The first port on our Caribbean cruise last week was Cozumel, Mexico. When booking the cruise, this was the port I was least interested in visiting. However, the minute I stepped off the cruise I was in awe of the clear, blue waters. My excitement continued to build as we took a crazy taxi ride from the port to Club Caribe Cozumel, the site of our Mexican excursion.
At Club Caribe, we went paddle boarding and snorkeling under the guidance of my new friend Paco.
Dennis picked the excursion, so I would get the opportunity to finally try paddle boarding and we would both be able to try snorkeling. First, we got fitted for life vests and learned how to use the paddle. The men and women split up into two lines. I went in second, brace and all. Paco instructed us to paddle out and then stand.
I will be the first to admit that standing was a little awkward but after some shakiness, I was standing and regaining my balance. A few minutes later I was off and paddling down the beautiful Mexican coastline. I never fell once and it rained while we were out on the water and there was a current. Paddle boarding was fabulous and I can't wait to go again.
I can't say the same for Dennis. I give him so much credit for trying but he spent more time in the water than on the board.
After we finished paddle boarding, Paco taught us how to use the mask for snorkeling and wear a special life vest. Dennis and I jumped off the pier into those spectacular blue waters. The water was so clear that it seemed much more shallow but it was actually 20-30 feet deep and you could still see the bottom.
The minute I put my mask on and looked underwater I realized I wasn't looking into the murky Lake Erie waters anymore. It was like looking into an aquarium! There were brightly colored fish and interesting coral. Paco would feed the fish and then we would try to catch the fish as a school of hundreds of fish swarmed around us. It was amazing!
My only regret is that we did not have a waterproof digital camera or a better case for the iPhone because we have no pictures of these wonderful adventures.
Following our morning in the water, we had delicious chips and salsa and margaritas under the palm trees with a stunning view of the water. The afternoon ended too quickly, first because of rain that sent us in a very crammed taxi back to the port and then an early departure time but not before a quick stop at Ron Juan Surf Shop!
Someday I would like to return to Cozumel for more time paddle boarding and snorkeling but for now I will just treasure our memories made in this Mexican paradise.
