National Reef Park, Puerto Morelos

     The Great MesoAmerican Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world.  The largest is off the coast of Australia.  The northern most part of the reef is off Cancun and it stretches southeast along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras for about 600 miles.  Just off the coast of Puerto Morelos the reef is closest to the shore and is a Mexican national park.  Although its only about 500 yards from shore, snorkelers and divers can't swim out to the reef to dive.  They have to get a wristband and dive with a guide who is aware of the safety rules in managing the reefs ecosystem.
    When the big kids did their test scuba dive, they swam in an area just a five minute walk down the beach from our house.  The dive shop has a large reef area surrounded by buoys to keep the dive boats away from the snorkelers.  Amanda packed up towels, sunscreen, snacks, and snorkel equipment for the kids and they all walked down the beach to check out the amazing underwater world.  Marlene and I sat in the shade by the pool and drank coffee and enjoyed the beauty of the day. 
     After an hour or so, Amanda came back.  She had rented a couple loungers under a big umbrella and encouraged us to join them.  She made sandwiches for everyone, then we walked back.  Carter and Bennett were really excited about their snorkel adventures.  They were seeing lots of fish including some big barracuda, and they looked into a cenote.  The Yucatan Peninsula has hundreds of cenotes which are basically sinkholes in the limestone where freshwater gathers.  There are many spots in the jungle where cave divers go to explore and enjoy the extremely clear water that has filtered through the limestone and created pools. Those that are found in the reef are more vertical, water filled shafts.  No one in our group did anything more than look into the mysterious depths.
    Eventually Stella wore herself out and crashed on the lounger with Grandma Marlene and napped.  Her very strong mom had to carry her back down the beach when everyone was done snorkeling.  But not before Amanda and the guys accompanied Rick out to the reef to see the fish.  He is not a confident swimmer and was leary of the current and the possibility of being in deep water and having a problem with his snorkel.  He knew that with Amanda right by his side he would have help if he needed it, and with that confidence, he enjoyed the exploration of the reef.
    After a good rest we cleaned up and went into town to Pelicanos - a restaurant right on the town square and the pier.  We had a big table on the shaded veranda which overlooked the water.  Soon we heard the sound of a conch, then drums and rattles and saw a costumed man out on the square doing traditional Mayan dances. The dances tell stories from the pre-hispanic Mayan culture.  The dancing included fire and smoke and was a big hit with the kids who went over to watch while we waited on our delicious Mexican dinners.  After dinner we walked across the square to a small ice cream shop for homemade ice cream.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.