very romantic atmosphere.

 

2. Temazcal Steam Room & Ritual

Steam fills the air with the fragrance of mystical herbs; you hear chanting around you.  Along with the heat of the steam, the essence of the ancient mystery of life penetrates into the deepest part of your being and awakens your senses to beauty as never before.

 

The temazcal is Mexico’s ancient steam room, similar to the traditional saunas where water is sprinkled on hot rocks to fill the room with steam.

 

The difference is that the ancient Aztec and Mayan rituals are intricately intertwined into the steam process, including herbs in the water, chanting and blessings, making the relaxing experience as spiritual as it is physical – the essence of true romance.

 

Tomorrow, Bea will tell you about our #1 romantic activity in Playa del Carmen; the nice thing about it is that it can be combined with any of the other 9 we mentioned, and it captures romance in a very special and unique way that everyone – young or old, new lovers, or a well-seasoned couple – can experience alike to find that new spark of passion …

 

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Love Is in the Air in Playa del Carmen – 10 Most Romantic Things to Do (#2)

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In yesterday’s post, Tom revealed 3 of our top 10 romantic things to do in (and near) Playa del Carmen (#10, 9 & 8.) Today, I will continue with 3 more ways spark up a new romance, or re-kindle one that started decades back!

 

7. Boutique Hotel Downtown Playa
The charm of a beautiful, small luxury hotel with views of the beautiful beach and Caribbean combined with excellent restaurants and the unique ambiance of Fifth Avenue a very short walk away make boutique hotels like Mosquito or Acanto very, very romantic places to spend time with your Valentine.

6. Camping in the Jungle

The sound of the waves, birds singing, wind in the palm trees, hammock swaying, and a beautiful, beautiful beach all to yourself – camping on Sian Ka’an‘s beaches (a very large natural reserve) or on the shores of Bacalar’s lagoon offer something romantic that goes well beyond any hotel or restaurant!

5. Eco-Hotels in Tulum

Imagine waking up in a beachfront cabin, surrounded by jungle, no electricity, no buzzing of cars, but still with the comfort of a Mayan-style cabin and a nice pool, only steps away from the Tulum’s gorgeous beaches.

Cabins such as “Zebra” or Luna Maya are excellent choices; there are also some in the Sian Ka’an.

 

 

 

Tomorrow, we will see three more very romantic ways to spend Valentine’s Day – #4, 3 & 2.

 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

In yesterday’s post, I revealed 3 of our top 10 romantic things to do in (and near) Playa del Carmen (#10, 9 & 8.)  Today, I will continue with 3 more ways spark up a new romance, or re-kindle one that started decades back!

7. Boutique Hotel Downtown Playa
The charm of a beautiful, small luxury hotel with views of the beautiful beach and Caribbean combined with excellent restaurants and the unique ambiance of Fifth Avenue a very short walk away make boutique hotels like Mosquito or Acanto very, very romantic places to spend time with your Valentine.

6. Camping in the Jungle

 

The sound of the waves, birds singing, wind in the palm trees, hammock swaying, and a beautiful, beautiful beach all to yourself – camping on Sian Ka’an‘s beaches (a very large natural reserve) or on the shores of Bacalar’s lagoon offer something romantic that goes well beyond any hotel or restaurant!

5. Eco-Hotels in Tulum

 

Imagine waking up in a beachfront cabin, surrounded by jungle, no electricity, no buzzing of cars, but still with the comfort of a Mayan-style cabin and a nice pool, only steps away from the Tulum’s gorgeous beaches.

Cabins such as “Zebra” or Luna Maya are excellent choices; there are also some in the Sian Ka’an.

Tomorrow, we will see three more very romantic ways to spend Valentine’s Day – #4, 3 & 2.

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Love Is in the Air in Playa del Carmen – 10 Most Romantic Things to Do (#1)

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Playa del Carmen has been named one of the top 10 romantic places in the world.  Besides the splendid beaches, turquoise water, and bright sun, Playa del Carmen has a certain charm about it’s atmosphere not found in most tourist towns.

 

The low-rise buildings, the beauty of Fifth Avenue with its shops and restaurants, the Mexican culture and a taste of Europe offered by the strong Italian presence all combine to make this town truly romantic at any time of year.

 

Now, with Valentine’s Day coming up, this romance is especially noteworthy.  The spark of passion that Playa del Carmen offers couples isn’t just for the young adventurous lovers enthralled in the passion of finding a new romance, or just for newly weds on their honeymoon (although it certainly can be for both of these!)

 

Playa del Carmen’s charm can also be the spark that re-kindles a romance that began decades ago.

 

The following are our top 10 romantic things to do in Playa del Carmen.  I’m sure many people would put this in a different order, and have their own romantic experiences that we’ve left out or didn’t even know about: but this is part of the charm – there’s always more romance to discover!

 

Today, I will share the first three (#10-8) and then three more each day until Valentine’s Day, when I’ll reveal what – f0r me – is the most romantic part of living in Playa del Carmen.

#10. Dinner at Italian Trattoria on Fifth

Sitting with the person you love the most (whether it be just for the first time that evening, or for your lifetime) looking out over Fifth Avenue, enjoying delicious Italian food and excellent wine, with mariachis serenading – chances are, you’ll be so in love that you won’t even notice the beautiful atmosphere.

 

#9. Romantic Dinner on the Beach

D
inner in the warm breeze from the ocean by the light of candles and lanterns, the sound of the waves lapping up against the beach – who needs say more?  Restaurants like Zenzi downtown offer excellent Valentine’s Day dinners and drinks.

 

#8. A Day (and Night) at a Beachfront Resort

The comfort of complete luxury, a lounge area with a pool overlooking the beach and complete service for anything you might need will allow you to forget about everything – except love!

Upscale luxury resorts like Viceroy just north of Playa del Carmen are an excellent choice for visitors and expats who live here.

 

Tomorrow we will see #7, 6 and 5.

 

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See how Mexico’s Caribbean Island Celebrates Carnival! – Cozumel in Pictures

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For the last two days, I posted about the Carnival celebrations in Playa del Carmen.  I also love the carnival in Cozumel. We take full advantage of the carnival to take the ferry across to Cozumel, the largest island in Mexico. It’s about a 40min ferry ride. In Cozumel, the carnival parade travels directly down the main street that is parallel with the oceanfront. So, not only do you get to see the amazing parade, but the breeze and sunset behind you also make for extra special pictures and memories.

 

During this week in early February, the weather is perfect. Not to hot and not to cool! That makes it perfect for the late afternoon parade.

 

This is truly a whole family event. People of all ages participate in the parade and it really shows a sense of community. Just a piece of advice if you do decide to take in the carnival in Cozumel, buy a return ticket to Playa del Carmen and try to take the second last ferry back. The last ferry is always jam-packed and the line to board is always long. Or you could just relax and spend the night in one of Cozumel’s beautiful hotels or resorts.

 

Here are a few pictures:

If you’re not already living here and enjoying Mexico’s colorful and lively festivities, I hope that you will be soon – soon enough to enjoy Carnival in Mexico for 2014.

 

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Celebrate Carnival in Playa del Carmen! The Parade in Pictures

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Earlier today, we went to Playa’s Carnival Parade! The parade is a 2-day event, with lots of other activities happening all around the city.  The parade itself follows constituyentes from 3th down towards the beach to the famous Fifth Avenue. Then travels all the way along Fifth Avenue. This is the best place to catch the action.

 

Check out some pictures

 

Tomorrow, I’ll share some pictures of the Cozumel Carnival.

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Celebrate Carnival in Playa del Carmen! Food, Festivities, Concerts and Crafts – Pictures

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Yesterday, I shared some pictures of Carnival throughout Mexico.

 

Now, it’s time for Carnival in Playa! I love carnival. Everyone enjoying a parade of people dressed in amazing, sometimes outrageous outfits. It’s a chance to let go and really enjoy life.

 

Here in Playa del Carmen, the festivities last all week, starting with a fair and concerts on Friday. There’s a small fair in front of city hall with all kinds of spectacular foods to taste. The kids even get time off from school. Classes are canceled for Monday and Tuesday after the parade weekend, so the party can keep going.

 

Here’s a “taste” of what you get:

 

This couple is ready to enjoy some very tasty (and very unhealthy) Mexican snacks:
Retiring in Playa del Carmen

 

Retiring in Playa del Carmen

 

Retiring in Playa del Carmen

 

Rides and concerts:
Retiring in Playa del Carmen

 

Retiring in Playa del Carmen

 

Finally, one of the booths selling handicrafts:
Retiring in Playa del Carmen

 

Retiring in Playa del Carmen

 

Later today, I’ll put some pictures of the parade.

 

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Did You Know about Carnival in Mexico?

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When most of us think of “Carnival” the first (and only) place to come to mind is Rio de Janeiro.  What most people don’t know is that the entire Caribbean region, including Central America and Mexico, is fairly rich in Carnival traditions.  While the parades and festivities are smaller than that of Rio, a few cities such as Veracruz and Mazatlan have very large celebrations full of bright colours, dancing, music, costumes, good food and merry-making in general.  Here are some pictures of these two festivities.

 

This is a float from the parade in Veracruz:
 

Here you can see how big the festivities in Mazatlan are:
 

Most people know that Carnival has its roots in allowing for exaggerated extravagance to prepare for the upcoming austerity and solemness of Lent.  With its strong Catholic roots and the heavy importance traditionally placed on Lent, many cities, towns and communities throughout Mexico celebrate Carnival with a variety of local customs, and a good deal of variety in the size and intensity of the celebration.

 

Veracruz, again:

Festivals in Mexico

 

Tlaxcala, (in central Mexico):

Festivals in Mexico

 

Cuernavaca, (near Mexico City):

Festivals in Mexico

 

A traditional costume:

Festivals in Mexico

 

In the Yucatan Peninsula, the largest celebrations can be found in Merida, Campeche and Cozumel.  Playa del Carmen also has its own celebrations.  Tomorrow we will see some pictures of Carnival in Playa.

 

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In Chichen Itza, I Rediscover The Ancient Mayans Each Time! Gallery #2

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In yesterday’s post, I shared some pictures of the main temple, or “Castillo,” and other central features in one of the world’s greatest pyramid sites – Chichen Itza. Today I have a few more to share from various parts of the site.

 

The ball court, where the winners would have the “honor” of being sacrificed to the gods, or so the story goes:

 

 

 

 

The famous Choc Mool:

 

 

And finally, just some shots of nice scenes throughout the ancient city:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures as much as I did taking them!

 

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