Fantastic excursion to one of the most paradise islands I have ever seen.
We leave Cancun in a high speed boat, enjoying the sea and the waves.
We arrived at an idyllic place, Contoy Island, few people as they can only go a few boats a day. We swim in the turquoise waters, very few people, stunning views and crystal clear water. You can not wear sun cream or repellent, as it is a protected place. It is an unspoilt island, so there was no drinking water or running water, so there are special bathrooms. Our wonderful Fernando Guide very sensitized to the natural environment explained very interesting things about the area.
Great food, chicken or grilled fish cooked by the crew. We ate at a palapa opposite the beach. Very well organized everything.
Then we boarded for women's island. On the boat we had a great time, we were offered beers, water and soft drinks and a sip of tequila!! We dance to the music and sing until we reach the reef to snorkel in the open ocean. We did not have much luck with the sea as there were many currents and we were warned that we would have to swim quite a lot. We did not see it clear as the boat drops you off at one point and picks you up at another. That aspect I didn’t like very much as you didn’t quite enjoy snorkeling, you are just watching to follow the Guide and not get lost at sea.
On island women a lot of people, an island contrast compared to Contoy Island. A lot of crowding, a lot of shops... I really didn't like it that much. We were given only an hour to visit so we dedicated ourselves to buying some souvenirs as there was no time for more.
Thanks to Fernando and the crew who gave us a spectacular and very fun day.
What great expectations we had for the day.
Pick up from hotel On Time 06.45:) Unfortunately B/Fast is at 07.00. So organised with Chef Night before, to grab Danish and a bit of fruit at 06.35, no such luck. Waiter insistent on B/Fast is 07.00 and NOT before, after 5 mins of back and forth left empty handed and relied on "All Night Bar" fridge (got 2 rather soft and partially soggy cheese and ham rolls and 2 rather sad bananas). Needless to say Waiter reported on return and Day did Not start well.
Travel to Cancum disrupted by Large Lorry overturning and spilling load of Rock and Stones, Delay 35 mins. At least we had a giggle at motorbikes/scooters that had squeezed through returning (The wrong way) 10 mins later:) even the Mexican driver had a smile although its normal.
Damien, our Guide for the day. was Brilliant from the outset. Hers French, married to a Mexican lady who is the spitting image of Cher (When she was 30) living and working in Cancum, Dive Master, Photographer, general all Round " Bon Oeuf". Loads of Info and safety brief to take in, Basically NO SUN Products at all during visit to Contoy (its an Eco Park) & Life Vest MUST be worn on the boat. Can give Chat in 6 Languages fluently:)
Arrived at Marina for refreshments (Coffee, Tea, cake, water or juice) and a ciggy as this last opportunity for a smoke for 5Hrs (Not a prob). Boat left with us all wearing our Vests:). Intro to Boat crew. and we sped off with 4 Very large outboard engines at the back making it an exciting trip out:) Saw several Sea Turtles on way to Contay and overtook numerous "Lesser" crafts.
Contoy is Beautiful, dominated by a rather tall Guard/Watch Tower. Beach is pristine, water clear and marine life abundant (if u don't like smaller shoal of fish swimming around you - DONT go in the water) :).
Dont Pick up, |Touch or remove anything u will get Told Off.
Lunch was simple but very tasty (Cooked by Crew) : fresh fish, Chicken, salad, rice and Taco Chips LOTS of it with Juice/water or Beer. Watched by local wild life.
Back on the boat and onwards to Coral reef for snorkelling, Yay:) Warned about possible strong currents, so if not a strong swimmer don't do it, I'm PADI Trained and have done a LOT of snorkelling in my time.
Arrived at Barrier Reef with Waves rolling over them and boat swaying in the current, issued life vest snorkels and masked, Dropped into Choppy waters, turned and followed our guide as instructed, Got 25 yds and had to turn back, the current was seriously strong :( during our stay on Reef 4 others turned back. On the return of Damien and the stalwarts who "saw it through", it was reported "There was not a lot to see, because of the strong winds and currents crashing around the reef" Only last week it was like a Mill Pond soooo Calm and an abundance of things to see, REALLY!!!!
Onwards to Mujeres, Fast 15 min trip from Reef. Arrived at Jetty, told to remember which Jetty as there are 50 identical ones, Remember "The Black Pearl" Bar and u wont have a problem. The bar is 25yds wide and has 2 Jetties???? Hey Ho.
Off to first bar for a deserved drink NO SUCH LUCK as it was "Election Day" and drinks only served if you Order food, We had just eaten an hour ago and were stuffed. So off to find another venue that did serve you, the Local Pharmacy which Not only Provides Cold drinks but also a variety of "UK Prescription Drugs" so i was informed by the helpful lady:)
The place was Rammed and you could hardly move, so we found a shady area on the main street and watched the endless "Anti Terrorist" 4 x 4's Vehs, heavily armed with 5 up in back and 3 in front doing their patrols, 1 Hr of my life i will not be getting back.
On return to "TBP" we are offered jetty 2 or 3:) We choose 2 and actually our boat which had gone to refuel came in on jetty 3, typically. There is an exit and and entry to Jetty 3, (NOT Marked i may add). we got to the boat and we are asked to go back along jetty for 5 mins as crew not ready, of course we comply and head back along the jetty The wrong way and are ushered off the jetty by some Officious bureaucrat with loads of gesticulations so we exited and re-entered jetty the correct way and 5 mins later were on our boat heading home.
Disembark from Boat, quick Ciggy and toilet Break then on to Bus. Trip Back to hotel was shortened by Stories and Mobile Phone Photos from Damien, He has a great life on the Mexican Caribbean coast, as he says he could be elsewhere earning more money but have so much more stress. All the best for the future.
That was it Left at 06.45 got back 17.30 Sadly only 1/3rd of the trip delivered, NOT due to anything Damien or crew did wrong but just down to Bad timing and weather conditions. At least it was hot and Lunch was really nice :)