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The Gulf of Mexico at such places as Celestun and Progreso was wonderful with warm
inviting water, but the Caribbean coast was just stunning. At first perhaps as we emerged from the bus at Playa del Carmen after a lengthy six hour run from Merida, we were a
little unsure of what it would be like. It took us a little while to get a taxi and the taxi driver didn't seem to know where our hotel was. When we arrived and were shown to our rooms, however, all our fears subsided. It was a perfect location. Our room had a
hammock hanging outside. It was set amid lush vegetation, and fifty yards away was a gorgeous turquoise sea.
We could just about see the island of Cozumel some twelve miles away directly across the sea, and every half an hour or so, ferries could be seen making the journey there and back. After a while I walked along the beach to the pier where the boats departed and checked out the times and prices. Then I walked back through the main tourist street, Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) where I was invited to look inside the many jewellery and T-shirt shops. The following day we took the ferry across to Cozumel. We walked along the front at Cozumel's main town of San Miguel, looking for somewhere to sit and have a coffee. We almost gave up, all there seemed to be was stores selling gold and jewellery. It was really quite bizarre. We did eventually satisfy our thirst however, and were
wondering where to go next. I saw several postcards referring to a place called Laguna
Chakanaab, so we jumped in a taxi and set off on the ten kilometre journey. It was a good move. This semi-natural park was a wonderful place that involved us for the rest of the day. There was a small beach, a place where people could swim with dolphins, a collection of genuine ancient artefacts from around the country, beautiful gardens and a fantastic lagoon teaming with reef fish.
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