So, what is there to do while in Xcalak?
Snorkeling

It is easy to spend your time on the beach in front of the CORAL GARDEN INN relaxing in the shade of the swaying palm trees or napping in a Mayan hammock and gazing out on the beautiful Caribbean ocean…. BUT if you want to get into the water and see some amazing coral formations and hundreds of varieties of fish, You are in the right place!! A short stroll south on the beach, about 200 yards, is some of the best snorkeling in the area. The water is shallow on the shore, for easy entry and just 50 feet out you can swim for hours among numerous coral heads teaming with beautiful tropical fish, rays, lobsters, eels, all sheltered by the second longest barrier reef in the world. The Mexican government has established this natural coastline, including the beaches of Xcalak, as a natural marine park.

If you choose to swim or kayak to the reef cut, 300 yards north, you will see amazing varieties of coral and aquatic life. The slightly deeper water is crystal clear and contains large schools of colorful fish that you won’t see in the shallow reefs. We have seen sea turtles, 6 foot moray eels, barracuda, along with southern and spotted sting rays. The large, colorful and varied coral is like being in a garden! Just unbelievably beautiful …… the coral garden!

There is snorkeling along many of the other beaches in Xcalak too. Just talk to some of the locals to point you in the right direction or you can arrange a snorkeling trip through the local dive shop, XTC.
Scuba Diving  

The waters of xcalak are a snorkeler’s dream and a wonderful place to begin scuba training. For certified divers, there are dozens of local dive sites within 5-15 minutes by boat and Banco Chinchorro lies just over the horizon. Whether you decide to go diving from the shores of Xcalak or take a 25 mile excursion due east to North America's largest atoll, Banco Chinchorro, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime to dive with visibility beyond belief and view untouched, pristine coral formations and it’s local inhabitants. You can also explore the hundreds of recorded and unrecorded ship wrecks that have occurred in the past few centuries. Dive trips and diving instruction can be arranged through XTC Dive Center.

Fishing

Xcalak is still the small fishing village it was 35 years ago, but it is becoming a haven for the sport fly fishing enthusiast. The Chetumal Bay flats of Xcalak are vastly larger than the Ascension Bay further north, producing profound numbers of bonefish and Permit. Fishing for bonefish, tarpon, and permit are under a catch and release system, but if you catch other fish, Snapper, Jack or Barracuda, often your local fishing guide will clean and filet them for you so you can eat them for dinner. Local independent fishing guides intimately know the area and make sport fishing affordable and enjoyable. There is excellent fishing in the lagoon about 1 kilometer south, and along the barrier reef.

You can arrange your own fishing trips with a local fishing guide. Victor Castro comes highly recommended and can be contacted at www.xcalak-flyfishing.com.

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing and Bird Watching Trips can also be arranged through the XTC Dive Center XTC which is a full service Padi certified dive center. They offer all levels of recreational and technical diving instruction, snorkeling tours, fishing, and bird watching trips. They are fully licensed and insured dive professionals with a relaxed way of doing business.

Exploring

For a fun, one day excursion, there are several Mayan ruins within a one to two hour drive, just to name a few Chaccoben, Dzibanche, Kinichna, Kohunlich, Oxtankah and a Spanish Fort complete with beautiful lake at the nearby town of Bacalar. For information regarding exploring some of the Mayan Ruins and historical sites in the area go to: www.locogringo.com/research/ruins.html

In Addition:
Nature walks can be spectacular and large flocks of green parrots can sometimes be seen. Bird watching for parrots, egrets, reseated spoonbills, pelicans, white ibis, jabirus storks and many more can be an exciting event. Iguanas, lizards, geckos and some marsupials are but a few of the land creatures who live in this habitat.

Other Ideas:
Swimming
Walking the beach
Bike Riding
Kayaking
Going to town
Listen to Music
Read a book
Writing Painting
Moonlight walks 		Relaxing
Daydreaming
Sleep in the hammock
Eat fresh fish and lobster
Laugh
Smile
Stargazing
Watching the sunrise
Engage in conversation
Resting in the Hammock:
Hammocks are a link to a great culture which has survived many, many centuries. Through periods of Mayan wars, Spanish conquest and even slavery, the Mayans continued to weave and use their hammock as their main piece of furniture. Sometimes 10 hammocks would be hung in one room for a family to sleep and then in the morning all except one or two would be taken down so the space would be available for other uses. So why do they still use them after all these years, because they are comfortable and good for your back. They take a little getting used to but you’ll be glad you did.

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