Available shopping runs
the gamut from the glitzy showrooms of Cancun to the Roadside stands along
Highway 307. Popular purchases are Jewelry, Onyx carvings, Art glass,
Clay sculptures, Pottery and souvenir clothing. Akumal hosts several
shops with very high quality and unique merchandise. There are also
shops worth investigating at Puerto Adventuras, especially the "Taxco"
silver store. We find quality and prices to be favorable in Playa
del Carmen, but by all means - shop around!
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is great
almost anywhere you care to jump in. Most notable spots close to
the Penthouse are Half Moon Bay and Yalku Lagoon. Half Moon Bay is
protected by a coral reef and hosts abundant sea life. Many species
of coral grow inside the calm bay and schools of fish swim along with the
snorkelers. The water is so clear that Rays and Barracuda have been
observed from the Living Room windows of the Penthouse. Yalku is
an inlet where fresh water mixes with the sea. Fish come to spawn
here and you shouldn't have to swim far before seeing Blue Tang, Parrot
fish, Angelfish and maybe, just maybe a big Barracuda that patrols the
channel. Sea turtles can also be spotted in Half Moon and Akumal
Bays, especially during the summer months.
The parks of Xel-ha
and Xcaret also offer snorkeling, but can get crowded as the day progresses.
Scuba
Diving
The exceptional clarity
of the Caribbean off the coast of Mexico combined with the living barrier
reef make the region a popular spot for Divers. Akumal Bay hosts
two Dive shops which offer morning, afternoon and night diving. Also
popular in the region is Cave or Cavern Diving. Many Cenotes dot
the landscape of Quintana Roo. These sinkholes provide a totally
different dive experience.
Cenotes
Whether you dive, snorkel
or just swim, do yourself a favor and visit a Cenote or two. Cenotes
are natural sinkholes in the limestone rock which hold fresh, cool, clear
water. Two of the more popular are "Dos Ojos", just south of Akumal
and "Cenote Azul", north of Akumal. Look for the hand-made signs
on the highway. Expect to pay a small admission fee.
Beaches
The Yucatan Peninsula
is mostly limestone. As the limestone breaks down with the washing
of the seas, it creates sweeping white powder beaches. This "sand"
never gets hot to the touch. What sets the Cancun-Tulum Corridor
apart from other locations is its long, uninterrupted strands of these
beaches. All the beaches in Mexico are public, however access to
them may not be. Generally, any road leading east from Hwy 307 will
bring the traveler to another fantastic beach, some developed and some
secluded.
Mayan
Ruins
Mayan heritage is rich
in Quintana Roo. The ruins at Tulum are less than 10 miles south
of Akumal. Tulum is the only Mayan city located on the Caribbean
Sea. It is largely restored and serves as a good introduction to
the ruins. Cobá is a mostly unexcavated site inland from Tulum.
It was a huge city and hosts the Yucatan's tallest pyramid. Chichen
Itzá may be the most spectacular site in the Yucatan. Much
restoration has taken place and it is very easy to imagine what the city
was like when occupied. Trips to the inland ruins require proper
dress and plenty of fluids, as the jungle is very hot at all times of the
year.
Star
Gazing
Unless you live in a
rural location, it's probably been awhile since you have seen night skies
like those over the Mayan Riviera. We like to walk up the stairs
to our roof to watch sunrises, sunsets and the stars at night. A
bottle of wine frequently accompanies us on our evening visits. If
you're a serious Astronomer, bring field glasses or a telescope.
Restaurants
Great restaurants are
plentiful in the Cancun-Tulum Corridor. Close to the Penthouse are
Que Onda (Italian dinner cuisine), La Lunita (breakfast and dinner), and
La Buena Vida (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We'll report back soon
on the new Restaurant right on the grounds of La Iguana y La Sirena.
Akumal Bay hosts Restaurante
Lol-Ha, the Lol-Ha Snack Bar, La Cueva del Pescador (The Cave of the Fishes)
and Turtle Bay Bakery and Deli.
Restaurants of note
in Puerto Adventuras are Papaya Republic, Sole Mio, Cafe International
and Richard's Quarterdeck.
The list gets even longer
in Playa del Carmen. While seafood such as fresh fish, lobster and
shrimp are featured almost everywhere, chicken, pork and beef dishes are
also prepared. And the Mexican beers are definitely worth sampling.
As you can see, great meals can be found with very little effort.
The
best activity of all: Inactivity
Before we get carried
away, let's remember why you're here: you're on vacation! Perhaps
the best activity of all is to do absolutely nothing! Keep in mind
that this can be accomplished with a cool drink in hand while lying under
a Palapa on the beach. Pace yourselves! And pass the sun block,
please!