This trip represented a few firsts. For the first time, we flew an extended overwater trip. Also, this was the first time we left the country. An added excitement was flying in such close proximity to Cuba, although as we learned, Cuban Air Traffic Control is not only courteous and professional, but helpful and friendly as well. They arranged a very direct routing for us, which required coordination between Havana Center, Merida Center, and Cancun Approach Control. We flew quite close to the Cuban mainland as pictured below
We arrived at Isla Mujeres Airport, which is a joint military/civilian airport, and looked for other small aircraft that might be parked in the General Aviation area. There were no other aircraft on the field. As we taxied up to the main ramp (ok, so it was the only ramp), a Mexican Sailor met us carrying an automatic weapon, and asked us for our papers. He was probably as surprised to see us, as we were to see him. Once he saw that everything was in order, he whistled at one of the passing taxis, and we got a ride to the hotel. Once we got settled in, paranoia hit, and we rode the moped to the airport to check on the airplane. Another Mexican Sailor met us with his automatic weapon raised, and yelled Halt! The sailor who met us originally recognized us, and yelled down from the tower for him to let us pass. From that point on, we were no longer worried about the security of the plane. We had 24 hour armed guards watching our plane, and for the week that we were there, we were the only airplane on the field. We found the island to be charming, and the locals were extremely friendly. The main social event occurs in the evening when the whole island gathers to watch the local high school play football or basketball. Onlookers are invited to join in. One of the natives (Pedro) was there to greet us, when we first arrived, as seen below.
If you were paying attention on the opening vacation screen, you remember El Garafon National Park. This area is able to maintain it's beauty, even with it's close proximity to the Island (it is right off the shore) because of strict policing by the Mexican authorities. The large blue fish below is a Parrot Fish. They munch on the coral, and their remains helps form the ocean sand. The striped smaller fish are Argonamonger Fish which can swallow a human whole. While we snorkeled, thirty four tourists met their demise at the fangs of these fearsome fish.
We took an all day tour to nearby Isla Contoy. This is a protected area, which also serves as a bird sanctuary. The trip started promptly at 8am Mexican time (roughly 10:00am) and we stopped along the way to snorkel. When we jumped in the water, we saw millions of jellyfish, which gave us a start at first, until we realized that they were harmless. Our intrepid crew caught some fish enroute to the island. By the time we had finished our tour of Isla Contoy, there was a roaring fire going, and Barracuda tacos a plenty! They were delicious, and any leftovers went to the ever patient Iguanas. Below our Captain is holding what will soon be lunch.