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Akumal,Mexico
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Akumal,Mexico
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Akumal,Mexico
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AKUMAL
Akumal ('place of the turtle') lies 60 miles south of Cancun on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula in an area known as the Tulum Corridor. Laid back and off the beaten track, this tiny resort community originated as a section of a large coconut plantation.
It wasn't until 1958 that Mexican treasure divers salvaging a sunken Spanish galleon discovered great sport diving opportunities along the off-shore barrier reef. Pristine corals and sponges, frequent turtle sightings, silky white, sand beaches and terrific beach snorkeling have popularized Akumal with local divers and a discriminating group of visitors. Three dive operators serve the area.
Drawbacks exist for those who like 'pampered' diving-Akumal dive guides are friendly and helpful, but they do not carry, store or wash your gear. The diving is not 'easy' in terms of services. Divers 'schlep' their own tanks, weights and equipment to and from the boats. The boats are open, with ladders-no platforms, no sun canopies. On the other hand, most sites lie close to shore, a five- to 10-minute boat ride. Spear fishing is prohibited.
Akumal dive operators also offer divers and snorkelers freshwater tours to jungle pools or 'cenotes,' which are sunken limestone caverns with dazzling stalagmites and stalactites. These inland adventures include a jungle trek through nature's most exotic gardens.
Where to Stay in Akumal
Diving in Akumal
Akumal's ocean scuba sites are gentle drift dives with easy pickups along a barrier reef that parallels the shoreline of Akumal Bay, neighboring Half Moon Bay and nearby Yalku Lagoon. Snorkeling opportunities exist all along the coast.
The reef structure comprises three distinct systems running parallel to one another at progressively greater depths. The inner reef, a network of patch reefs, ranges from three to 35 ft, with huge stands of elkhorn and formations of boulder, brain and plate corals. An expanse of white sand separates the inner reef from the middle reef which is three miles long at depths from 40 to 55 ft. Several reef areas are shot through with coral caves and tunnels. Further out, a well-developed outer reef from 60 to 125 ft features more outstanding caverns and canyons. Abundant tropicals inhabit the patch reefs and the middle reef. Larger fish and turtles roam the outer reef.
Frequent sightings of loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles that nest along Yucatán beaches highlight many dives. Currents normally run less than one knot.
Snorkelers exploring from the beach can swim up to the breakers on the reef. Conditions inside are normally calm, with depths from three to 20 ft.
Snorkeling in Akumal
Akumal Snorkeling Sites
Uncrowded beaches, secluded bays and a healthy marine population make Akumal delightful for family snorkeling vacations.
Akumal Bay's best snorkeling is off the beach in front of the Club Akumal Caribe. Depths range from three ft to 20 ft with coral heads leading out to the breakers at the barrier reef. A variety of corals, sea fans, sponges, reef fish, occasional moray eels, barracudas, jacks, grouper, sting rays, parrot fish and turtles inhabit the bay. Bottom terrain is sandy, with coral heads scattered about. Bay conditions inside the barrier reef are almost always tranquil.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, about three minutes down the interior road from Akumal Bay, resembles Akumal Bay in terrain and marine life. This is a residential area, but anyone can use the beach.
Yal ku Lagoon
Yal ku Lagoon, at the end of the interior road, a short drive from Half Moon Bay, features partially submerged caves, throngs of fish and crystal clear, tranquil water. Fresh water mixing with seawater provides nutrients and aquatic plants that attract rich marine life. Big parrot fish, angels, Spanish hogfish, rays, juvenile turtles and spotted eels nibble on the plants around the rocks. A natural entrance from the sea ensures a constant mix of nutrients. The outlying barrier reef protects this magnificent natural aquarium from wind-driven waves and rough seas. Enter the lagoon from the head of the bay or climb down the big rocks anywhere along the shore. Guided boat and beach-entry snorkeling tours are offered by the dive shop at Club Akumal Caribe.
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Akumal,Mexico
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Akumal,Mexico
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Akumal,Mexico
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