Dolphin Discovery, Playa Del Carmen – 1/21/2017

January 21, 2017 (Saturday)

Michael and I walked a couple blocks to the local Starbucks and had a wonderful cup of coffee, much needed. We also got a muffin for breakfast.

We left to go to a Dolphin Discovery package that I had purchased off Groupon (about half off what they wanted at the Dolphin Discovery center itself). There was some confusion in getting the Groupon validated, but after some emailing back and forth, it worked out and was confirmed for Saturday at noon. We got to the resort (another stunning resort right on the beach) and did the paperwork, got our life jackets, and then got some instruction. We found out that Aaron and Michael could watch and take pictures. I was under the impression that was not allowed so was surprised and delighted they could.

Preparing for the dolphin adventure.

Arla and I walked out and got to meet and greet our dolphin (a young female whose name I forgot). So much fun. I was a little disappointed in that we didn’t actually get to swim with her (costs much more), but we got to kiss, shake hands, dance, and do a couple other fun things.

Arla gives a pet.
Edie receives a kiss.
Arla getting a kiss.
Arla dances.
Edie dancing.
An athlete.
A good athlete.
A really good athlete. Aaron and I are in the background leaning against the pillar.
Pretty exciting, the animal weighs about 350 lbs.
Post experience selfie.
Dolphin prison.
Departing the facility looking down the coast.
I like these little pickups.

We also got a CD and tons of pictures (for more money) of the dolphin encounter. Another bucket list item ticked off.

After that we drove just a little bit and went to another cenote, Cenote Azul. They were right in that it was blue and beautiful. The fish did their thing again on our feet, which was fun. Each cenote is unique and different. Some are right off the road, some you have to drive quite a ways down dirt roads, some you have to walk quite a way down to the cenote, some are just a short distance. Some have caves, some have several cenotes in one area, and some are completely open and sunny. Michael and I want to go back and see more – as there are several hundred (if not thousands) in the area.

Path to the cenote.
Spa treatment with the fish again.

Beautiful waters.
Hungry fish working on my funky feet.
The cenotes are just so beautiful and pristine.
And it is so refreshing to be in the water.

We got back home, rested a little bit, and then headed out to eat. Michael and I decided to eat at Guy Fieri Playa Del Carmen Kitchen and Bar. We knew we couldn’t afford it in Vegas or his other restaurants, but it seemed pretty reasonable in Playa. Everything we ordered was fantastic and the presentation was beautiful. As we were eating, Aaron and Arla came by and stopped just in time to help us eat the fabulous French fries. We all agreed they were pretty darn good.

Guy’s place.
Calamari.
Killer fries.
Cobb.
A nice salad for Edie.
Walking home, Edie wanted me to buy this doll. I passed.

That was our awesome day. Hope yours was great!