WATER SPORTS IN THE RIVIERA MAYA
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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!
Map of Water Sports in QUINTANA ROO
Diving in the RIVIERA MAYA
THE UNDERWATER WORLD IN THE RIVIERA MAYA
The Riviera Maya provides divers with a world of underwater options. With the second largest reef in the world along its coastline, is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are facilities, instructors and equipment rentals at Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras, Xpu-Há, Kantenah, Chemuyil, Xcacel and Akumal, known as a diver’s paradise.
Reef diving in the Riviera Maya
Cerebros (Brains), properly named after the abundant brain corals in the area. This is a shallow dive that bottoms out at 35ft/12m in sand. There is almost no current and the visibility ranges from 40-70ft (15m – 20m). This is home to many lobsters, crabs, moray eels, and scorpionfish.
Los Arcos (The arches), is the deepest dive out of Playa. It’s a wall dive with the top of the wall starting at 75ft (24m) and bottoms out in sand at 110ft (33m). The site has two beautiful arches. The average visibility is around 100ft (30m). The depths along with the currents make this one of our most advanced dives.
Pared Verde (Green Wall), spectacular coral formations full of marine life. The top of the wall starts at 75ft (24m) and bottoms out in sand at 100ft (30m). The current here is moderate and the average visibility is 100ft (30m). There is a chimney style swim thru towards the end of the dive. Here you can see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, and large moray eels.
Moc-che Deep, is a continuous wall dive that starts in 65ft (20m) and bottoms out in sand at 100ft (30m). There is a light to moderate current present with an average visibility of 100ft (30m). During the winter, bull sharks can sometimes be seen.
Moc-Che Shallow, is a winding reef that gently slopes down to sand. There are numerous coral formations. The top of the reef is in 25ft (8m) and bottoms out in sand at 40ft (14m). There is a light to moderate current with an average visibility of 70ft (20m). The highlight of the dive is a beautiful arch covered in coral, home to a large green moray eel.
Jardines (Gardens), this is a reef plenty of color and sea life. A shallow dive takes us to a maximum of 70ft (20m) with an average visibility of 70ft (20m). It is easy to spot moray eels, lobsters and in some months you can find nurse sharks. It is a good place for beginners.
Chunzumbul, is a garden like reef with a depth of 35ft (12m). There is little or no current with an average visibility of 70ft (20m). Here you can find small rays, arrow crabs, pipefish, flounders, schools of snappers, grunts, and porkfish. This is a nice place for beginners.
Sábalos (Tarpon), a finger reef that has ledges and overhangs. The depths range from 20-50ft (6m-14m) and the average visibility is around 70ft (20m). There can be moderate to strong currents here. Sometimes a large school of tarpon and large rays can be seen
towards the end of the dive.
Barracuda, is named after the large barracudas that can be seen in this reef. This site is a set of finger reefs with lots of ledges and overhangs to explore. There is moderate to strong current here with visibility around 70ft (20m). The depths range from 20-50ft (6m-14m). There are large schools of fish around all the ledges as well as large morays, lobsters, king crabs, pipefish and seahorses.
Tortuga (Turtles), is a gently sloping reef where you can find Hawksbills, Loggerheads, and Green sea turtles feeding. The reef starts in 60ft (18m) and fade out into sand at 120ft (40m). There is always a light to moderate current and the average visibility is 100ft (30m). Some of the sightings here include, bull and hammerhead sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, and in some rare cases whale sharks.
Mama Viña, you will find a shrimp boat intentionally sunk covered with reef; due to its depth 90ft (28m) and strong currents; this is a dive for experienced divers only. The scenery here is dramatic, and with an average of 100ft/30m visibility, makes for great underwater photography.
Islote, is a slope dive with fantastic visibility ranging from 100-130ft (30-40m). There is a light current, a good place for underwater photography. The top of the slop is in 70ft (20m) and slopes steeply to 110ft (33m). The reef is home to lobsters, turtles, large king crabs, nurse sharks, large stingrays, and a huge school of horse-eyed jacks. In summer, sailfish and marlin can be seen here.
Punta Venado (Deer Point), this dive site reach a maximum of 70ft (20m) with a light current, the reef has a visibility of 80-100ft (27-30m). Here you can find large morays, lobsters, nurse sharks, and turtles.
Cañones (Cannons), a beautiful 30m dive takes us along amazing coral canyons with rich marine life.
Meros (Groupers), the depths range from 49-82ft (15- 25m), it is a great place to find large groupers and often boasts schools of jacks and colorful fish.
Cuevitas (Small Caves), this dive site is full of swim- trough’s and overhangs covered with colorful corals; a shallow dive takes us to a maximum of 15m is perfect for beginners, turtles and large barracudas are often seen here.
Escuelitas, Two large patches of coral surrounded by schools of tropical fish, not reaching a depth beyond 10m with good visibility, another excellent choice for beginners.
El Dorado, deep canyons of this dive site reach a maximum of 38m, but is generally dived to 30m; home to a wide variety of corals and sponges; you can see barracudas, rays, large moray eels and nurse sharks.
Cuernos de Alce (Deer Antlers), boasts a large number of huge antler shaped corals, the habitat of many schools of fish; this dive site reach a maximum of 75ft (25m).
Sirenis, this dive site reach up to 58m; during the winter you can see hammerhead sharks, although the current tends to be strong, you can also make dive between 91- 111ft (28-34m). Here you can expect to see very large schools of barracudas and turtles.
Bubblemaker, here even the little ones can join in on the diving fun; from eight years of age your kids can enjoy, under the supervision of an instructor, a dive to a maximum of 2 meters surrounded by colorful fish and a amazing reef.
Shark Diving
Shark diving has recently grown in popularity worldwide, and Playa del Carmen the best bull shark feed in the Americas. From November until end of February, you can dive with bull shark. On this dive you will be standing on a sandy bottom while the dive master feed these amazing animals. These sharks gets a maximum size of 11,5ft (3,5m) and a maximum weight of 440lb (200 kg), are not shy and they swim among divers. This is a unique, enlightening, amazing, and exhilarating experience.
Diving in a Cenote
The Riviera Maya is known for the best cenotes-cavern diving in the world. There are more than 100 cenotes, 52 of which have been identified as sufficient for diving and snorkeling. Diving conditions in caves are ideal with crystal clear freshwater, pleasant warm temperature year-round (77oF), relative shallow depths (25ft-40 ft.), no current, super visibility and caverns beautifully decorated by stalactites, stalagmites, columns and amazing coral and seashell’s fossils.
Some caves have open entrance like: Angelita, El Pit, Jardín del Edén / Ponderosa, Car Wash / Aktun-Ha, and Calavera; some others like Chak Mool, Dream Gate, Dos Ojos and Tajma-Ha have room entrance.
Diving between stalactites and eslagamites where visibility is as clear as the air is to immerse yourself in what the Mayans considered the entrance to the mythical underworld.
Snorkel in the RIVIERA MAYA
Most of the beaches in the Riviera Maya are excellent for snorkeling. Among the best places are: Punta Bete, Xcalacoco, Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras, Xpu-Ha, Kantenah, Akumal, Chemuyil, Xcacel and Xel-Ha with its interconnected underground rivers. Other options include Boca Paila and Punta Allen.
You can also snorkeling in a Cenote, and enjoy crystal clear waters.
Fishing in the RIVIERA MAYA
The Riviera Maya fishing is renowned all over the world, and is on the list of the most amazing fishing destinations. The natural geology of this area works in the fisherman’s favor, the waters are teeming with fish. The deep-water channel between the Yucatan Coast and Quintana Roo squeeze the Gulf Stream as it passes by on its journey northward. This “funnel” effect causes an upwelling and an abundance of fish.
In the Riviera Maya, anglers of all skill levels are able to enjoy fly fishing, deep sea fishing and light tackle fishing. The waters of the Riviera Maya are home to more than 35 large species of fish including Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), Tuna, Kingfish, Barracuda, Grouper, and Snapper, just to name the most popular among anglers.
Ascencion Bay and the lagoons in Boca Paila are some of the best places for sport fishing; there are hundreds of square miles of crystal clear flats where it’s common to see bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and jacks or barracuda in the same day, all year round.
Fly-fishing is practiced in the area of Punta Allen, Capechen Lagoon and San Miguel Lagoon. The high season goes from March to June. You can hire deep-sea fishing charters from the hotels or in some marinas located in Playa del Carmen, Xpu-Ha, Kantenah, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, and Tulum. The boats have all the fishing equipment and the captain and crew will help enhance your experience.
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 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 23 kilometers of beaches of fine white sand and turquoise blue waters, considered among the best and most beautiful in the world. They are ideal for all kinds of water activities.… 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
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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
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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 RIVIERA MAYA
Flights & Hotels in RIVIERA MAYA
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