As swimmers, through open water, we have the privilege of connecting with the sea in a unique, profound, and transformative way. We experience, in an indescribable manner, how our being and essence merge with the whole, like a drop dissolving and integrating into the infinite ocean. This experience allows us to access a genuine and authentic spirituality, where we understand that not only are we a part of the whole, but the whole is also within us. In other words, the macrocosm reflects our microcosm, and the vast sea acts as a mirror to our inner being.

This understanding leads us to reflect that the sea is a living entity, endowed with intelligent and conscious energy, willing to offer us the lessons that the soul needs for its evolution, to achieve its greatest well-being, and to build its own story in this three-dimensional plane.

Each learning experience is unique, personal, and non-transferable. Therefore, at Mayan Channel Swim, we always promote humility toward the sea as a fundamental value in every crossing. Based on this premise, we understand that the success of a crossing largely depends on the swimmer’s effort, spirit, and determination, as well as their physical, mental, and emotional preparation. However, we are also aware that a significant part, if not nearly all, of that success is due to the will and generosity of the sea. We acknowledge that the clemency or severity the sea shows toward one swimmer may be vastly different from what it grants to another, and even, by its whim or desire, it may prevent a swimmer from successfully completing the crossing, regardless of how prepared or capable they are.

For this reason, at Mayan Channel Swim, we do not focus on swim times, as we believe they are relative, misleading, and depend on luck and the maritime conditions that the swimmer must face. A swimmer considered slow may, at times, achieve the "best time" if they are favored by a current that pushes them and leads them to break a record. On the other hand, an exceptionally fast swimmer may encounter a strong countercurrent that slows them down, making their time much longer than what they had anticipated based on their previous experience.

At Mayan Channel Swim we value above all else the effort, determination, mental strength, and warrior spirit of those swimmers who, despite adversities, successfully complete the crossing, regardless of the time recorded. THESE ARE THE STORIES THAT MAYAN CHANNEL SWIM WANTS TO CELEBRATE AND WITNESS!

NOTE: Despite the above, and in order to follow best international practices in open water, Mayan Channel Swim will maintain and publish a time ranking on this website, which will include all swimmers who have completed the Cozumel to Riviera Maya crossing.

The criteria for being selected for the Honorable Mention will be as follows:

• 1. When the crossing is completed despite extremely adverse weather conditions, such as strong currents and winds.
• 2. When swimmers are involved in fundraising projects or donations to charitable foundations.
• 3. When a swimmer with a special condition successfully completes the crossing. The Honorable Mention consists of the presentation of a special commemorative plaque and recognition in the overall ranking.

The honorable mention consists of giving a special commemorative plaque and special appointment in the general ranking list.