LITE exico SWIMMING WITH GIANTS E M experiences

LITE exico E M experiences SWIMMING WITH GIANTS

Mexico is known for its sun, sand and sea—a place for luxury, re- laxation and postcard-worthy views. But the country is also rich in natural resources, located in a privileged geographic area with unique biodiversity, making it an ideal territory to explore, espe- cially under the water.

photo by Deb Smrekar

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photo by whale magazine

While to see schools of tropical fish and white coral reefs is certainly awe-inspiring, Mexico is home to more adventurous diving and ocean-based encounters—try “swimming with giants.” From cage diving with Great White to “Red Demon” giant squid searches, the waters that line the resort-filled beaches swarm with some of the ocean’s largest wildlife. So whether you’re up for kayaking with gray whales or flipping fins with dolphins, Mexico has just the exhilarating experience you’re looking for.

Shark Attack Facing up-close-and-personal may, or may not, be number one on your list, but it’s definitely the top Plunge 30 feet into the deep blue water, with heart rac- activity on Isle de Guadalupe, an island about 160 miles ing, and watch as multiple sharks surround your metal off the coast of Northern Baja. With up to 100 feet of vis- submersible cage. Growing up to 20 feet in length, Great ibility in 70 degree waters, it’s the ultimate destination White sharks are generally gentle, but divers can’t help for Great Whites—and that means one of the world’s but think their toothy smiles are more menacing than best places to dive in custom-built shark cages. friendly. Rightly so, since a shark flying (their speed

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Giant Pacific Manta photo by Deb Smrekar

bursts can reach 25mph) toward your cage will cause are smaller, but still big enough to get the heart-rate an assured adrenaline rush. But even when feeding on up when a group cruises by. Additionally, whale sharks a floating carcass, Great Whites show surprisingly shy migrate past the area, giving you the rare opportunity to characteristics, at once frightening and fascinating. see two extremes of the shark species.

However, not all shark encounters involve metal con- Meddling with Mantas finement and memories of the Steven Spielberg film. While shark species are a highlight to adventure div- Take a journey to the Riviera Maya and swim with the ing in Mexico, giant manta rays, bottle-nosed dolphins largest living fish species on the planet—whale sharks. and famous flying mobulas reside in the Sea of Cortez These massive creatures can grow up to 40 feet long off the Los Cabos coast in the Pacific. Tour companies and weigh as much as 15 short tons. But don’t worry; like Solmar V have trips planned year-round—the only while their size may be intimidating, they’re harmless changes are, of course, the wildlife. When the ships to humans, feeding merely on microscopic plankton. aren’t sailing among dorsal fins of Great Whites Au- An ocean date with a whale shark makes for a relaxing gust through October, they travel to the Revillagigedos and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Islands, 250 miles south of Los Cabos. Also known as the Socorro Islands, the area swarms with Giant Pa- While Merida may not have Great Whites, you can swim, cific Mantas, some that grow up to 22 feet. Sticking cage-less, with the likes of nurse sharks, hammerheads to groups of three to six, the graceful gliders actually and a host of other kinds of “tiburon.” Yes, these sharks relish in human contact, allowing divers to touch and

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yucatan caves photo by Ignacio G. Labastida

Cave diving photo by Ignacio G. Labastida Mayan Steps to Caves photo by Ignacio G. Labastida

dance with the giants. And if the season’s right, you must be certified with at least 200 dives and complete might catch a glimpse of a humpback whale pod, as the mandatory two-day “squid school” before being their typical migration patterns lead them right by the tethered to a maximum-depth 40-foot, blue water div- islands. Watching the whales spout liquid and leap from ing system. the water is the perfect ending to a day with mantas. Spelunking...underwater In Search of Giant Squid Protected by the Mexican Navy, Roqueta Island, off the There are myths and legends about giant squid, but coast of Acapulco, is a hot spot for experienced divers in Loreto, Mexico, you can join Shark Diver for a five- who want to not only swim with big fish but also big rocks. day experience that fewer than 100 divers worldwide Known for its stellar — through take part in—encounters with the “Red Demon” giant underwater caves—Roqueta Island’s surrounding waters squid of Mexico. Known to grow up to five-feet long and are shallow, clear and swarming with sea life. From whale weighing more than 70 pounds, these of nature sharks to dolphins, Spanish mackerel to barracudas, the are magnificent animals that travel in packs that range bay is also home to a well-traveled pilgrimage route to an from tens to hundreds—meaning you have a strong underwater statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe. chance of meeting the creatures with the help of Shark Diver’s experienced team. But these expeditions are But the most outstanding natural elements to see are definitely for the well-trained diver; all participants the stalactites and stalagmites, and cavernous path-

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photo by Ignacio G. Labastida

photo by Ignacio G. Labastida Breaching Humpback Whale photo by Oscar Ortiz

Gentle Giants Sea turtles may seem like a peaceful bunch compared to sharks and squid, and in Akumal, on the Yucatan Pen- insula near Tulum, you’re guaranteed to see hoards on any one or dive trip. Located along the world’s second largest coral system, Akumal actually means “place of the turtles” in the Mayan language. Dwelling in the shallow, rocky waters of the reef, you can see both Green Turtles, up to five feet long, and the slightly smaller Loggerhead Sea Turtles, around three feet long. Both endangered, thanks to decades of be- Humpback spotting photo by Oscar Ortiz ing hunted for their shells, meat and eggs, swimming with the marine mammals is bittersweet—ecological ways of the caves on the backside of the island. Dip- institutions in the area are studying ways to conserve ping to a depth of 140 feet, the caves are a wonder- their habitat and protect the turtles from hunting nets land of marine life for a scuba diver. Sea turtles and and pollution. Catch them while you can. manta rays swim past rock formations covered in sea fans and starfish, while science class comes alive with You may have been whale watching from a large boat, other creatures like sea horses, barnacles and whale but get a little closer by kayaking with 36-ton whales sharks.

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1 Los Cabos 2 La Paz 3 Puerto Vallarta 4 Acapulco 5 Riviera Maya 6 Cancun 7 Isla Mujeres 8 Merida 9 Mexico City

as they migrate past the Baja California Coast—these seek three specific lagoons in the area from February close encounters with blue and grey whales are the to April. It’s truly one of the most incredible natural closest thing you can get to swimming with the long, history sightings possible in Mexico and the world. slender mammals. Blue whales are considered the largest animals to have ever lived, even more sizable If no one adventure fits the bill, several companies than the biggest dinosaurs according to most scien- throughout the country arrange custom diving tours tists, so seeing these creatures is one of the most and boat charters based on your desires and qualifica- awe-inspiring and breathtaking experiences ever. tions, whether its sharks, coral reefs or sunken WWII Beautifully rhythmic in their movement, the whales warships. Interacting with the natural beauty and in- swim, as if effortless, past your pack of kayaks and let trigue of Mexico’s waters is guaranteed to leave you out deafening exhalations. Since the whales are mi- with unbelievable memories and astounding stories to grating, you won’t see just one or two—they typically fill the backs of postcards and recount to friends and travel in pods of up to 10, often with calves, too, and family for years to come.

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So you want to swim with some giants? dive masters Check out these tour operators around the country.

Great White Adventures 110-foot luxury vessel designed specifi- Top Thrills | Plunge 30 feet into the wa- cally for divers. Staterooms include air ter with dive masters to experience day conditioning, computer access, and wa- and night cage dives with Great White ter purification systems, and packages sharks. The ship has two surface cages cover meals, beer and wine. with air supplied from the vessel. Contact | 52-612-122-1826, Luxury Moments | The Solmar V is www.clubcantamar.com equipped with a satellite communication system, plasma-screeen TV and spa- Akumal Dive Adventures cious staterooms. The 10 crew members Top Thrills | Follow sea turtles through include researchers who study the area. the world’s second largest Contact | (888) 814-8256, system and tour underwater caves. www.greatwhiteadventures.com Luxury Moments | Company provides dive equipment and will customize a Nautilus Explorer PADI-certified cave diver tour.

Top Thrills | Join for six-day shark Solmar v photo by geronimo Contact | (888) 425-8625, diving packages for certified divers. The www.akumaldiveadventures.com ship is newly equipped with a three- Luxury Moments | Round trip trans- person cage, submersible to 40 feet. portation and meals are provided as are Shark Diver Luxury Moments | The ship features a guided tours by rescue-certified divers. Top Thrills | The experienced Squid hot tub, library, TV and well-stocked bar. Contact | 52-999-292-6001, Crew tethers you to a blue-water diving Contact | (888) 434-8322, www.adventuretours.com.mx system and drops you 40 feet into the www.nautilusexplorer.com water to watch “Red Demon” giant squid Blue Adventures surface from 500 feet to find food. Whale Shark Adventures Top Thrills | Swim with sharks, mantas, Luxury Moments | Seven-day packages Top Thrills | Follow in footsteps of and dolphins in the Sea of Cortez and include five-star accommodations in National Geographic and spend a day Socorro Islands. Loreto, airport transfers and all meals. with the slow-moving filter feeders— Luxury Moments | Dive Master Jimmy Contact | (888) 405-3268, unlimited swim time, fresh ceviche and Easton will personalize a single or www.sharkdiver.com traditional empandas all included. multi-day itinerary based on your de- Luxury Moments | “Whale Shark sires for the Sunseeker 75 yacht. Acapulco Scuba Daddy” Roddrigo Sidney arranges VIP Contact | (602) 324-9007, Top Thrills | Cave dive, night or day, private boats and specialized tours. www.aventurasazul.com with Jose Vazquez and crew to see Contact | (305) 396-6987, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, www.holboxwhalesharktours.com Club Cantamar octopi and manta rays at Roqueta Island. Top Thrills | Take five- to seven-day Luxury Moments | Vazquez is a bio- Adventure Tours adventures hosted by the family-run chemistry engineer with 12 years of Top Thrills | Swim, cage-less, with Club Cantamar on Sea Escape to swim diving experience; he can answer any hammerheads and nurse sharks, as with hammerheads, mantas and whale questions. well as whale sharks on the tip of the sharks in the Sea of Cortez. Contact | 52-744-482-9474, Yucatan peninsula. Luxury Moments | Sea Escape is a www.acapulcoscuba.com

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From the sand to the hills, Mexico offers a range of luxury accommodations. Elite Sleeps Dwell in comfort while savoring Latin culture.

One&Only Palmilla Located on the southernmost tip of Baja California, this south-of-the-border chic resort combines pristine beach- es with whitewashed architecture surrounded by bloom- ing gardens. From golf to deep-sea fishing, the resort has an offering for any interest. Its recently-expanded spa is now flanked by 13 new beachfront casitas andV illa Cortez, a four-bedroom luxury private accommodation. And the resort opened multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s newest venture, Market, which features the country’s most complete wine list. Contact: Managing Director Edward T. Steiner, 52-624-146-7000, [email protected], www.oneandonlypalmilla.com

Villas Del Mar Part of a gated residential community in Los Cabos, Villas Del Mar is the ideal fusion of relaxation vacation home ac- commodations and five-star resort amenities. With views of the Sea of Cortez or the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signa- ture golf course, these elegantly-furnished, stately homes offer pools, terraces and a home-base to explore and en- joy the shopping, diving and nightlife of San Jose del Cabo. Villa 372 is the top suite, with its own infinity pool, spa and chef. Steps from a private beach, it also comes with exclu- sive access to Club Ninety-Six, a luxury beach club for use only by homeowners and rental guests. Contact: General Manager Sean Emmerton, (974) 388-8590, [email protected], www.villasdelmar.com

Aqua Cancun With an award-winning dining and bar scene, swanky modern décor and eight alluring swimming pools, Aqua Cancun is the resort to stay in while vacationing in down- town Cancun. The boutique-style hotel defines the word luxury: in addition to the various water effects scattered around the resort, audio and customized scent scenarios change as you walk. The Sol y Luna Suite features five dif- ferent lounge areas, terrace with gym and private pool. But all suites come with exclusive entrance to the hotel’s Aqua Lounge and Pool Club. Contact: General Manager Carlos Estrada, 52-998-881-7619, [email protected], www.feel-aqua.com

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St. Regis Punta Mita Nestled on one of the world’s most alluring beaches, with signature St. Regis Butler Service, two Jack Nicklaus sig- nature golf courses nearby and a 10,000-square foot spa, the 22-acre St. Regis is a self-contained world that leaves little to want. Views of the Bay of Banderas are the natural luxury of the suites, complemented by every technologi- cal amenity, fully-stocked mini-bars and private terraces. The hotel arranges tours for any whim, that is, if you ever desire to leave the St. Regis universe. Contact: Director of Sales & Marketing Melanie Schneider, 52-329-291-5830, [email protected], www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis

Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya With a palapa-roofed lobby, local stone masonry and courtyards full of modern art, the Mandarin Oriental is a unique fusion of Asian design and Mexican tradition that has created one of the country’s most relaxed and luxuri- ous getaways. Even the cuisine at Ambar restaurant has an exciting Latin/Asian twist—try the Kurobuta pork chop with chimichurri. The resort also boasts a private pier for yachts and sailboats, a spa that features Mayan ritual treatments and the two-story Presidential Villa with pri- vate pool set on the Caribbean shore. Set among protected mangrove lagoons, it’s Mexico at its finest. Contact: General Manager Patrick-Denis Finet, 52-984-877-3200, [email protected], www.mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya

Las Brisas acapulco Set atop one of the most renowned and coveted hills in Mexico, Las Brisas is a true jet-set oasis. A former fort, the resort, complete with antique canons, offers pan- oramic views of the Bay of Acapulco from terraces, pools, and restaurants. Watch the sun set upon arrival with the customary pink margarita in hand, before heading to the Roqueta Presidential Suite. It’s also an easy commute to the private beach area to go snorkeling or to take a glass- bottom boat to Roqueta Island, just off the mainland. Contact: General Manager Javier Aluni, 52-744-469-6900, [email protected], www.brisas.com.mx

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