WATER SPORTS IN CANCUN
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Water Sports in CANCUN
In this destination you will find several marinas that offer water activities, with professional guides and operators who operate excellent fleets. There is an almost unlimited variety of activities, you can rent a jet ski or catamaran, take a tour through the mangroves driving a speedboat, travel in a submarine, snorkel in one of the reefs of Cancun, Cozumel or Puerto Morelos, or else dive in one of the sunken ships that are between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Cancun has 14 miles of white-powder sand beach, these magnificently restored beaches are among the world’s finest. They are ideal for all kind of water sports. There are many watersports centers and marinas manned by expert guides and professional operators with excellent fleets for providing all the services you might require.
You can rent a wave runner or catamaran, go on a jungle tour through the mangroves driving a speedboat, take a trip on a glass bottom boat, travel in a submarine, snorkel in one of the reefs of Cancun, Cozumel or Puerto Morelos, or even get SCUBA-certified by an experienced dive instructor, and dive in a sunken ship. Cancun keeps its guests on the go with an unlimited assortment of the latest leisure pursuits.
Map of Water Sports in QUINTANA ROO
Windsurfing – Cancun has some great spots for windsurfing, where enthusiasts can glide across the water as they are pushed by the wind. Windsurf boards can be rented at many hotels and at any of the marinas and waterparks. The best season is during the summer months when the northwest wind blows sideshore and create ideal windsurfing conditions.
Kitesurfing – The main kiteboarding spot in Cancun is Isla Blanca, situated only just twenty-five minutes north of Cancun. It is a peninsula with a large flat shallow saltwater lagoon surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It is possible to kitesurf with any wind direction. There is plenty of space to ride downwind and walk back upwind and it is a great place to learn kiteboarding as the lagoon is all waist water deep. The windy season is November to June; November to April, the wind is strong (10-35knts) and cold but very consistent, and from April to May the wind averages 12-25knts.
Parasailing – This is one of the best ways to see Cancun from a different angle. Enjoy a comfortable and secure ride, with a friend or one member of your family, as you are lifted from a platform on the back of the boat. Before you know it, you’ll be flying at a height between 200 and 330 ft. Then just sit back in comfort and gaze the impressive Caribbean Sea, the Nichupte lagoon and Cancun hotel zone. Amazing experience! You may hire your parasailing ride in most of the beaches along the hotel zone, as well with some water activities companies.
Paddle boarding (SUP) – This trendy water sport is becoming really popular since it’s a great exercise. You can enjoy this activity on flat and shallow waters of beaches such as Playa Las Perlas and Playa Langosta in Cancun or Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres. If you want a different experience, you can explore the Nichupte Lagoon, weaving your way through mangrove tunnels, pathways, and Lazy River giving you the chance to enjoy a small hidden beach and see a great variety of birds.If you just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea, a Stand Up Paddle yoga class is the best option.
Wing diving – This activity is new water activity in the Mexican Caribbean and is not offered in many places in the world. You just have to hang on to a board, that is really easy to manueve, while a speedboat drags you through the water. Because of the flexibility of the board you can go up and down and make pirouettes in the water like a dolphin. This amazing sport is for children and adults and can be done in Isla Mujeres.
Flyboarding – A totally different water sport, it consists of a pair of boots Aattached to a board, jet nozzles and hoses connected to a waverunner. It is not as difficult as it seems, as you become accustomed to the gear and find your balance you will find it easy to navigate and will soon be soaring above the water, and when you dominate the art of flyboarding, you can fly up to 6 ft. and then dive into the ocean, just like a dolphin.
Wakeboarding – It is an exciting way to enjoy the calm waters of the Nichupté Lagoon, an ideal place for all levels.
Speed Boating – Experience the jungle landscapes as you drive a 2-person speedboat through the canals and dense mangroves of the Nichupte Lagoon. You can also add snorkeling in Punta Nizuc where you will find the second largest coral reef in the world with amazing biodiversity.
Kayaking – This is one of the many ways you can have fun in the beautiful waters around Cancun. Many resorts offer kayaking tours (single or tandem) to explore coastal waters or the mangroves into the Nichupté Lagoon. You can paddle in the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea in most of the
Jetpack – This is a fun way to make your flying dreams come true. Fly, spin, and dive into the water with Jet Pack. After 10 minutes of instruction you’ll take off and truly enjoy this exciting experience. The throttle is controlled remotely by your instructor, which also will help you giving instructions through the hermetic headphones in the helmet.
Jetovator – This is a hybrid watercraft that blends the powerful performance of a modern jet ski with a unique riding style similar to a bike. As the engine revs you can start flying above the waters of Nichupté Lagoon powered only by massive streams of water. Regardless its impressive dimensions, it is incredibly easy to ride. A thrilling experience you won’t forget.
Seabreacher – This tour is for adventure lovers. Ride in an 18-foot (5.5-meter) long Seabreacher, a closed semi-submersible watercraft that resembles a white shark powered by a 260 hp-supercharged engine and has the ability to balance, make 90-degree turns, jump 20 ft. out of the water, and reach speeds of up to 55 mph (89 kph), if you dare. It has a glass cabin similar to an F-16 airplane and is operated by a certified pilot.
Boating – You can go on a sailing tour or charter, a sailboat or catamaran of your own and have a fun day visiting stunning beaches, swimming, and snorkeling; you can also enjoy a romantic sunset sail or have fun in a thematic boat and experience an authentic pirate adventure at sea, including exquisite food, shows, dances, games, contests, and a beach party.
Snorkeling in CANCUN
Most hotels rent snorkeling gear. Among the best places to enjoy the underwater world are:
- Punta Cancun in Cancun
- Punta Nizuc in Cancun
- El Farito in Isla Mujeres
- Manchones Reef in Isla Mujeres
- Puerto Morelos Reef National Park in Puerto Morelos
- Heaven in Cozumel
- Colombia Reef in Cozumel
Another way to explore the underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean in a comfortable and original way is with an underwater scooter known as BOB (Breathing Observation Bubble) with a helmet that contains an oxygenation system. So you can know the seabed without being a professional diver.
Scuba Diving in CANCUN
The amount of sites and natural wonders to discover deep in the Caribbean Sea in Cancun is not compared to any other place; be it touring an underwater museum (MUSA), visiting a sunken ship, or simply admiring the beauty on the reefs; the experience of diving in the Mexican Caribbean is unique in the world.
Diving Conditions
Cancun is renowned for its shallow reefs with dazzling colors and extensive marine fauna. The gentle currents and some shipwrecks make diving in these waters unique.
The water temperatures in the sea range between 25º-28º C (77-82º F) in winter and 27-29º (81-85º F) in summer. While in the cenotes the temperature is a little lower, they have a constant temperature of 24ºC (75ºF). Visibility ranges from 12 meters. (40 ft.) During the winter months at 27 mts. (90 ft.) In summer. Visibility in cenotes and caverns is up to 50 meters. (150 ft.).
Places to Dive
MUSA Underwater Museum of Art.
Punta Cancun, one of the most popular in the destination with colorful coral formations where it is easy to find manta rays, barracudas and sharks.
Chitales Reefs, shallow (10 mts. / 35 ft.) With great visibility located near Punta Cancun, is an ideal place for beginners where you can see lobster, rays and groupers, among others.
C58 Minesweeper, is a World War II ship that is in good condition at a depth of (24 mts. / 80 ft.). It is a place for expert divers due to the strong currents.
National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, is located only 100 mts. (328 ft.) from the beach. There are several excellent reefs for diving such as:
- Los Jardines, at a depth of 17 meters (45 ft.) With colorful reefs and a great variety of marine fauna.
- El Puente, with a depth of 20 meters. (60 ft.) With natural bridges and where you can find big fish.
- Cuevones, with a depth of 20 meters. (60 ft.) With caves under the corals that are home to several species.
- Maroma Wall, with a depth of 21 to 30 meters. (70 to 100 ft.) With large barrel sponges and large fish, a place with very strong currents so it is recommended for experienced divers.
- C-56 Cañonero Juan Escutia, with a depth of 21 to 27 meters (70 to 90 ft.), Is a place where you can find spotted eagle rays, especially in winter, moray eels and manta rays.
- Other reefs worth visiting are: La Bocana, and El Túnel where it is easy to find turtles, eagle rays, sharks and an endless number of colorful fish.
Other Diving Experiencies
Reefs in Isla Mujeres:
Bandera Reef, is characterized by its elongated shape and is located between Cancun and Isla Mujeres; at a depth of 12 meters. (40 ft.) You can find beautiful elkhorn reefs and large crabs, moray eels, lobsters, barracudas and angelfish.
In the Riviera Maya you can dive in caves and cenotes that form the largest underground freshwater system on earth. These mystical places offer unforgettable experiences for both beginner and more experienced divers. It is always recommended to be accompanied by a specialized guide.
If you want to do extreme diving, you can swim with bull sharks that can measure more than three meters and weigh up to 250 kg. These majestic animals appear on the shores of Playa del Carmen from November to March. To be able to participate in this dive you need to be an experienced diver and enjoy adrenaline. It is possible to interact and photograph the sharks at a depth of 22 to 27 meters. (75 to 90 ft.).
MUSA: The Art of Conservation
MUSA, The Underwater Museum of Art, is located in the National Marine Park of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. It has more than 500 sculptures installed on the seabed distributed in 3 galleries: Galería Manchones, in Isla Mujeres where the sculptures are located 8 meters. (26 ft.) Deep; Punta Nizuc Gallery and Punta Sam Gallery, both in Cancun, with the sculptures at a depth of 4 meters. (13 ft.).
MUSA has gained international recognition for the originality of its work. All the sculptures, made with marine concrete, were placed in order to create an artificial habitat that helps preserve the beauty of the natural reef and its corals.
Fishing
In Cancun it is possible to enjoy fly fishing, sport fishing and deep sea fishing. The waters of the Mexican Caribbean have great marine wealth, which ensures that you always have a good experience when you go fishing. There are all kinds of boats and you can combine the experience of fishing with other activities such as snorkeling.
There are several types of fishing in Cancun: fly fishing, spinning or light tackle, bottom fishing and deep sea fishing. There is always something for everyone, from the beginner to the experienced fishermen. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea are rich in biodiversity; they teemed with marine life, which means excellent sport fishing. You can always enjoy calm water, low stress and plenty of action, beside you can customize your trip including snorkeling adventures.
More Tourist Attractions in QUINTANA ROO
Cancun
Cancun is recognized around the world for its spectacular white sand beaches, its fascinating sea with turquoise blue waters and its unique climate. In addition, it has excellent air and land connectivity, as well as a first-rate hotel infrastructure that places it as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Year after year Cancun is the destination chosen by national and international visitors thanks to the wide range of attractions and tourist places it offers such as: Mayan culture and history that can be enjoyed in its museums and archaeological sites, water activities, adventure tourism, great variety of gastronomic experiences, spectacular shopping centers as well as seductive entertainment offers for the whole family.… Read More
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya offers wonderful beaches, turquoise waters and fine white sand, archeological sites, picturesque little towns, recreation centers, freshwater lagoons, underwater caves and cenotes, as well as ecological, and food and lodging options ranging from rustic cabins to gleaming condos, five-star hotels, and all inclusive accommodation. Here you can be seduced by an exquisite culinary tour, experiencing the regional cuisine prepared with the inherited Mayan recipes. About the nightlife, Riviera Maya has an exciting and cosmopolitan options with a wide variety of bars and nightclubs along the beach. It is an ideal setting for romance, making it a favorite of those who want a beach wedding or an unforgettable honeymoon.… Read More
Cozumel Island
With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together. You will always find a friendly face and a warm welcome to make your stay an unforgettable one. Cozumel’s mostly undeveloped territory at the center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons, which are home to tiny mammals and endemic birds that have never left the island. Noteworthy is the Chankanaab National Park, a Cozumel icon, and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. This huge protected area at the southern tip of the island includes Punta Celarain and its historical lighthouse, as well as the Colombia Lagoon, a shelter for many of the island’s endemic species, as well as other endangered forms of life, such as marine turtles and their nesting areas.… Read More
Eco Parks in Quintana Roo
Other options to experience adventure in Quintana Roo are the various natural, thematic, adventure, extreme and aquatic parks where in addition to living exciting and entertaining experiences it is possible to get in touch with nature. Xavage: It is an extreme adventure park with various activities that include a suspended rope circuit, a horizontal zip line, driving an all-terrain vehicle and rafting. Maya Park: Located in the hotel zone of Cancun, it offers a series of activities whose theme is “culture through adventure.” The tour begins with a video that tells the history of the Mayans, continuing with a zip line flight and boat rides through the Nichupté Lagoon. Finally, you will go through the Mayan Path, where you can participate in a Mayan dance and appreciate some elements of this culture.… Read More
Tulum
The Archaeological Zone of Tulum is a must see and the best example of Mayan charm thanks to its ruins located on the edge of the Caribbean Sea; In addition to being the only archaeological zone that sits on the edge of a cliff, under which is the Playa del Paraíso, one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya and most likely the most portrayed.… Read More
Water Sports in the Riviera Maya
The perfect climate and best weather for Water Sports can be found in the Riviera Maya! Enjoying a day under the bright sun, might be something you find hard to stop doing on your relaxed vacations, just the idea of leaving the comfort of the white sand beaches, but when you do you’re rewarded with clear waters for great visibility and year-round warm water, you won’t resist the idea of practicing great water sports. We offer a great variety of water activities for you to choose from, sports like jet skiing and wave runners, parasailing, snorkeling tours, scuba diving trips, swimming with dolphins and deep sea fishing trips that will get you out on the water and let you be active!… Read More
Water Sports in Cozumel
If you are looking for a place with diverse options where each member of the family finds interesting activities, Cozumel is one of the best choices: for the most daring, diving or snorkeling to get to know one of the most important reefs in the world, through kayaking, kite boarding and wind surfing for those who prefer to stay close to the shore, even sport fishing, for family members who prefer to spend a quieter time.… Read More
Archaeological Sites in Quintana Roo
Among the many attractions of Quintana Roo is having access to the vestiges of an ancient culture as fascinating as the Mayan culture. Just a few hours away you can visit several very important sites.The archaeological sites of the Mexican Caribbean can be visited any day of the week between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., in some of them there are guides who speak several Languages. If you are passionate about archaeological remains, you can visit some in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Xcaret and Xel-Há.… Read More
Magical Towns in Quintana Roo
Get to know the Magic Towns of Quintana Roo: Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Bacalar and marvel at their stories, with their archaeological sites, their turquoise waters, ecotourism and adventure activities. Here you will learn about the ancient Mayan civilization, whose essence remains to this day. You will learn about the work of artisans, whose expertise is passed from generation to generation and you will delight in the mixtures of smells and flavors of the exquisite gastronomy of the region.… Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure in Quintana Roo
In Quintana Roo there are wonderful natural attractions such as the majestic mangroves, the exuberant jungle, the coral reefs, the mystical cenotes and the mysterious underwater caverns. In Cancun and some other destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, it is also possible to admire, live and learn about the conservation of different species of animals, as well as marvel at the diversity of flora characteristic of the area.… Read More
Gastronomy of Quintana Roo
The Gastronomy of Quintana Roo shares several elements with that of Yucatán and Campeche, in which traditional and contemporary cooking techniques are mixed. Although in places like Playa del Carmen and Cancun, where migrants from other countries live, the dishes have been enriched with international flavors. In regional cuisine, ingredients of pre-Hispanic origin are combined with those brought by the Spanish. The dishes of chicken, pork, beef and rabbit meat stewed and seasoned with oregano, purple onion, sour orange, sweet chili, pumpkin seed, tomato, achiote, habanero pepper and coriander stand out among other ingredients.… Read More
Golf Courses in Quintana Roo
The golf circuit in and around the Mexican Caribbean makes it one of the most competitive destinations both within and beyond our borders. It Offers 15 operating courses, other interesting golf complexes. In an advanced planning stage and the endorsement of international tournaments such as the PGA Tour at Mayakoba, the only PGA event to take place outside the United States and Canada. Cancun is on the verge of becoming México’s new golf leader, with seven courses in Cancun, another seven in La Riviera Maya and one more in Cozumel.
Courses are full-service venues, each with a professional pro shop, well-maintained golf carts, driving range, putting green, Bermuda fairways and greens, caddies, top quality equipment rentals, restaurants, and beverage cart. All the courses are open to the public (some require advance arrangements for access).… Read More
Shopping in Quintana Roo
The shopping experience in Quintana Roo every day becomes more sophisticated and cosmopolitan thanks to the wide variety of options that the destination offers. In addition, it is a duty-free zone for a wide range of items such as perfumery and cosmetics, as well as for wines and spirits, to name a few. There are exclusive and modern shopping centers in the hotel zone and in downtown Cancun with shops and boutiques that allow the visitor to find national and international renowned brands. Each shopping center has a unique architectural style, as well as an attractive range of services and entertainment options for the whole family.… Read More
Chetumal
Costa Maya is located on the south of the Quintana Roo state and has many locations to choose from: a typical Caribbean enclave like Chetumal, a Magic Town like Bacalar, beautiful beaches like Mahahual and Xcalak and amazing Mayan sites such as Chacchoben or Kohunlich. Blessed with an unbeatable combination of tropical forest, wetlands, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, abundant wildlife and magnificent archaeological sites, Grand Costa Maya has long been one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. This is an ideal place for adventure lovers as well as for people who loved Mayan culture, since several communities in here have preserved timeless traditions.… Read More
Guided Tours in QUINTANA ROO
Flights & Hotels in CANCUN
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