Oceanfront Vacations Rentals in Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Activities available in and around Akumal and the Mayan Riviera

Here's just a few to chose from:
Shopping
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Cenotes
Beaches
Mayan Ruins
Star Gazing
Restaurants
The best activity of all?

Shopping
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!
Is it time for some more mood music?

Contact information:
U.S. telephone:  763-757-8121          email: info@alwaysakumal.com
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 Oceanfront Vacation Rentals in Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico