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Xel-Ha is a unique eco-park located south of Playa del Carmen, about 15 minutes from our villa in Akumal. It lies on the eastern coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, the archaeological site of the Mayans in ancient times.
Multiple leisure, ecological and natural wonders offer things to do for the whole family. The delightful open-sea aquarium allows visitors to see sea life in its natural habitat unaltered and not bothered.
Swimming with trained dolphins is also a traditional thing to do for visitors and it is usually not available in many places. Animal and nature people like to spend time in the ocean with these gentle creatures, and they will have a wonderful story to bring back to their family and friends!
Snorkeling is also ideal in the protected lagoon. The coral is dead there, but regular feeding keeps the many types of colorful fish returning for dinner. Some snorkelers will have another party feed the fish so they can photograph the fish from below.
There is a river which starts in a natural spring, and inner tubes are available to float down the stream. This is a relaxing complement to an afternoon nap in a hammock on one of the sandy beaches.
The more daring tourists enjoy climbing and diving from the high cliffs in Xel-Ha, touring the Mayan cave, and checking out the adjent Xel-Ha ruins. These ruins are largely untouched and totally natural, with a unique look into past centuries and architectural contributions of the Maya people.
Hammock Island, Xpa, Bay of Caprices and The Beach are favorite areas for visitors who want to lounge and relax at Xel-Ha. Chacah Garden, the Mayan Wall, the Apiary and Plant Nursery provide perfect natural attractions for plant life lovers. Natural wonders are also seen at the Inlet, El Dorado Cavern, Ixchel’s Gulf, the Mayan Cave, Chaac Mangal, and many lakes.
When staying in Akumal, Xel-Ha is a short drive that will please the entire family and offer plenty of varying activities for all. Day passes are affordable. Xel-Ha is a one of a kind eco-park with things to do centering around relaxation, fun and exploring historical and natural wonders.
Water sport lovers will enjoy the inner tube ride, cliff diving and snorkeling in the lagoon. Nature lovers will enjoy swimming with the dolphins and exploring the multiple forms of plant and animal life there, and those who want to know more about the historical roots of the Yucatan Peninsula have an opportunity to explore the Mayan ruins and see the architectural influences of that age.
Our kids and grandchildren usually plan on spending the entire day at Xel-Ha when they visit Akumal. There is so much to do they never get tired of going back. They enjoy riding a bicycle through a path in the jungle, jumping off the cliffs into the limpid blue sea, swimming with the dolphins, and walking through stingrays on the bottom of the ocean.
This year for the first time they signed up for the Sea Trek. You wear a technologically advanced helmet that looks like deep-sea diving equipment. Sea Trek does not require any previous training or diving knowledge. Instructors are nearby at all times during the walk, aiding them in every way and easing any concerns about the aquatic walk of your life. Everyone says it was a walk they would remember forever!
We highly recommend you visit Xel-Ha on your next visit to the Yucatan.
M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.
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Whether you’re an expert diver or wanting to acquire the art, Akumal provides the perfect ecological setting to view amazing specimens of great beauty underwater. Akumal is a tourist resort located 62 miles south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, with a small local population of 1,198.
The name “Akumal” means “place of the turtles” in Mayan language. Turquoise bodies of water and beautiful, white sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for many sea turtles’ laying grounds.
Akumal was founded in 1958 mainly as a community for scuba divers to see the many species and variety of turtles which call the area “home”. Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay provide great opportunities to survey the land and underwater life via diving trips and expeditions.
For experienced divers, local dive shops offer a variety of different diving trips to the 30 reef sites which include shipwrecks, cenotes and caverns and a breathtaking amount of marine life that you can view. The dive shop makes all the arrangements and you can rent a scuba tank and regulator, mask, flippers and anything else you want. You can reserve an all day diving trip or if you are more adventurous, you can visit the caves, caverns and cenotes that make Akumal unique. People from all over the globe come to dive the cenotes and caves of Akumal and this small village is truly a diver’s paradise.
Dive shops also teach courses so you can get certified to dive in open water. They teach all levels from resort course to advanced cave diving. And what better place to learn to dive than Akumal, one of the best places in the world to go diving? These PADI Certified Instructors will lead you through the process of certification so you can enjoy seeing the wonders of the reef that awaits you in Akumal.
Cavern and cave diving is a popular activity for tourists. These caves are called “cenote”, which means “sacred well” in Mayan. Dive packages offer several locations and different depths of diving, group packages, equipment rental and instruction to fit varying diver needs.
One of the easy dive sites which is very popular is Cuevas de Tiburones. This site features reef overhangs which provide an optimum sleeping spot for nurse sharks. Las Redes offers an array of marine life, schools of fish, barracudas, stingrays, lobsters and sea turtles. Yal-ku is a unique feeding site chock full of Elkhorn coral structures, tunnels and lobster.
Other easy shallow dives are found at Dick’s Reef and Motorcycle Reef. Motorcycle Reef is named so for the 15-year-old motorcycle which is now covered with live coral and plankton that protects local ocean life.
Deep divers will enjoy an afternoon at Tzimin-Ha, which features parts from a 20-foot fishing boat wreck. Dives up to 100’ deep are found at Trigger Fish, which is a favorite deep dive spot for locals. Here, widespread patches of coral contrast with the sandy white bottom with various species of tropical fish providing a colorful display of rare beauty.
Xaar Beach and Gonzalo’s Reef offer various types of feeding areas for several different kinds of sea turtles for a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience. Xaar features reef fingers reaching 30’ up from the ocean floor, as well as turtles, nurse sharks and stingrays. Gonzalo’s Reef is known for its large and vivid reef fingers; visitors are usually assured a view of Hawksbill, Green, or Loggerhead turtles which use the area for feeding and playtime.
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If you bring the kids to Akumal on holiday, there are many activities available which are perfect for the younger members of the group. It’s important to keep the kids occupied and interested in all of the fun activities available in Akumal.
Aside from touring the many Mayan ruins, snorkeling is maybe the most popular activity for all travelers to Akumal, and some of the locations are especially fitting for the kids. With a few safety measures, the kids can participate in this activity with little possibility of hurt or accident.
Properly fitted life jackets should be worn by each child. Many houses provide these life jackets free of charge. Vests will not only prevent deadly accidents in the water, but will help to cover their body and prevent sunburn in this area. Sunscreen should also be applied often to avoid serious skin damage from the hot Caribbean sun!
Yal-Ku Lagoon offers an outstanding location for young snorkelers. The calm waters of the area are free of choppy waters and multiple waves, allowing them to see the colorful sea life easily. The bay in front of the villas in South Akumal also is perfect because of the reef blocking the waves.
A day at the beach is loved by all, and the kids can busy themselves with the pliable sand all day long. Buckets and shovels provide the chance to make sand castles while you relax and watch the children play. A sandy beach in front of your rental is a major plus. Most rental houses also have a fresh water pool with a Jacuzzi for the family to use. Many also have kyacks for you to paddle.
Always discuss with the kids the importance of being aware of your location before a day at the beach. They should not walk on turtle nests or dig around in them for fear of destroying eggs buried beneath the sand.
The Jungle Place is a fun place to take the animal-loving kids in the group. It is a sanctuary for spider monkeys located four miles south of Akumal at the pubelo of Chemuyil. Here, they can see many of the local wild animals which are caged or chained for safety. They may also play with the monkeys and talk to the many colorful parrots located here.
Places like Xel Ha, Hidden Worlds, Dolphin Adventures and Actun Chen offer something for everyone in the family, and are good for even the small children. Hike the jungle to cenotes, tour a cavern, ride the zip-line in the jungle, swim with the dolphins, tube on a river, jump from a cliff, or eat homemade ice cream available at many of the local eateries. They are all within a ten minute drive of Akumal.
Depending whether your children are adventurous, interested in animals and nature, or simplyhappy to play in the water all day will help you to choose the best for them to engage in. Talk with your kids about what they would prefer to see and do while in Akumal, and try to oblige at least one activity that even the children want to experience.
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Aktun Chen, located in the Mayan Riviera, is just 4 kilometers south of Akumal. This provides a great chance to take a fun tour of the place best known for its many underground caves.
The name “Aktun Chen” means “cave with an underground river inside” in ancient Mayan language. Nearly 988 acres of rainforest surround the cave where natives harvest the gum from a local tree called “chicozapote” as they have for centuries.
Several caves call Aktun Chen “home”, and rivers flow underground in all these caves. The main cave has an easy walking tour that may even be an option if you require the aid of a walking cane. Most who are able to walk on their own, even with manual assistance, are able to navigate the cave trails.
Indirect lighting from several openings in the cave prevents an uncomfortable experience for those who suffer from claustrophobia. Water and calcium carbonate formed the stalactites, stalagmites and natural sculptures seen there over the past five million years.
Regional and local animals is also easily seen at Aktun Chen. This includes white tail deer, spider monkeys, badgers, wild boars, wild turkey, iguanas and many species of birds.
When arriving at Aktun Chen’s main cave, a specially-trained guide will greet you in the reception area. The guide will then take you and your tour companions on an hour and fifteen minute tour of the 600 meters long cave system.
During the tour, you will have the chance to view a beautiful cenote with crisp, crystal water that is 12 meters deep. Local flora and fauna abound at this cenote, and offer an ideal photo opportunity for future memories.
At the end of the cave tour, a small restaurant is available for a quick bite to eat or a relaxing drink. This establishmenthas local cuisine for a unique taste of Aktun Chen.
When arriving and leaving the cave area which is surrounded and decorated with local tropical flora. This will also offer an ideal chance for you to take a photo of the pretty scenery or a memorable moment with your travel mates!
Eco trips are also available at Aktun Chen, offering several opportunities to hike and climb cliffs, as well as explore the local rainforests. The largely untouched environment in which Aktun Chen resides lets visitors to truly experience the local wildlife and plant life in its raw and natural state.
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Tulum, located 15 miles south of Akumal, was once called “Zama”, meaning “place of the dawning”. This beautiful location which sits on a bluff facing the east Caribbean sea offers many Mayan ruins and ocean views for a day or short visit.
It is usually accepted that Tulum was an major city in Mayan culture between 1000 A.D. and 1600 A.D. Only the wealthy Mayans lived there, where the vast views of the sea suggest the remains of an ancient country club. However, a 20-foot wall surrounds the city to prevent invaders from both land and sea from entering Tulum.
This location was one of the first Mexican cities discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors, though the high walls dissuaded them from exploring it. At that time, Tulum was the only city still thriving when it was found.
It was the chief center of resistance during the 19th century War of the Castes, though later surrendered and signed a treaty with the Mexican government in 1935. In recent times, Tulum has become a major tourist attraction in the Mayan Riviera for those who appreciate ancient architecture and craftsmanship.
Structures throughout Tulum feature several columns and intricate carvings. The most famous building ruins in the city include the Temple of the Frescoes, Castillo Pyramid, and the Temple of the Diving God.
The Temple of the Frescoes is well-known for housing multiple 13th century murals which picture ancient ceremonies highly regarded by the Mayans. One such mural depicts the Mayan goddess of fertility and medicine, Ixchel, which is extremely rare. Outside, pieces of the stucco are still painted red; it is believed that at one time the entire city was encompassed in this same paint.
The Castillo Pyramid is known as a scenic location offering multiple breathtaking picture sea invaders.
The Temple of the Diving God boasts a figure above the main doorway which shows a man diving headfirst toward the earth. Two similar frescoes are found at Coba in the Grand Pyramid, and are believed to reference the planet Venus. The image may also be called “the bee god” or “the god descending”.
Tulum offers a unique view into the lifestyles and living spaces of the elite Mayan civilization members. Contrasted with the intricate carvings and superb architecture, the surrounding walls speak to the city’s resistance to influence from outsiders over several thousand years.
It is only about a 15 minute drive from our villa in Akumal to the Tulum ruins.
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Akumal Bay is known for its many species of sea turtles which use the grounds for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to experience the animals in their natural habitat, including the many different species of fish and plant life.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to do during a visit to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good site choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time novices.
One popular site for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This site is an very rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the sea. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.
Only very specific species can live and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many fish found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.
Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Some snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite worth while for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to original civilizations that once occupied the area.
Snorkel lessons are always a good thing forbeginners prior to traveling to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uneasy with the equipment or unclear how to best watch the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.
A fun activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a light is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.
Many fish which are not observed during daylight hours can be observed when snorkeling after nightfall. This is usually because they are night-feeders or sleeping during the day.
The octopus is a good example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at nighttime, and change color when a light is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a family-friendly activity also.
Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent after dark. This creates greenish lights shining either continuously or flashing at night – quite a show for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!
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A trip to Akumal and the Riviera Maya region of Mexico would not be complete without a visit to one of the numerous Mayan ruins in the area. This area is steeped in the history of this ancient civilization that still influences the art, cuisine and culture of the region today. Akumal and its surroundings were important trade routes for the Mayans and archaeologists are continuing to uncover many ruins of this once mighty civilization.
One of the most popular ruins to visit not only near Akumal but in all of Mexico is Tulum. There are also the Coba and Xel-Ha which are all conveniently located not far from Akumal and other areas in the Riviera Maya region. They are accessible by car or if you prefer, you can arrange to take a tour bus.
One of the biggest secrets to really enjoying the Mayan ruins in Tulum is to get there early in the day. The ruins open at 8:00 a.m., long before the sweltering heat of the midday sun. Most of the tour buses don’t arrive that early, so if you want to spend some quiet time taking in the site, you can rent a car and get there early in the morning. The tranquility coupled with the milder temperature will help you really enjoy the beauty and wonder of these ancient ruins.
Arriving early means you can explore a little bit on your own before taking a guided tour. The beauty of the ruins of Tulum are that they are situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, and you can take the steps down to a pristine private beach and enjoy some serene time before you take a more formal tour and learn about the ancient civilization that once thrived in this region. To really enjoy having some private time, get there early and get to the ticket counter as soon as possible so you can really enjoy the cliffs and beaches amidst the ruins.
Tour buses arrive at 9 a.m. and if you prefer that route, you can take a guided tour of the ruins. Each of the ruins are marked with plaques in several languages so you can take a self guided tour, or hire a tour guide to get some real insight to the Mayan culture and the history behind these majestic ruins. Tour guides are available just outside the ruins and most of them are multilingual so you can find one that speaks your language and can give you a full tour of the ruins and answer any questions you may have. You can also tour the ruins on your own. The ruins at Tulum has a bookstore where you can purchase a book about the ruins and guide yourself through the ruins. Either way, a tour of the Mayan ruins of this region is a must-see on any itinerary.
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Akumal is home to beautiful beaches, resorts and some of the best diving in the world. It is also a place that takes great pride in their ecological achievement and their preservation of natural habitats for turtles and other marine wildlife. The Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the ecosystem of Akumal from unsustainable development. They offer educational programs and volunteer opportunities for students and eco travelers who want to observe marine wildlife in their natural habitats and help maintain the integrity of the natural surroundings.
Akumal is known as the place of the turtle, and its turtle beaches are the temporary home to sea turtles that come to nest. The Centro Ecologico Akumal protects the natural habitat of the sea turtle and the greater Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Tourists will see a variety of sea turtles nesting, and eating along the beaches. The turtle beaches stretch from Half Moon Bay, Akumal Bay to Jade Beach, and there are plenty of opportunities to observe these turtles in their natural habitat.
The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers turtle walks and tours, as well as volunteer opportunities to preserve recently redeveloped wetlands, preserving the mangroves and aiding researchers and scientists as they study the coral reefs and natural habitats of Akumal.
Turtle season refers to when the Green and Loggerhead turtles come to Akumal to lay their eggs and nest. The season runs from April when the turtles come to shore, to November when they and their hatchlings return to sea. The Centro Ecologico Akumal has a turtle protection program that tourists can get involved in and it is a true wonder of nature to witness the nesting and hatching of a whole new generation of sea turtles. Tourists and residents alike take pride in the ecological integrity that Akumal offers, and there is a lot of dedication to these gentle, lovable sea creatures who have chosen Akumal as their place to create new life.
The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers tourists a chance to participate in the betterment of the environment through its many educational and volunteer programs. If you are looking to take a vacation to make a difference, Akumal may just be the perfect ecotourism destination for you. You can be an active participant in maintaining and preserving the integrity of the sea turtle habitats, as well as explore the ecological wonders of this region of the Yucatan Peninsula.
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The Mexican Caribbean has long been a popular destination for tourists with Cozumel, Cancun and Playa de Carmen booming with tourism and nightlife. While many people enjoy the exciting pace of these popular destinations, they also enjoy paying a visit to the small, laid back town of Akumal, known for its quaint shops and restaurants, the best snorkeling and diving in the region, and its jungles and Mayan ruins that harkens back to the days when Akumal was a major trade route for this ancient civilization.
A day trip to Akumal is only 20 minutes away from Playa de Carmen and offers quieter beaches, unspoiled ecological sights and some of the best diving in the world. Day tours can be arranged from Cancun and other destinations in the region and is the perfect opportunity to escape the overcrowded beaches of the more bustling resort towns. You can explore the lush jungles and the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, which is conveniently located just 20 minutes away. Exploring the jungle and the Mayan ruins can give you a taste of the ancient civilization that once thrived here and see a part of Riviera Maya that you can’t see in Cancun or Playa de Carmen.
Akumal is a diver and snorkeler paradise and has the world’s second largest reef located just off its coast. Cancun does not offer much in the way of diving and snorkeling, but Akumal has many opportunities to explore shipwrecks, caves and the largest number of cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula. Cenotes are naturally occurring sinkholes that dot the landscape surrounding Akumal. The Mayans believed them to be sacred, and they still provide fresh water swimming, diving and snorkeling today. They have many underwater cave diving experiences that hardcore diving enthusiasts or even the novice diver are bound to find fascinating.
A day trip to Akumal offers travelers the opportunity to explore the turtle beaches, the natural habitat of several species of sea turtles who come from the sea in April to nest and leave with their hatchlings in November. Akumal is a town that prides itself of its ecological heritage and preservation of natural marine habitats. It’s the perfect day trip excursion for the ecotourist, with a large natural aquarium where you can observe marine life in their natural protected habitat.
The quaint town of Akumal offers shops and restaurants that are sure to please any traveler. With the beaches and bays within walking distance, you can buy Mayan crafts and dine on traditional Mayan cuisine. Spending a day exploring Akumal and its pristine beaches and beautiful jungles may lead the day tripper to consider Akumal as a destination for a longer stay in the future.
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The Riviera Maya region of the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its pristine beaches, fabulous resorts and a plethora of water sports and diving experiences. There is also a rich ecological landscape to be explored around Akumal and Playa de Carmen in the protected jungles of the region. In these jungles, the government has taken steps to preserve the land from development and maintain the integrity of the natural habitats of many species. From toucans to monkeys, you can see them all in their natural surroundings by arranging a jungle tour while you are staying in the area.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve is 1.3 million acres set aside by the Mexican government as an internationally protected natural habitat. In this jungle you will find mangrove swamps, savannahs, tropical forests, coastal lagoons and thousands of species of birds, fish, monkeys and other animals.
You can arrange a tour of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve with one of the many providers in the area. The best way to see this area is by boat, and private guided tours are available with native tour guides. A boat tour will cross two lakes which are connected to the sea by ancient Mayan canals that were once an integral part of the trade routes for this ancient civilization. As you cruise along the guided boat tour, you will marvel at the beautiful flora and fauna such as orchids and other tropical plant life. You will also have the chance to explore many Mayan ruins located within the preserve. One fun part of the excursion is when you put on a life jacket and float down the canal. The beauty of these tours is that the proceeds go to help preserving this natural wonder. A day spent at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve is educational and fun and you will experience first hand one of the last undeveloped coastal areas in North America.
There are several other wildlife reserves in the region. There is the Xaman-Ha bird sanctuary in Playacar, just 20 minutes north of Akumal. This bird sanctuary is one of the natural wonders of Mexico and is host to hundreds of species of tropical birds. Another place to get the jungle experience is Jungle Place in Chemuyil. It is located 10 minutes from Akumal and is host to toucans and monkeys that you can interact with. It is inland and there is even lodging available if you want to spend some time in the jungle. They have monkeys in a cage where you can go in and pet them and interact with them and see how they live. This is a unique chance to safely interact with wildlife and learn about their natural habitat and even spend a few days in the jungle to get the full experience. The Riviera Maya region offers many jungle habitats and natural preserves for tourists to truly enjoy one of the last unspoiled, undeveloped jungle and coastline regions in Mexico. To find jungle accommodations and more information on lodging, visit HotelsCombined.com.
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