Mexican Caribbean

The power not to pedal

City tour vs. Westcoast adventure

When it comes to tour expeditions, it can be overwhelming the different options available to you. Which is value for money? What tour gets me the most adventure? Will I maximize my short time on the island? We all know about traditional tours.

2023 sees an alternative style of touring, breaking away from the old and bringing in the new. Wind in the hair, top speeds of 33kms, environmentally friendly. From City landscape to safari exploration. It’s all here, vibrant, breathtaking escapades guaranteeing pure satisfaction this vacation.

E-Bikes are here, and it’s a must-do!

E-Bikes are pedal bicycles with battery-powered assistance. You can pedal just like your old bike back home, or you can choose to get a boost, which engages the motor to assist you in pedaling. The history of electric bikes goes back to 1895 when Ogden Bolton Jr. patented his earliest e-bike prototype. He placed a 10-volt battery and a small hub motor on a conventional push bike. What followed was a surge of related patents between 1895-1899. Today E-bike use is growing rapidly in all markets. They are eco-friendly and a healthy alternative to fossil-powered transportation. The highlight is they are less physically intense than conventional bicycles. Making this kind of transport a YES PLEASE, for me.

If you’re thinking you came on vacation to relax, not to exercise. You will love these bikes. Pull back on the throttle, kick back, and let your bike do all the work. You get to admire the view while not even breaking a sweat.

I want a turn!!

Well, Cozumel is one of the best places in the world to experience impressive E-Bike expeditions. Cozumel is located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef; It’s the second-largest coral ecosystem in the world. The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the largest.

Cozumel is an extraordinary island in the Caribbean, famous for turquoise waters, world-class diving, and snorkeling, as well as the prettiest white sandy beaches you will ever see. It's super safe; crime on this island is at a real low. The island is small, with friendly neighborhoods and homes with substantial police, armed forces, and marine personnel. It has zero tolerance towards unsavory characters. You can feel safe walking around the streets of Cozumel.

But how do you know which tour is right for you? Research and reading this article is a great place to start. If you love adventure, exploring the astonishing environment, and want to get your feet wet and take some incredible photos. Then the’ Westcoast Snorkeling and cenote E-Bike tour is for you.

Westcoast snorkeling & Cenote E-Bike Tour

Riding along the scenic tropical paradise seaside. Feeling the breezy isolation of an ancient sun-drenched exotic civilization. Exploring the gorgeous environment, home to hundreds of species living together in a bustling coastal ecosystem. The perfect bike track voyages you deeper into the majestic, lush jungle. Taking panoramic photos in your mind of the miraculous beauty of nature.

Nestled among the impenetrable mangroves and tropical vegetation tangle, you will find the ‘Aerolito de Paraiso´. This Cenote is a natural deposit of spring water. It is made by collapsing limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater springs and rivers. This reveals a secret subterranean world of rejuvenating, sparking crystal clear water. After a quick splash and a selfie with the local croc (ha ha ha), it’s off to the sky Reef.

The pristine turquoise sparkling ocean greets you here for the ultimate snorkeling expeditions. Dive in and explore the ‘rainforests of the sea.’ This 120km protected marine coral reef, unspoiled, is spectacular to see with your own eyes. It’s a flourishing underwater ecosystem with hundreds of wildlife co-creating together.

Menu options are available for your traditional local Mexican cuisine; this is served for lunch for your dining pleasure.

On return to downtown Cozumel, be submerged in ancient Mayan traditions while inhaling the tranquil botanical oasis of “Nojoch Suku Un”.

ORIGINAL E-BIKE CITY TOUR

In life, time is short, and you want to get the most out of a moment. Maybe you want to see the town center, but walking around and being sun-kissed in the Caribbean might not be your idea of fun.

Then the City E-Bike tour has got your name on it. Encounter the sweet ocean breeze as you marvel at all the vibrant classical culture Cozumel has to offer.

Kick back and unwind while your top-of-the-line E-bike transports you to one of Cozumel's most beautiful and largest cathedrals. Situated in one of the nicest neighborhoods, this architectural masterpiece began construction in 1907. The first Spanish explorers landed in May 1518, led by the conquistador Juan de Grijalva. This was the first meeting between the two cultures. Catholicism was extremely important to the Spanish. The FIRST ever documented mass in Mexico was held in Cozumel. On this tour, you will get to see the site near Playa Casitas, where legend says the mass took place.

Detour to the local fresh food market. Discovering multicolored exotic fruits and vegetables. Savor the smells and tastes of authentic local Mexican cuisine. Lunch is provided at a cute little Mexican restaurant, where I received the biggest smiles from the lovely chefs.

Heading to the picturesque oceanside, quick stop at the warplanes. Then bask and chill at the replica of the ancient archaeological Mayan Pyramid. Relive the turbulent history of the Mayan civilization. Marking the significance of Mexico’s religious history, the chapel ‘Santa Cruz de Cuzamil’ was constructed nearby on the same site legend says the first mass was held.

The breezy Caribbean air gives you a comfortable ambiance while capturing panoramic photos of the stunning exotic seafront. Opportunity comes to be upfront and close to the famous Black Coral. The endangered species of wild fauna and flora are well protected in Cozumel. The population of Antipatharia (black coral) has been hit hard by poachers and hurricanes, and it's considered quite rare.

Cycling along the downtown waterfront reminds you how idyllic and blissful our world really is. For those with an adventurous palette, both tours include getting familiar with the magic of Tequila. It's named ‘the Nectar of the Gods’ Learn how it’s made and how to drink it. Become a connoisseur of Tequila and Mescal, and decide for yourself which one is best.

Highlights

Really and truly, the highlight for me was the E-bikes. I’m unsure if I’ll ever be able to have fun on a convention bicycle again. On the west coast tour, I was getting a top speed of 33km an hr. But who wants to walk when you can ride around the city with little effort.

If adventure and thrills are your things or you are just young at heart, the West Coast Cenote & Snorkeling tour ticks the box. If time is short, you just want to kick back and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this tranquil coastal paradise. Feel the tepid Caribbean breeze on your face and love history, and pedal your way on the Original City Tour.

If you can’t decide, do both, you won’t be disappointed. The ride of a new future will be fueled by electricity. By the year 2023, it's estimated 300 million electric bikes will be on the roads of the world. Will you be on one of them?

 

 

By Santana Warner