Photo by melodramababs

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.

Visit my Akumal Travel Blog.

Photo by John and Belinda

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.

The quaint town of Akumal, Mexico in the Riviera Maya region offers couples the perfect locale for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Known for its laid-back style, beautiful surroundings and unspoiled Caribbean beaches, Akumal has been a popular destination for honeymooners who prefer the tranquil setting of Akumal to the more bustling beaches of Cancun and Playa de Carmen.

Akumal is a small town, but offers many lodging choices that can set the tone for a romantic trip. Couples have their choice of all inclusive resorts, hotels, or condominiums. Many people choose to rent a private villa which affords them more privacy and adds a special touch to their honeymoon. There are many private villas and houses for rent through agencies and owners.

Akumal is the perfect place to go for romantic strolls along its beautiful unspoiled beaches and through the quaint town. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon for the couple that wants to unplug and forget the world for a while. There are also many activities to engage in and lots to see and do while staying in Akumal.

One favorite thing to do is to take a romantic cruise at sunset on Akumal Bay. You can hire a catamaran and take a private cruise of the bay and watch the sunset. You can make reservations for just the two of you so you can enjoy a private sail in the beautiful bay and take in the sunset as it bathes the area in beautiful colors that compliments the beautiful jade green landscape and turquoise water.

There are many bars along Half Moon Bay where you can also enjoy the sunset in their unique crows nest tables that offers a superb view of the bay. The best time to go is just before sunset, where you can grab a bottle of wine at the bar and sit together and watch the sun go down on the bay.

The beaches of Akumal are not crowded and afford the honeymooners ample privacy and time to sunbathe and swim in the beautiful water. Couples can also enjoy the snorkeling and diving opportunities that Akumal is famous for. Akumal is home to many beautiful lagoons and has the world’s second largest barrier reef conveniently located just off its coast. Whether you are experienced divers or want to try something new and adventurous, there are plenty of dive shops that can arrange diving and snorkeling excursions and instruction, along with sea kayak and canoe rentals.

Akumal has a quaint charm and is a peaceful haven for honeymooners and romantic getaways. For couples who want to spend time in a laid-back atmosphere with natural beauty and lots of activities to explore, Akumal is the perfect destination for the trip of a lifetime. For more information on romantic accommodations in the area, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Villa Paraiso in Akumal

While Akumal may be a small town compared to other resort areas in the Riviera Maya region, it offers tourists a big range of lodging options. The beauty of vacationing in Akumal is enjoying the quaint town and the convenience of being close to nearly all of the attractions and sightseeing activities available. Choosing your type of lodging is strictly a matter of personal preference and you will not be disappointed no matter what type of lodging situation you choose.

There are a diverse range of hotel rooms and suites available in Akumal and the surrounding area. There are luxury all inclusive hotel resorts, with all the amenities and activities where you pay one price and enjoy everything, room, food, drinks and organized activities without having to reach for your wallet. Once you check in, everything is covered. The only thing you may have to pay for is day trips and diving and sailing excursions. Akumal also offers cheaper, quaint hotels for people on a budget. An important consideration when selecting a hotel is location. You should do some homework and find out if the hotel is located near a good snorkeling beach or a good swimming and sunbathing beach if these things are important to you. Also, if you want to be in walking distance to the shops or restaurants, this is another important consideration.

Akumal also has many private homes and villas for rent. There are a lot of advantages to renting a private villa. They are more private than a hotel and a resort, and many are located in secluded areas by the lagoon and the rocky cliffs, away from the public beaches and the crowds. Private homes and villas can be rented through agencies or private owners and offer you more spacious accommodations. They may have their own swimming pools which is a nice amenity. They also have kitchens so you can prepare your meals if you do not want to dine out every night. If you are a big group or a family, staying in a private villa may be the best choice, as there are more bedrooms and bathrooms that can accommodate larger groups.

There are many different kinds of rentals, ranging from villas to condos. Some of these private rentals offer maid service, and are equipped for the various water activities that can be found in Akumal. There are many beachfront properties for people that want to wake up and walk right out to the beach in the morning. Renting a private home or condo can offer you some special touches that a hotel or resort cannot. The owners care about their homes and take pride in offering their guests a luxurious and comfortable environment to enjoy the Riviera Maya vacation experience. The choice of where to stay in Akumal is up to you and what your preferences are for accommodations. The town has many lodging choices for every type of traveler. For more information on the variety of lodging and hotels available in the area, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Photo by Craig Grobler

Divers throughout the world know that the small village of Akumal offers some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Located just of the coast of Akumal is the world’s second largest reef which offers a diverse range of diving experiences ranging from ship wreck diving to cave diving and snorkeling excursions.

This village is located 65 miles south of Cancun and just 50 miles from the airport, so getting there is convenient. There are a variety of lodging choices to make your stay more comfortable. Then there are the dive shops. Akumal has many dive shops which not only offer equipment rental and tours, but they also offer the novice the opportunity to get their PADI certification.

Akumal is small and unobtrusive and offers the diver an alternative to the often crowded resorts of Cancun and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean. For the causal snorkeling, Yalku Lagoon offers the perfect place to snorkel the day away. There are two very tranquil bays that are perfect for snorkeling and observing marine life.

For serious divers, area dive shops offer a variety of exciting diving excursions to the 30 reef sites which include shipwrecks, cenotes and caverns and a breathtaking array of marine life that you can experience. The dive shop makes all the arrangements for you; you can rent a tank, mask, flippers and anything else you need. You can arrange an all day diving excursion or if you are more adventurous, you can explore the caves, caverns and cenotes that Akumal is famous for. Divers from all over the world come to explore the cenotes and caves of Akumal and that is what makes this small village a diver’s mecca.

Dive shops can also help the aspiring diver gain their certification so they can dive in open water. They have courses at all levels from resort course to advanced and what better place to learn to dive than in one of the best places to go diving in the world. There are qualified instructors who will guide you through the process of certification so you can enjoy the wonders of the ocean that await you off the coast of Akumal.

There are so many excursions from Akumal for the diver to enjoy. There is a day long diving excursion to Cozumel Island, or you can explore the lagoons and reefs that are teeming with tropical fish and colorful coral that are bound to hook even the most seasoned diver. Akumal may be a small village, but it offers big opportunities for divers and snorkelers who want to experience all the beauty that this region of the Yucatan has to offer. For more information on where to stay while in Akumal, visit HotelsCombined.com.

If you like history, sports or a wide variety of ocean and land based activities you will have a great time in Akumal Mexico. There is a huge array of activities that will please everyone no matter how discerning the traveler.

Akumal is a divers paradise.  With the world’s second largest reef just offshore and several sunken ships in the area, the choice of dives is unlimited  There are numerous PADI Certified dive shops in the area with resort diving, certification courses, open sea dives, night dives, cenote dives or cave dives.  Diving and snorkeling are both readily available for anyone who wishes to visit the area reefs. You will be able to rent all of the equipment you need and have an experienced diver take you out to explore the ocean.

There are plenty of fishing activities to keep you occupied for days at a time. You can charter a boat in Akumal Bay to take you deep sea fishing.  The run to deep water is measured in yards instead of miles!  Or make the short run south to Xcalak for world class bone fish and permit fly fishing.  Local guides are available.

You might enjoy visiting the exibits at Centro Ecológico Akumal, a non-profit organization which provides academic studies, ocean research, marine studies, environmental education and cultural exchange. CEA has a wide range of programs aimed at studying and protecting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System from the effects of unsustainable development.  CEA is a good place to visit if you want to learn more about sea life and how it can be protected.

Xel-Ha, Mexico’s Natural Wonder and the largest Natural Aquarium in the world await your discovery.  You can easily spend the day enjoying and exploring a wide variety of fish and animals in their natural habitat which has been protected for your enjoyment.

History buffs will particularly love the wonderful ancient Mayan Ruins in the Akumal, Mexico area. There are several of these sites in the area that are currently being uncovered by archeologists. A particularly popular site location is the Tulum ruins.

When you visit the Mayan Ruins you will see some of the expansive jungles around the Akumal area. A day trip through the jungle is a great experience and an adventure that you are sure to remember.

You can participate in kayaking and cave diving activities in Akumal. Cave diving is an exhilarating experience that you won’t soon forget and is especially enticing for the adventurous traveler.

No trip to the area would be complete without including many of the shopping opportunities in and around the Akumal area. Here you can find local crafts, necessities and even high end formal wear in the shopping area’s located in the town of Akumal. If you want to add a cultural touch to your home then you will particularly be fond of the vast selection of traditional Mayan crafts and linens.

After your shopping trip you are sure to enjoy the local cafes and fine dining restaurants in this charming village. With menu selections ranging from fresh seafood and fish to the more traditional Mayan dishes there is plenty for the traveler to choose from.  You will relax, refresh and be revitalized in Akumal, Mexico!

Why not rent our house in Akumal Mexico and bring the family?

Browse our interesting Mexico Vacation & Travel Links.

There are many benefits of renting a house in Akumal, Mexico that put renting a home for your vacation at the top of the list. And it’s usually best to rent directly from the owners instead from some rental agency.  You can rent our house in Akumal, Mexico directly from the owners.   Here are just a few of the benefits that you   may enjoy:

1. The most important benefit of a home rental in Akumal is privacy. Privacy is important if you want to relax and rejuvenate or just spend much needed time together. Whether you are a couple that wants privacy for a romantic getaway or are a family that wants privacy to relax and getaway with the room to spread out and enjoy yourself, a villa rental can do that for you.

2. Another home rental benefit is space. When you have a home, you are going to have more space for your stay than you will with a hotel, condo or resort. Not only does this give your family or group of friends the room to spread out and do their own thing, but it also means that you will not be sharing a swimming pool or other facilities with anyone else throughout the duration of your stay.

3. As you look at the benefits of a home rental, you cannot forget the availability to cook your own meals or even hire your own private chef. Whether you just want to enjoy a simple breakfast or a snack later in the day, a fully furnished kitchen can be a top feature for any home. With all the cooking utensils that you may need, you can cook as little or as much as you wish for your vacation.

When you take a large group to Mexico, cooking a few of your meals can beneficial in terms of time, budget, and levels of stress that you experience on your vacation getaway. In addition to your kitchen, some home rental properties also provide an outdoor barbecue grill for you to cook some of your meals. Outdoor cooking and dining can be a fun way to break up different meals throughout your trip.

Visit our Travel Links site at http://vacationsurfer.net/

When you travel to Akumal, you will quickly discover that it is well-known for being “The Place of the Turtle” in Maya, a recognition that it receives because of the Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) that is located in the Akumal area. The Centro Ecologico Akumal is an environmental conservation organization that focuses on the study and protection of the sea turtles, as well as the rest of Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Also known as La Playa Tortogua, the turtle beach area runs along with the Akumal Bay, Half Moon Bay, and Jade Beach as well and is known for the different turtles that come ashore to nest and eat along the bay. Typically, turtle season runs from April to November, which is when the Marine Time sea turtles nest. Turtle “walk and talk” tours are available during these months to allow eco-tourists and all guests can have a part in managing the beaches to allow each nesting mother to find a place for her to leave her eggs in a hole that has been dug once she comes ashore.

At any one time, there can be hundreds of nests and thousands of hatchlings. This includes both Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta Caretta) and Green Turtles (Chelonia Mydas), which are two of the eight existing species of sea turtles species that are protected by law because of the threat of extinction. By tagging the females, they can help them determine the level of success for hatchlings and the abundance, behavior, and distribution of the hatchings that travel along Akumal’s Turtle Beach.

Throughout the nesting season, the turtle staff at the Centro Ecologico Akumal and any volunteer search for female turtles that may be nesting, existing turtle nests, and recent eggs that may have hatch into hatchlings. In addition, they have begun to monitor juvenile turtles every couple of months, which includes capturing the turtles through snorkeling and marking, measuring, and weighing the turtles. They also take sample of blood to monitor any sicknesses that may occur and to conduct genetic sampling and testing.

The Turtle Talks and Walks allows guests to travel Akumal along the famed Turtle Beach in groups of 10 people each night during the week. Donations are requested, though the money goes directly to the Turtle Protection Program. Beginning at 9 p.m., volunteers will be taught exactly what to look for, find out valuable information about sea turtles, and how to further offer protection to the turtles.

Rent our house on the beach in Akumal and visit the Centro Ecologico Akumal.

Travel Links and Travel Articles here.

As you search for your accommodation options for your vacation to Akumal, Mexico, you will find that there are three main options from which you can choose. From these three options, you can choose which ones fit best for your group, length of trip, and vacation budget.

The first type of accommodations in Akumal, Mexico is hotel rooms and suites. Hotels and suites provide guests with much diversity in rooms, prices, and availability. Hotels also provide several amenities for guests to enjoy from a breakfast spread to pools and hot tubs.

Similarly, the second type of accommodations in Akumal is found in resort locations. Much like hotels, resorts provide individual rooms and a number of amenities for all guests to enjoy. However, the difference between hotels and resorts come in the activities that a resort will provide for its guests.

Resorts often provide group activities as well as resources for individuals to plan their own activities throughout their stay. Some activities will be at an additional cost and others are included in the vacation package. They will often provide tour leaders and professionals for various activities for a positive experience.

The last type of accommodations for Akumal visitors is home or condo rentals. Once a group or family commits to this type of accommodation, most will choose a home rental over that of a condo because it affords them more space, in the form of living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

However, many couples will choose to stay at condos simply because they do not need the space and because many condos are available at a more economical price. There are several different types of home and condo rentals, including those that provide daily maid service, those that provide some activities and equipment for guests, and those that provide their own stretch of beachfront property.

While most hotels and resorts are run by a corporation, many homes are being run differently. Although there are some that are run by an agency, there are homes that are provided by the homeowners, which offer guests a more personal experience. Not only do many homeowners provide extra touches and considerations not available in hotels or resorts.

To find a complete list of the best deals on accommodation in Akumal, Mexico, travel sites like HotelsCombined.com can provide those for you. Upon entering your travel information, you will find out the most recent deals available from various travel groups available online.

There are many tips that you may already know and many that you should know, which is why you should always know these tips before your stay in Akumal. These tips are not only helpful once you arrive in Akumal, Mexico, but they are also helpful when you are packing as well.

The first, and most important, tip is not to drink the water. Many people have heard that you should not drink the water in Mexico and they have heard it for a reason. Instead, have access to plenty of bottled water and remember that ingesting water can also happen when you are brushing your teeth, making your morning coffee, or taking a shower. While it is okay to bath or wash dishes with the tap water, you want to make sure that you do not directly swallow the water.

The next tip for your stay in Akumal is to pack a flashlight. From night travels on dimly lit roads to the frequent power outages and lack of generators, having a flashlight with you is always a good idea. Although this flashlight does not need to be big, it should have a fresh set of batteries and be able to fit in whatever you plan to take with you, like a purse or a bag, throughout the duration of your vacation.

Another tip for your stay in Akumal is to make sure your health insurance covers you while on vacation. If something were to happen, most businesses that provide medical services will not cost what they would in the United States. However they will still need upfront payment for service to be performed. You can then take the receipt to your insurance company and request a reimbursement.

Furthermore, on your way to Akumal, and even while you are there, you should insure that you have the proper documentation for everyone in your family, including any minors who may be traveling with you. Not only will they need their passport, but each airline traveling to and from Akumal may have a unique set of requirements so it is important that you know what those are ahead of time.

The last tip for your stay in Akumal is to know when to go. Akumal typically has a low season and a high season, which means that it will either be rainy or dry. The dry season is usually from December to March and will prove to be the best time for your vacation. You can find several hotels and accommodations for throughout the year at HotelsCombined.com.

Visit my Travel on the Tide Travel Blog.

For many people, shopping is on the list of things to do while on your Akumal vacation. Whether you plan to only purchase a few souvenirs for others back at home or you want to buy something new for yourself, here are a few shopping tips for Akumal, Mexico.

The first of many shopping tips for your Akumal vacation is to purchase all of your souvenirs from one of the many gift shops in the center of town. These shops include everything from souvenir t-shirts to hand-crafted jewelry. They also include the popular sarongs, which make great gifts and do not cost a lot, and original pieces of art. This folk art ranges in price, but can often be more on the expensive side.

If you plan to purchase alcohol on your trip, one of the best shopping tips for Akumal is not to search too hard for anything other than beer. “Cervesa” can be found anywhere throughout Mexico, but wine and other types of hard liquor may be harder to locate. Therefore, your shopping tip for alcohol in Akumal is also to try something new. Although beer may not be your favorite, you should embrace the local customs and have a few drinks with your meals during your stay.

Another one of the shopping tips in Akumal is to be careful of the groceries that you purchase in town, especially local fruits and vegetables. From convenience stores to pueblos to supermarkets, there are several places that you can buy the items that you need. If you cannot find the produce that you need in Akumal, feel free to travel a short distance to Playa del Carmen. However, no matter where you purchase your fruits or vegetables, you should always soak them in an anti-bacterial solution for approximately 15 minutes before you cook or eat them. This will help ensure that they are safe to eat and that you will enjoy the rest of your trip.

The last shopping tips in Akumal are related to clothing. Purchasing local clothing can be an exciting venture and help you feel at home in the Akumal area. There are several local shops from which you can choose and many high-end stores, like Sak’s 5th Avenue, if you want to travel to nearby Playa del Carmen. The items you purchase can be what you need while on vacation, just for fun, or to take back with you. Regardless, you should be able to get a good deal on any item that you buy.

Rent our luxury Villa in Akumal, Mexico.

Knowing what to pack when traveling to Akumal, Mexico can prepare on how to handle anything unexpected on your trip. These tips will help you have the safest, happiest vacation possible.

The first step in learning what to pack in Akumal is preparing for what you plan to do. Once you know what you plan to do, you can easily move on to figuring out what to pack for your trip. Even if you only have a broad idea, like that you want to take a few day trips, you want to spend time in the water, and that you want to try some interesting restaurants, you will know that you need to pack your beach gear, some good walking shoes, and a nice outfit for your dinner plans.

Now that you know what to pack for Akumal for all of your daily adventures, you can begin packing your clothing and accessories. Knowing your plans is extremely helpful so that you bring along the right items, especially if you are going on a family vacation and need to pack for several people. At the top of your list should be a hat, sunglasses, and waterproofs sunscreen for each member of your group.

Clothing for your trip should be light weight, like sundresses, shorts, and cotton shirts. Linen and khaki can also be much cooler than a pair of jeans either day or night. While you want to plan a number of clothing items that will keep you cool, you should bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

Part of your packing will include items that prove that you know that you will not always be able to anticipate what to expect in Akumal, Mexico. This list of items include a flashlight if you plan to be out at night, insect repellant in case you take a trip to the jungle, and a carry-on bag to keep your passport, cash, and other important documentation on you or with you at all times. Copies should also be made of all of this documentation in case something was to happen to them.

No matter where you go on vacation, knowledge is power. This includes what you need to expect in Akumal. Although it may turn out that you are over prepared, that is far better than not being prepared nearly enough for whatever situations may arise.

Guest Comments about our Villa for rent in Akumal, Mexico.