Sailing with Calypso Charters
by Lydia Linton Pontius, August 18, 2019
You never know what is going to happen or who you are going to meet when you wake up in Paradise. The days here are capable of all kind of pleasant surprises. I had received a message from a mutual friend’s friend, Hollie, who happened to live near us in the Charleston area of SC. For whatever reasons, we had never gotten the chance to meet while we lived there. Hollie and her fiance, Ryan, were in Akumal on vacation and she wanted to know if we were available to meet for a drink. We made arrangements to meet at the pool bar at the Omni in Puerto Aventuras. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting, and when Ryan mentioned he wanted to take Hollie out snorkeling and where would we suggest, my mind immediately went to sailing. I asked if they would be up for a sailing/snorkeling tour and they said sure. It was Ryan’s birthday Monday and Mike’s that Wednesday so we decided to reach out to Calypso Charters and see if they had any availabilities for tours that week. Jason immediately responded and we set up a 5-hour snorkel/sail for Thursday of the same week. This is one of the reasons it is a great idea to travel here just before high season kicks in, you are often able to snag an opening, which is not the case once the crowds arrive.
Plans made, we were all set to do our private charter on the Dralion Thursday from 10-3. One of the nice things is that we didn’t have to do a thing except show up. Calypso Charters provides everything: food, drinks including an open bar, snorkel gear, towels, fresh water to shower off with, music and an amazing crew. If you do want to play your own music that is an option too.
The night before our cruise the weather was fierce, storms blew through and we were not sure our day-sail would even happen. Jason touched base with us first thing in the morning and together, with the aid of radar, we made our decision that our trip was a go. Mike and I love sailing and we knew that the winds would be great for sailing. The wind out of the north meant the seas wouldn’t be too terribly rough and an overcast sky means cooler temps.
10:00 we pulled up to the Dralion, a Lagoon 440 catamaran built in France. It is equipped with 4 cabins, 4 heads, flybridge, stern and forward seating areas, and, of course, the catamaran’s trampolines that makes this model extremely comfortable. She can host up to 16 people for a day charter and 8 for a liveaboard. We were a group of 5, so we had more than enough room to stretch out and enjoy ourselves. There was room to find solitude if we wanted, and plenty of room to gather and enjoy drinks and food as a group.
What sets this vessel apart is that it is a luxury yacht, not a stripped-down party boat. It is tastefully decorated and has all the creature comforts you would want for a day or more at sea. The crew greeted us with a complete tour of the boat and went over all the safety requirements as we made ourselves at home. Our crew was Blanca, our beautiful, extremely hospitable hostess and chef; George, our able Capitan; Rodrigo our host, bartender and snorkel guide and Israel, the First Mate. For the next 5 hours we were pampered and waited on by the best.
As we took off we were handed our first drinks and encouraged to find our favorite spot for our sail out of Puerto Aventuras. Normally most would choose one of the two trampolines, but with cooler air and the chance of taking a wave in the fanny, the couch-like seating in the front of the salon became the spot for all but me. I opted for my favorite seat at the furthest point on the bow. Yes it was quite a ride, but for those who know me, though I don’t like heights, I do love that dropping sensation, and I have to say that morning the ride out did not disappoint, even if, at one point, I did spill a little of my drink!
We exited the marina and turned north to our destination, Inna, a secluded cove located north of Puerto Aventuras and south of Xcaret. The only access to this small inlet is by boat, so the beach and coastline here is isolated and pristine. The moment we anchored and entered the water to begin snorkeling a large turtle swam right by me and under Mike. There were rays and turtles swimming around the boat, and after a short swim away from the boat, we found ourselves surrounded by fish and coral. The skies were overcast so the colors were not as bright as they can be but still did not disappoint. With Rodrigo as our guide, we maneuvered the reef and were able to avoid the other snorkelers who had arrived on a “party” boat. One look at that group and we were again glad we had chosen Calypso Charters and not been a part of a large commercial group.
On the way back to the boat Ryan and Hollie were escorted by two rays and as we got back on the boat a beautiful green turtle came and entertained us. Rodrigo noticed a fishing hook was caught in his flipper, a reminder of the harm, intentional or not, we humans do to the wildlife and environment around us.
Once we were rinsed off and given our fresh towels and drinks, we were delighted to see the spread that Blanca had prepared for us. We had requested no red meat and were pleased to see an incredible assortment of turkey and cheese croissants, guacamole, mango salsa, chips, fresh fruit selection of watermelon, papaya and pineapple, along with an amazing ceviche. We relaxed, and by this point had the entire cove to ourselves. To top it off Blanca surprised us with a birthday cake for Mike and Ryan!
The only disappointment was that too soon it was time to head home. The winds were in our favor and we were able to raise the main sail and let out the jib, turn off the engines, and with full sails, good music and new and old friends we headed for home. I should add that our friend Vicky, who has lived here for many years, ended up knowing Ryan’s dad, who once lived in Punta Allen, Mexico. I am always amazed at what a small world it really is when people take the time to learn about one another.
Our Captain, George, did a great job of keeping us just outside the rain bands so at the most we only had a light rain when as we approached Puerto Aventuras. All in all, it was an incredible day, one I hope to enjoy again and again, now that we’re here permanently. I never tire of being on the ocean and seeing the beautiful coast go by.
If you want to know more about Calypso Charters visit their website www.calypso-charters.com. Jason, Blanca or anyone of their crew will take great care of you, from your first inquiry to your sad farewell. In addition to the 5-hour snorkel/sail, they also offer sunset cruises and liveaboard trips to Cozumel.