Activities for Kids in Akumal Mexico
February 13, 2009 by cattleto
Filed under Activities, Restaurants
If you bring the kids to Akumal on holiday, there are many activities here which are great for the younger members of the group. It’s important to keep the kids occupied and entertained in all of the fun activities here in Akumal.
Aside from touring the many Mayan ruins, snorkeling is maybe the most popular activity for all visitors to Akumal, and some of the places are especially perfect for the kids. With a few safety precautions, the kids can partake in this activity with little chance of hurt or accident.
Properly fitted life jackets should be used by each child. Many villas provide these life jackets free of charge. These will not only stop deadly accidents in the water, but will help to cover their body and stop sunburn in this area. It should also be applied often to avoid major skin damage from the tropical 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 view the bright 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 occupy themselves with the white sand all day long. Buckets and shovels give the opportunity to make sand castles while you relax and watch the children play. A sandy beach in front of your rental is a huge plus. Most rental villas also have a fresh water pool with a Jacuzzi for the family to enjoy. Many also have kyacks for you to paddle.
Always discuss with the kids the importance of being aware of your surroundings 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 neat the pubelo of Chemuyil. Here, they can view 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 big 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 smallest children. Hike the woods to cenotes, visit a cave, ride the zip-line in the canopy, swim with the dolphins, tube on a river, jump from a cliff, or eat homemade ice cream made 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 simplyenjoy to play in the water all day will help you to pick the proper activities for them to partake in. Talk with your family about what they would like to see and do while in Akumal, and try to oblige at least one thing that even the children want to do.
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Aktun Chen Cavern in Akumal Mexico
January 29, 2009 by cattleto
Filed under Activities
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.
Experience the Magic of the Mayan Riviera in Akumal, Mexico
November 9, 2008 by M Gravlee
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles
Akumal, Mexico is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the heart of the Mayan Riviera. This quaint tourist destination is known for its beautiful beaches, small towns, and ecotourism. It is known as the place of turtles for its sizable sea turtle population, but it could be known as the place of divers, for it is a favorite spot for serious divers who want to marvel at the beautiful coral reefs and the diverse marine life that the Mexican Caribbean has to offer.
This area is located down the coastline from Cancun, and is a little more tranquil and less populated than some of the bigger destinations in the area. It has a variety of lodgings from all inclusive resorts to private houses for rent. There are a diverse range of activities for the tourist to engage in while visiting Akumal, and there is something for everyone.
The Yucatan Peninsula hosts some of the most beautiful and breathtaking Mayan ruins which are conveniently located nearby. History buffs and archaeological fans will enjoy viewing what remains of a splendid ancient civilization that is still being uncovered in the area. The ruins in Tulum are a very popular site with tourists.
Divers and those that want to learn have picked the perfect place to explore the ocean depths when they go to Akumal. There are plenty of dive shops and expeditions and if you have no experience, you can get your certification while exploring this beautiful area. Many of the dive shops also offer snorkeling trips and provide equipment rental. Whether you snorkel or scuba, there is plenty to explore in the world’s second largest reef just off the coast of Akumal. You can explore shipwrecks and caves or just marvel at the plethora of wildlife and beautiful colors that await you.
Sports fishing is very popular in Akumal, with many deep sea expeditions. You can charter a boat in Akumal Harbor for a day long excursion fishing the deep blue turquoise waters that are located just off the coast. You don’t have to travel too far off the coast to enjoy a day of deep sea fishing.
In addition to the sports activities, ecological enthusiasts will enjoy the many educational activities and exposure to protected ecosystems of this unspoiled area. Akumal is home to the world’s largest natural aquarium where you can observe marine life in their natural habitat. You can also visit the Centro Ecologico Akumal, a non-profit educational center which is dedicated to preserving the ecosystem from unsustainable development. A day spent there looking at the exhibits and participating in the educational activities invites opportunities to learn about how fragile and unspoiled this area is. For more information on where to stay and what to do in the Mayan Riviera, visit HotelsCombined.com.


