We’re off to Xcalak and Chinchorro!!!

November 29th —December 8th 2013 Xcalak + Chinchorro $2457 (double occupancy) Xcalak $2098 (double occupancy) To sign up, email or call me: [email protected] +1 917-539-9664 A deposit is required to hold your spot shortlist. It has earned a reputation as immensity is overwhelming. There are one of the last unspoiled dive destina- three small keys, Cayo Norte, Cayo Antonio’s Travel Notes The town of Xcalak, the southernmost on tions this side of the world, and cer- Centro, and Cayo Lobos – ranging from the Mexican Caribbean coastline, has be- less than one square km. to is an amazing place. come a model for sus- 5 sq. kms, however, there Every time I go I find more tainable eco-tourism in are no permanent settle- reasons to return. This time I the Meso-American ments. There is a Ranger wanted something completely System area in the last different from what I had experi- station on Cayo centro that ten years for its conser- enced and I found it. An amazing we visit if time permits vation status, a result of trip at an incredible price. where one can visit croco- a well thought out and Enough options to satisfy every- dile-filled lagoons, admire implemented plan, as well one yet away from mainstream endemic giant iguanas and resort destinations and tourism. as for its privileged loca- hike trails specially designed Xcalak alone is worth the trip, tion and heritage. Xcalak for environmental interpre- is like winning is located within the Xca- tation. The only downside (or the lottery. It’s priced as an add lak Reef National Marine upside?) is that it´s all on overnight excursion be- Park, a Federal Marine Federal property, which cause of the limited availability Park with strict environmental regulations, tainly in the Caribbean. It benefits from means there are no hotels or houses. (max 8) and the extra cost. Only both in the water and out. It has been a being both remote, inaccessible and We rent fishermen´s houses on stilts, a first come first serve basis. If focal point in the study of natural resource with access requiring special permits on the water, and sleep in hammocks. you decide not to go on the management and a priority area for the from the Mexican Federal Government. Depending on the season we can buy Chinchorro excursion you will be Federal Government, The World Bank´s It’s a long boat ride (almost 100mi fresh fish or lobster from him. offered valet diving service World Wildlife Fund and for many other RT). There really aren´t words to (gear setup, small boats, guides) researchers and naturalists. It is not describe what it feels to explore Banco etc.) at Xcalak. unusual for marine biologists doing a Chinchorro, to know that you are prob- dissertation, high level conservation ably the only dive boat diving an atoll bureaucrats or professional photog- that sprawls 600 square miles (less of raphers to join us on the dive boat. 1% is above water) that has been Diving Banco Chinchorro, the west- witness to almost 200 wrecks dating ern hemisphere´s largest coral atoll, back to the 16th century. It is one of is on most seasoned divers´ those places whose sheer beauty and

Antonio Simonini— [email protected]— + 1 917-539-9664

To sign up email or call me: [email protected] +1 917-539-9664 Price Includes Trip Program A deposit is required to hold your spot

All transfers in Mexico Day 1—Airport Pickup, meet local guide, Transfer to Hotel in Cancun, Party (did I say Party?) 9 days/8 nights lodging Day 2— Group Choice: Two Tank Cenote Dive or visit Ruins. Afternoon transfer to Xcalak. Most meals (all incl. in Xcalak/Chinchorro) Day 3- Diving Xcalak Driver, Trip Guide, Dive Guides, Support vehicle Day 4– Transfer to Chinchorro. Diving 7 days of diving Day 5– Diving— excursion to crocodile lagoon—Return to Xcalak Excursion to Chinchorro* Day 6– Diving Xcalak Sailfish experience Day 7– Diving Xcalak Beer, liquor, cocktails, Mezcal, Tequilas. Day 8– Transfer to Cancun. Sailfish Excursion *Priced Extra based on availability Day 9– Transfer to Airport. Fly home :-( Airfares are available upon request

Sailfish Baitball

Before we head home to the frozen lands (I consider anything not in the 3 digits “freezing”) we will go for a sailfish tour where we will be able to experience sailfish feeding off a bait- ball. Should make for a great photo/ video op. Link to a video below.

Tec Diver? No Problem! For the techies among us I’ve made sure that all options are available. Any blend of nitrox (including 100%) or trimix is available. Rebreather divers can arrange for sorb. A large rental selection in terms of tanks, stages, regulators, wings, backplates is readi- ly available. Choices of Tec dives available. Of course you are responsi- ble for the cost of your custom gas- es/sorb. Let me know if interested in tec option and will discuss with you.

Easter Eggs (ok, ok slightly off season) Click Here for a video of Sailfish feeding off a sardine ball (included excursion) Click Here for details on a movie showcasing Chinchorro.

All pictures courtesy & Copyright of XTC Dive Center & Phil Davidson. Mexico Logo courtesy of Tourism Board

Antonio Simonini— [email protected]— + 1 917-539-9664