Geo-Quiz - March 2011 Answer
The mystery destination is:
Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico – a spectacular Caribbean destination located just four hours south of Cancun near the border of Belize on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Clue #2
Mahahual ‘s front yard is the Meso-American Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world, stretching nearly 700 miles over four countries. Although parts of the reef are between two to four million years old, most of the Costa Maya region of the reef has never seen a scuba diver!
For land lovers, Mahahual provides access to the now famed Chacchoben and Chitchen Itza Mayan ruins and the opportunity to experience truly virgin beaches. For the nitrogen lovers, 80% of the coastal reef (Meso-American Barrier Reef) is unexplored and continually offers exciting new discoveries for adventure divers. Few places in the world can offer such unspoiled diving. Come join us on an expedition dive and be the first!
Clue #3
The majestic Chinchorro Banks is considered one of the last unexplored dive destinations in all of the Caribbean. Located 19 miles off the coast of Mahahual, it is the largest atoll in the Northern Hemisphere, and the only atoll in Mexican waters. It is approximately 9 miles wide and nearly 30 miles long. The reefs here boast some of the largest and most impressive displays of pristine coral and marine life in the world. With giant barrel sponges that could hide a compact car, schools of rays, monstrous barracuda, and goliath grouper, you can´t help but feel as if you just dove a thousand years back in time. Rumors are circulating that the local fishermen have found a World War II German U-boat sitting at 300ft, but it has yet to be confirmed.
Diving:
Until recently, diving in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico, was a closely guarded secret. Now this region is quickly becoming one of the hottest dive spots in the dive community. Sport Diver magazine described Mahahual as “Maha-WOW!”
The local diving takes place on the magnificent Meso-American Barrier Reef system--the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere. The reef system here is extremely healthy and is in pristine condition. The dive sites are known for their abundance of beautiful corals and extraordinary reef formations, creating astonishing swim-throughs, and ledges. Common marine life experienced on these dives include dolphin, turtles, lobsters, stingrays, nurse sharks, eels, king crabs, and barracuda, as well as a variety of tropical reef fish such as damsels, butterfly fish, pork fish, parrot fish, and schools of Creole wrasse and blue tangs. Some divers have even spotted migrating whale sharks in this area.
As if the diving isn't enough, you will also have the opportunity to experience the local Mayan and Mexican culture and beautiful beaches of Mahahual. Once a fishing village, Mahahual is now a small town thriving with wonderful beachfront shops, restaurants, bars, arts and crafts booths, and more. Whether you are interested in spectacular diving or relaxing beach massages, Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico has it all. Come join us and be one of the first to experience the hidden “Jewel of the Caribbean”.
Average Water Temperature: 27⁰C/78⁰F
Average Visibility: 30m/100 ft
Dive packages to Mahahual, Costa Maya/Dreamtime Dive Resort start from $850 per diver and include 7 nights stay with unlimited diving on the local Meso-American Barrier Reef.
For more information or to reserve your DREAM vacation CLICK HERE or email us at info@dreamtimediving.com.
Brought to you by —Dreamtim Dive Resort