Here are some of the photo highlights of our snorkeling adventures...
Yal Ku Lagoon
Yal Ku Lagoon
Max getting ready to enter Yal Ku
Mom, the somewhat nervous snorkelerdid a great job in the ocean
Max the Super Snorkeler with Hubby
My Daddy in Yal Ku
Wittle Fishies
Lots of these yellow stripey guys in Yal Ku
Coral Formations in Yal Ku near the sea
Sea Turtle 
A Little Guy
Same Little Guy Checking Me Out
Bigger Guy Having BreakfastAnd there you have it, just a sampling of snorkeling photos from our adventures down south. I'll have more later this week about the rest of our experience, but I couldn't wait to share these with you.
Now, a wee lecture. It is against the law and a horrible disgusting act to mess with the coral and sea life. I was quite angry to see a tourist taking a piece of coral out of the lagoon and really disgusted to see people standing on the coral, kicking up the ocean floor and trying to touch the marine life. I also witnessed folks slathering on sun screen before getting in the water. PLEASE, please, please, RESPECT the incredible place we have, don't destroy it any more than it has been already. Do NOT touch the coral, do not stand on it, do not use your fins more than necessary (light, gentle, fluttery kicks do you more good than clumsy huge splashes), do NOT wear sunscreen, a t-shirt or snorkel shirt is much better than even the "eco-friendly" brands, do NOT try to touch the turtles or urchins or other sea life. It's sad to see people treat these natural wonders like they were built by Disney, once we lose them, they're not going to come back, no "Imagineers" can fix the damage, do all you can to keep the beauty of the region for years to come. Ok, off my soap box, I figure most of you probably know all this but I felt like I needed to rant for a moment.
More later this week!
Now, a wee lecture. It is against the law and a horrible disgusting act to mess with the coral and sea life. I was quite angry to see a tourist taking a piece of coral out of the lagoon and really disgusted to see people standing on the coral, kicking up the ocean floor and trying to touch the marine life. I also witnessed folks slathering on sun screen before getting in the water. PLEASE, please, please, RESPECT the incredible place we have, don't destroy it any more than it has been already. Do NOT touch the coral, do not stand on it, do not use your fins more than necessary (light, gentle, fluttery kicks do you more good than clumsy huge splashes), do NOT wear sunscreen, a t-shirt or snorkel shirt is much better than even the "eco-friendly" brands, do NOT try to touch the turtles or urchins or other sea life. It's sad to see people treat these natural wonders like they were built by Disney, once we lose them, they're not going to come back, no "Imagineers" can fix the damage, do all you can to keep the beauty of the region for years to come. Ok, off my soap box, I figure most of you probably know all this but I felt like I needed to rant for a moment.
More later this week!
19 comments:
Yal Ku is a great place. We always stop if driving south. And we have never seen it crowded. Glad you are having fun with Mom and Dad. Can't wait to see more pics.
I wholeheartedly second your rant on protecting the environment. Dive skins/ snorkel shirts are much safer for the environment and your skin. I'm a scuba instructor here in Cozumel and am also often dismayed at the way people treat the animals and coral in our marine park. Lets respect the beautiful reefs we have, so that max can enjoy them when he's grown up. I would only add that the amount of trash floating in our oceans and washing up on our beaches is scary. Instead of plucking a bit of coral or pretty shell, lets all try to remove a piece of garbage from the beach/ ocean.
PS your vacation looks awesome!!!
Hello again from Guatemala!!! Thanks for the tons of tips you gave us on your blog. We visited Cancun 2 weeks ago and the weather was awesome. Because of your great advise, we could visit the reef in Puerto Morelos and also Yal Ku. You´re so lucky to live there and enjoy those beautiful places every day.
Cheers!!!
Estuardo
I know exactly how you feel about the coral damage. I really wish Quintana Roo gov't would make it harder for novice snorkelers to get so close to reefs. I've seen people stand on them (inadvertently, usually) or get too close, not paying attention to currents and depth. It's terrible.
I didn't know that sunscreen was a big no no. Although now you mention it, it must be full of chemicals and stuff.
Those underwater pics are amazing. Love the turtles. How can people be so studpid to destroy the very beauty they've come to see. Glad you're having a good visit. Look forward to more.
It is good to get on a little soap box now and then. A lot of people just do not realize so it is good that they get a reminder. For those who do know better and just do not care... Karma is going to get them.
I would love to see sea turtles, I'm going to have to rent a car next time I'm in Mexico I suppose! Love the pictures, sounds like you had a fantastic time with your family :)
Looks like a lovely place to vacation. I'm a little jealous. I also hate stupid people who don't respect the environment and do stupid things like that that will inevitably destroy it and then they'll be the ones pointing fingers.
Print and post that on the beaches! Glad you had a good time, i love sea turtles! So jealous!
-h
the underwater photos are beautiful, looks like you all had a great time! We have not been to cancun before, but your blog shows it to be a beautiful place. Once we have more work completed on our casa here in alamos, we will be venturing out for more travel.
I want your life so bad. Hubby, kid, Cancun...come on.
Awesome pics amiga !!!
I think it's awesome you posted about the "basics" of snorkeling! I have to say I know a few ppl who didn't know you couldn't do many of those things!!! Nothing wrong with a little education!!!!
Have fun with your family!!! Looking fwd to the trip report on Akumal Beach Resort!!
I congratulate you for such wonderful vacation in Cancun. Especially the child who must have learned wonderful things for the turtles and fish.
I'm so glad you and familia had such a good time in Akumal. I only wish that we had been there to meet up with you.
I've enjoyed reading your blog now for over a year. I enjoy hearing about your assimilation into the life you now have. Anyhow, I just wanted to say that I have often snorkled in Akumal... love the ABR and the area. Many times I've stopped my snorkel and stuck my nose into someone else's vacation who thinks it would be awesome to grab a turtle... So, just stay up on that soapbox so everyone knows what damage they could cause. I hopw your message is heard by many and for a long time to come.
Thanks again for sharing a piece of your life with us folk who only dream of being in your place.
All the best...
Robin
(Windsor, Ontario)
Does anyone know what camera the Cancun Canuck uses for the under water shots? They take great pics and i would like to get the same one!!!
Hi all,
Thanks so much for all your comments and support for keeping our natural resources protected for years to come!
Robin- Hi and welcome, I'm a Windsor girl from long back, my parents still live there, glad to have you aboard, thanks for commenting!
Brandi- I use a Sony point and shoot with a Sony sport pack. Sadly, both the camera and the sport pack have been discontinued! Have a look around online, perhaps some scuba forums would offer some ideas for good underwater set ups that don't cost a fortune. Glad you like the pics!
Echo Robert on the camera comments. I get the disposables from Costco (and wave at HH as we drive by :)) but my underwater pictures SUCKETH.
I hear your rant on the tourists and we LURVE us some Yalku! We haven't been there for a while...
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