This is a natural coral reef pool in the middle of the ocean surrounded by fine sand. Playa del Carmen Tourism Playa del Carmen Hotels Bed and Breakfast Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen Holiday Rentals All Playa del Carmen Hotels; Playa del Carmen Hotel Deals; Last Minute Hotels in Playa Interested in joining our next trip to Mexico to experience crocodiles and dive cenotes? The driving time to the start of the Ruta de los Cenotes is roughly 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen. These ruins may not have the immaculately-restored pyramids of Chichn Itz, but they capture your imagination with a clear grid layout and temple structures. I have seen a few crocs diving cenotes but rarely. And these are not the same as Nile crocs or Salt water crocs. A lot smaller and much friendlier. Riviera Maya has so many spectacular experiences that it can be hard to know where to start. In 2017, environmental authorities from the state captured two crocs in the port of Progreso, but it was only possible to return one to its habitat. When we traveled to Cancun we saw crocodiles in the lagoon area along the main drag that runs through town - we were walking on the sidewalk at night and saw these people huddling over an embankment down to the lagoon area and sure enough there was one down there about 15 feet. In the last few days, at least two humans have been attacked by these animals in the area. Reclining majestically on the clifftops overlooking the azure waves, the Tulum archaeological site sets itself apart from other ancient cities with an atypical coastal setting. These crocodiles are mostly found in the mangrove swamps that surround the town. The answer is that some of the cenotes are home to crocodiles. In the wild, they typically live near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. But really little chance that you will see one, Report inappropriate content 3. A Florida alligator can be found from the United States Southeast coast to North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. These crocodiles are mostly found in the mangrove swamps that surround the town. The main draw here occurs at 95 feet deep where a hydrogen sulfide layer separates the freshwater above from the saltwater below, creating the appearance of an underwater river. Ultramar and Winjet run the route but on different schedules. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. If you want to get a closer look at these reptiles, you can schedule a private tour. Culturally minded travelers will not want to miss this cute colonial town. Because of its remoteness, there is no cell phone signal. Crocodiles also play a role in the local economy. 20 replies They might be slightly commercial, but they promise both adults and children a thrilling good time and rarely disappoint.. But we suggest you keep walking up the beach. Known for its spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and crystal-clear water, this cenote blew me away, and is one I would happily dive again and again. Crocodiles Often confused with the saltwater crocodile which inhabits Australia and many places in the Indo Pacific region, the American Crocodile is generally less aggressive towards humans. During rainy season, roughly June through October, the crocodiles tend to disperse when floods make it easier to move elsewhere. At least two people We started the morning off early by visiting The Pit, a well-known cenote deep in the jungle known for stunning sunbeams. Playa del Carmen, or Playa, is a resort city located in the state of Quintana in Mexico, and it is known locally as Playa. WebTour of Valladolid with Las Coloradas and Crocodile Sanctuary The palette of colours that is the Yucatan sparkles on this wildlife-rich tour. Continue to the beach, and theres plenty of parking close to the beach entrance. 22 replies; Valentin Imperial Maya Resort Map 18 replies; Paradisus La Esmeralda / La Perla any updates ? One of the best kept secrets of Sian Kaan is El Blanquizal at Punta Allen. Getting there by public transport is possible but tedious: youll need to change at Tulum to a colectivo heading towards Felipe Carillo. Its easy to travel, to get around, and there are so many fun things for people of all ages. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath, and these unique dives are not to be missed when visiting the Yucatan peninsula. The dive on the way out to Chinchorro usually takes place at a site known for friendly nurse sharks which follow you throughout the dive. The crocodiles in Punta Allen are an important part of the local ecosystem. Softened mining regulation reform advances to Senate. Ask any diver what they want to see and you're likely to hear a bucket list of marine species. Was thinking of Cozumel, Holbox, Isla mugeres? We were picked up in a comfy van plenty big for the seven of us and all our gear, and began the drive to Xcalak. Sian Kaan is a protected area in Mexico that is home to many different species of animals. I have been keeping reptiles as pets for over 20 years, and I have also worked with reptiles in zoos and nature centers. Though many species of crocodiles are found in brackish water, American Crocodiles have an especially high tolerance for saltwater, allowing them to flourish in the marine protected area of Banco Chinchorro, Mexico. Non-governmental organizations have documented and studied the number of specimens and behaviour of several crocodile species, proposing handling measures and preventive actions that could lead to fewer encounters and attacks between humans and crocodiles.