Riviera Maya: Mexico Yachting Paradise

Riviera Maya Coast Xel-Ha Inlet

Riviera Maya: Marvels & Mysteries of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast

A yacht charter along the Caribbean coast of Mexico can be many things, from competitive to contemplative. On the Riviera Maya, the ocean waters team with fish, a lure for international sportfisherman. There’s reef diving, deep diving and wall diving. The Mesoamerican Reef is second in length to the Great Barrier Reef. There’s cave diving. Some 430 miles of flooded cave passages include the two longest underwater cave systems in the world, Sac Actun and Ox Bel Ha.

Emerge onto dry land and things are every bit as exciting. Each town has a unique flavor. Cancun is glitzy, Isla is trendy, Cancun is laid back, Playa is vibrant. Tulum has become a New Age Mecca that welcomes visitors to yoga, chanting, channeling and meditation classes. And of course, there are the ancient ruins. Charter for a week or two and discover new passions.

Cancún

Every day is a fiesta at Cancún’s deluxe resorts, organized beaches, acclaimed restaurants and glitzy nightclubs. Cancun is the big city of the Riviera Maya, and one of the few Caribbean ports with suitable venues for tripping the lights fantastic in your Christian Lacroix’s.

Riviera Maya Yacht Charter destination, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum

Tee off on a championship golf course, relax at the exclusive Ritz Carlton Spa, evaluate flights of premium tequila at a bar with a view. Or walk the 14 mile stretch of dazzling white sand beach, pausing for a dip now and then in transparent, 80-degree water.

Puerto Morelos

Riviera Maya was the tourism-savvy name invented in 1999 by Miguel Ramón Martín Azueta, municipal president of Solidaridad, Quintana Roo. It replaced the not-so-sexy “Cancun-Tulum corridor”.

Particularly in the tranquil fishing village of Puerto Morales, surrounded by eco-reserves, the moniker rings true. Here, the authentic Yucatec Maya spirit is alive and well. Puerto Morelos retains, and works to preserve, its Mexican Maya heritage. If you want to explore ashore, this is a top stop. Earthy as opposed to upscale, this is an excellent family destination with lots of fun, outdoor activities like horseback riding, zip lines, ATV and cenote tours, fabulous botanical gardens and a zoo. Pick up quality local craft souvenirs in town, attend a cooking school class, or indulge in a Mayan Jungle Spa treatment – in the jungle – at Los Calibres. 

Playa del Carmen

This trendy, rapidly growing city is home to about 150,000 residents, many of whom are expats. Playa is an economically vibrant and culturally sophisticated city best negotiated via the lively,central walking street. You won’t need a car, but liberal spending money adds to the fun. Luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, Paul & Shark, Hugo Boss and Christian Dior have arrived.

Riviera Maya Yacht Charter destination, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum

The annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, tentatively scheduled for November 30 – December 02, 2017, brings renowned talent to the local stage. If you’re tequila curious, the Hacienda Tequila shop and museum will happily present you with complimentary tastings of some 480 different types of tequila.

After attaining connoisseur status, further refine your palate at Freddy’s Tequila and Ceviche Bar, the beachfront property of the Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa — a refreshingly sophisticated Orient Express property. Pair the million dollar waterfront view with a shot of the world’s most expensive tequila, Clase Azul Ultra.

Riviera Maya Yacht Charter destination, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum

Cozumel

The island of Cozumel is a sort of microcosm of the region, a sampling of everything. Dive the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which stretches from here to Central America. Rent a scooter and circumnavigate the island. Examine Maya archeological sites enroute.

Stop at a beach shack for a Dos Equis with locals. Visit Chankanaab National Park, with the only inland coral reef in the world, which is home to over 60 species of fish. Cruise to Playa del Cielo on the island’s southern tip to see hundreds of starfish on the seafloor.

In San Miguel, visit the Museo de Cozumel. Sit at a sidewalk cafe on the Plaza Central and people-watch. Weekends there is usually a colorful celebration, a national holiday or Saints’ name day,that attracts crowds.

Sea Señor luxury charter catamaran aerial

Golfers can tee off at the Cozumel Country Club’s Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course. Reconnoiter at the InterContinental’s Mandara Spa for indigenous herbal treatments. Dine at Kinta Mexican Bistro. Have a nightcap on deck. Listen to the song of the surf. Scan the Milky Way for shooting stars.

Akumal

Akumal Bay, with its reef-protected waters, is home to schools of parti-colored fish and many types of sea turtles, including the endangered Green Sea turtle. The town was officially founded in 1958 as a community for scuba divers by Pablo Bush Romero, a Mexican businessman, diver, writer, historian, and archaeologist spellbound by the region. The family still owns much of the town.

Families with children will especially enjoy the surf-free snorkeling across the road at Yal-ku lagoon. For snorkeling that is even more unique, Cenote Santa Cruz is a fantastic cave swim that is off the beaten track. Akumal is also home to ONDARTE International Artist Residency program. Collectors will be delighted by the variety of excellent work found on display in local galleries.

Tulum

At Tulum, visitors will find an impressive, post-classic, archeological site, the last Maya stronghold. There is a sad desperation about it, devoid of hieroglyphics and the intricate architectural details that proudly characterize the structures at nearby Coba and Chichen Itza. Balanced high on the cliffs with panoramic views of the sea, the Maya named it “City of Dawn”. Below, the white sand beach stretches for miles. A large number of cenotes are located in the Tulum area. These ancient sources of freshwater will captivate intrepid divers and explorers. The non-profit, LabnaHa, offers cave diving excursions and eco tours with zip lines and cenote swims.

Tulum has become something of an International New Ager’s Mecca. An international set of like-minded expats have opened businesses along Beach Road South, a zen zone of vegan restaurants, yoga studios and clothing designed to bring out your inner hippie. At the other extreme, several international entrepreneurs run fabulously chic hotels and restaurants. These secret luxury spots of Tulum include the Jashita Hotel, the Posada Margherita, and Casa Malca, a compound that once belonged to Pablo Escobar, with an underground pool grotto and an extensive contemporary art collection. For wellness treatments, Yaan Spa is rated extraordinary.

Riviera Maya: Some of Our Favorite Places

Cancun

La Disteleria, tequila flights and good food. Cancun Quinta Roo Boulevard kukulcan km 12.65 Hotel Zone 01-99-8885-1086 and 87
Ritz Carlton Cancún Restaurants & Spa, Retorno del Rey #36 Cancun,+52 998 881 0808

Puerto Morelos

Rancho Bonanza Horseback Riding, family fun, no experience necessary.
Little Mexican Cooking School, classes include a light breakfast, hearty Mexican lunch, and festive drinks.
Los Calibres Spa, traditional massage therapies in a jungle setting. A rustic, as opposed to upscale, experience.

Playa del Carmen

Freddy’s Tequila and Ceviche Bar, a must while in Playa!

Cozumel

Riviera Maya, Cozumel Island, Kinta Mexican Bistro

Kinta Mexican Bistro, 5ta Av. between 2nd y 4th south #456. Tel: +01 987 869 0544
Intercontinental Mandara Spa

Akumal

La Buena Vida Restaurant & Bar — labuenavidarestaurant.com
Galeria Lamanai — www.galerialamanai.mfbiz.com
Richard Mazzola — www.mazzolagallery.com/Intro.htm

Riviera Maya, Tulum, La Zebra Restaurant

Tulum

LabnaHa Eco Park, Family fun, zip lines, Kayak tours, cenote snorkel tour.
Hartwood Restaurant, offering a new and exciting take on traditional cuisine. Wednesday – Sunday dinner only. Reservations: [email protected].
Unico Restaurant, Chef Brian and his team strive for perfection every day to create a dining experience that is truly Unique!!
La Zebra Beach Cantina, soaring open-beam palapa roof, ocean breezes, casual-chic ambiance, great food and drink. Tropical perfection.

FEATURED YACHTS

Riviera Maya, charter yacht Forever, power catamaran, Isla de Mujeres

FOREVER, Sunreef 60 power catamaran is based in Isla de Mujeres. Sweeping deck spaces beckon guests to enjoy the sun-kissed warmth and refreshing ocean breezes of Yucatan, Mexico. Accommodates 8 guests in 4 cabins.

Riviera Maya: Mexico Yachting Paradise

ZULU Acubens 66 performance sailing yacht. Transatlantic ARC second in class and 25 in general classification. Guests rave: “Excelllent boat, excellent food and excellent crew!” Sleeps 6 guests in 2 queens and 2 Pullmans.

Riviera Maya: Mexico Yachting Paradise

PEARL, Dean 51, performance sailing catamaran. Take luxury and adventure, mix them together, and enjoy amazing experiences aboard PEARL! Three dives per week are included on regular all-inclusive charter bookings. Sleeps 6 guests in 3 extra large, en suite, air conditioned guest cabins.

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