Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Plans under way for artificial reef in Progreso, Yucatán The reef would consist of 1,400 circular, concrete structures built by Reef Ball México Wednesday, March 13, 2019
One of Reef Ball México's artificial reefs.Plans under way for artificial reef in Progreso, Yucatán
The reef would consist of 1,400 circular, concrete structures built by Reef Ball México
The popular port town of Progreso, Yucatán, has announced a marine project to draw more tourists.
Municipal tourism director Manuel Rosado unveiled a plan to install an artificial coral reef six kilometers offshore. He told the newspaper El Financiero that Progreso will officially present the project late this month or in early April.
“We are conducting environmental impact studies and planning the reef, for which we will need 5 million pesos (US $259,000), the amount required to fund this type of project.”
The reef will be made up of more than 1,400 circular structures designed by the Reef Ball Foundation. Reef Ball representative Javier Dajer said artificial reef structures are specially designed to promote marine plant growth and attract fish.
He explained that the structure’s circular design allows the sun’s rays to reach the reef at any angle, promoting photosynthesis. Additionally, the hollow interior pushes water out through the top with a whirlpool effect, generating sounds and movements attractive to marine wildlife. Dajer said the structures tend to become covered in coral within five years, fully blending into the ecosystem.
He added that the artificial reef structures are extremely durable, with an expected lifespan of 500 years. They are made entirely out of a special type of concrete that also contains additives to equalize pH levels with those of the seawater.
Dajer said the project is supported by diving schools and a local biologist.
“We are discussing implementing the project at three different depths with different focuses in mind: there will be a zone for snorkeling and swimming, a second zone for recreational fishing and boating, and a third zone for commercial fishing.”
Other artificial reefs have already been installed in Campeche, Quintana Roo, Colima, Baja California and Veracruz. To date, nearly 25,000 of the structures have been installed off the shores of Mexico.
Source: El Financiero (sp)
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Five new or under-the-radar Mexico experiences By Meagan Drillinger |Mar 12, 2019
Five new or under-the-radar Mexico experiences
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Mar 12, 2019
Structures at the Guachimontones archaeological site date to the fourth century B.C. Photo Credit: Eric Moya
For as much time as I have spent in Mexico, I am still always surprised and delighted to discover parts and places I have never been to, or even heard about before. From new discoveries to soon-to-be-launched hotels as well as experiences that have remained below the radar for decades, here are five experiences in Mexico you might not know exist.
Hacienda Chukum
A cenote was recently discovered outside of Valladolid, Yucatan, and in its wake a brand-new travel park has emerged. The 131-acre Hacienda Chukum opened in February, centered on the Chukum-Ha cenote. Three natural openings in the cavernous ceiling illuminate the waters below. There is also a rope swing and a 50-foot repelling wall. Visitors can explore the park through local tour operator Aventuras Mayas.
Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca
Though by no means new, one of Oaxaca's greatest natural treasures is still far off the beaten path for most tourists. Visitors to Oaxaca City would be remiss to overlook this stunning natural phenomenon. From a distance, this enormous rock formation that towers above the jungle looks like a frozen waterfall. Upon closer inspection, visitors will discover that it is actually constructed of mineral deposits on top of a limestone mountain. On either of the ledges of the mountain are two freshwater pools, as well as hot springs that are bubbling with calcium carbonate and magnesium. The minerals from the pools seep through the cliffs creating the frozen flow appearance of this magnificent structure.
Hierve el Agua is a perfect day trip from Oaxaca City and can be arranged through local tours or via private drivers.
Glamping in Espiritu Santo
Off the coast of La Paz in Baja California Sur is the island of Espiritu Santo. Espiritu Santo Island is a Natural Protected Area that was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995. Known for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, the entire island is only 11 miles long. It's also teeming with wildlife, from sea lions and manta rays to dolphins and turtles. No humans live on Espiritu Santo, but if you want to spend the night it is possible to arrange an evening glamping with Camp Cecil.
Camp Cecil has a base on one of the island's best beaches, with walk-in tents with real beds, lanterns, beach towels and storage space. An on-site chef prepares meals daily at Xantas Cafe. Guests can spend the day kayaking, hiking, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, nature watching and more.
The boat to Camp Cecil departs from La Paz at 9 a.m. on the day of the reservation. Travelers can fly into San Jose del Cabo or La Paz.
La Casa de La Playa, Destino Xcaret
Destino Xcaret is readying to open the next hotel on the expansive, 915-acre compound of which the explosive Hotel Xcaret is a part. Slated to be the second hotel of 12 to open over the next few years, La Casa de La Playa will open this summer with 63 spacious suites with private plunge pools that are categorized into three concepts: Nature, Wellness and Fun. The adults-only, eco-friendly resort will have four restaurants, two pools, a spa, mezcaleria, chocolate shop, wine cellar, and library.
In the next eight years there will be 6,000 hotel rooms, a stadium with capacity for a 12,000-person audience, a convention center, and an entertainment and commercial center with promenades along the river.
Guests of the properties receive full access to the Xcaret parks, as well, as part of the All-Fun Inclusive program.
Guachimontones, Jalisco
Later this year, the government of Jalisco will be completing a high-speed highway connecting Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. The 5.5-hour trip will be reduced to 2.5 hours, making it entirely possible to hit both Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in one weekend getaway.
Along the drive, travelers can discover one of the more peculiar ruins of Mexico -- Guachimontones. This Olmec archaeological site is home to circular pyramid structures, which is a rarity for Mexico sites. The Unesco World Heritage Site remained largely unheard of until about 2009. Before then, visitors had to ask the locals around the town, Teuchitlan, in order to make their way there. Today it is far more accessible to tourists, with a large visitor center and a museum.
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