After a
super tiring day and a super late dinner the previous day, all of us were super
tired and I am sure all of us were not even wanting to wake up. We had to start
off the hotel at 7:45 hence all our stuffs had to be planned backward and we
were done with a light breakfast and headed out to see the flora and fauna in
and around the super blue waters of isla mujres at the Garrafone island
Commute to Cancun and ferry ride
We were
spot on with reporting timing and we had a 50 minute commute to the main city of Cancun. Though the seaside
looks royal, the 30 km ride from our hotel to Cancun city seemed to me as any
Indian suburban ride through a four lane highway connecting cities, well
including the vegetation's along the route did seem to resemble in the
sub-continent, maybe because of the similar temperate climates. After a 50
minute long ride we did reach the tour operator and we were right on time for
the ferry to leave. While we were trying to negotiate some deals for the rides
at the Garaffon, we were forced to board the ferry and speak about the deal
on-board
In the
first 10 minutes of the 40 minute ferry ride did we see the super alkaline
super blue clear water along the ocean, we could witness the super luxury ocean
view hotels with their own private beach and folks enjoying a sunny morning. It
was blazing sun at around 90F and we were on top of the vessel, with abundant
wind we could still feel the burns, we were asked to get to the base floor so
that the ferry could cross a bridge were it was barely grazing to the top of
the bridge. It was after another 30 minutes that we reached the Garaffon, we
could witness from distance the folks zip lining and super crystal clear water
where we could see the coral reef from a far distance underwater
Much awaited Zip Ride and few more
The main
attraction at the resort being Zip ride on 3 directions right on top of the
crystal clear blue waters over the reef, snorkelling, kayaking, kids pool
overlooking the ocean. Far from a photogenic view it's an awesome place to be
in, but the overall experience could only be rated average for the occupancy
through the day and variety of activities. The first activity was to register
for the zip ride for all 5 adults and a grown up kid ;) based on height
measures were allowed to register for the ride. We again had to take turns per
family just to make sure that each of us had enough photo and video coverage of
the once in life time experience to be snapped and recorded. Though the first
set of 2 of us had a long wait in the queue and unfortunately made the others
wait , after over half hour wait in the queue in the blazing sun, we two
started to zip past the tall trees in the first ride, second zips past over the
crystal clear blue water and the third one coming along back to the spot where
our friends and family were waiting for us to snap and later on take up their
chance and we switch roles. It was quick but one in kind of experience, awesome
view with a rush of adrenaline.
Lunch and a break..
By the
time all 5 of us were done with the zip ride, it was already around 12:15 PM
and it was right in time to have our lunch, then get onto the water activities
for kids, women and the those daring fellas to venture into the sea for some
serious inspection of species underwater :) . As usual finding some vegetarian
dish to eat is a great challenge wherever you get to dine and all of us feast
for a majority on the fruits to keep our body temperature down and filling with
enough fluids. After a reasonably contented lunch due to some availability of
edible rice with some salsa and avocado adding spice we head down to the lawn
with some shamrock to leisure out and having the kids have the trampoline jumps
in succession, with the kids satisfied with their hunger and wish to take onto
the trampoline, we brave souls headed out to the much expected snorkelling in
the fresh crystal blue waters while kids and ladies except one minding their
jobs in the small pool.
Snorkelling and Kayaking
Me,
Sathish and Rithvi, ventured into the snorkelling arena, trying to repeat the
previous day activity and with much anticipation, today we got a wide stretch
of water we could cover snorkelling, with much anticipation and excitement all
3 of us venture into the waters, after few yards we witness few fishes, but not
as much as the previous day, again it was crystal clear to view till the ocean
floor, but was super salty, with water oozing through the wind pipe of the
snorkel and at times through the eye view, had to take too many stops to clear
it on both ways. We finally reached the turnabout point near a pier were we
finally witnessed quite a bunch of yellow striped fishes, when there are so
many of them underwater, you feel you are part of their family, just trying to
reach out to few of them and feel as part of the ecosystem, unique feel which
cannot be matched. After a brief stay there, we got back to the start point
after around half hour.
After
that we turned in the snorkels and headed to get a kayak for each pair, I and
Sathish ending up making 3 trips , covering all 7 of us for brief rides on the
kayak. Kids had their first ever experience in serenity in crystal blue water
on a sunny day with mild breeze with their dependable friends and parents along
with them. I wish I had any such experience early on. Glad that they have a
good experience and memories to cherish as years pass by. With all of us done
with our turns on kayak, we had just enough time to get shower and dress and be
in the queue to board the ferry back to Cancun city.
Ride back and dinner and siesta
We had to
hire a taxi with not so great negotiation with overrated rental by $30, we did
not want to argue with kids
and grown up kids being tired and wanting to
take some refreshment and rest. Just to rub it in, we made the taxi driver to
take a pit stop at Starbucks, yeah you heard it right :) stopped to get the
refreshment lattes for all who wanted, soon we started the ride , relaxing a
bit with folks getting their much desired Chai after few days , I am sure it
would be of some content or respite, discussing about various happenings and
narration by kids on their Candid conversation through the day, we reach the
hotel at 6:30 PM
With
continuous overload of Mediterranean/Mexican food menu for all consecutive
sessions, tried to sneak into Italian restaurant on premise which needs a
reservation. Our multiple arguments and discussion did no good to us, had to
settle in for the usual buffet which had limited choice for past 2 days.
Luckily today's was a much better experience with having rice and getting a
custom preparation of Vegetarian pasta with added spice, all of us were happy
with the comparative treatment of taste buds today, with less sleep over the
last night and early rise today, all hit bed early on except this night owl
author who wanted to record in the experience and share it with friends
and
well-wishers :)
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