Attractions/Activities

There's a fantastic world beneath the Mexican Caribbean's transparent waters. This is known as the Great Maya Reef, the second-largest in the world, where different species of corals, multicolored tropical fish and marine flora and fauna of incomparable beauty make their home.

The great Maya Reef stretches along the Riviera Maya. On Jade Beach the reef is a mere 100 yards in the water, close to the Villa you are renting and you can walk into the Reef from your beach.

There are three dive shops in Akumal – within walking distance (or a three minute car ride) from the Villa.

The Riviera Maya is known for its many subterranean rivers and "cenotes", formed by the filtering of rain water through the limestone, the earth's main component in this region, making this zone ideal for that unique and exciting type of diving known as cave diving.

Some of the best cave diving can be found in “dos ochos” –the two eyes. Dos Ochos is located 5 miles south of Jade Beach – a 10 minute drive from the Villa.

Beyond a doubt, snorkeling is the best way to see underwater life in the Riviera Maya, with the least possible amount of equipment: a pair of fins, a snorkel and a visor. From the surface, you can admire the sea stars, the multicolored fish and the rock formations covered with moss, and get a clear picture of everything to be found in the depths of the "cenotes" and the Caribbean Sea.

The great Maya Reef stretches along the Riviera Maya. On Jade Beach the reef is a mere 100 yards from the steps to the beach of the Villa. Make sure you bring snorkel equipment with you. Make sure you wear the flippers when entering the water as the reef is close to shore at points. Sharp edges of coral can cut your feet so be careful entering the water.

Swimming with Dolphins in Puerto Aventuras; for a unique experience, swimming with dolphins is an amazing opportunity.

Royal Swim:
1 hour experience with dolphins in Puerto Aventuras, small town 30 minutes south of Maroma. Small groups of 8 people in a charming and dolphin specialized center. Approximately $130.00 US per person

Sea Life Encounter:
3 hour experience with sting rays, manatees and dolphins in Puerto Aventuras as well. Small groups of 10 people make this one of the only places in the world where interacting with these three species is possible. Approximately $180 us per person

Tulum Ruins and Archeological Park
The ancient Mayan port of Tulum sits high on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean sea and faces the rising sun. One of the most historically rich sites in the Mayan World and Quintana Roo´s most famous site, Tulum, is a walled city that became important during the Post-Classic Period (1000-1500 A.D.). Tulum is a major site in the Maya´s extensive trade network.

Ancient Tulum centers around a Plaza or ceremonial center which was used for rituals and ceremonies. El Castillo (the castle), the most impressive building in Tulum, offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the coastline for miles in both directions.

The Villa of Columns, the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes contain a number of murals and are among the most important buildings of Tulum.

Schedule: 7 am to 5 pm
Entrance: $ 35 MXP $ 3.20 USD Subject to the currency exchange rate.
Location: Located 15 miles south of Villa Zen del Mar it is marked on the highway as “Z.A.Tulum”. The entrance located on the left side of the highway - the ocean side.

Coba Ruins and Archaeological Site
Set inland, deep in the jungle, surrounded by shallow lakes and accessed by "sac-be's", a network of formal limestone roads built by the Mayans over a 1000 years ago, awaits the ancient city of Coba, located about 25 miles west of Tulum, Coba served as a Ceremonial center that flourished during the Classic Period ( 300-1000 A.D.), with 50,000 inhabitants.

Coba, the capital of the largest Late Classic Empire in the Northern Lowlands, the city´s most important structure is the Nohoch Mul, which is the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, stands 138 feet tall. Cucmuc Mul and the Macanxoc Group, eight stelae and nine circular altars are also important structures, exemplifying the architecture of the Maya of Petén (Guatemala) and the "east coast”

Schedule: 8 am to 6 pm
Entrance: $ 35 MXP $ 3.20 USD Subject to the currency exchange rate.
Location: Located 25 miles south-west of Villa Zen del Mar – Drive south to Tulum pass the Tulum Archeological Site (Z.A. Tulum) – at the light in the entrance to town you will see a sign to the right (there is a supermarket and a Hertz rent-a-car on the corner).

Riviera Maya is a destination blessed by nature. These parks contain the three most wonderful features of Riviera Maya: Lush jungle, Underground rivers that lead to the ocean and the Flora and Fauna of the region.

XCARET:
More than a park it’s an experience for all your senses. Immerse yourself in tradition, nature, wonder, adventure and beauty in one of the world’s most unique and friendly eco-archaeological parks. We feel that the evening show is a Mexican version of a Broadway production and is not to be missed! We feel that the snorkeling is better at Jade Bay so don’t bother to do that here. The Butterfly aviary is amazing!
www.xcaret.net

XEL-HA:
The Park is open at their regular schedules from 9:00 to 17:30 hrs. You are welcome! Come enjoy the world's most spectacular Natural aquarium: Xel-Ha , a nature lover's paradise. Embark on an aquatic adventure, Explore creeks, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers flowing to Mexico's beautiful Caribbean Sea.
www.xel-ha.com.mx

Follow the signs to Boca Palia… there are a number of hotels along the way as well as a world-renowned Yoga center. We recommend a stop at Zamas for a drink and a quick bite at Ana Y Jose where the sandy beach is endless. Another two favorite beaches with miles of powder sand are and calm turquoise waters are:

Xpu-Ha:
Drive past Akumal and continue about 10 kilometers. You will see a sign to the restaurant “el cielo” – make a right on that dirt road and go to the end. El Cielo is a great restaurant on the beach!

Xca Cel:
10 minutes south of Villa Zen del Mar and Most likely the best beach we have ever experienced!

Yoga classes by an experienced teacher lasting an hour and a half are held most mornings upstairs at the entrance to Akumal. You may call from the Villa 984 875 9144 or stop by to obtain the schedule for the week of your stay. Pay for each class daily as you go. Information can be obtained at www.yoga-in-akumal.com .

Golf can be enjoyed on several different courses that provide top designs and facilities. The following courses are currently open in Riviera Maya: A New Golf course is coming soon to the Bahia Principe near Jade Bay.

Playacar Golf Club – At Playa del Carmen:
This is an 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge. This course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle where it awaits any golfer to come and tame it. Driving range and putting green. Rental clubs are available ($30). $120 USD (includes cart, drinks & snacks) - $75 Twilight Rate – Located in the Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo.
Phone: 011-52-984-87306-24

Puerto Aventuras Golf Course:
Open from 7:30 am until 3:00 pm. Marina, Tennis / Golf Club. Features a par 36, 9 hole course designed by Thomas Leeman. Maximum length 3,236 yards. Also features a putting green. Prices approximate: $49 USD (unlimited holes) $23 USD for equipment rental and $34 for golf cart. Pool cart $7. Rental clubs are available. Located in Riviera Maya on the main highway, km. 90 in Puerto Aventuras. Phone & Fax: 011-52-(984) 873-5109

Five additional golf courses are currently under development in the Akumal area.

There is a tennis court in Akumal – at the hotel Las Casitas Akumal near the main entrance to Akumal. You can go to the offices at the Akumal Entrance Arch and tell them that you are guests of Udi and Liz at our villa and they will quote you a price to play.

Puerto Morelos:
Located 33 km south of Cancun, Puerto Morelos is a small fishing village. Dive excursions to the reef 600m off shore can be arranged by one of the dive shops located there. Garden lovers will want to see: Jardin Botanico- Dr Alfred Barrera where you will see orchids, bromeliads and other flora growing in their natural habitat.

Deep Sea Fishing:
Sport fishing boat charters for day or half day excursions can be arranged at the Dive Shops in Akumal.