snorkeling spots in Akumal and Xpu Ha

Frank · 06-01-2003

Can anyone give me some advice as the best spots to snorkel (and to enter) at Half Moon Bay, Akumal Bay, and Xpu Ha? I have the Can Do maps, but it is not clear to me exactly where in either Akumal or Xpu Ha to enter for the best snorkeling. Also, any tips as to which roads from the highway to take into Akumal and Xpu Ha, and where to park, would be appreciated as well. Thanks for your help.

MWC · 06-01-2003

Me again!
I had these worries, as well, planning our roadside adventures. Most things are pretty self-evident once you're down there.

For Akumal Bay, Half-Moon Bay and Yal-ku Lagoon you will take the same turnoff from 307. "Playa Akumal" Once you're off 307 and heading toward the beach, you should see a white arch. Park in this area for Akumal Bay; signage is fairly clear on where you can park. To go to Yal-Ku or Half-Moon Bay, bear left once you're through the white arch. This looks like a nothing road, but stick with it. Go slowly, as there are a lot of speed bumps, man-made and natural! You will first come to the Half-Moon Bay area; look for smallish black&white signs for "La Buena Vida". Park here to enjoy the beach bar and beach. The entry to snorkeling here was a little shallow and rocky, but snorkeling was good once you were in. I think the only other "public" Half-Moon Bay access was at La Lunita/Hacienda la Tortuga -- another restaurant -- but you'd be swimming longer from here to get to the outer reef.
Continue to the end of bumpy road to get to Yal-Ku Lagoon. Plenty of parking there.

Xpu-Ha, there are several turnoffs from 307, but only two, I believe, are for public access. One has a big sign for "LA PLAYA". This is on the Can-do map, and has been recommended by some of our regular posters. For the other public access, look for signs for "CAFE DEL MAR", a little restaurant on the beach; turn there. This, too, is mentioned on the Can-do map.

In general, there are no places that are paved and scream out "park here." But most of the restaurants offer parking, which is free if you patronize the restaurant -- which you should do as a courtesy anyway, for beach usage. Especially the places you've mentioned above, you'll be in good shape.

06-01-2003	#1 (permalink)
Frank lost on fifth Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 24	snorkeling spots in Akumal and Xpu Ha Can anyone give me some advice as the best spots to snorkel (and to enter) at Half Moon Bay, Akumal Bay, and Xpu Ha? I have the Can Do maps, but it is not clear to me exactly where in either Akumal or Xpu Ha to enter for the best snorkeling. Also, any tips as to which roads from the highway to take into Akumal and Xpu Ha, and where to park, would be appreciated as well. Thanks for your help.

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06-01-2003	#2 (permalink)
MWC añejo Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 6,496	Me again! I had these worries, as well, planning our roadside adventures. Most things are pretty self-evident once you're down there. For Akumal Bay, Half-Moon Bay and Yal-ku Lagoon you will take the same turnoff from 307. "Playa Akumal" Once you're off 307 and heading toward the beach, you should see a white arch. Park in this area for Akumal Bay; signage is fairly clear on where you can park. To go to Yal-Ku or Half-Moon Bay, bear left once you're through the white arch. This looks like a nothing road, but stick with it. Go slowly, as there are a lot of speed bumps, man-made and natural! You will first come to the Half-Moon Bay area; look for smallish black&white signs for "La Buena Vida". Park here to enjoy the beach bar and beach. The entry to snorkeling here was a little shallow and rocky, but snorkeling was good once you were in. I think the only other "public" Half-Moon Bay access was at La Lunita/Hacienda la Tortuga -- another restaurant -- but you'd be swimming longer from here to get to the outer reef. Continue to the end of bumpy road to get to Yal-Ku Lagoon. Plenty of parking there. Xpu-Ha, there are several turnoffs from 307, but only two, I believe, are for public access. One has a big sign for "LA PLAYA". This is on the Can-do map, and has been recommended by some of our regular posters. For the other public access, look for signs for "CAFE DEL MAR", a little restaurant on the beach; turn there. This, too, is mentioned on the Can-do map. In general, there are no places that are paved and scream out "park here." But most of the restaurants offer parking, which is free if you patronize the restaurant -- which you should do as a courtesy anyway, for beach usage. Especially the places you've mentioned above, you'll be in good shape.