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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The more you learn about Akumal, Mexico, the more excited you will be when you vacation in this paradise. So, in the months or weeks leading up to your trip you should spend a litle time reading so that you can become more acquainted with Akumal.
To learn more about Akumal, Mexico, you can easily turn to the Internet. The Internet is a treasure house, providing historical and straight information as well as tips and reviews from other travelers who have been to the area. This site, AkumalVacation.com, has many good articles about the Akumal Mexico area. This type of information can provide all you need to know about many parts of your vacation, including the best places to eat, stay, shop, and visit. We will tell you what we like best and what to watch out for, while the other sites will tell you all about other areas that you plan to visit.
In addition to this type of information, you can also learn more through Akumal hotel, resort, and tourism websites. Each site will provide you with pictures of their facilities, a list of local attractions and activities, and typically, a short history of the area. They may also provide information about items that they provide, which will not only help you discover more about Akumal, but also help you organize your daily activities while on vacation.
Although their objective is to talk you to visit Akumal, the information that they provide about their property and the area must be correct or they will begin to lose business. So, you can usually trust the information from a website, including the information that they show about local actitivies and the history of the area.
Alternatively you can learn more about Akumal is through a travel agent. It is the job of a travel agent to know a lot of information about their main destinations and to be able to give you the information. Even if you do not plan to use a travel agent, you can still find some information through them.
A trip to Akumal and the Riviera Maya area of Mexico would not be complete without a visit to one of the many 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 surrounding area were major trade routes for the Mayans and historians are continuing to uncoverstill uncovering many ruins of this once mighty civilization.
One of the nicest 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 Mayan Riveria region. They are an easy drive by automobile or if you prefer, you can arrange to take a tour bus.
A trip to Akumal, Mexico can be an educational and bonding experience for the whole family. Explore the history and the culture of Mexico. Learn about the sea and what activities you can enjoy there. Plan your trip based on the subject that interests you most. The more you learn about Akumal, the more fascinating it will be once you get there.
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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 town located 62 miles south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, with a tiny native population of 1,198.
The name “Akumal” means “place of the turtles” in Mayan language. Surrounding bodies of water and beautiful, white sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for many sea turtles’ laying grounds.
Akumal was established in 1958 mainly as a community for scuba divers to see the many species and types 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 huge amount of marine life that you can see. 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 book an all day diving trip or if you are more experienced, you can visit the caves, caverns and cenotes that make Akumal famous. Travelers from all over the globe come to dive the cenotes and caves of Akumal and this special village is truly a diver’s dream.
Dive shops also have courses so you can get certified to dive in open water. They instruct all levels from resort course to advanced cave diving. And what better area to learn to dive than Akumal, one of the best places in the world to go diving? These PADI Certified Instructors will guide 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 destinations and different depths of diving, group packages, equipment rental and instruction to satisfy 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 area for nurse sharks. Las Redes offers an abundance of marine life, schools of fish, barracudas, stingrays, lobsters and sea turtles. Yal-ku is a popular 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 living coral and plankton that protects local sea life.
Experienced divers will enjoy an afternoon at Tzimin-Ha, which features ruins from a 20-foot fishing boat wreck. Dives up to 100’ deep are located at Trigger Fish, which is a favorite deep dive spot for locals. Here, huge patches of coral contrast with the sandy white bottom with many species of tropical fish providing a colorful display of rare beauty.
Xaar Beach and Gonzalo’s Reef offer various kinds 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 famous for its large and vivid reef fingers; visitors are usually guaranteed a view of Hawksbill, Green, or Loggerhead turtles which use the area for feeding and lounging.
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When vacationing in Akumal, you will find that rental cars provide an economical form of transportation in and around the area. You can take the direct route and go from the Cancun airport to Akumal via Highway #307.
Akumal is an easy drive on a well-maintained four lane divided highway from the Cancun airport. We are about 100 kilometers south of the airport, which translates to a 1 to 1½ hour drive.
From the airport, take the first right exit to Highway 307. Just follow the Playa del Carmen exit signs south onto the highway. There is a Pemex station and McDonalds on the right just after getting on 307 if you need gas or a snack. In 20 minutes, you can stop at Puerto Morelos for gas or a convenience store. Although many gas stations are available in Mexico, it’s always a good idea to stop if you have less than a quarter of a tank of gas left.
Further along highway 307, you will go through Playa del Carmen. There are many restaurants here as well as mega superstores. Don’t go over 80 kph as they use radar heavily. And watch out for topes (speed bumps)! They love them in this entire area.
After you pass Puerto Aventuras, you are only 10 minutes from the Akumal exit.
To get to South Akumal check your odometer at the overpass in Akumal and go exactly 4 kilometers past Akumal to the returno at Bahia Principe and then go back towards Akumal for 2 kilometers where you will see the exit for South Akumal (Akumal Sur).
If you want to go to North Akumal just make a U-turn at the first returno after the overpass and then turn right at the overpass. When entering the town of Akumal, you will pass an information station. This stand is an ideal place to pick up a regional map of the area for current and future reference during your trip!
Just before the Arch, you will see the Super Chomack on your right, and Mulgren’s Lavenderia, Oshun Boutique, and Minisuper Las Palmas on your left. The outdoor market may be open, and is a good area to buy some fresh produce for a sample of the local fare. If you failed to make reservations before arriving in Akumal, the information station will also be able to send you to a reputable local establishment.
Something to note about local drivers in Mexico is that observing stop signs is considered optional. Taxicabs seem to have the right of way, and it is best to simply stay patient and let the other drivers to do what they desire.
Defensive driving is the most important skill when operating a vehicle in and around Akumal. If you feel uncomfortable driving in a foreign place, perhaps you should hire a cab driver.
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If you bring the kids to Akumal on vacation, there are many things available 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 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 kids. With a few safety precautions, the kids can participate in this activity with little chance of injury or accident.
Properly fitted life jackets should be worn by each child. Many villas provide these life jackets free of charge. These will not only stop serious accidents in the water, but will help to cover their torso and stop sunburn in this area. It should also be applied frequently 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 rough waters and multiple waves, allowing them to see the colorful ocean 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 kids can busy themselves with the white sand all day long. Buckets and shovels give the chance to make sand castles while you rest and watch the children play. A sandy beach in front of your rental is a major 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 location before a day at the beach. They should not play on turtle nests or dig around in them for fear of breaking eggs buried beneath the sand.
The Jungle Place is a great place to take the animal-loving kids in the group. It is a sanctuary for spider monkeys situated 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 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 jungle to cenotes, tour 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 few 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 pick 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.
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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 Candid Review of Akumal’s Eateries
We take a look at all the places to eat in the town of Akumal, Mexico. All are owned by locals who also operate them. These are just our opinions… other people’s opinions may vary!
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Lol-Ha on Akumal Bay Our favorite! The Beach Bar has a large palapa style outside dining area surrounded by palms with a great ocean view and cool ocean breeze. The menu offers a wide selection of well prepared foods. For more elegant dining, the main dining area offers a beautiful indoor dining room and a full menu. Their breakfast is a delight. The staff are friendly and helpful. Friday Happy Hour is a Local’s Favorite. The Lol-Ha Pizzeria offers freshly baked pizzas. Located on the right just inside the arch in central Akumal.
La Buena Vida, “The Good Life” This restaurant has a gorgeous view of Half Moon Bay. The shrimp tacos are wonderful! The beach bar has swings instead of bar stools. A fun “night life” place that rocks from Happy Hour to closing everyday. Wednesday is karaoke night. Dining on the beach or upstairs in the dining room. They have a gift shop across the street with some fun stuff for sale. It’s located on the beach road in the north of Akumal.
Cueva de Pescador, “The Cave of the Fisherman”–Freshest fish in Akumal! Pescador is a seafood restaurant offering local fresh seafood caught by their own boats daily. Grouper, Red Snapper, Boquinete (a local favorite), Atun (Tuna) and Dorado (Mahi Mahi) are usually available depending on the season.It is owned by Carlos Danú, a professional fisherman in Akumal since 1982, who for a fee will take you fishing and cook your catch for dinner! We have fished with Carlos several times. Always fun and inexpensive compared to the States. Book fishing trips at the resturant. Located on the left in the center of Akumal.
Turtle Bay Bakery & Cafe. They bake their own breads, cakes, cookies and pastries daily. Come early for the best selection. Their breakfast is a treat. Open for breakfast andlunch. Dinner in the high season. Located in the center of Akumal behind Cueva de Pescador.
La Lunita, an intimate beach cafe serves contemporary style Mexican cuisine. Indoor or beach seating. La Lunita is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the winter. Dinner only summer and fall. It’s located in Hacienda Las Tortugas condos on Half Moon Bay in north Akumal.
Que Onda! specializes in Italian cuisine and is personally attended by owners.. Enjoy fresh pastas made daily in house and a nice selection of Italian wines. Enjoy dining in a beautiful garden setting and with an illuminated pool. Que Onda is located in a tropical garden setting at the north end of Akumal near Yal-ku Lagoon.
Loncheria Akumalito is a small breakfast/lunch bar located next to Super Chomak Grocery. It is inexpensive with simple, delicious meals.
Lucy’s Kitchen Shrimp Tacos and handmade gormet ice cream. Located by the basketball courts on the left before you go through the arch.
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