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Belize Snorkeling
Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Play, Trip Ideas

Into The Blue: Best Snorkel Sites in Belize

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Coral reefs make the best snorkel sites, and the small nation of Belize has corals aplenty. Just off the country’s Caribbean coast lies one of the world longest barrier reefs, stretching north to south for more than 190 miles. Scattered along its length are dozens of small, scenic islands known as cayes, which provide ideal starting points for snorkeling excursions, as well as a trio of offshore coral atolls—the only ones in the Caribbean. With the arrival of cruise ships in recent years, it’s possible to enjoy a Belize snorkeling adventure while in port for the day. But many of the best sites are available only to those who stay in country a bit longer, booking into a base camp at one of the beachside resorts or small lodges scattered throughout the cayes. Here are some of our favorite sites to discover the best snorkeling in Belize.

Coral Reef in Belize, best snorkel sites in belize

The reefs of Belize are covered in a mix of hard and soft corals. Shallow reefs offer the most vibrancy, as more sunlight penetrates the water to reveal the true colors of the reef. Photo: iStock

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is home to some of Belize’s most popular snorkeling sites. This largest and most northerly of the cayes is less affected by turbid outflow from mainland rivers, resulting consistently clear waters. In addition, reefs run closer to shore here, allowing for shorter boat rides to prime sites. It’s possible to snorkel right from the beach at select resorts along Ambergris’ eastern shore, but the underwater terrain is often sea grass beds with only the occasional coral head. These nearshore sites can be rewarding for those who enjoy critter spotting among the grass and coral rubble, but the actual reef line typically lies beyond easy swimming distance. The best sites are reached by boat, and are located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Lying some four miles south of the town of San Pedro, this underwater national park teems with fish life, especially at sites such as The Cut, where you are likely to see large grouper, barracuda and schooling jacks. The most famous destination in the park is Shark Ray Alley, which is a shallow, sand bottomed area where nurse sharks and stingrays gather. Neither of these species poses a threat to snorkelers, and most visitors are thrilled to find themselves immersed in a swirling mass of marine life. Other favorite sites near San Pedro include Mexico Rocks, which is a series of shallow patch reefs located north of town, and well-sheltered from ocean swells. Fish watchers will also enjoy Tres Cocos, where impressive stands of elkhorn coral attract a wide range of colorful tropical fish. There are a number of charter boat operators based in San Pedro, and finding a ride to the site of your choice is never a problem. 

Belize Ambergris Caye Sharks

Nurse sharks congregate in the waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve at a site known as Shark Ray Alley. Here, snorkelers can enter the water safely to interact with the schooling fish. Photo: iStock

 

The Atolls

In addition to an expansive barrier reef, Belize is also home to the only true coral atolls in the Caribbean. Sitting 25 to 50 miles off the mainland, these coral-ringed plateaus offer acres of protected shallow water ideal for snorkelers. Turneffe Atoll lies closest to the coast, and is the easiest to reach by boat from the mainland or the northern cayes. Dotted with hundreds of mangrove islands, Turneffe is best known as a flats fishing mecca, but it is also an excellent snorkeling destination, as there are acres of shallow coral gardens washed by clear oceanic water. Sites can be reached during a day trip from Belize City or San Pedro, and there are also several small lodges tucked among the islets that cater to fishermen, but also welcome scuba divers and snorkelers. Some 20 miles farther to sea is Lighthouse Reef Atoll, home to the famous Blue Hole. Reaching this site will require a long boat ride across open water, which may not be for everyone. Once there, however, you can don mask and snorkel to hover on the precipitous edges of this famous geological formation, which is ringed by shallow coral reefs. Trips to Lighthouse will usually include a second stop at Half Moon Caye, a bird sanctuary which combines a shallow snorkel site with the chance to see rare red-footed boobies and other sea birds. Farther to the south, Glovers Reef Atoll provides an expansive shallow playground for snorkelers, with more than 700 patch reefs lying in shallow water within a protective coral ring. Several small resorts perch on tiny islands within the atoll, and day trips from the coastal town of Dangriga provide access for day trips. 

Blue Hole Belize

The Blue Hole is one of Belize’s best-known landmarks. Essentially a giant underwater sinkhole, it is located within Lighthouse Reef Atoll, which sits 50 miles east of the mainland. Photo: iStock

The Southern Cayes

Belize’s southern cayes are smaller and less settled – some no more than a few acres of sand with a mattering of palms and perhaps a single Robinson Crusoe-style dwelling. The best snorkel sites are located farther from shore, as river water can cloud nearshore sites. For many years, the premier destination in this area has been Rendezvous Caye. Now owned by a cruise line, it is a small spit of sand fitted with the comforts of civilizations such as bath houses and cold drinks—well suited to casual snorkelers seeking a day at the beach, but somewhat less so for those looking for a more solitary in-water experience. To escape the crowds, you can book a small boat tour originating in the coastal towns of Placencia or Dangriga. As an alternative to Rendezvous Caye, guides may drop you at nearby Colson Cay, but the area’s best coral and fish life are found at the Gladden Cays, where extensive arrays of corals and sponges line the shallows inside the reef, and the nearby Gladden Spit creates a gateway for larger fish to move between lagoon and open ocean. This coastline is also home to a number of small resorts and eco lodges, each offering an opportunity to snorkel right from the dock, or to discover surrounding reefs with a short boat ride. Among our favorites are Thatch Caye, Coco Plum and the Fantasy Island Eco Resort.

Belize Caye Marine Reserve Island

Belize’s southern coastline is dotted by hundreds of sandbars and tiny islands known as cayes. This idyllic island lodge lies within the South Water Cay Marine Reserve. Photo: Simon Dannhauer/iStock

Maui, Molokini Reef Fish
Hawaii, Maui, Play, Trip Ideas

Into the Blue: Best Snorkel Sites on Maui

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Most people who come to Maui want to get wet. And most are also curios as to what lies below those clear waters. Scuba might not be your thing, but all it takes is a mask and snorkel to gain a window into the underwater realm. There are dozens of sites around the island where you can swim with colorful tropical fish, share a reef with a sea turtle or perhaps frolic with a pod of wild dolphins. Here are four of our favorites.

Honolua Bay

The waters of this Marine Conservation Zone are rich in fish life. Honolua is a quiet, undeveloped cove on the northwest corner of the island that is protected from prevailing ocean swells. Facilities are basic, with a dirt path leading from a roadside pull-off to the rock beach. Nearshore waters may be clouded by a slowing stream, but once out among the corals, the water clears and the fish appear. An easier option is to book a day trip by boat. Spring to fall is best for turtles and calm water, but unless there’s a big swell running past the eastern point, the site can also be visited in winter.

Maui, Honolua Bay, best snorkel sites on maui

The sheltering arms of horseshoe-shaped Honolua Bay create calm conditions for exploring the coral reefs. Shore facilities are limited, and many visitors arrive by boat. Photo: Eva Browning/iStock

Molokini

A day trip to the uninhabited island of Molokini ranks high on many vacationers’ to-do list. The sheltered waters within the protective crescent of this former volcano create an ideal environment for swimming and snorkeling, and the island’s protected status ensures ample fish life. Each day a diverse flotilla of sail and power craft from points along Maui’s western shore converge on the site. Transit times can range from a 15-minute dash in an open speedboat to a leisurely two-hour sail on a luxury catamaran. Once there, the in-water experience is the same for all. For an added bonus, choose a tour that makes a secondary stop along Maui’s southwest coast to swim with green sea turtles.

Molokini Maui

One of Maui’s most popular day trips is a boat ride to Molokini. This above- water remnant of this former volcanic crater provides a sheltered anchorage with colorful reefs waiting below. Photo: iStock

Kapalua Bay

Set against a postcard-perfect swatch of beach, complete with waving palms, Kapalua Bay combines topside charm with ease of water access and excellent underwater scenery. A groomed path leads from a parking lot past public restrooms and showers to the beach. There are a few rocks to contend with as you first enter the water, but you are soon immersed in coral gardens where colorful tangs, parrotfish and wrasse dart about, and chances of an encounter with sea turtles are good, especially in the morning. Locals say the best snorkeling is among the rocks to the north of the bay. This is a popular site, but you can usually find parking, and there’s always room to spread out a beach towel under the shading palms.

Kapalua Beach

Scenic Kapalua Beach is an ideal staging point for snorkeling excursions. Groomed pathways lead from parking areas to the beach, and public restrooms and changing facilities are nearby. Photo: iStock

Black Rock

If beach time is equally as important as water time, the best place on Maui to enjoy both is the site known as Black Rock, which is located on the northern end of magnificent Kaanapali Beach. This long stretch of sand is home to some of the island’s best resorts, with a beach walk running the length of the strand to provide access to all. There are showers for rinsing at points along the beach, and public bathrooms at the Whaler’s Village complex. The peninsula known as Black Rock sits at the northern end of the beach, just beyond the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. From a water entry onto a sandy bottom, snorkelers can follow rock piles and lava ledges toward the point. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of tropical fish to keep you company, along with turtles that lurk in the crevices.

Maui Black Rock

Located at the north end of popular Kaanapali Beach, the site known as Black Rock is easy to reach. Here, nearshore reefs harbor a colorful collection of tropical fish and turtles. Photo: iStock

 

Florida Keys Coral Reef Fish
Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Plan, Play

Into the Blue: Best Snorkel Sites in The Florida Keys

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Extending to the southwest from Miami like a giant comma, the emerald island chain of the Florida Keys faces the blue Atlantic Ocean. Between land and sea lies a submerged wall of coral, North America’s longest barrier reef. This vast network of submerged grottoes, coral gardens and patch reefs provides a 100-mile-long aquatic playground for scuba divers and snorkelers. Most reefs lie too far from shore to be reached by swimming, but you don’t need to own a boat to enjoy them, as charter services scattered throughout the Keys provide easy access to the best sites. Here are three of our favorites.

John Pennekamp

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was America’s first underwater park, and still its most popular. Famous sites such as Molasses Reef and the Christ of the Deep statue draw steady streams of both divers and snorkelers, but with more than 70 square miles of underwater terrain to explore, there’s much more to discover. Snorkelers can hover over the remains of shallow shipwrecks such as the Benwood and City of Washington, swim among swarms of yellowtail snapper at sites such as the Dry Rocks, or explore coral grottoes at Sea Garden Reef. In addition to boat charters departing from the state park, there are a number of operators based at marinas scattered across Key Largo. Summer is the most popular season for snorkeling, as waters are typically calmest and clearest at this time. Operators run year round, though the north winds and larger waves that come with winter cold fronts may limit access to some sites. Trips are typically three to four hours in duration, with a 20 to 30 minute boat ride to the reefs.

John Pennekamp, Florida Keys, Christ Statue, Best snorkel sites in the florida keys

One of the most popular and best-known underwater attractions at John Pennekamp Park is the Christ of the Abyss statue, which rises from 25 feet of water on Dry Rocks Reef. Photo: Microgen/iStock

 Looe Key

For a chance to see some really big fish, follow Florida’s Overseas Highway as it leapfrogs across a series of long bridges and small islands, with highway mileposts counting down towards Key West. Slow down as you approach Mile Marker 27 and look for one of the charter operators offering trips to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. It’s an easy five-mile ride out to the sanctuary, which is home to some of the largest groves of elkhorn coral in the Keys. The reefs at Looe Key are also home to some impressive fish life. You are almost guaranteed to be shadowed by a sleek barracuda. Relax, despite their fearsome-looking teeth, these high-speed hunters are not a danger to snorkelers. Ditto for the nurse sharks which frequent the undercut crevices of the reef, and the typically shy reef sharks that may be seen passing out on the edge of visibility. Stingrays, ranging in size from bathmat to beach towel patrol the sand, while silver-hued tarpon of up to six feet in length cruise between coral heads. In recent years, the park has seen the return of the world’s largest species of grouper: the goliath. Several of these big fish, which can grow to weights of more than 400 pounds, have taken up residence among the corals. Located due south from the protective shores of the islands, Looe Key is less affected by the northerly winds of winter, but snorkelers may encounter a swell when stronger winds or seas come in from south or east.

Barracuda, Florida Keys

Sleek, silver barracuda are often sighted patrolling the shallow reefs of the Florida Keys. Somewhat territorial in nature, they may follow snorkelers, but pose no real threat. Photo: Joe Quinn/iStock

Dry Tortugas

Key West is the nation’s southernmost city, but snorkelers will need to go a bit further to discover some of North America’s best snorkeling. There are boats departing daily for nearby Sand Key, but the finest shallows in the region are reserved for those willing to take on a somewhat longer boat ride out to the Dry Tortugas National Park. This 150-square-mile marine reserve lies mostly underwater, with just a handful of low-lying islands scattered among a tapestry of shallow reefs and coral grottoes. Single-day trips to the Tortugas depart from Key West for a two-plus hour voyage to the Park’s signature site: Fort Jefferson. After touring the historic remains of this imposing brick fortress, passengers have plenty of time to don mask and snorkel to explore the nearby shallows, or glide through the pilings of an old coal dock, where schools of baitfish flit away from patrolling tarpon or barracuda. Tours return to Key West in time to shower and catch the sunset before embarking on an evening of revelry along Duvall Street.

Dry Tortugas, Garden Key

Perched on tiny Garden Key, Fort Jefferson overlooks the coral reefs of the Dry Tortugas. Located 90 miles from Key West, the site is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Photo: Scott Cramer/iStock

Hawaii-Kauai-Poipu-Beach
Hawaii, Kauai, Play, Trip Ideas

10 Things To Do on Kauai

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The aptly nicknamed “Garden Isle” presents lush landscapes that invite exploration and adventure. Some of the outdoor activities and adventures offered on Kauai will prove challenging, but many more are well suited to the more casual participant. Here are some of our favorites.

1  Catch a Wave

The Hawaiian Islands are synonymous with surfing, and the sport is not just for experts. The breaks at popular Poipu Beach are particularly beginner friendly, and there are several surf schools that can get you started, those wanting a more in-depth experience can opt for extended surf camps. Equally popular is Hanalei Bay on the island’s north shore, where conditions can range from first-timer friendly to experts only depending on location and season.

2  Get To the Point

Hawaii-Kauai-Kilauea-Lighthouse, things to do on kauai

Photo: iStock

The lighthouse at Kilauea sits at the northernmost point in the inhabited Hawaiian Islands.  But there’s more reason than simple geographic interest to visit.  This elevated point of land is also one of the island’s most scenic locations, where sweeping cliffs and crashing surf provide a dramatic backdrop for a national wildlife refuge that is home to a variety of nesting sea birds, and the Hawaiian monk seals that can often be seen sunning on the rocks of adjacent Mokuaeae Isle.  Those wishing to stretch their legs can hike up nearby Crater Hill for more expansive views of the coast.

3  Rope a Waterfall

This one is for the adrenaline junkies, but you don’t have to be a risk taker. The adventure begins at the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, on the island’s southeast coast. First comes a safety lesson on rope handling and rappelling, and the chance to slide down a three-story cliff face on a fixed rope. Then, it’s off on a walking trail through a lush forest to a pair of remote waterfalls where you’ll have the chance to rappel through the flow. First up is 30-foot Bamboo Falls, then the excitement doubles at 60-foot Dundee Falls.

4  Visit the Past

Hawaii-Kauai-Lihue-Kauai-Museum

Photo: Brian Raisbeck/iStock

Located in the heart of the historic town of Lihue, the Kauai Museum tells the story of the island’s natural and cultural history. Permanent collections cover everything from the pre-historic formation of the islands to modern times. Exhibits lead through each important era, from the arrival of the native Hawaiian people, to the arrival of Captain Cook, the European missionaries, subsequent ethnic immigrations, the sugar cane Barons, World War II and statehood. Additional exhibits include rare shells, period artwork and furnishings from the Monarch Period and a collection of Asian china, sculpture and paintings. Additional rotating exhibits are also on display.

5  Take the Cain Train

Ride the rails that once hauled sugarcane through Kilohana Plantation. These days, the property grows some 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables, along with a menagerie of livestock. On the day tours, you’ll stop to feed the animals, sample fruits picked right from the trees, and embark on a leisurely guided tour of the woodlands. Evening runs add in a luau celebration. Other on-site attractions include one of the island’s best Sunday brunches and the historic Manor House, which is a State of Hawaii Historic Landmark.

6  Tour the Canyon

Waimea Canyon, Kauai Hawaii

Photo: Nickolay Stanev/iStock

A mile wide, 14 miles long and 3,600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon deserves its nickname, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Ambitious hikers can discover miles of trails that descend and cross this impressive geological feature, but you can take in the same grandeur without the sweat and sore feet by making the drive along Highway 550, which runs along the western rim of the canyon, with numerous overlooks to marvel at the multi-hued cliff faces and deep gorges below. The route continues to the head of the canyon at Kokee State Park, with numerous opportunities to stop and take in the view.

7  Go Off Road

Straddle an ATV for an exploration of the island’s wilder side, following trails that run though farmlands and forest to reach secluded beaches or jungle waterfalls. One route takes riders through a half-mile long tunnel once used by sugar cane transports; another stops at an inland lake, visits locations made famous in movies, and climbs nearby hillsides for panoramic views of the coastline.

8  Visit the Garden

Hawaii-Kauai-Allerton-Gardens-Bamboo-Tunnel

Photo: iStock

In addition to boasting some of the world’s lushest natural landscapes, the Garden Island is home to several actual botanical gardens worthy of a visit. On the south shore, McBryde Garden houses the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian plant life, while the landscape at Allerton Garden includes giant Moreton Figs, which some may recognize from the Jurassic Park movies. On the island’s north coast, near Hanna Bach, Limahuli Gardens is a haven for a range of endangered native plants. A few miles to the west, Princeville Botanical Gardens combines flowers and fruit trees with beehives and organic chocolate production for a sweet treat.

9  Try the Pie

Locals will argue over which food stand or restaurant bakes up the best lilikoi pie, but all will agree that anyone who visits Kauai should sample the island’s signature desert. Lilikoi is the local name for passion fruit, and these small burgundy nuggets of sweetness become the key ingredient for a chiffon-style pie that’s set on a graham cracker curst and topped with meringue.

10  Take Flight

Much of Kauai’s rugged and magnificent scenery can only be fully appreciated from the air. Helicopter tours are always popular, but for an even more dramatic and wide-open aerial view, you can take flight in an open ultralight. These small, slow-moving aircraft hold one or two passengers in addition to the pilot. From you elevated viewpoint, you will glide above treacherous reefs and white sand beaches, then head inland to discover dramatic valleys and lush forests. Make sure to bring a camera.

 

 

Caribbean, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: Gozalandia Falls, Puerto Rico

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Getting to this once secret site is easier than ever Most call it Gozalandia Falls, but you may also hear this cataract referred to as Las Cataratas, El Roble Waterfall or Charco de la Leche. By any name, it’s one of Puerto Rico’s favorite “secret” sites. Getting there will begin with a drive along the island’s twisting back roads to the town of San Sebastian, which is about a two hour drive west of San Juan, or a half hour from the west coast town of Aguadilla. Finding the pathway leading to the falls is not as difficult as in years past, as an adjacent landowner now provides roadside parking at the trailhead for a modest fee. Also easier is the actual route to the falls, which once required trial blazing on a series of unofficial dirt and mud paths that meandered through the woods and down to the stream, sometimes requiring a bit of climbing and a lot of careful footwork on slippery slopes. The growing popularity of this site has lead to the development and maintenance of a more formal trail, but getting to the water will still require about 15 minutes of trekking. There are actually two falls, an upper that is somewhat less visited, and the lower, which is the larger of the two, and quite popular with locals on the weekends. Both flow into pools that are suitable for swimming, and deep enough to dive off nearby rocks. Rumor has it that there are plans afoot to develop an eco resort adjacent to the falls, but for now, they remain one of the island’s more rewarding and rustic natural attractions.

Guadeloupe-La-Cascade-Aux
Caribbean, Guadeloupe, Play, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: La Cascade aux Ecrevisses, Guadeloupe

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You won’t have to lace up the hiking boots to discover Guadeloupe’s favorite waterfall. There is about ten minutes of walking required from a parking area along Route D23, but you’ll follow a well-maintained walkway that’s flip-flop friendly, and once there you’ll find viewing platforms and park-like facilities at the base of the falls. Pull out your French-to-English dictionary and you’ll soon figure out that the lilting title of La Cascade aux Ecrevisses sounds more enticing that the Anglo equivalent: Crawfish Falls. Regardless of the name, the clear pool at the base of the falls provides an opportunity for a cooling dip, or you can simply wade into the steam below and perhaps encounter a few of the waterway’s namesake freshwater crustaceans. The falls are a popular stop on the scenic drive known as Route de la Traversée, which crosses the mountains of Basse-Terre and enters Guadeloupe National Park. The picnic area and pool often fill with local families on the weekends, and on days when mid-day bus tours from the cruise ships pause to disgorge their passengers. Visit at other times, however, and you might just have the basin to yourself.

Mexico-Baja-Sea-Of-Cortez-Kayak
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Play, Trip Ideas

Baja Kayak Adventures

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Few water sports put you closer to nature than ocean kayaking. It’s just you, a small boat and the sea. And few places offer a better kayaking experience than the La Paz region of the Baja Peninsula. The waters are warm, the wind and seas often calm, and the coastline punctuated by an intriguing collection of small islands and coastal bays, all providing ideal destinations for paddlers. You can get a taste in a day or less, but if you have a week or more to devote to a kayak tour, you can have your fill of adventures both on the water and ashore along some of the wildest and most scenic coastlines in North America.

Day Trips

You don’t have to go far from town to get away from it all. A half-day or single-day trip can have you paddling in the turquoise waters of Balandra Bay, with a lunch stop at a secluded beach, or touring Sea Lion and Deception Islands, where you’ll have time to stop and explore, and perhaps don snorkel gear to swim with tropical fish. Another popular option is a trip to the mangrove wetlands of the Mogote Peninsula, which is home to more than 100 different species of coastal birds. Day trips are ideal for novice or casual paddlers, as guides often devote the first part of each excursion to the basics of paddling, and follow less demanding routes that remain in calm water.

Mexico-Baja-Sea-of-Cortez-2

A lone paddler glides across crystal clear waters in a bay north of La Paz. Spring and fall are prime season for paddlers, as winds are light and air temperatures are moderate. Photo: Ian B. Johnson/iStock

Island Time

There are a number of wild coastal islands in the La Paz region that can be explored by sea kayak. The closest to town, and the most popular, is Isla Espíritu Santo, which offers a combination of dramatic rocky cliffs and calm hidden bays. It is possible to take a day trip to the island, but if time permits, Espíritu is certainly worth more than a single day. Several outfitters organize three- to seven-day tours of the island, usually supported by a motor launch that carries provisions and camping gear, freeing paddlers to enjoy their routes along dramatic rock formations and the islands 20 sand beaches. When weather permits, trips may circumnavigate the island, with stops to snorkel, hike inland, swim with playful seals and sea lions and, during winter months, use the support skiffs for whale watching excursions farther from shore.

Mexico-Baja-Playa-Balandra

The slopes of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains tower over a trio of kayaks beached on a remote bay between La Paz and Loreto. Much of this coastline is not accessible by road. Photo: iStock

Coastal Explorations

Those wanting a true wilderness experience, and who are willing and able to put in more time paddling, can sign up for a coastal tour from La Paz to the town of Loreto. The 140-mile voyage is typically undertaken in 9 to 12 days, with stops in small fishing villages and passages along sections of coastline that are not accessible by road. These trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced paddlers, but they are supported by motor launches to carry the heavy stuff and provide emergency support. Routes often zigzag between the mainland and the more than two dozen small islands found along the route. Itineraries are planned to allow ample daily time for side trips, snorkeling and fishing, and nights are often spent around a beachfront campfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.

Mexico-Baja-Sea-of-Cortez-1.

The sun rises over the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez along a pristine section of beach. Kayak tours provide a unique way to discover one of Mexico’s last undeveloped coastlines. Photo: iStock

Mexico-Yucatan-Cenote
Cancun, Mexico, Play, Playa del Carmen

Cenote Swimming and Snorkeling Adventures

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Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the world, with powder-white sand meeting turquoise waters. And just behind the beach, the land holds another aquatic delight: underground rivers that emerge from the limestone substrate to create sparkling pools of fresh water. These are the cenotes, and there are thousands of them scattered along the Riviera Maya coastline and hidden in the jungles just behind. Some remain wild, but others have been developed into popular eco destinations, with options ranging from sand-lined coastal lagoons to azure pools surrounded by overhanging cliffs. Here are five of our favorites, all located along the coast between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, and within a two-hour or less drive from Cancun.

Casa Cenote

Casa Cenote is formed when an underground river emerges into a coastal mangrove lagoon. This provides swimmers and snorkelers with the best of both worlds, as they can explore the clear fresh waters of the lagoon, where there is a chance of a manatee sighting, then cross the road and walk just a few yards to the beach. There are changing facilities and an equipment rental concession on site, and when hunger sets in, the adjacent open-air restaurant at the Casa Cenote resort serves up a savory mix of local and Tex-Mex cuisines and plenty of cool libations.

Mexico-Yucatan-Casa-Cenote

Mangrove thickets line the shore of Casa Cenote, the warm waters of this lagoon provide a refuge for West Indian Manatees. The beach and the Caribbean Sea are just steps away. Photo: S. Prada/ iStock

Xelhá

This expansive coastal lagoon was the Yucatan’s original water-themed eco park, and it remains one of the most popular. Fortunately, it is large enough to accommodate the crowds that arrive on cruise ship days, and those willing to fin their way farther from the entry points can loose themselves in a network of small rock outcroppings undercut by ledges and hidden tunnels. Because the waters are a mix of fresh and salt, they hold a range of colorful tropical fish. In recent years, the park’s original emphasis on swimming and snorkeling has been expanded to include animal encounters and introductory diving experiences.

Xcaret ParkX

In addition to immersing themselves in the various land-based natural and cultural programs offered by Mexico’s most popular eco-theme park, guests can don swim trunks and use flotation devices and snorkel gear to drift through a trio of underground streams. Don’t think dark and dangerous, because park designers have skillfully molded the natural waterways into safe passages with vaulted air spaces above, and frequent openings in the tunnel roofs that allow sunlight to stream in. In fact, at points all across the park, visitors who remain dry may catch glimpses of swimmers passing below.

Mexico-Yucatan-Xcaret-Cenote

At Xcaret, guests can drift along a subterranean river that runs through the park. Sunlight filters through foliage and skylights cut into the underground sections of the waterway. Photo: Xcaret

Grand Cenote

Away from the coast, cenotes transition from lagoons to holes in the ground. Literally. Grand Cenote is a large circular basin surrounded by limestone cliffs, and the water is accessed by sets of wooden staircases reminiscent of a scene from an Indiana Jones film. The walls of the cenote are overhung, allowing snorkelers to swim safely into shadow-filled caverns decorated with bone-white stalagmites and stalagmites. The view back into the sunlight from the darker corners of the caverns is dramatic. This site is also popular with divers, and you may see some carrying powerful lights as they follow guidelines into a cave system that stretches below the jungle for miles.

Mexico-Yucatan-Grand-Cenote

Grand Cenote is a popular destination for swimmers and snorkelers, and the entrance into a vast network of underwater tunnels that challenge the world’s best cave divers. Photo: Dave Mantel/iStock

Cenote Dos Ojos

Though the entrance to this linked pair of subterranean pools doesn’t look all that impressive from the parking lot, it soon opens into an expansive, partially flooded cavern and cave system. This provides snorkelers and scuba divers with a safe yet awe-inspiring glimpse at the Yucatan’s flooded underworld. A guided tour is the best way to experience the labyrinth of passageways and swim-throughs that skirt the shadowed recesses of the cavers. Much of this route will be lit by filtered daylight, but a hand held light will bring out the details of the intricate rock formations. Some tours also lead into an additional cavern known as the Bat Cave, which is fully underground, but brightened by overhead electric lighting.

Mexico-Yucatan-Dos-Ojos-Cenote

The water-filled boundaries of Cenote Dos Ojos extend into numerous overhangs that allow snorkelers and divers to venture deep into the shadow-filled recesses of the cavern. Kimberly Sue Walker/iStock

Hawaii-Big-Island-
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Play, Trip Ideas

10 Things to Do on The Big Island of Hawaii

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The island of Hawaii, aka The Big Island, offers diversity. It has the state’s only active volcanoes, the highest peaks and the largest open spaces. There are lush green valleys and waterfalls, but also lunar-like landscapes of black volcanic rock. Luxury resorts fronted by championship golf courses are tucked away on the calm western shore, cattle ranches cover the north shore and the south and east offer abundant backdrops for outdoor pursuits. Here are just some of our favorite things to do when on Hawaii.

1  Drive Up Top

Take a drive to the top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest volcano. At nearly 14,000 feet, the thin air at the top may take your breath away, while the views most certainly will. The summit is home to the world’s largest collection of optical telescopes, placed there to take advantage of the clear night skies. For those who can’t take the high altitudes, a good option is a stop at the Visitor’s Information Station, which sits at a still lofty but more breathable elevation of 9,000 feet. Those who don’t want to make the drive themselves can opt for a tour that includes sunset views and stargazing.

2  Ride an Outrigger

Hawaii-Big-Island-Outriggers-On-Beach, Things to Do on The Big Island of Hawaii

Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

The Hawaiian people once traveled from island to island using oceangoing outrigger canoes. You can get a taste of this seafaring tradition aboard a modern-day rendition of this traditional craft. From the harbor at Kailua- Kona, you can paddle along the island’s calm western coast and explore Kailua Bay. Along the way, make sure to keep an eye out for the spinner dolphin that often make an appearance boat side, and for whales breaching out in blue water. Canoes typical hold 4 to 6 paddlers and an experienced guide, who will set the pace according the guests’ abilities.

3  Bike a Volcano

Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and the island’s most popular attractions. To get beyond the usual visitor center and overlook tours, sign up for a bike tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This half-day, 15- mile ride follows an easy and often downhill course, and there’s a support van for those who want to take a break from pedaling. The guided tour begins at the Summit Caldera and passes through a wide range of environments from rainforests to stark lava flows, craters and steaming vents.

4  Go Below

Scuba divers consider Kona’s clear waters to be the best place in the islands to dive. You can take in many of the same undersea landscapes without getting your hair wet. In Kona, Atlantis Submarines operates Hawaii’s only truly submersible passenger vessel, reaching depths as great as 100 feet. The sub is fitted with a series of large view ports that provide every occupant with an unobstructed view of coral-encrusted slopes. The waters are home to hundreds of species of fish, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

5  Meet a Manta

Hawaii-Manta-Ray-

Photo: iStock

Giant manta rays are frequent visitors to the waters of Hawaii. Along the island’s west coast, several resorts use underwater spotlights to attract these plankton-feeders to feast on the tiny creatures attracted by the light. Guests of these resorts can take an after-dark swim with these impressive but harmless giants. These nocturnal gatherings are also accessible by boat, with trips departing from Kona at dusk. The mantas, which can range up to 20 feet in length, will often come within mere feet of snorkelers or divers, but veer off before making actual contact. Close encounters happen year round.

6  Go Nuts

Though not native to Hawaii, macadamia nuts thrive in the rich volcanic soil. There are a number of groves and processing facilities on the island that open their doors to tours and offer bargains on factory-direct purchases. One of the favorites is located in the coastal settlement of Kawaihae, a 45-minute drive north of Kona. Here, in addition to a range of interpretive exhibits, you can sample delicacies such as coconut glazed nuts and macadamia nut ice cream.

7  Land a Trophy

The Kona coast is world renown among big game fishermen, who come in pursuit of blue and black marlin that can reach weights of well over 1,000 pounds. But you don’t have to be after a world record to enjoy the angling action. Charter fishing boats ply the calm waters on the island’s leeward western shore, which means there’s no long trips out to blue water, and no big waves to contend with. Memorable catches are often made within a mile or so of land, and include not only trophy fish, but also fine table fare such as mahimahi and yellowfin tuna.

8  Indulge your Tastes

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Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Spend an afternoon in the shops and galleries of Holualoa, a village of artists and artisans located in the heart of the island’s upland coffee growing region. You’ll find a wide range of locally made paintings, ceramics and woodworking. After perusing the artwork and handicrafts you can treat your taste buds to some culinary artistry as well by visiting one of the area’s numerous coffee farms, where tours and samplings provide opportunities to indulge in a fresh-brewed cup of the local beans. For the total experience, plan on visiting during November’s annual Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll.

9  Take an Aerial Trek

They don’t call it mere zip lining, through you will glide along nine different aerial guy wires as part of an elevated tour of the Kohala woodlands. The trekking part of this canopy tour involves crossing a series of treetop suspension bridges that provide an opportunity to pause and set your own pace and observe the smaller details of the forest canopy. There’s also a vertical descent line at the end to add one more element of excitement, though the entire adventure is said to be suitable for all ages.

10  Paddle the Ditch

In the early years of the 20th century, a series of ditches, flumes and tunnels were excavated to bring water from the mountains to the sugar plantations of Hawaii’s Kohala coast. Though no longer used for irrigation, kayakers now float portions of this 18-mile waterway. The adventure begins with an off- road excursion into the highland rainforest, where boats are launched into the slow-flowing channel. The route passes through forest and field, and through tunnels of up to a quarter mile in length.

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Florida, Play, St. Augustine, Trip Ideas

Walk this Way: Historic St. Augustine

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Bring comfortable walking shoes when you visit St. Augustine, the historic town tucked in Northeast Florida on the edge of Matanzas Bay. Red brick-lined streets, the pedestrian-friendly St. George Street and squares shaded by sprawling oak trees make it easy to navigate on foot. You can trace the old city’s history of years under Spanish, British and American rule dating back to the 16th century.

Start at the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort built by the Spanish to defend the colony from the British. Besides the protection of a moat, the fort was built using blocks of coquina, a soft rock of seashells and coral from a local quarry. No invaders could crack the walls, as cannonballs fired from approaching ships dented rather than shattered the walls. Wander the casements and keep an eye out for the re-enactors in period clothing demonstrating the use of historical weapons. Next cross the street and pass through the City Gates onto St. George Street. On your right is the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, a one-room building of red cedar and cypress where students gathered for classes in the 1700s. A huge chain used to anchor it against hurricane-strength winds remains intact. Further down on the left is the Colonial Quarter, a garrison town depicting life under the Spanish from the 16th to 18th centuries and under the British when they took over in 1763. Venture into a soldier’s home, watch a blacksmith fire up wrought iron and climb the watchtower.

Walking St. George Street you’ll pass cafes, boutiques, candy shops and the statue of Queen Isabelle on her ass in the garden at Hypolita Street, which always gets a chuckle from passers-by. At the end sits the Plaza de la Constitución, which by government decree had to be a rectangle with a government building, church and public market. Except for the church, which was replaced with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in 1887, the other buildings constructed by the Spanish still stand.