From Cenotes to Cozumel

Cenotes Dos Ojos 

Underwater Cenotes shot

Scuba diving a cenote was a must for me and Chantal, and we arranged a trip to make it happen. Researching best companies, we fell upon Tank-Ha Dive Center as our go-to. They catered to our needs, and assembled a van to take us to Cenotes Dos Ojos for scuba (Chantal and I) and snorkel (Karen, Hunter, Cheyenne) tours. We made our way into the jungle with our dive master, Irati.

30 minutes later we arrived at the site near Tulum filled with palm trees, iguanas, and local Mayan housing. Dos Ojos is one of the most extravagant diving sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, and is one of the largest underwater cave systems. This cenote gets its name from 2 massive sinkholes ranging 70 meters in diameter shaped like "2-eyes." This was our first fresh-water dive in tight quarters as we floated through stalactites and stalagmites. Fossils were imprinted in the limestone as we followed a yellow rope with only flashlights to look ahead. The breath-taking views had us feeling like we entered another world. At one point, we had Hunter free-diving above, giving us the "hang-loose" sign. Definitely memorable moments never to forget. If you haven't dived a cenote in the past, put it on your bucket list and check it off ASAP.

Irati, our dive master, was so informative, warm, and fun to be around. It was an A+ day overall, and if you are in Playa, you must go to Tank-Ha Dive Center for tours- 5 Star!

The next day, the family decided to pick up round-trip ferry tickets to Cozumel, an island off the coast of Playa. A 45 minute boat excursion led us to one of the best days of our trip. We hopped off and satisfied our growling stomachs at Amparo's Breakfast Bistro. The freshly squeezed juice smoothies, Mexican skillets, cheese hash browns, and lobster benedict (topped with bacon and caramelized onions) satisfied every craving possible.

The west-side of the island, where we docked, is full of tourists and shops. We had better plans... We rented our very own soft-top Jeep for the day and drove east across the island, where it was more private and secluded. This was probably the best move of our life as we hit Punta Morena, a calm and quiet beach with colorful hammocks swinging from every direction.  There were maybe two other people on this whole beach as we played music, laughed, and floated in the crystal blue waters. Hunter was flying his drone, Cheyenne found a local with a machete to open her coconut, Karen peacefully relaxed in the shade, and Chantal and I swung in neon-colored hammocks... Something out of a movie.

After spending a few hours in our magical paradise, we adventured north to check out new spots. We pulled off the side of the road to set up Hunter's drone to follow the Jeep when, all of a sudden, we were pinned by a frenzy of vans and cars. Little kids and parents jumped out excitedly and ran to the beach. We were puzzled and distraught at first, until we noticed everyone wearing matching shirts. After asking a few questions, we noticed that we'd stopped at a turtle conservation area, where turtle nests were marked in the sand, pinned by red flag markers. We couldn't help but be a part of this movement.

The timing was perfect. The camp leader gathered a group of at least 50  as they uncovered over 100 freshly hatched sea turtles in the sand. Everyone cheered as the babies made their way to their ocean home. It was one of the most moving events we have ever witnessed, and felt like we were supposed to be there at that moment.

When we travel, instead of making strict plans and following itineraries, we end up where we're supposed to be and notice how life's surprises are endless when you take time to be present.