Cenotes in the Riviera Maya.

What is a Cenote

A Cenote is a natural Pit or Sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes ground water underneath. They are located and associated with the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

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Types of Cenotes.

Jug or pit Cenotes: Are those with a surface connection narrower than the diameter of the water body.

Cylinder Cenotes: Are those with strictly vertical walls.

Basin Cenotes: Are those with shallow water basin

Cave Cenotes: Are those having a horizontal entrance with dry sections.

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What activities you can do in a Cenote

This beautiful places inspire adventures, explorers, snorkelers, scuba divers and people who want to experience the beauty of nature swimming through its crystal and fresh waters and admiring the ancient formations of stalactites and stalagmites in the Cenotes.

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Cenote Sac Actun

It is located into the jungle near Tulum. This Cenote is also known as a pet cemetery due to the enormous amounts of fossilized animal skeletons found in the caves. You can practice snorkeling through its crystalline waters and admire the thousands of formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

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Cenote Dos Ojos.

It is located near to Xel ha park and is one of the most filmed and photographed Cenote of the Riviera Maya. This Cenote is made of two sinkholes of approximately 70m in diameter, connected by a 400 meters long passageway. Its water temperature is perfect for snorkeling throughout the year.

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Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Sac Actun are two of the most visited Cenotes by the tourist, who want to do snorkeling or diving into their crystalline and fresh waters. There are private services which take you to these or another Cenotes that you have in mind. https://www.canadatransfers.com/private-tour/cenote-dos-ojos-private-tour/

 

 

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Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Morelos

Enjoy a fantastic Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Morelos

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, is the second-largest in the world, and runs parallel the Yucatan Peninsula where Puerto Morelos is located. This barrier reef is closer to Puerto Morelos shore, than any other area of the Riviera Maya.  This is the reason why Puerto Morelos has become one of the best places to do snorkeling. https://www.canadatransfers.com/regular-tour/morning-snorkeling/ In 1988 this section of the reef became a protected area, currently known as Puerto Morelos Marine Park. It is illegal to swim out to the reef from the shore. To protect the reef, all snorkelers and divers must go out to the reef with accredited guides and pay 5 usd extra for a reef tax per person that goes directly to the conservation of the reef.

Snorkeling Tour

THE CENOTES IN PUERTO MORELOS:

Cenotes are sinkholes through limestone, leading to flooded caves and beautifully blue fresh water pools. There is a road of 41km/25miles from Puerto Morelos to Leona Vicario, which is a small and typical village. Along this path known as the route of the Cenotes, are located some of them to visit and enjoy snorkeling or swimming in its crystalline and fresh waters. Snorkeling Tour

These are the names of some of them: Cenote Mojarras, Cenote Boca del Puma, Cenote kinha, Cenote Zapote, Cenote Siete Bocas, and Cenote Popol Vuh.  Nowadays locals and visitors alike love the fact the Cenote’s water is cool, providing refreshing relief from the hot, especially on the humid summers.

Snorkeling Tour

For the Reef and Cenote snorkeling tour you can do it on a private service tour. https://www.canadatransfers.com/private-tour/cenote-and-snorkel/

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Jungle Tour in Cancun

Enjoy the exciting Jungle Tour in Cancun

The jungle tour in Cancun has been for a long time, one of the most famous and fun activities to do in this beautiful place. This jungle tour is designed for those people who do not want to spend an all-day tour.  The duration of this activity is only two and a half hour. Usually they have three daily departure times which are 9:00am, 12:00, and 3:00pm.

Jungle Tour in Cancun

For the jungle tour in Cancun they use speed boat with capacity for two people and limo speed boat for 4 people. The ride is on the lagoon passing through the canals and mangroves, while observing the lagoon’s flora and fauna where live frogs, iguanas, white turtles, crabs and different species of wild birds.

Jungle Tour in Cancun

This is a guided activity with staff of the marina, who will help you during the whole trip. It takes approximately 45 minutes of crossing the lagoon to go out to the sea and reach the coral reefs area named Punta Nizuc which is very famous for its abundance of sea life, with great variety of multicolored fish.

Jungle Tour in Cancun

Jungle Tour in Cancun

In this place is where you can practice snorkeling for about 30 minutes. The whole set of snorkeling equipment is included as well as the life jacket. The snorkeling instructors will be glad to assist all the beginners.

Jungle Tour in Cancun

Jungle Tour in Cancun

This tour is highly recommended for its short duration and economic price. Canada Transfers offers this activity and you can book it with us. https://www.canadatransfers.com/regular-tour/jungle-tour/ If you are in Cancun for vacations do not miss this exciting adventure.

 

 

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Swimming with Turtles

SWIMMING WITH TURTLES.

Akumal means in Mayan language Land of turtles, and for a long time was the best place to swim with these species for its shallow and clear waters. Since February 15th 2017, the swimming with the turtles in Akumal was prohibited. There were several causes that gave rise to this situation. Actually the laws of protection to the environment in Mexico has regulated the rules and laws to carry out this marine activity. In the past any company or group of persons without the corresponding permission could do this activity causing damage to marine life and disturbing the habitat of the turtles. The people did not use life jacket and they used fins damaging the reef. They touched, grabbed and chased the turtles, without leaving them alone. Now, all these things are not allowed anymore.

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New rules for swimming with the turtles.

It is mandatory to wear a life jacket

Be respectful to the turtles without touching or chasing them.

Respect the demarcated zones with buoys to observe the turtles

A distance of approximately 2 meters should be kept in order to observe them

The use of sunscreen must be biodegradable.

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Until the elaboration of this article, the swimming with the turtles in Akumal continues suspended until further notice. However there is another place named Yalku which is a beautiful lagoon near Akumal where it may also be possible to swim with turtles. There are agencies authorized and regulated by the Mexican law of protection to the environment to offer this service to the tourists.

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In case you want to visit Yalku on a private van transportation, one of the recommended options is Canada Transfers. https://www.canadatransfers.com/ with a reliable service and experience.

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Cenotes in the Riviera Maya

What are the Cenotes.

The Cenotes in the Riviera Maya are deep, water pits in limestone that are created when the roof of an underground cavern collapses. This creates a natural pool which is filled by rain and water flowing from underground rivers. Some Cenotes in the Riviera Maya are vertical water-filled shafts, while others are caves that contain pools and underwater corridor in their interior.

Water Clarity.

The water filling the Cenotes is rain water that has filtered through the ground, it has few suspended particles, so the water is extremely clear. It is a delight to dive in.

Purpose of the Cenotes.

Cenotes had a ritually significant to the Mayans, because they were considered passages to the underworld. They had sacrificial purposes too. The Cenotes nowadays are a big attractive for tourists who enjoy them for swimming, snorkeling or diving.

Excursions to Cenotes.

Canada Transfers offers private excursions to different Cenotes. https://www.canadatransfers.com/private-tours/ Here are some of the most important.

CENOTE DOS OJOS:  Is considered as one of the best Cenotes to practice cave diving and snorkeling. The visibility through the water is amazing. It is into the top 10 longest underwater cave systems in the world.https://new.canadatransfers.com/private-tour/cenote-dos-ojos-private-tour/

Cenotes in the Riviera Maya

CENOTE IK’KIL: It is located very close from the archaeological site of Chichen itza, and usually most of the excursions to this place make a stop at the Cenote for swimming. https://new.canadatransfers.com/private-tour/chichen-itza-cenote-ik-kil-private-tour/

Cenotes in the Riviera Maya

CENOTE SAC ACTUN: It is an underwater cave system. This Cenote is also known as a pet cemetery due to the enormous amounts of fossilized animal skeletons found in the caves during the exploration. Its crystalline waters are perfect to practice the snorkeling. https://new.canadatransfers.com/private-tour/cenote-dos-ojos-private-tour/

Cenotes in the Riviera Maya

CENOTE AKTUN CHEN: This place is a theme park, which has one of the most beautiful Caverns and Cenotes in the Riviera Maya. You can practice the snorkeling in the crystal fresh waters of the Cenote, and Zip lining above the jungle. The park has also a zoo of wild local fauna to visit. https://www.canadatransfers.com/private-tour/eco-park/

Cenotes in the Riviera Maya

XENOTES OASIS MAYA: This is a regular tour to connect you with four different and beautiful Cenotes near Cancun.https://www.canadatransfers.com/regular-tour/xenotes–oasis-maya/

Cenotes in the Riviera Maya

 

If you know or have in mind, another Cenote which is not on the list, please contact us to send you the information. https://www.canadatransfers.com/contact/

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Private Excursions in  Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Private Excursions in Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Most tourists prefer a Private Excursion in Cancun and Riviera Maya,  due to the comfort and flexibility of the schedule, compared to the shared excursions. There are some companies which are specialized in this type of service. Among the most outstanding; Canada Transfers is highly recommended. The advantages of our private excursions are:

You have an exclusive vehicle for you and your companions.

You have a professional and bilingual driver.

You decide when to return to the hotel.

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The most popular Private Excursions in Cancun and Riviera Maya recommended are:

Chichen itza and Cenote Private Excursion: It is one of the main archaeological sites in Mexico and one of the most representative and renowned vestiges of the Mayan culture. Enjoy the Cenote for swimming and cooling.

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Cenote swimming Private Excursion: The Riviera Maya is plagued by natural holes called Cenotes. The interest and the pleasure to submerge in its waters has increased among the tourist who visit Cancun and Riviera Maya.

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Tulum and Cenote Private Excursion: Tulum is one of the most cultural attractions of the Riviera Maya due to its walled city and spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Also visit and enjoy a Cenote to refresh you after the heated walk in the ruins of Tulum.

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Xcaret Private Excursion: You will visit the most famous Eco Theme Park, where you will find underground rivers, grottos, aviary, snorkel, beach, an spectacular Mexican night show and a lot more activities available.

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Xel ha Private Excursions: Enjoy an unique experience with its amazing coves, cenotes and ponds in the middle of a breathtaking landscape, one of the most beautiful in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Enjoy this snorkeling paradise, with variety of fun-filled activities.

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Canada Transfers offers all these options and more with an excellent quality in the service of our staff. https://www.canadatransfers.com/private-tours/

 

 

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Whale Shark Season Starts in May!

The Whale Shark belongs to a subclass of cartilaginous fish. Scientific studies affirm that it inhabits the earth for 60 million years. Is so far considered the largest fish in the world.

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DESCRIPTION OF WHALE SHARK.

The Whale Shark has a particular characteristic that sets it apart from other sharks: Its beautiful skin with polka dots and light colored lines. Its skin measure up to 10 cm thick. The whale shark usually have a length of 31 foot and a weight of 9 tonnes, although sharks of more than 40 foot and 21.5 tonnes have been observed. Its wide mouth can open about 1.5 meters. Inside its mouth there are 300-350 rows of teeth and 10 pairs of useful pads to filter its food. These animals are not excellent swimmers because when swimming with the whole body, they hardly reach the speed of 3 mi/h. This shark has been observed alone or in groups formed by 100 or more specimens. The whale shaks can live with other groups of fish and stingrays.

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WHALE SHARK FEED.

Only three species are fed by filtration, and the whale shark is one of them. When it opens its jaw to feed, a lot of water is also absorbed, so it is expelled through a filter located in the gills, storing the important food. If something gets caught in its gills, this fish uses a kind of “cough” to remove the obstruction. They feed on plankton, jellyfish, anchovies, fish larvae, corals, phytoplankton, algae, krill, crab larvae, squid, sardines, mackerel and tuna. The reason for the presence of teeth is unknown, since they are not used for eating.

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WHALE SHARK REPRODUCTION.

It is known that sexual maturity in males is reached at 30 years of age, when they measure is about 9 meters in length, however in the females has not been determined yet. They are ovoviviparous. The pups are formed in eggs inside the mother and they give birth to developed offspring. At birth, they are between 40 and 60 cm long. The Whale Shark has a longevity of 100 years of age.

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OBSERVATION OF WHALE SHARK

The official whale shark season is from May 15 to September 15 of each year. This is an activity that is controlled and regulated by federal environmental authorities. The Whale shark is very docile and gentle, and does not panic when approaching divers or swimmers. There are some agencies which organized these excursions for the observation of the whale shark. We invite you no to lose this experience during the whale shark season.

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Spring Equinox in Chichen Itza, March 21th, 2017

The equinoxes are when the day has the same duration as the night. This phenomenon happens, two days a year, on March 21 and September 21.

Spring  Equinox in Chichen itza awaits you  to experience an astronomical event that attracts people from all over the world.

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The temple of Kukulkan is a majestic evidence of the advanced engineering and mathematics of the Mayan inhabitants of this zone. This building was built with some orientation and calculating the effects of sunlight at certain times of the year.

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This is how they built this pyramid, on which you can observe the miracle of the descent of the god Kukulkan every spring equinox. The spring equinox is a phenomenon during which the Earth is illuminated by the sun with the same intensity in the northern hemisphere an in the southern hemisphere. On one side of the pyramid, triangles of light are formed on the stairs of the building, making the shape of a snake. The light gradually descends until reaching the snake head at the base of the pyramid, creating an astonishing optical illusion.

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The ancient Mayas celebrated the Spring Equinox in Chichen itza every year, and the descend of the feathered serpent represented for them the beginning of the agricultural season.

The best time to see this phenomenon is at noon, during the hours of 12 to 1:00 pm. The equinox is officially on the 21st, but 19st and 20st can also be observed with less agglomeration.

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If you are going to be on vacation in these dates in Cancun or the Riviera Maya check with Canada Transfers the best options to visit Chichen itza and do not miss this famous phenomenon.

 

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