One of the activities most exciting and yet
relaxing is going fishing. El Cuyo has a
great diversity of fish. At a depth of 20
to 25 feet (6 meters) you're able to find mero
(grouper), canane, pargo, colored and white
corvina, mojarra, chac chi,
robalo (snook), sabalo (tarpon), jurel, cojinuda,
ronco, macabi, bagre (catfish), and barracuda
among others. In only 20 minutes your boat
can be at fishing depth, easily in sight of the
nearby shore.The fish you catch will vary from 1 to 4
pounds (1/2 to 2 kilos). Fishing
Photogallery
2.
The Lighthouse (el Faro)
We
highly recommend that you visit the nearby
lighthouse. From the top you can
appreciate and take photos of the gorgeous views
- from the wide open sea to the estuary that
borders this town of fishermen.If you go early enough, between 5 and 6
in the morning, you'll be able to see groups of
Flamencos and other migratory birds flying over.
To climb to the top of the lighthouse you'll
need to ask for the keys from the Port Captain,
whose offices are in front. He is very
accommodating. Just be sure to lock up and
return the keys when you are through. And
don't forget your photographic equipment as you
certainly will want to carry with you the
memories of this place and its magnificent
natural beauty.
3.
Golf Cart
Yes,
you're able to rent golf carts in order to
travel around El Cuyo. These open air
vehicles are electric and, consequently, do not
contaminate the environment.They rent by the hour and provide a
pleasant way to tour this picturesque town and
to admire the unique
homes and other places along the Yucatan coast. Fishermen
Village Map
4.
Excursion to
Isla Holbox
You're
able to go to Isla Holbox on a day tour.
Visiting this beautiful island takes less than
an hour, and you're able to enjoy the trip by
launch - admiring the coastal scenery and having
a refreshment and snack along the way. You'll be introduced to the captivating lagoon
of Yalahau and travel through the mangroves and
"ojos de agua" (freshwater springs) of
the island, resulting in an unforgettable
journey forlovers of nature.
While
here you can enjoy fresh, delicious seafood at
one of the small restaurants of the village.
If you come to El Cuyo between July and
September you can be taken to see the whale
sharks that arrive near Isla Holbox this time of
year - truly a remarkable spectacle. You
might even snorkel amongst the sharks, which
actually are accustomed to people and not
aggressive.
5.
Tour of the
Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
For
those enthralled with nature this is a tour that
will be recorded in your memory forever. You will be in contact with the natural
environment in all its splendor, observing
different types of all year and migratory birds,
little known exotic plants, and unusual animals
that inhabit these inhospitable places. The tour is conducted by competent guides
trained by SEMARNAP, a governmental watchdog of
the Biosphere.
What
you see and hear will be explained to you in
detail. Expect to be cautioned not to
disturb the environment in any way. By
entering the marvelous ecosystem of the
Biosphere of Ria Lagartos, you are doing
something that few others do, a true ecotour in
which all you see is natural. Nothing here
is
artificial. Birds
Photos
6.
Biking
El
Cuyo is ideal for Biking. You can explore the
fishermen village and surrounding areas
and admire the magnificent views
While
you are biking, you can see many sea
birds and iguanas, we suggest you use
binoculars and carry a bottle of
water.
Come experience a kayak adventure and discover the magnificence of the
mangrove estuaries along the Yucatan coastline as you paddle through this
delicate environment and gain a greater appreciation for the need to preserve
it.
Silently, without altering the surroundings or
disturbing the environment, the kayaker journeys along the Yucatan coastline,
exploring the mangrove-lined waterways which provide the ideal habitat for an
enormous variety of waterfowl and other animals.
Mangrove trees constitute the very core of the coastal ecological cycle. They are
uniquely adapted to living in salty water and provide protection from
coastal erosion. Fungus that grows on the dead, fallen leaves provides
nourishment for small crustaceans and birds. Some of the trees reach heights
of up to 85 feet (25 meters.)
Paddling through this delicate environment gives a greater appreciation for the need to
preserve it. Kayaking in these still waters requires no previous experience--just good physical
condition, and a youthful spirit, coupled with a love of nature.
Kayaking Photogallery
8.
Unwinding!
While
you are here you will engage in activities,
simple in nature but still unforgettable. We recommend that at dusk you visit the pier in
front of the Cabanas los Flamencos. You
may well see dolphins passing by; this is their
favorite hour for approaching the shore. You'll see many pelicans, some stationary on the
old pilings nearby, others flying overhead.
It's a time for meditating and falling in love.
Try gathering seashells in the morning between 8
a.m. and 9 a.m. when the sun is not as strong.
Many different kinds of all colors, shapes, and
sizes can be found beyond the town pier and boat
landing. Here you'll often be the only
ones on the beach.
At
night you can stroll the beach and admire the
stars. With luck you may spot a turtle
laying eggs.
Always carry a flashlight to capture these
moments.Do not touch, only observe. Don't be surprised if at night
you see a four wheeler on the beach. It is
driven by personnel from SEMARNAP who are
watching for turtle nests and protecting the
environment. Fires on the beach are not
permitted at night as they disorient the turtles
when they come to lay their eggs.
Visit the installations of SEMARNAP. You'll be able to pick up brochures on the
Biosphere Reserve of Ria Lagartos.
These
will assist you in understanding all aspects of
the Biosphere and enlist you in its care. In El
Cuyo there is a cyber-cafe where you can send
and receive e-mail and browse the net at your
convenience. It is located on the main
avenue, three blocks from the park and beside
the telephone booth.You can always be in contact with loved
ones and share your adventures in this place
privileged by nature.
Considering all of the above, perhaps a visit toEl Cuyo is simply being in a hammock in front of your Cabana
facing the sea, reading your favorite book,
feeling the soft, sea breezes, drinking a beer
or other well-iced refreshment, and in the
company of loved ones. Nature. Relaxation.
Adventure. What
more could you ask!