Activities
These are just some of the incredible opportunities for fun in and around Akumal. Much of the information here was gathered from travel guides by Great Destinations, Moon and Lonely Planet. These handbooks will be available during the trip, but we wanted to provide a glimpse of what's in store. We'd also appreciate suggestions of which activities should be included in our Schedule. And don't forget to use the forum for planning.
SCUBA DIVING SNORKELING YAL-KU LAGOON AKTUN CHEN AKTUN-HA
CENOTE AZUL CENOTE DOS OJOS GRAN CENOTE XEL-HA WATER PARK
SIAN KA'AN RESERVE MAYAN RUINS SPORT & FLY-FISHING SAILING
KITEBOARDING BIKE-RIDING ZIPLINE & TREE-CYCLE HAPPY HOUR
SCUBA DIVING
The world's second largest barrier reef, the Great Mayan or Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, lies in the waters off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The reef is a diver's paradise, home to hundreds of species of live corals, fish, anemones, eels, rays and four different species of sea turtles. The Caribbean water is "clear as gin," an incredibly brilliant turquoise blue color with fantastic clarity up to 150 feet. But Caribbean diving isn't all Akumal has to offer, it's also famous for its cenotes, freshwater crystalline sinkholes, some of which connect to the ocean through underwater caverns.
Steven
and Reina, both Advanced PADI divers, are planning on diving with Akumal Dive Adventures, next to the Vista
del Mar. With 
its proximity to the reef, we can grab tanks and dive
right off the hotel beach. Or we can bring our gear to Gran Cenote
or Cenote Dos Ojos, the world's third largest underwater cave
system.
Not certified? No problemo. Akumal
has dozens of nearby shallow dive sites with a slow current,
perfect
beginning divers. Take a 3 hour/1 dive resort course or
become Open Water certified over four days. (You can even
get your book work done at home). We will have extra help from
Reina's dad, Diver Bob, a
retired PADI instructor. Please email us directly or let us
know when you RSVP if you are interested in diving.
SNORKELING
Protected from the ocean sea by coral reef, Akumal's shallow bays are
perfect for snorkeling. In fact, there are fantastic
opportunities for
snorkeling right outside the Vista del Mar. The reef is so close that caution should be
taken when wading offshore to avoid walking upon
and damaging the delicate reef. Snorkeling is also a must at cenotes and Yal-Ku Lagoon.
YAL-KU LAGOON
Considered
the crown jewel of Akumal, Yak-Ku Lagoon is a natural estuary and ecological preserve. Its mix of fresh and salt
water provides habitat for a wide variety of species creating a
snorkeler's paradise. The lagoon is just a short walk up the beach from the Vista
del Mar,
but you should enter through the private park ($6 Adults).
Equipment rentals and snacks are available or bring your own drinks and
gear.
Just four miles from Akumal is Aktun Chen, "underground river cave" in Mayan, a nature preserve consisting of 985 acres of jungle, three caves, and a 40-foot deep cenote. The two-hour jungle tour is mandatory, but sights include badgers, spider monkeys, gum trees and tropical birds and flowers. ($24 Adults, $12 Children).
AKTUN-HA
Another attraction very close to Akumal, "The Carwash" cenote is only 50 feet but the caverns are nearly two miles long, great for cave diving.
CENOTE AZULFive miles from Akumal, Cenote Azul is small, but who can resist a rope swing and 10-foot high jumping cliff.
CENOTE DOS OJOS
Six miles from Akumal, this ecopark offers several cenotes for exploring and snorkeling. Advanced divers can swim between connecting cenotes through underground caverns. ($10 Adults).
GRAN CENOTE
West of Tulum is Gran Cenote, dripping with underwater stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. The 25-foot pool of cool water is a favorite of snorkelers, divers, swimmers and sunbathers. ($10 Adults).
XEL-HA WATER PARK
Once a natural estuary similar to Yal-Ku, Xel-Ha was developed into a major water theme park and is now one of the largest attractions on the Riviera Maya. Just six miles from Akumal, Xel-ha offers snorkeling, cliff jumping, innertubing, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking for $40 or an all-inclusive fee of $60. Snuba, SeaTrek and swimming with dolphins are extra. Save 10% by reserving your ticket online. Group discounts are also available if we plan ahead.
SIAN KA'AN RESERVE
South of Tulum lies the Sian Ka'An Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the third largest protected area in Mexico.
"Where
the Sky is Born" in Mayan, Sian Ka'an is comprised of 1.3 million acres
of tropical forest, mangroves, savannah, lagoons, cenotes and Mayan
ruins. The diverse coastal ecosystem provides habitat for
thousands of plant and bird species, as well as
jaguars, monkeys, manatees and more.
Since Sian Ka'an's inception in 1986, development has been prohibited and the road into Sian Ka'an is long, bumpy - not appropriate for most rental cars. It's recommended that visitors instead explore Sian Ka'an with a local eco-tour group that departs from Tulum. These UNESCO-sanctioned groups bring income to the Mayan locals, use part of revenues for conservation efforts, and promote tourism in a sustainable manner. For $90 - $110, which includes lunch, spend the day learning about plants and wildlife while hiking in the jungle or boating through lagoons. Most tours include snorkeling in a cenote and exploring ancient ruins. Float down the current of a canal dug out by Mayans 1,000 years ago with Community Tours Sian Ka'an. Ecocolors Multisport Adventure Tour also includes a kayaking expedition. CESiak offers less expensive kayak rentals and canal or sunset tours. As these tours are limited, early booking is advised.
MAYAN RUINS
Hundreds
of years ago, Mayan civilization thrived along the beaches and jungles
of the Riviera Maya. Akumal is an excellent jumping point to
explore many of Mexico's best archeological sites where ancient Mayans
lived, worked, prayed, and played.
From Akumal, take a three hour drive through the jungle to reach Mexico's best known and most well-restored Mayan ruin, Chichen Itza. Or for an atmosphere of discovery, drive 30 minutes from Akumal to jungle-covered Coba, one of the least excavated of the major ruins. The beachfront ruins in Tulum, 20 minutes from Akumal, were originally called Zama, or "sunrise" in Mayan. In contrast to other ruins with thick jungle surroundings, the Walled City of Tulum faces due east to incredible ocean views.
SPORT & FLY-FISHINGSome of the best sportsfishing in the world can be found in Akumal, and April is high season for most big catches, including sailfish, marlin, kingfish and mahi mahi. There are various fishing charters in Akumal, many of which are run from dive shops, such as Akumal Dive Shop. Akumal Dive Adventures has some of the best rates in town, about $90 for two hours up to four people. Many of the local restaurants are willing to prepare your catch; perhaps our fishing guests can contribute to our reception dinner! Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve also has extraordinary saltwater catch-and-release fly-fishing opportunites.
SAILING
Chartering a catamaran or boat for sailing or a sunset cruise isn't cheap ($45-$75/person) but the experience of floating over the azure-colored sea is unforgettable.
KITEBOARDING
Ikarus Kiteboarding in Playa Del Carmen offers lessons and equipment rentals for windsurfers and kiteboards. They claim the best preparation for lessons is experience flying a two-line stunt kite, so get your kite and start practicing now.
BIKE RIDINGTake a 5-mile guided mountain bike tour on a private ranch west of Akumal. Tour stops include snorkeling at a cenote and underground river ($45). You can also rent a bike daily or for the week in Akumal.
CANOPY ZIP-LINE & TREE-CYCLE
Explore the jungle canopy by 600-foot zipline ($10 US) or 2.5 hr skycycle ($75). End your tour with a dip in the Hidden Worlds Cenote.
HAPPY HOUR
"Happy Day" might be a more accurate description as we're expecting the fun to be non-stop. Yes, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are just 20 minutes away and spring break crowds are sure to entertain us, but rumor has it that we've got a great happy hour at La Buena Vida, right next to the Vista Del Mar. La Buena Vida's relaxed atmosphere and unique decorations, including bar swings and crow's nests, make it a local favorite. The owner describes it as an "ongoing art project." It will be the perfect spot for everyone to regroup before the evening's fun begins. Who will be first to try the Poo Poo Platter? (It includes every shot on the menu!)
LINKS
Eco Travel Mexico
Travel Services of Akumal (TSA)
CESiaK Sian Ka'an Tours
Riviera Maya Vacations
Vista del Mar's Things To Do in Akumal
Loco Gringo's Riviera Maya Activities
Akumal Tips Things to Do