Cenotes

Under the Yucatan Peninsula there are layers of limestone and underground water systems. Every so often, these underground waters surface creating deep and often very beautiful springs called cenotes, some developed for visitors and other still hidden and unused. The Mayans considered cenotes to be scared gateways to the underworld. These are both underground and open. Swim, snorkel and scuba dive in them either as part of a tour or independently. Many of the cenotes have been developed with zip wires, All Terrain Vehicles and jumping boards. There is a charge for these.

There are many cenotes that are worth seeing as you head down the coast. All will be advertised by signs on Highway 307 on your way to Tulum. The most famous is Hidden Worlds Cenote, which was featured in an IMAX film.  Located 1 hour from Puerto Morelos, it can also be seen on your Tulum day trip.

Just south of Puerto Morelos, take the Ruta de los Cenotes, though an orange archway, inland to Central Vallarta. They are all different. Kin Ha is relatively developed with a bar and snacks to eat along with All Terrain Vehicles. There are two cenotes; a cave with astounding stalactites and stalagmites and a little zipwire and an open cenote with a jumping board. A lovely day out.

Las Mujarrras is a large open cenote with velvety green water and a zipwire and other ropes. There are picnic  facilities. Take your own food and drink.

Cenote Zapote has three cenotes for the price including a lovely underground one and a guide who will take you from one to the next.

We also love Verde Lucera for its crystal clear space with zip wire and several jumping points.

See Boca del Puma at the 16 km mark  for a crystal clear cave cenote with narrow tunnels to explore and an open cenote.

Near Chichén Itzá in the direction of Merida is the enchanting Cenote Yokdzonot with a lovely local restaurant run by the women of the village.  It’s a perfect spot to cool down after a few hot hours at Chichén Itzá.

Also highly recommenced is Sac Actun or Pet Cemetery. This is an underground cenote accessible only by a well organised and highly enjoyable tour.  Everything you need is provided.  Head south on Highway 3017 past Acumal.   Look out on your right for a blue sign for Dos Ojos. Take this  and head inland for a few kilometers well signposted to Sac Actun.

Beach

Villa Caracol has its own private elevated sandy area with palm trees, hammocks and sun loungers.  Steps from the  villa, on the left, on the sea is the nearest beach.    Swim to the left of the villa as there is a little barrier in the sea to prevent erosion and this is not always visible if the tide is high. The beach is sandy with a few rocks at the edge of the water and once you have stepped across this, the sea is warm shallow and sandy.  The beach here is almost unused by others as there is little beach traffic in this part of the Riviera Maya.

Enjoy the kayaks at Villa Caracol. We have three for you to use (all marked with VC on their bows) – one blue double one and two red single ones. Generally kayaking is very safe. The reef runs parallel to the shore and the sea is pretty shallow and protected.  Nonetheless, if it’s windy, it can be rough and watch for currents which may cause you to drift north or south.

Depending on tide and season, there may be sea grass swept in from the sea – this is a health, living ocean.  The sea grass is innocuous. It is not slimy and has no odor.  For beaches which have been cleared of sea grass, walk five minutes north or south to the beaches adjacent to resorts who will rake the beaches there free of the sea grass.  Beaches in Mexico are public and you are free to enjoy any coastline.

Beaches at Puerto Morelos are wide and open and there is a lively family presence at weekends. You will find massage  and yoga at 8.15 each morning at the north end of the town on the beach.

Tankah – This beautiful beach is a bit off the beaten path. Located on the ocean side of Highway 307, just before Tulum, it can be easily missed.  Once the TV set for a German soap opera, it now hosts a nice beachside restaurant and wonderful views. It is a neat place to snorkel, as it has a fresh water spring that meets with the ocean salt water. Visit Tankah on your way back from Tulum to enjoy lunch and a beautiful afternoon at the beach.

Lagoons

Near Akumal is a lovely and huge lagoon which you can access at different points and offers some calm snorkelling with a different feel from the open sea.

https://www.locogringo.com/yal-kul-lagoon-ins-outs-akumal-snorkel-adventure