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First trip to Rivera Maya and All-Inclusive...need advise on trip planning

First trip to Rivera Maya and All-Inclusive...need advise on trip planning

Old Nov 12th, 2011, 06:51 PM
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First trip to Rivera Maya and All-Inclusive...need advise on trip planning

My husband and I are going to Rivera Maya in mid-December. It's our first all inclusive trip and first time to Mexico (except for stopover at Cozumel as part of a cruise) and we are staying at Valentin Imperial Maya. Looking for some advise on planning our trip!

In addition to relaxing in the resort, we are looking forward to some good snorkeling. We have joined snorkeling tours in other parts of the world such as Maui and Phuket, this time we would like to avoid paying for $100+/- per head for a snorkeling tour if possible.

Are there good beaches for snorkeling near our hotel that we can get to without joining tour?

I read about good snorkeling in Akumal beach - is that a place we can get to on our own?

We would like to spend a day in the town of Playa Del Carmen. Is it easy and safe to get to Playa Del Carmen from our hotel on our own?

Lastly...what about Cozumel? Is it worth it to take a day trip to Cozumel if we are staying at Valentin Imperial?
kkay is offline  
Old Nov 13th, 2011, 04:59 AM
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You can get to Akumal and Playa del Carmen from your resort either by taxi or taking a colectivo which is the transport the locals use. The concierge at your hotel can help you with transportation.
A taxi from the Valentine to Playa will probably cost around $25 to $30 each way. Akumal would be a lot more.
If you want to do more than just snorkel it might pay to contact a company like Edventure Tours. They will plan a day around what you want and provide the driver/guide.
http://www.edventuretours.com.mx/
schmerl is offline  
Old Nov 13th, 2011, 09:33 AM
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You might want to rent a car for a day or two to get to Akumal and even explore Tulum and Coba. Akumal has a public beach where you can snorkel. Also at the north end of Akumal is Yal-ku lagoon, a small privately owned snorkeling area that is excellent.
I would take a cab or public transportation to Playa, which is a very fun little city.
zootsi is offline  
Old Nov 26th, 2011, 06:16 PM
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kkay--Playa del Carmen is quite safe. We take a taxi from Puerto Aventuras to Playa on a regular basis. There is a main shopping strip "Calle Cinco" aka Fifth Avenue anchored on one end by Senor Frogs. Stay on the main drag and you are safe. This is the same location where you can catch the ferry to Cozumel. For a tour of Cozumel and info on snorkeling, contact Adrian Romero @ [email protected]. He is also on facebook. Buen viaje!
italy2012 is offline  
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