Spring break time is wonderful in Akumal. The weather at that time of year is perfect and in Akumal you dont have all the spring break parties and girls gone wild like you would in Cancun. A good way to get around Akumal is renting a golf cart for the week. it is a great way to get around to Yal-Kul lagoon, shopping and site seeing in the Akumal area. If you are planning to leaving Akumal to do a lot of site seeing then I would recommend renting a car.

I would suggest going one week after easter, less crowds, and the rates are about 50 percent less than pre easter.

We have stayed at vista del mar, on half moon bay.

The beach is a bit more rocky, but is good for snorkling, and vista del mar rates are about the best in the area.
Check out www.akumalinfo.com.

Thanks for your help. Our trip has to be Easter week as that is when the kids are on break. While reading more I am now concerned about the beaches-are there any sandy beaches or are they all rocky/cliff like? Thanks for your help.

It's been a few years since I have been to Akumal. The beaches in Half Moon Bay are sandy, but are not really swimming beaches. The snorkeling is great there. If you want a sandy swimming beach we went swimming in front of the Lol Ha restaurant. This is right when you get into Akumal. If you want you can walk or take the car. You can also get a fishing boat or take the Robinson Crusoe trip just by talking to the guys on the boats that are anchored in the bay near Lol Ha.

I would say there is plenty to do and see, but the whole coast will be crowded. Most will probably be familys since college spring breaks are in march.

I used Juan Ojeda at http://www.yucatantravel.com/condomi...mal/index.html to rent a condo. Juan is a great guy and very reliable. I would also suggest getting the maps from http://www.cancunmap.com/ they are great and very helpful.

We just made a reservation at the Vista del Mar condos for late March. Wondering if we can walk to the beach at Akumal bay. Also, are there tours to the biosphere? We will have a car but it might be nice to go with someone who knows their way around. Any other suggestions for a family? Are the prices at the grocery store (for snacks) comparable to U.S?

You would need to walk on the road from Vista del Mar to Akumal Bay.

For the Biosphere Tour I would suggest that since you have a car driving to Ana y Jose and taking the tour from there. http://www.anayjose.com/tours.asp

The Super Chomak has groceries and snacks and the prices are pretty good.

Lots of family stuff. Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins, Chichen Itza. Snorkeling in Dos Ojos was great. I really had fun with the Robinson Crusoe tour, it includes snorkeling, fishing, beach lunch and more.

Just writing this makes me want to be there. Only 3 more weeks!

gecko,
If we drive to Akumal Bay, can we park there & go to the beach? Where is Dos Ojos? Thanks for the other info!
Betsy

Yes you can park at Akumal Bay or within a block of the beach.

Dos Ojos is part of a cave system. One of the most fun things I have ever done is to take this tour http://www.hiddenworlds.com.mx/snorkel.html
If you are claustrophobic this is probably not for you.

You can look at the web site for directions, but it is on 307 about 10 mi south of Akumal.

Thanks to all of you for the information. I think we've narrowed it down to Las Villas Akumal if I can just get a decent airfare. Preferably on an airline that won't go bankrupt! I don't mean to be insensative but I need to ask about another message that popped up today. "A Message about the Riviera Maya" A tragedy to be sure but is there a reason for me to second think Akumal as a family vacation? (Opinions from those of you that have traveled there). Thanks.

january99,

That poster (possible troll) has been posting that same stuff every 3-6 months or so, saw the same post on the Mexico board on lonelyplanet.com today. This isolated incident happened 3 years ago or more and occurred in a large AI. You are staying at a nice condo complex. Relax and have a great time, we are going in May for two weeks.

Gecko, Do you know the difference between the Ana y Jose tours to the Biosphere and the one's provided by Cesiak? Also, when snorkling at Half Moon Bay, I've read that the entry is rocky and to wear shoes - what to do with your shoes while your snorkle??? When will you arrive - we arrive 2/3.
Lucy

Gecko, Another question! When you snorkle at Hidden Worlds, how cold is the water? Do they provide wetsuits for snorkling the cenote?
Lucy

gecko - Another question about the rocky bottom at Half Moon Bay, do water shoes make it comfortable or would one need something more like a Teva sandel?
Thanks!

The Dos Ojos trip is somewhat cold. They provided wetsuits when I went a few years back.

I don't know what if any difference there is between the Biosphere tours.I have been on the Ana y Jose tour and enjoyed it.

I wear teva's, but that is my preference. I am sure watershoes would be fine. I just leave the shoes with my towel on the beach. I have never had any bother my stuff at Half Moon Bay. What I usually do is walk down to the water put my fins on at the edge and back my way in.

We will be there the 10th. This time we are staying at Xpu Ha, but I am planning at least one day for snorkeling at Yal Ku & Half Moon Bay. Probably a few drinks at La Buena Vida.