All aboard this summer for an unforgettable voyage through sparkling turquoise waters. From snorkeling and island ports of call to once-in-a-lifetime eco trips, there are plenty of sailing adventures to choose from in the Mexican Caribbean and Thomas More Travel will help you arrange your day out on the waves.
All aboard a catamaran to Isla Mujeres
Set sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres to discover the charms of this Caribbean island treasure. As you cross the bay take in the incredible views of the Caribbean. You can stop for a spot of snorkeling on the way and after exploring Isla, sit down for a delicious seafood lunch at one of the restaurants along the waterfront. You’ll want to stay on for the sunset, this is one of the best places to see it.
Contoy calls
Go in search of nature and plan a trip to Contoy, the palm-fringed desert island of Caribbean legend and lore that is an important bird sanctuary. Over 150 bird species make their home on the island and you are sure to see colonies of frigate birds and cormorants, terns, ibis, roseate spoonbills, herons and egrets. You may even be lucky enough to see flamingos.
Contoy is a two-and-a-half-hour boat trip north of Cancun and the shades of turquoise and blue water that you’ll pass through are simply breathtaking. Spend the day watching the birds, relaxing on the beach, or snorkeling and swimming with rays and other fish in the sheltered bay.
An eco cruise is available to Contoy during the week, ask at the Thomas More Travel desk for information on departures.
Summer whale shark trips
During the summer, you have the life-changing opportunity to swim with the mysterious giants of the deep, the gentle whale sharks. This unforgettable eco trip is available from June to September when hundreds of whale sharks or pez domino (domino fish, so named for their dappled skin) gather to filter feed on plankton and fish roe in the waters off Holbox and Cabo Catoche and to the east of Contoy and Isla Mujeres.
During the boat ride out to the whale shark feeding grounds from Cancun, you’ll learn about the world’s largest fish, how it migrates thousands of miles through the tropics to feed and breed, whale shark research and the rules for swimming alongside them. You may see turtles and dolphins and huge manta rays often join the whale sharks to feed on plankton.
Sailing and snorkeling in Puerto Morelos
How about a morning of sailing and snorkeling in Puerto Morelos National Marine Park? A few minutes on a boat navigating through crystal-clear waters will have you out at the reef where wonders await you beneath the surface.
Part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second longest coral reef system, the Puerto Morelos reef is rich in biodiversity. Keep a look out for pairs of queen angelfish in blue, turquoise and yellow, schools of blue tangs, yellow and black striped pork fish and sergeant majors and the tiny squirrel and butterfly fish that hide in crevices among the corals. You might even spot a sea turtle feeding on sea grass, an octopus, moray eels or rays.
Coasting along the Riviera Maya
Follow the maritime routes of the ancient Maya along the Riviera Maya shoreline on a catamaran or yacht cruise. You’ll see beaches and palm-lined bays that you didn’t even know existed, hidden inlets and even tiny temples and lookout points on rocky promontories that were used by long-lost mariners.
Sunset cruises
Watching the sun go down over the mainland and the sky turn rose, gold, violet and red and then to the deepest blue as the first stars appear is an amazing moment and it’s even better when you catch a glimpse of the Caribbean moon rising. It’s all aboard in Cancun for a lobster dinner cruise in the lagoon or a luxury yacht trip on the bay or join the crew of the pirate ship Jolly Roger for an evening of buccaneering, ahoy there me hearties fun and fireworks.
There are also sunset catamaran and yacht trips departing from Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Cozumel.
Caribbean fishing
Fancy a day of fishing? Thomas More Travel offers yacht charters with seasoned crews to take you to the richest fishing grounds.
Departing from Cancun, boats head to the east of Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Holbox islands or along the Arrowsmith Bank.
Puerto Morelos is one of the most popular spots in the Mexican Caribbean for sport fishing and is just a short boat ride away from the rich fishing grounds along the deep ocean trench between the Riviera Maya coast and the island of Cozumel known as the Cozumel Channel.
Further south, Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras, Punta Allen in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and the Costa Maya fishing villages of Mahahual and Xcalak also attract sport fishermen.
More amazing tours with Thomas More Travel
For information on cruises and yacht charters, eco trips and fishing excursions contact Thomas More Travel.
