Cenotes
"Cenotes" are cool fresh water sanctuaries scattered throughout the green jungles and savannas of the Yucatan Peninsula. The entrance to magical caverns and cave passages below the earth, cenotes are created when the ceiling of a cave collapses leaving what is sometimes known elsewhere as a sinkhole. Many cenotes have cavern systems which are great for exploring with snorkel or dive equipment. Venturing into a cavern or cave system, or any overhead environment, on SCUBA, is very technical and advanced, requiring specialized training and safety gear. The cavern and caves of the Yucatan are well known and important for underwater cave and cavern explorers who come from all over the world.
When visiting a cenote we recommend that you take along your snorkel gear. The water is cool and perfectly clear. You will see a mysterious and beautiful underwater landscape and the water is very refreshing. Cenote Santa Cruz is one of our favorites to explore and its just on the other side of the highway. JP can meet you in the Pueblo and escort you to his semi private cenote. Reservations are required and can be made via phone, 984-106-8337.
Cenotes are believed to have been of great significance to the Mayan people. Recognized by the Maya as the link between the earth and the netherworlds and often the only source of freshwater in the river-less Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes were considered sacred. Important ceremonial centers were often constructed nearby. Known by the Maya as dzonot (ZO-note), the original name became translated to cenote (say-NOH-tay) by the Spanish.
Journey through Mexico, a charming tour of traditions and nature at Xcaret eco-archaeological Park. Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience that includes entertainment, exquisite food and the joy of a country that welcomes you with open arms!
Delve into the trails of Xcaret to discover how the Mayan jungle and culture of Mexico combine in more than 50 exciting attractions. Located on the seashore near Cancun in the Riviera Maya, Xcaret has attractions for everyone. Enjoy a traditional Fiesta Charra and the Mayan Ball Game, or if you are a nature lover visit the Jaguar Island and our colorful Butterfly Pavillion.
You can also enjoy the Caribbean Sea! Take a snorkeling tour, swim in underground rivers and have fun with the Dolphin Swim. When night falls, you will be our guest of honor at the presentation "Xcaret Mexico Espectacular", a celebration of light and color with 300 artists that will take you through the history of Mexico.
Located approximately an hour away from Akumal, The Coba Ruins are located between two lakes, and was once an important Mayan city. Despite its proximity to the coastal tourist areas of the Riviera Maya, Coba is much less well known than any of the other great Mayan cities. Only a small fraction of the many structures have been excavated and this, together with the remote jungle setting, add to the feeling of being an early discoverer.
Knowledge of the Coba Mayan ruins were never completely lost, but they were not examined by scholars until the 1920s.
Massage and Day Spas:
Budha Gardens Day Spa: Located in the heart of Akumal amidst a coconut grove. Offering Mayan clay wraps, sea salt scrubs, cucumber body wraps, facials, reflexology, pedicures and manicures. Reservations and deposits required. 984-875-9423
Massage by Salvador: Relaxing and energizing massage by a Reiki master and massage therapist, Mon.-Sat. Located in the white tent next to Turtle Bay Cafe (above Peak Gym). Stop by to schedule your session.
Massage del Mar: Choose from Swedish and deep tissue, lymphatic cleanse, relaxation or deep tissue. Also offering reflexology, Reiki, hydrating facial, exfoliation body glow. Located in Vista del Mar Hotel (3rd level), North Akumal ; house calls also available. 984-975-9060; info@massagedelmar.com
Xel-Há is a true paradise for nature lovers and an amazing natural aquarium. It is located in the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and since 1995 it is a model for sustainable tourism development, with unique family attractions.
The ancient Mayas baptized this wonderful site with the name Xel-Há, which in the Mayan language means “where the water is born”.
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a place where you can find a great variety of primates and other rescued animals. From the majestic and emblematic spider monkey to beautiful rescued capuchin monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs from the faraway lands of Madagascar. Our biggest success is becoming a home for rescued and donated animals of many other species such as goats, deer, and macaws.
It is important to know that there are really three different areas all referred to as Tulum, located near each other, but not close enough to walk to and from.
- The town center, sometimes referred to as Tulum Pueblo, lies across the highway south of the Coba junction. The bus terminal is toward the southern end of town. During the daylight hours there are frequent buses to Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen and Valladolid.
- Tulum Playa or Zona Hotelera extends for more than 6 miles (10km) of great white sandy beaches along the Caribbean coastline. The zona embraces many of the fancier, ecological, boutique and spa hotels, and it has a decent selection of restaurants and night spots. There are also a number of affordable beach front cabana-type lodging locations.
- Tulum Ruinas is the archaeological site where the Tulum Mayan ruins stand. It is connected by a long road from highway 307. The road is flanked by several restaurants, a commercial area geared to one-day visitors, a huge parking lot, a small bus station that operates part-time and a handful of middle range hotels. The entrance fee is $45 pesos
Diving:
Akumal is noted for having the best cave diving in the world. A vast system of caves exists throughout this part of the Yucatan. Ocean diving is popular in this area as well. Dive shops (in alphabetical order):
Akumal Bay Dive Center: Ocean And Cenote dive, rental snorkeling gears, Padi courses. Located inside the Hotel Akumal Bay Beach Resort And Wellness.
Tel 984-1793712 or email akumalbay.diving@gmail.com
http://www.akumal-dive.com
Akumal Dive Adventures: Diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing trips. Also rent kayaks, snorkel gear. Located between La Buena Vida and Vista del Mar on Half Moon Bay. 984-875-9157 or email dive@akumaldiveadventures.com
Akumal Dive Center: Diving, fishing, sailing, rental gear. Located on Akumal Bay next to Lol Ha. 984-875-9025. www.akumaldivecenter.com
Akumal Dive Shop: Diving, fishing, sailing, rental gear available. Located on Akumal Bay next to CEA. 984-875-9032, dive@akumal.com
Aquatech: Diving, fishing. Located at Villas DeRosa in Aventuras Akumal. 984-875-9020. cenotes@prodigy.net.mx
Lucky Fish Diving: Diving, snorkeling. Located on Tankah bay. 984-129-6774 or info@luckyfishdiving.com
Xibalba Dive Center: Diving, snorkeling, gear rental. Located in Tulum. 984-871-2953 or info@xibalbadivecenter.com
You'll also find dive shops in Puerto Aventuras (Mike Madden's Dive Aventuras in the Omni Hotel, or Aquanauts, located on the marina near the Pub, and in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
Xplor Cancun Park opened to the public in July 2009. It is next door to neighboring Xcaret Park, located only 30 minutes North of Akumal & just South from the heart of Playa del Carmen. It takes up 59 hectares, eight of which are adapted underground activities.
Explorers can enjoy five incredible activities: zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, rafts, swimming in underground rivers, and hiking through caverns and grottos. With nature and adventure at their core, these activities take place in natural settings outdoors and within underground environments. In addition to adventurers’ delights, exquisit and abundant food to recharge the energy. A station of unlimited smoothies and juices, and a delicious BBQ buffet can be enjoyed at “El Troglodita” Restaurant.
Yoga:
Yoga enthusiasts will be glad to know that several types of classes are offered at the studio above the Las Casitas reception at the entrance to Akumal. Various Hatha Yoga classes (balancing strength and flexibility through physical postures, using the breath) are offered Monday through Saturday. For more information: www.akumalyoga.com or contact: leticiaak@prodigy.net.mx or martijohnston@yahoo.com.
Cenotes are some of the Yucatan Peninsula's most unique features. They are mysterious and beautiful, not to mention a great place to cool off. For this reason, snorkeling through a cenote and cavern is on our list of things not to miss while visiting the Riviera Maya. There are cenotes, cavern and cave systems scattered throughout the Yucatan and the Riviera Maya.
Horseback Riding:
Experience the jungle on horseback and tell your friends how much fun you had!
Punto Venado (Deer Point) is located 10 minutes north of Puerto Aventuras is owned and operated by a local pediatrician. Healthy, happy, gentle horses in a tropical paradise. Bring your own lunch and have a garden picnic.
Selva Maya offers horse and bike tours through the jungle at Santa Cruz ranch. Included in the tour is a visit to a cavern with stalactites and stalagmites anda cenote where you can take a refreshing dip. 984-875-9115 or tours@selvamaya.com
Fishing:
Deep sea fishing, bone fishing and bottom fishing are available in the Akumal area. While you may be more apt to catch "the big one" during spring months, you can usually catch something throughout the year. Arrange a fishing trip by asking around at the docks. A number of the dive shops also offer fishing expeditions (see "diving" above).
Golf:
There are a number of Riviera Maya golf courses available for all levels of play during your Akumal vacation. The courses of the Mexican Caribbean offer practice areas, putting greens, golf-cart rental, golf clubs for men or women, special shoes, and tips from on-site pros. For more information click here.
Tennis:
Tennis is available in Puerto Aventuras on astro-turf courts. 984-873-5109. There is also a new tennis court in Akumal, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; hourly rate is less if you bring your equipment; go to the Las Casitas office at the entrance to Akumal to pay fees and/or rent equipment.
Kayaking:
Kayaks are available for rent at Akumal Dive Adventures (Half Moon Bay), 984-875-9157; dive@akumaldiveadventures.com. Kayaks are also available at some beach clubs such as Xpu-Ha. Some private rental villas and condos have kayaks.
Gyms:
Don't want to miss your work out? No problem, Peak Gym is located near the basketball court in Akumal. In Puerto Aventuras, the Bella Mar Spa is located in the Omni Hotel.
Yachting:
Yachting Club Playa del Carmen offers several VIP excursions including personalized fishing, snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Cruise packages. Rates begin at $590 for half a day. Live the dream in paradise! Call Jeff Sanchez 044-984-157-5468 or Jeremy Vatinel 044-984-146-4395. Or email jeanfrancissanchez@hotmail.com
Snorkeling, Diving, Fishing, Yoga, Golf, etc.
Snorkeling:
You have a smorgasbord or snorkeling choices. Choose from Yal-Ku lagoon or any number of bays along the coast (Akumal Bay, Half Moon Bay, Tankah, etc.) or jungle cenotes. You'll see a variety of sea life which might include parrot fish, angel fish, trigger fish, lobster, sting rays, sea turtles, groupers, octopus and a number of other interesting and colorful sea creatures. Bring your own snorkel gear if you plan to do a lot of snorkeling; some rental gear is available at dive shops (see dive shop listings below) and beach areas. Some dive shops offer snorkel tours (see "diving"). Note that there is a daily entry fee to Yal-ku lagoon.our paragraph here.