Boat Tripping to Find the Caribbean’s Greatest Hidden Treasure

By Bel Woodhouse

Photos (From top): Seaview from the farm; Shipwrecked during Hurricane Irma, Catch the Wave lies in its watery grave; Catch the Wave; Guadalupe, protector of the pearls. © Cozumel 80 Pearl Farm T here’s just something about being out on a boat. The fresh ocean air ruffling my hair as we were zooming along from Cozumel felt like total freedom. Through unbelievable clear Caribbean waters, our dive boat passed a shipwreck resting in its watery grave in the aquamarine shallows, its rusty hull showing the ravages of time and tropical weather.

It was invigorating, relaxing and soothing soaring over the coastal blues of Neptune’s playground. There’s something special about sea air, salt on your skin under a warm sun, and swimming in some of the most amazing ocean waters of the world that makes my heart sing.

Is it just me, or is travel more fun by boat? Playing pirates and letting your imagination whisk you away with the tide. It’s a whole different experience being out on the water, and I always feel as though I’ve enjoyed a mini-holiday when the day is done.

Unable to road trip as I live in Cozumel, Mexico’s largest Caribbean isle, exploring the cerulean seas to lesser visited gems is a wonderful alternative. The magnificent smaller islands and marine parks surrounding me are only accessible by boat.

And by far, my most amazing experience was a visit to the Cozumel Pearl Farm, the only operational pearl farm in the Caribbean.

About the Pearl Farm

Nestled in a wide protected bay on the northern tip of Cozumel, the pearl farm is a private reserve of pristine natural beauty. Broad white sand beaches meet dazzling crystalline waters in this paradise.

A huge sand bank changes color as light sea-green water deepens around fifty meters offshore. First to turquoise, followed by the most perfect cerulean blue. It’s like stepping back to an untouched, unspoiled moment in time.

I couldn’t help but stop and take a moment to soak it all in while digging my toes into the warm sand beneath my feet. Something touched the nature lover in me as wildlife wandered all around me. Colorful bird’s flitting among the foliage drew my gaze as iguanas sauntered past, completely unafraid of humans.

What Makes the Farm So Special?

In this magnificent Mexican eco-sanctuary, they are doing the impossible —cultivating the Caribbean’s only pearl. The Cozumel pearl is the rarest of the rare. And being one-of-a-kind only adds to the allure.

Previously almost extinct in the region, the pearl is here again only because of the conservation efforts of the Cozumel Pearl Farm. With great pride and an abundance of patience, they are saving this little oyster species, the Atlantic Pearl Oyster known as Pinctada radiata.

What to Expect on a Visit Here

After Hurricane Irma devastated the island of Cozumel in 2005, the family-run operation rebuilt this low impact eco-friendly farm. Wind, water, and solar power are used to increase sustainability while blending into the island ecosystem with as little environmental impact as possible.

All-natural materials were used, only enhancing its local beach vibe and rustic charm. Open-sided buildings with palapa-style thatched roofs were built to maximize the sea breezes. The largest structure, the all-important eating area, was well designed with a long wooden table next to an outdoor kitchen. Complete with a beach swing, it’s a perfect place to relax.

Learning about the Pearl

The education center and museo (museum) provide an opportunity for guests to learn about all things pearlrelated, including the different pearl oyster species grown world-wide. An enlightening talk with the owners revealed five important factors that make a perfect pearl —luster, shape, surface, size and color.

Next it was off to the lab. This place where the magic happens in creating one of the rarest pearls on earth. The entire process from the anatomy and seeding techniques to harvesting of the individual pearl taking roughly four years later is explained.

Though I’ve always been fascinated with pearls, being drawn into the fascinating world of these rare gems boosted my love to an all-time high.

By now, everyone had worked up an appetite so it was time to enjoy a lunch of burgers on the beach. After lazing around in the beach swing, relaxing in a hammock, and then paddling around the warm shallow waters to let our lunch digest, it was time to head out on the next part of our adventure.

Touring the Aquatic Operation

Hands down this was the most fun I’d had in years — touring the aquatic operation by speed snorkel. This meant grabbing a big knot on a long line trailing behind our boat as the vessel gently putts along floating us through the entire pearl farm.

Oyster towers fastened to the sea floor are clearly visible. Spawning lines reaching for the surface with pouches of pearls look like underwater vines. It’s an entirely different world —the intricate magical aquatic world of pearls.

Then came one beautiful surprise. The holy virgin Guadalupe’s giant sunken statue proudly standing guard over these precious island pearls. A silent sentinel slowly being covered in swaying sea fans and sponges made for an incredible sight.

It’s hard to imagine we could see anything more spectacular than this, and then, we did.

Exploring the Pristine Reefs

Swarms of vibrant tropical fish glided around untouched coral reefs. Every color imaginable, from dazzling yellows to deep, almost luminescent purples that amazed the eyes.

A queen angelfish lazily kept me company, its gold and turquoise hues blending perfectly with the surrounding water before delicately gliding under a rock ledge.

Here, the thousands of tourists that flock to Cozumel daily are left behind. In this off-the-beaten-path untouched private reserve full of the most gorgeous sea life, we took our last looks before boarding a 40minute boat ride back to San Miguel de Cozumel— and the reality of life.

Those wishing to visit the farm can find information here.