Akumal Bay is known for its assorted species of sea turtles which use the area for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to see the animals in their natural habitat, including the many colorful species of fish and plant life.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to pursue during a trip to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good area choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time beginners.

One popular area for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This area is an extremely rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the ocean. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.

Only very specific species can survive and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.

Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Many snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite fun for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to Mayan civilizations that once occupied the area.

Snorkel lessons are usually a good idea forfirst-timers prior to going to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uncomfortable with the equipment or unsure how to best view the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.

A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.

Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be seen when snorkeling after sunset. This is typically because they are night-feeders or resting during the day.

The octopus is a perfect example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at after dark, and change color when a flashlight beam is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a safe activity as well.

Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night. This creates greenish lights glowing either continuously or flashing at night – quite a view for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!

Akumal Bay is known for its assorted species of sea turtles which use the area for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to see the animals in their natural habitat, including the many colorful species of fish and plant life.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to pursue during a trip to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good area choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time beginners.

One popular area for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This area is an extremely rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the ocean. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.

Only very specific species can survive and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.

Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Many snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite fun for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to Mayan civilizations that once occupied the area.

Snorkel lessons are usually a good idea forfirst-timers prior to going to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uncomfortable with the equipment or unsure how to best view the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.

A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.

Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be seen when snorkeling after sunset. This is typically because they are night-feeders or resting during the day.

The octopus is a perfect example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at after dark, and change color when a flashlight beam is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a safe activity as well.

Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night. This creates greenish lights glowing either continuously or flashing at night – quite a view for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!

Watches are an important part of our daily attire. Watches are required to be chic and functional due to advancement in style and efficiency. For several years, giving watches as a present has been all the rage. It is also a necessity of the people who have to keep track of time. One of the world-renowned watch companies is Seiko Company.

Seiko Holdings Corporation is a Japanese company, which is generally known as Seiko. This company was established in 1881 in the Ginza vicinity of Tokyo, Japan. It started when Kintar Hattori opened a shop called “K. Hattori”, where he sold jewellery and watches. Eleven years later, he started to manufacture clocks by the name of Seikosha, which was in 1892. He only had ten employees at that time. Seiko, in Japanese, means “exquisite”. This shop, K. Hattori, was the direct predecessor of the existing Seiko Company.

He began to produce pocket watches in 1895. His company began the production of alarm clocks along with table and musical clocks in 1899. After considering the manufacturing of wristwatches in 1912, Hattori began the production of Japanese wristwatches, in 1913, which were the first to be manufactured in Japan. Seiko officially was created as a brand in 1924. The production of the original Seiko wristwatches began 43 years after the establishment of the initial company.

With the change of time, watches have evolved, with respect to shape and size, with the advancement in modern technology. Throughout this time, Seiko has maintained its image of a motivating force in watch manufacturing. Seiko introduced its first quartz chronometers in 1964, and became the authorised timer of Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo. Then, in 1968, it released quartz wall clocks, which were the first in the world.

Seiko Watch Company developed rapidly. In 1969, Seiko introduced the first quartz watch. The same year, Tiffany & Co., a famous corporation, started selling the Seiko Astron 35SQ watches, which were covered with solid 18-karat yellow gold. For the next many years, Seiko Company is known to have manufactured many of the pioneer watches of the world. It also introduced the first multi-tasking digital watch along with the first LCD watch, which had six-digit digital display.

Seiko Watch Company has performed as the official timer for several athletic games, and events. Some of the famous Seiko collections are the Tressia, La Grand Sport, and Elite Collections. These collections contain Sportura, Arctura and Coutura. Some of the technologies that this company used in its timepieces are Chronograph, Flight Computer, and Computer Calendar Kinetic Chronographer, Analog Digital, Kinetic Perpetual, and Kinetic Auto Relay.

Most of the timepieces by Seiko are water resistant. The warrant of Seiko watches in the US is three years, and one year for clocks. It also manufactures ladies watches that are made to fit in jewellery collection, which is a chic combination of elegance and versatility.

Seiko is a watch company that has dedicated itself to advance with the development in technology. It has maintained a constant and reliable reputation over the years for its functionality and performance.

Akumal Bay is known for its assorted species of sea turtles which use the area for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to see the animals in their natural habitat, including the many colorful species of fish and plant life.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to pursue during a trip to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good area choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time beginners.

One popular area for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This area is an extremely rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the ocean. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.

Only very specific species can survive and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.

Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Many snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite fun for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to Mayan civilizations that once occupied the area.

Snorkel lessons are usually a good idea forfirst-timers prior to going to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uncomfortable with the equipment or unsure how to best view the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.

A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.

Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be seen when snorkeling after sunset. This is typically because they are night-feeders or resting during the day.

The octopus is a perfect example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at after dark, and change color when a flashlight beam is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a safe activity as well.

Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night. This creates greenish lights glowing either continuously or flashing at night – quite a view for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!

The history of scuba diving is very interesting. Many civilizations throughout time have engaged in breath-hold diving, also known as free-diving. The evidence of early free-diving is the finding of sea items found on land and ancient pictures of divers. These civilizations used free-diving to spearfish and also in competitions. The Ancient Greeks are known free-divers. They used free-diving to hunt for sponges and also in their military.

Some of the early attempts in the history of scuba diving to dive with the use of air include snorkeling with hollow reeds, using air-filled bags and diving bells. Diving bells are watertight chambers on cables. The diving bell is designed to remain full of air as it is pushed under water, allowing a few divers to be transported. These methods were not very efficient, however, and did not nearly resemble scuba diving as we know it today. The reeds did not allow divers to go deep into the water and air-filled bags soon filled with carbon-monoxide as the air was exhaled. Diving bells did not allow the divers much mobility.

The first diving suits were used in France and England. They were made of leather and air was pumped into them from the surface with manual pumps. Once the discovery was made to use metal to make helmets, these suits were able to stand greater pressure. With air manually pumped into these helmets, divers were able to enter deeper into the ocean and the history of scuba diving was furthered.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that the research was done to invent modern scuba diving as we know it today. Paul Bert from France and John Scott Haldane from Scotland, conducted scientific research on water pressure and our bodies limits regarding safe compressed air diving. At the same time, new technologies allowed for the development of air pumps, scuba regulators and other equipment. Scuba diving and its history were becoming more known.

Throughout the 20th century, inventions in scuba equipment improved. Swim fins, masks and other scuba gear became available. In the 1950’s the public began to take interest in scuba diving. Scuba gear shops began to open up and the first wet suit was introduced. Popular movies about diving and ships, including Titanic in 1997, continue to interest new divers and inspire veterans of the history-filled and adventurous sport of scuba diving.

Akumal Bay is known for its assorted species of sea turtles which use the area for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to see the animals in their natural habitat, including the many colorful species of fish and plant life.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to pursue during a trip to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good area choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time beginners.

One popular area for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This area is an extremely rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the ocean. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.

Only very specific species can survive and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.

Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Many snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite fun for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to Mayan civilizations that once occupied the area.

Snorkel lessons are usually a good idea forfirst-timers prior to going to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uncomfortable with the equipment or unsure how to best view the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.

A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.

Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be seen when snorkeling after sunset. This is typically because they are night-feeders or resting during the day.

The octopus is a perfect example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at after dark, and change color when a flashlight beam is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a safe activity as well.

Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night. This creates greenish lights glowing either continuously or flashing at night – quite a view for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!

Akumal Bay is known for its assorted species of sea turtles which use the area for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to see the animals in their natural habitat, including the many colorful species of fish and plant life.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to pursue during a trip to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good area choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time beginners.

One popular area for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This area is an extremely rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the ocean. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.

Only very specific species can survive and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.

Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Many snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite fun for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to Mayan civilizations that once occupied the area.

Snorkel lessons are usually a good idea forfirst-timers prior to going to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uncomfortable with the equipment or unsure how to best view the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.

A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.

Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be seen when snorkeling after sunset. This is typically because they are night-feeders or resting during the day.

The octopus is a perfect example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at after dark, and change color when a flashlight beam is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a safe activity as well.

Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night. This creates greenish lights glowing either continuously or flashing at night – quite a view for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!

PARADISE NEWS . [issuu layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml showflipbtn=true documentid=091105020558-440863a76d174410a91ebb330355e620 docname=pn__4 username=rivieramayatv loadinginfotext=PARADISE%20NEWS%20%234 width=420 height=272 unit=px]

El día de hoy ha sido MUY BUENO!!!

Tulum

A primera hora nos hemos levantado y hemos cogido una Combi a Tulum para ver la zona arqueológica. Es la única que está a orillas del mar ¡ Y qué mar! Os podéis imaginar las aguas del mar caribe chocando contra las murallas de las ruinas mallas…. todo un lujazo!

Es un privilegio poder bañarse con ese fondo de postal, ya veréis las fotos, aunque seguramente no hagan justicia.

En este viaje han sido las últimas ruinas que vamos a visitar y el broche ha sido de oro.

Con nuestro guía Jose en Dos Ojos

De allí, otra combi nos ha llevado hasta el cenote dos ojos. Hacer esta visita ha sido todo un acierto. Nos ha costado 300 pesos por persona con guía incluído y nos hemos sumergido (linterna en mano) durante 1 hora y media en las profundidades de tres cenotes distintos pero conectados bajo tierra. ESPECTACULAR. De aquí sólo hemos hecho fotos fuera, aunque dentro nos han hecho alguna (abusando un poco del guía, José).

A punto de embarcar en Akumal

Allí mismo hemos comido algo rápido para tomar la siguiente combi a las playas de Akumal, que aparte de su belleza son conocidas porque en su bahía desovan tortugas blancas. Hemos hecho snorkel (300 pesos por persona) y es maravilloso verlas en su habitat, a dos metros de distancia. Aparte de tortugas, también hemos visto mantas rayas, barrucadas y el arrecife. Ha sido algo más de una hora pero muy intensa. También muy recomendable!!

Tortuga en Akumal

De allí de vuelta de nuevo en combi a Playa del Carmen para decidir qué hacemos mañana. Al final nos hemos decantado por Xcaret (para poder juzgar por nosotros mismos). En principio no ibamos a ir pero dadas las opciones que manejábamos ha sido la que hemos elegido.

Mañana os contaremos.

Paradise News #3
Monthly publication in format digital distributed throughout the network. Here journal where to find one, destinations, entertainment, restaurants, news, business, nightlife, sports and more.
With a new format and quality in bilingual language.
Monthly informed what paradise is for you.
http://www.rivieramayatv.org/paradise_news.html

Exuberancia a la vista de los
hoteles de la Riviera Maya

La Riviera Maya es el mejor y más nuevo recurso que, como un estilo tropical-visión del paraíso. Se ubica a lo largo de la costa de la península de Yucatán, entre Cancún y Tulum (el famoso sitio arqueológico maya). Selvas tropicales, la selva, la flora, la fauna, las antiguas ciudades mayas, playas vírgenes, aguas turquesa, la fantasía y el calor del trópico y el misterio de una cultura legendaria todavía vivo en su pueblo hoy en día son sólo algunas de las características que hacen de este un destino favorito de todo el mundo. Si usted está buscando para el romance y la tranquilidad o un extremo, aventura, la Riviera Maya es un lugar maravilloso para sus vacaciones. Riviera Maya ofrece alternativas para todos los viajeros con más de 200 hoteles, con más de 12.000 habitaciones, de los cuales alrededor de 170 son pequeñas posadas y muy íntimo y estaciones de esquí, además de un servicio completo y varios resorts “todo incluido frente al mar. Varían desde la exclusiva y de élite a una hamaca en la playa bajo las estrellas.

Xpu-Ha es un blanco de gran playa de arena con la inclinación de las palmeras. Half Moon Bay tiene muchas de las villas de Niza, hoteles y restaurantes, así como snorkeling maravilloso. Un arrecife protege la Bahía de Akumal que permite a la calma, las aguas poco profundas, que hacen un excelente lugar para practicar snorkel. Hay instalaciones de buceo, un bar y un restaurante. Tankah Bay es otro buen lugar para bucear. Hay instalaciones, un bar, un restaurante y un agujero de natación de agua dulce. Justo al sur de las ruinas de Tulum son las playas de Tulum, otro parche hermosa de arena blanca y agua turquesa. Hay gran snorkeling y una pequeña ruina maya en Xaac Bay. Xcacel es una de las playas más bonitas de la costa y el hogar de varias especies de tortugas. Punta Solimon es otro hermoso lugar con un agujero de natación de agua dulce. Playa del Carmen, Playacar, Xcaret, Paamul y Puerto Avanturas están más desarrollados, pero también tienen lindas playas.

Una de las atracciones naturales de la Riviera Maya más magnífico es el Gran Arrecife Maya. Es el mayor sistema de arrecifes de coral en el hemisferio norte y la segunda más grande del mundo, proporcionando algunas de las mejores experiencias de buceo y snorkeling en el mundo. La espectacular vida marina tropical aquí es único e inolvidable. Es un gran ecosistema oceánico con jardines de coral y los desniveles. La inmensa atolones de coral se extienden desde la punta de Yucatán hacia el sur hasta el Golfo de Honduras a una distancia de más de 600 millas. Más de 500 especies de peces se pueden encontrar aquí – tortugas, morenas, meros, rayas, tiburones y muchos otros personajes de los arrecifes tropicales de colores con aletas ocupar un lugar central.

La Riviera Maya está en plena ebullición con el turismo. Que va desde Cancún a Tulum, la costa está bordeada de una serie de playas exóticas. Xpu-Ha, Half Moon Bay, la Bahía de Akumal, Tankah, Tulum, Xaac, Xcacel y Punta Solimon y se encuentran entre los más populares.

Cualidad principal de la Riviera Maya es su diversidad. La región abarca 100 millas a lo largo del Mar Caribe, al sur de Cancún a la Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an. La Riviera Maya ofrece un sinfín de posibilidades para la exploración y la relajación. Aquí se puede elegir todo, desde deportes de aventura, bicicleta de montaña, golf y tenis, el agua y los deportes náuticos, buceo, pesca de alta mar, para-vela, kayak, snorkel, windsurf. En el interior, la selva tropical Maya ofrece los ingredientes propios, tales como cabalgatas, excursiones en jeep, senderos naturales y recorrer el indescriptibles tesoros culturales y arqueológicos del mundo maya. Hay un mercado floreciente turismo ecológico en la Riviera Maya, muchas oportunidades para nadar con delfines, observación de aves o explorar los pantanos de manglares. Los visitantes sólo pueden relajarse en las playas de arena blanca, ¿Se te antoja más?

El poder de la arqueología saliendo desde los
hoteles de Akumal

Para descubrir más acerca de Akumal, México, usted puede convertir fácilmente a Internet. La Internet tiene una gran cantidad de información, proporcionando información histórica y recto, así como consejos y comentarios de otros turistas que han ido a la zona. El sitio tiene muchas historias interesantes sobre la zona de México Akumal. Este tipo de información puede dar todo lo que necesita saber acerca de muchas partes de sus vacaciones, incluyendo los lugares donde comer bien, mantenerse, tienda, y explorar. Le diremos lo que hemos disfrutado y lo que mirar hacia fuera para, mientras que los otros sitios que le dirá todo acerca de otras áreas que usted planea visitar.

Además de este tipo de información, también puede aprender más a través del hotel Akumal, el recurso, y los sitios web de turismo. Cada sitio le proporcionará imágenes de su alojamiento, una lista de atracciones y actividades locales, y por lo general, una breve historia de la zona. También pueden dar información acerca de las cosas que ofrecen, que no sólo te ayudará a aprender más acerca de Akumal, sino que también ayudará a organizar su agenda diaria durante las vacaciones.

Aunque su objetivo es hablar a visitar Akumal, la información que proporcionan sobre sus bienes y la zona tiene que ser correcta o comenzarán a perder negocios. Por lo tanto, usted puede creer que la información de un sitio web, especialmente la información que presentan sobre actitivies local y la historia de Akumal.

Alternativamente, usted puede aprender más acerca de Akumal es a través de un agente de viajes. Es la responsabilidad de un agente de viajes para conocer una gran cantidad de información acerca de sus principales destinos, o al menos ser capaz de darle la información. Incluso si usted no espera utilizar un agente de viajes, usted todavía puede obtener información a través de ellos.

Un viaje a la zona de Akumal y la Riviera Maya de México no estaría completo sin una visita a una de las muchas ruinas mayas en la zona. Esta zona está en el corazón de esta antigua civilización que aún influye en el arte, la comida y la cultura de hoy Yucatán. Akumal y sus alrededores fueron las principales rutas comerciales de los mayas y los historiadores continúan intentando descubrir muchas ruinas de esta civilización, una vez poderoso.

En lengua maya Akumal significa: “Lugar de las tortugas”, siendo hasta el día de hoy, el sitio elegido por miles de tortugas que cada año cumplen su ciclo reproductivo en sus playas. Uno de los mayores atractivos de este encantador y fascinante sitio, es su espectacular bahía de aguas cristalinas, donde convergen corrientes de agua dulce que fluyen desde cuevas y ríos subterráneos cercanos. Sus playas de sedosa arena blanca están protegidas por arrecifes costeros, que han sido y son un paraíso para buzos alrededor del mundo durante décadas.

En esta ocasion les recomiendo un lugar increible para conocer y pasar un dia de playa memorable. Se trata de la Bahia Principe en Akumal. Puedes acceder ingresando por el acceso publico, localizado en la carretera Federal, a unos 5km al sur de Akumal.

La playa publica coincide con la propiedad Gran Bahia Principe, la zona de playa de hasta 30m de ancho,  tiene muy bien cuidada  su arena.  Cuenta con un area de conservacion de nidos de tortuga regulada por Fundacion Eco Bahia.  La bahia esta protegida por el sistema coralino, por lo que incluso en dias ventosos podras disfrutar del mar.

Muy cerca de la costa, apenas 20-30 metros comienza una zona arrecifal cuya profundidad varia entre 3m a 1m, alli podras snorkelear y ver muchas especies de peces de arrecife, alguna morena y rayas si tienes suerte! . El coral no esta en perfecto estado, pero igualmente los cerebros y cuernos de alce estan alli para que los disfrutes. Eso si, ten cuidado con los erizos, ya que decenas de ellos habitan el arrecife incluso hasta muy cerca de la superficie.

No olvides depositar todos tus residuos en los botes instalados en la salida, ayudemos todos a mantener este paraiso limpio.

Si puedes pasarte unos dias en el hotel Bahia Principe , no lo dudes, te lo recomiendo, puedes conseguir mas informacion dando click AQUI

Lo primero que me recomendaron cuando platique mi intención de ir a Tulum y Akumal, es que no fuera con  prisas a visitar las ruinas y salir corriendo, que me diera tiempo para conocer el pueblo, y sobre todo disfrutar de las playas de sus alrededores por que más allá de su yacimiento arqueológico que todos conocemos (o del que hemos oído hablar). Tulum tiene una serie de atractivos turísticos que muchos viajeros deslumbrados por las ruinas pasan por alto. Para empezar aquí se encuentran algunas de las playas más espectaculares de la Riviera Maya. “Tulum Pueblo” como se conoce al área aledaña a la zona arqueológica tiene tiendas, artesanías aires bohemios así como excelentes restaurantes y una vida nocturna muy animada. Por otro lado Akumal, es una hermosa bahía poco visitada, alejada de los centros turísticos más importantes pero sus arrecifes son espectaculares y cada año miles de tortugas cumplen su ciclo reproductivo aquí. Recuerdo que cuando conocí este paradisíaco lugar,  fui por abril o mayo y pude ver como las tortugas desovaban, es todo un acontecimiento natural, y es sin duda, acercarnos más a la naturaleza.

Para aquellos que gozan del ecoturismo Akumal, ubicado entre playa del Carmen y Cozumel es la experiencia más garata para estar en contacto con la naturaleza, Akumal, lugar de las tortugas en la lengua maya, es un pequeño y pintoresco lugar turístico en el corredor entre Cancún – Tulum del Caribe Mexicano, también llamado La Riviera Maya. Es un lugar ideal para quienes buscan calma y equilibrio con la naturaleza. Por su territorio se ubican más de 200 cuevas subterráneas, las cuales alcanzan profundidades de más de 150 m, en ellas se puede observar todo tipo de fauna marina. Es un sitio ideal para practicar snorquel y kayak, además de caminatas y contemplación de flora y fauna. En este viaje podrás encontrar tranquilas playas, de arena en polvo, una exuberante selva, y gente amistosa. www.visitmexico.com/rivieramaya

On Saturday we went to this town called Akumal to sit on the beach and go snorkeling… the snorkeling was awesome… there were sea turtles!!!  Only saw two but they were awesome   We again had some Mexican beers and guac on the beach and then went back to my aunt’s.  Ash and I decided we wanted the really yummy AMAZING food again so we drove in to Playa to get it and brought it back for dinner.  That night we just hung out at my aunt’s again.  The next day was Easter and we planned on getting up with the sunrise for our “SONrise Easter service on the beach”.

!!!

Consider yourself warned

The Caribbean coast of Mexico teems with hotels, resorts, and timeshares that cater to tourists in what has become known as the Riviera Maya.  The beaches are beautiful, to be sure, and there are many opportunities to watch attractive people cook their skin — if you love being in crowds, this is paradise. 

About an hour’s drive south of Cancún is a little village called Akumal (Ah-coo-MAHL) that’s more to my taste.  It’s still a bit scruffy, although developers are doing their best to purge its charm.  Eventually every square inch of beachfront will probably have a home or resort on it.  For now, though, the reason for going there isn’t a luxury hotel; it’s what is in the turquoise water of Akumal Bay.

In addition to undersea clouds of tropical fish, there are lots of sea turtles that swam up to check us out while we were snorkeling; often they would come within a few feet of us.  It turns out that this stretch of coastline — and this bay in particular — is where the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.  In fact, in the Mayan language, Akumal means “place of the turtle”.  A local environmental group is working to preserve their habitat; Sally and I volunteered to help one night.  Here’s what I wrote about that experience in a journal entry dated May 23, 2005:

Someone, somewhere, had proclaimed this World Turtle Day.  By coincidence, we had signed up through the Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) to take a “Turtle Walk”.  This is the time of year when the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, and the objective of the walk is not just a late-night stroll, but to identify and protect the nests.

We were instructed to report to the Centro at 9 p.m. wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts (for protection from the bugs).  The first item of business was a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of turtle anatomy, behavior, natural enemies, etc.  It was pretty much what one would expect at an ecological center, although this was rather challenging to follow because the speaker used heavily-accented English — and was suffering from laryngitis.

This same guy — whose name was Pablo — was also our leader on the turtle walk, which began at 10:00 p.m.  The patrol consisted of (besides Sally and me) Pablo, a young couple from Colorado, and two volunteers from CEA.  We were to maintain silence — no problem for Pablo, who by now had been rendered virtually mute — and to use no lights that didn’t have a red filter.

Our route took in the entire sweep of Akumal Bay, and farther south around Jade Bay.  We walked in single file; occasionally Pablo would stop and point out tracks in the sand that gave evidence that turtles had been here.  He and I followed one track up the beach and into the back yard of a private home.  We saw no turtle, just a middle-aged woman wandering inside her house in a bra.

From time to time a security guard would suddenly appear; Pablo would have whispered conversations with them and then we would trudge on.  Despite the late hour, it was quite warm and muggy.

So the rain felt good for a while.

Pablo signaled that we were to take a 20-minute break when we reached the southern point of Jade Bay.  We sat in the sand and silently perspired.  Then we got up and walked back toward Akumal.  At the edge of Akumal Bay, he gave us a choice — we could continue on patrol, or return to our hotels.  The couple from Colorado had had enough and said their goodnights, but Sally and I decided to stick it out a while longer.  Again we walked in the dark to the south end of Jade Bay, then took another break.

On the northbound trek, we finally had a turtle sighting.  She was just coming out of the water!  Pablo was excited and rushed closer.  The turtle picked up his scent and retreated back into the bay.  Damn.

Pablo had one more turtle sighting; he crept closer and then remained perfectly still.  So did the turtle — it was a rock.  It was well after midnight when we were again given the option of staying on patrol or calling it a night.  We chose the latter.  We were sweaty and sandy and had fresh bug bites, but we’d certainly had an adventure.  It was quarter-past-one in the morning when we fell onto our bed and waited for the ceiling fan to take effect…

(May 24)  A postscript to last night’s Turtle Walk:  during our errands, we stopped in at CEA and found Pablo.  We asked him if they’d had any sightings after we retired.  “No,” he said, confirming that we had made the right choice. 

That next day, though, we were swimming with the turtles again, just as we did almost every day of the trip. 

The Ecological Educational Service Trip is just about one week away!!! I can not believe that in this whirlwind couple of months in getting Enchanting Challenge on its feet, we are about to embark upon the first ever Enchanting Challenge-sponsored service trip!  I am really excited.  I am also really excited to share the results with our readers, through written reflections, videos, pictures, and more!! That way, all of our readers can see more clearly what an Enchanting Challenge-sponsored service trip really means…And hopefully be a part of one in the future!!

Meet Gabriela:

She will lead the service-breakers through their ecological volunteer activities in Tulum, Mexico this March!!  Here is what the final schedule looks like:

1. Monday, March 16th: Arrival to Tulum, via a flight landing in Cancun and a quick trip on the ADO bus!
2. Tuesday, March 17th: Visit the Tulum Ruins (photo taken from this website)
3. Wednesday, March 18th: Visit and eco-serve in the beautiful BIOREGION, concluded by snorkeling in the bioregion’s CENOTES (holes with a rocky edge containing groundwater)!!  Check out this awesome YouTube about scuba-diving in Tulum’s cenotes:
4. Thursday, March 19th: Visit Akumal and eco-serve with the Centro Ecologico Akumal!!  
5. Friday, March 20th: Visit Akumal and volunteer at the library, donating books and reading stories outloud to the patrons! 
6. Saturday, March 21st: Free day, to celebrate your hard work in the waves of the Caribbean Sea!!  
7. Sunday, March 22nd: Depart for home…Think about coming back for the Summer Educational Ecological Service Trip or again for next year’s Spring Break!!

Price Recap:

1. For lodging: $35/night/person
2. For food: $16/day/person
3. For transportation to-and-from the airport: $54/per person/total for both-ways (Includes:$10/per person for the ADO bus upon arrival into Cancun; the $4 cab-ride from the Tulum ADO terminal to the Copal Cabanas; the $40 bus charge to bring you from Tulum to the airport in Cancun for your return flight (if you have to be at the airport before ADO bus hours (normal business hours))) 
4. For transportation daily: $4/person/day
5. For activities: $40/person/week (INCLUDES: $10 entrance fee into Tulum ruins and $30 snorkeling fee)

 As the service-breakers embark upon their journey in just a little over one week, I will be blogging away, updating you on their journey as it happens.  If you are interested in embarking upon this same journey this coming summer, please let me know!!!  Good luck to everyone on their spring breaks!  If anyone is interested, I am collecting videos, photos, and reflections on service trips happening across the US and across the world in order to compile it all into a service collage for the blog!!  If you want to be involved, send me your videos, your pics, and your reflections to be a part of the project!

st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”,”serif”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-ansi-language:ES; mso-fareast-language:ES;} span.spelle {mso-style-name:spelle; mso-style-unhide:no;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:70.85pt 3.0cm 70.85pt 3.0cm; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:”";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Na terra dos Maias, umas vez mais em Cancun no estado de Quintana Roo, México. Temos um lugar que vale a pena compartir com voces, em Cancun nao falta atividades onde quer que voce esteja sempre tem uma musica,gente animada e simpatica como os bons mexicanos tomando uma tequila Jose Cuervo e tocando violao. Mas dessa vez nos levaram a uma excursao a umas covas chamadas Akumal onde tinhamos que descer uns 150 metros de profundidade e na verdade nunca tinhamos feito isso e foi uma experiencia muito boa descer pelas cordas atraves das paredes e ver as mais de 200 grutas e chegando até o fundo o premio, chegamos a aguas totalmente cristalinas de varias tonalidades de azul turquesa,uma maravilha de lugar de experiencia que nunca vamos esquecer minha esposa e eu. Recomendo a voces essa aventura e procurem pela Royal Holiday para mais informacoes.

If you talk to people who do much traveling beyond their home shores you will likely hear many tales of customs clearing calamities.

Once, while plying the Caribbean on a 52′ sailboat, Bill, Julia and I wished to come ashore on the small island of Nevis. As El Capitán, Bill had the task of bluffing politeness, being agreeable, feigning sobriety, and acting all docile and deferential, all just to get a stamp in a passport.

As it sometimes happens, our customs official, a very serious and stern Mr. Maynard, was official to the point of being officious. This guy must have been the inspiration for the Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young song Immigration Man.

In other words, he took himself way too seriously.

But Julia, who was Bill’s significant other, and I, for some reason got the giggles and I caught Bill giving us the stink-eye.

So, at the risk of being asked to leave the country immediately, Julia and I decided we could take, what had become uncontrolled laughter, the hell outside.

Bill got our passports stamped, but nevertheless gave us a verbal lashing and threatened us having to walk the plank off the boat that night.

Yesterday as we entered the wonderful country of Mexico at CUN (airport lingo for Cancun), our group of five encountered a customs gentleman that likewise, took his job very seriously.

I was first in line for our family, as we all grouped together at his customs counter, and after he stamped my passport, he flicked his head and made a sideways glance that pretty clearly said, move along, you are done here and I do not want you anywhere near my counter anymore.

Apparently he repeated this routine with the rest of my family, so I guess it was not my demeanor at fault (this time).

As an aside, we shared our flight with Mike, a professional fitness expert I know from back home, who was on his way to Playa Del Carmen to get married. 

You can see his fiancée, Tiffany, was clutching her pillow while probably dreaming of wonderful honeymoon activities.

And based on Mike’s smile, I would venture a guess, so was he.

I am not sure what discussion ensued on the rest of the flight, but I can report that the next time I saw them was by the liquor shelves of the duty free shop.

For our intrepid group, our next stop, after deftly maneuvering the gauntlet of time-share salesmen, was the rental car booths.

It has been our experience, when we are in Mexico, that the rental price is never as good as it seems, as we feel compelled to buy most of the “optional” insurance, rather than risk a long stint in a stinky jail cell.

So, we pay.

On our way south we stopped at one of the many green Pemex gas stations. 

I pride myself at being a fairly seasoned traveler, especially in Mexico, but I have this bad feeling I was taken, not once, but twice.

After the fact, I realized that a second attendant was being more than friendly while engaging me in idle chitchat.

First, we think the total peso amount seemed to jump up once he stopped pumping.

And second, the attendant that took my pesos, may have, with the guile of a magician, palmed the 500-peso bill I thought I handed him and then showed me a 50-peso bill, claiming I made a mistake.

Since I prefer not being the fool, I am telling myself that I, in fact, did hand him the smaller bill.

And if you tell my wife differently, that’s my story and I am sticking with it.

Things improved after the one-hour drive south to Akumal through rain squalls and a few lightning bolts that lit up the sky, once we got a few cervazas and some fantastic garlic-grilled pescado under our collective belts.

This morning I re-introduced myself to the amazing snorkeling right out the front door of our rental condo on Half Moon Bay.

I found myself amongst thousands of small shiny, silvery fish that had dozens of pelicans dive-bombing into the water for their desayuno (breakfast).

After a long travel day yesterday that started at 4 a.m., this morning I did not fully awaken until a 2 meter barracuda and I had a chance encounter at about 6 meters.

All I saw was a predator, maybe only second to a shark in speed and voracity, with rows of razor-sharp teeth.

I have always had a question as to whether I looked a meal to the barracuda, and an article on psycho ‘cudas did nothing to quell my concerns.

It was me or him (or maybe her…I did not get THAT close).

So I left.

It was time to share a beer with a friend.