Activities for Kids in Akumal Mexico

If you bring the children to Akumal on vacation, there are many things available which are perfect for the younger members of the family.  It’s important to keep the kids busy and entertained in all of the exciting activities available in Akumal.

Aside from touring the local Mayan ruins, snorkeling is maybe the most popular activity for all visitors to Akumal, and some of the locations are especially fitting for the children.  With a few safety precautions, the kids can partake in this fun with little chance of hurt or accident.

Properly fitted life jackets should be used by each child. Many houses provide these life jackets free of charge.  Vests will not only stop serious accidents in the water, but will help to cover their body and stop sunburn in this area.  Sunscreen should also be applied often to avoid major skin damage from the hot Caribbean sun!

Yal-Ku Lagoon offers an optimum site 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 everyone, and the children can occupy themselves with the pliable sand all day long.  Buckets and shovels give the chance to make sand castles while you relax and watch the children play.  A sandy beach in front of your rental is a big 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 children the importance of being aware of your surroundings before a day at the beach.  They should not walk near 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 children in the family.  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 fun 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 jungle, swim with the dolphins, tube down 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.

Determining whether your children are adventurous, interested in animals and nature, or simplyenjoy to play in the water all day will help you to choose the best for them to engage in.  Discuss with your family about what they would prefer to see and do while in Akumal, and try to do at least one thing that even the children want to do.

Rent our house in Akumal Mexico!

Akumal Dream Vacation

Aktun Chen Cavern in Akumal Mexico

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.

Akumal House for rent.

Free Travel Articles

Experience the Magic of the Mayan Riviera in Akumal, Mexico

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.