snorkeling

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Snorkeling at Dreams La Romana

Written by: @TravelistArmena

406883_10100555545658847_661621020_nLast month, I had an amazing opportunity to travel to Punta Cana and stay at Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa. Though I’ve traveled to many places in Mexico and the Caribbean, this was my first time in the Dominican Republic and, I must say, I can’t wait to go back!

Dreams La Romana offers everything so that you can create your perfect vacation. You can lounge by the pool, enjoy unlimited top-shelf spirits and cocktails, visit the Dreams Spa by Pevonia, dance the night away at Desire Music Lounge or go on an excursion.

One of my favorite things about the resort was its spectacular beach that spans over 1,300 feet. Not only is it beautiful and perfect for laying out on, but there are quite a few sports that you can partake in too, including beach volleyball, bocce ball, scuba diving and snorkeling (both available at Gri Gri Divers), kayaking and ocean trampoline. I went to Gri Gri Divers, conveniently located right on the beach, and borrowed some snorkel gear to check out the underwater life right off the beach.

I swam out about 30 feet and spotted some starfish, flounder, angel fish, manta rays, sea urchins and much more! No matter which way I swam, I saw a different type of fish or plant. It was one of the best snorkeling experiences I’ve ever had and to top it off, it’s included in your Unlimited-Luxury® experience. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

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First-Hand Encounter of Swimming with Whale Sharks

The season of snorkeling with whale sharks is here and we are excited to share a recent first-hand experience with you! Guests of Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa just have a short walk to the beach to Solo Buceo dive center located on the property. After an hour boat ride offshore where the gentle giants hang out snorkelers dive in and swim with the whale sharks! This is a once in a lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss.

Read about how Gringation’s blogger Laura Winfree and her husband Jorge enjoyed the excursion with Nadia, Dreams Cancun’s e-concierge:

 “When Jorge, my friend Nadia and I decided to swim with whale sharks this weekend, I was so excited but mostly nervous! I’d never snorkeled in more than 10 feet of water before, much less in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight. Or swimming alongside a 30-foot fish.

At 7 am Sunday morning, we made our way to the Solo Buceo dive center located at the beautiful Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa in the Hotel Zone. Our early-morning boat ride was much bumpier than I’d anticipated, and I realized it was my first time being so far away from shore! It was a scary but fascinating feeling.”   

Check out the photos below taken by Laura and read more about their day on her blog post.

Gringation’s Whale Shark Tour Tips:

  1. Put on sunscreen before you leave the house, or bring bio sunscreen. I was too lazy to put sunscreen on before leaving the house, and our guide told us that once you’re on the boat, it’s bio sunscreen only. And today I’m paying the price. So much sunburn. Ow.
  2. Bring an underwater camera. In a way I was glad I didn’t have one because it was one less thing to worry about while I was swimming, but trust me, you’ll want those underwater photos.
  3. The boat ride is bumpy and uncomfortable (but worth it), so I wouldn’t recommend this tour unless you’re in decent physical condition.
  4. Sunglasses!
  5. Dramamine!

For additional information about snorkeling with whale sharks please contact our e-concierge, Nadia at Econcierge.drecu@dreamsresorts.com. Since she has experienced snorkeling with whale sharks she can share even more tips with you!

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James Bond Style Excursion in the Dominican Republic

If you are planning a trip to one of the Dreams Resorts & Spas in the Dominican Republic, there are a number of exciting excursions and sights for you to consider. Of course we offer wide range of activities and entertainment at our resorts as part of our Unlimited-Luxury© privileges, but if you are looking to experience an action-packed outing off-property, we’d recommend trying the Bavaro Splash Speedboat Tour through Amstar.

Race along the Bavaro coastline in an exhilarating two passenger speedboat James Bond style! Drive around the coast and reach the perfect spot over coral reefs and get ready for a fantastic snorkeling experience. Dive right in and take a look at the variety of multicolored fish that inhabit this part of the island. Get up-close and personal with these beautiful creatures that will eat right out of your hand.

The Bavaro Splash Tour in includes transportation to and from the hotel, a two passenger speedboat, snorkeling equipment and soft drinks. It is recommended that participants wear comfortable beach clothes, shoes and a bathing suit. Don’t forget to bring a beach towel, sun block and a hat or sunglasses. An underwater camera would also be great to capture photos while snorkeling.  The tour takes approximately five hours, leaving at either 8:30 am or 1:20 pm.

To book your excursion today, visit the Amstar website. See you soon!

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Vallarta Adventures Summer Camp!

Dreams Resorts & Spas is thrilled to be teaming up with Mexico’s Premier Adventure Company, Vallarta Adventures, to offer a brand new summer camp experience available to children staying at Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta and Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa.

At Vallarta Adventures, kids can take part in high energy excursions, exploring Vallarta’s wonders while making new friends and lasting memories. Under the supervision of a highly trained staff, campers gain an educational experience and are sure to have the adventure of a lifetime!

Children ages 10-14 can enjoy activities and explorations including:

  • 2-5 day specially designed camps
  • Canopy adventures
  • Scuba diving
  • PADI scuba certification
  • Snorkeling
  • Sailing & surf lessons
  • Swimming with the dolphins
  • Developing outdoor skills

Your kids can experience the ultimate adventure camp this summer, while you relax the day away at Dreams Villamagna and Dreams Puerto Vallarta! Check with the resort concierge to find out how to enroll your child during your stay!

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Natural Pool at Dreams Puerto Aventuras

Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa is home to some of the best snorkeling in the Riviera Maya. Our clear blue waters and natural surroundings provide the perfect environment for marine life to flourish.

One of the little known facts about our resort is that we offer a natural pool along our coastline. The pool offers a safe and easy way to snorkel and explore in a relaxed environment sheltered from the waves and sea current. This is a great location for little ones to come and feed the fish and see them up close without actually getting in the water with them.

The average temperature of our water year round is typically 82° F and the natural pool tends to be a few degrees warmer. Next time you visit us, be sure to grab some snorkeling gear from our watersports center and head over to the natural pool to get up close and personal with Riviera Maya marine life!

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Explore Puerto Vallarta

There’s so much to see and do in and around the nearby historic city of Puerto Vallarta. Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is ideally located on the coast of the Pacific in Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in the world. Our resort is just 20 minutes from the airport and only five minutes from downtown.

We offer many activities at our resort, but if you are looking to explore some local attractions, are are a few to consider when staying in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Playa Yelapa. This is an old charming Mexican fishing village that is set on a private natural cove and only accessible by boat. Visitors can spend time hiking through the jungle, visiting the Cola de Caballa waterfalls, horseback riding along the inland river or simply relaxing on the beach.
  • World Class Golfing. Another added benefit of staying at Dreams Puerto Vallarta is the opportunity to tee-off at near-by premier golf courses. La Marina Golf Club, Vista Vallarta I Golf Club, Flamingos Golf Club and El Tigre Golf Club are a few golf courses to consider.
  • Deep Sea Fishing. Puerto Vallarta fishing is top-notch all year round.  With trophy-size Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna, among many other Sportfish, a Vallarta fisherman seldom goes home empty-handed.
  • Los Arcos National Park.  Los Arcos Marine Reserve is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving destinations in Puerto Vallarta. The park, which is protected by the Mexican government, includes a cluster of unique rock formations, caves and grottos, beautiful tropical fauna and a variety of tropical marine life. 

Next time you are visiting us, stop by our tour desk if you’d like more information or if you’re interested in booking an excursion to any of these local attractions!

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Snorkel with Whale Sharks at Dreams Cancun

If you’re an avid snorkeler, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to snorkel with one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating marine animals at Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa. Throughout the summer months, Whale Sharks are found off the coast of Holbox Island near Quintana Roo. During a snorkeling excursion these awe-inspiring animals rise to the surface providing sightseers the opportunity to view them in their natural habitat.

Whale Sharks are the world’s largest living fish; they are considered harmless and are generally curious around humans. Stretching over 14 meters, the Whale Shark swims slowly near the surface of the water consuming small fish and plankton. The Whale Shark is found in tropical and subtropical oceans and along coastal regions, entering lagoons on tropical islands.

If you’re planning to visit us soon at Dreams Cancun, stop by our activities desk and they will be happy to help you arrange a Bluewater Snorkeling adventure with the premier tour and adventure provider, Solo Buceo. The excursion leaves at 7 am from the Dreams Cancun pier and takes guests nearly 12 miles off the coast of Cancun in search of the Whale Sharks. Guests who go on the snorkeling excursion also have the opportunity to see other marine animals such as sailfish, dolphins, false killer whales and silky sharks. Get your underwater cameras ready because you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime!