Akumal Condo - how good is this location?
 

Hello - Trying to book a trip to introduce kids to snorkeling and fodorites rec Akumal - particularly Half Moon and Xel-Ha lagoon(?). How is this condo's location with respect to water access, restaurants, stores? tia

http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/yal...l=Reviews#inqr

You will have to walk down to the left to be able to access the lagoon in a safe area away from the breakwater. It is a beautiful setting there. You won't have to walk far and Yal Ku is a great place to snorkel as it is fairly shallow, lots of fish and lots of access points. The only possible downfall is that you will need to access via stairs rather then walk in from the beach...although there might be a short stretch of beach right there by the house. The further you go toward the left side of the house the further from the breakwater out to the sea where it is rather rough. Water is cooler because it is fresh and fed from underwater springs. I usually snorkel out by Lol Ha and that would be a long way to walk because it is at the entrance to Akumal. Not sure how long the walk to Half Moon would be from this home.

This place is in a quiet area, at the north end of Akumal. Yal-Ku lagoon, which is a short walk, is excellent for snorkeling - there is an admission charge of about $9.00. I believe the water where you are is rocky and rough. The closest sandy beach (15 minute walk) is Half Moon Bay, which is also very quiet. Half Moon beach is great for snorkeling and lazing on the sand, but not for swimming - too many rocks, coral, sea urchins, etc.
The popular swimming beach is Akumal Bay, which is about a 10 minute drive, or 1/2 hour walk. Great for snorkeling and swimming, very safe and calm.
I believe there is at least one or two restaurants and a small market near Yal-Ku. By Half Moon Bay is a very fun restaurant on the Beach - La Buena Vida. Near Akumal Bay are several good restaurants, two grocery stores with ATMs, and many gift shops & craft stalls. There is a medium sized shopping mall out on rte 307, about 15 minutes north of the Akumal road.

thanks so much this is very helpful. So do you think this other condo on Half Moon Bay is preferable?

http://www.vrbo.com/172647

A sandy beach is always nice but there's often no reef structure with a sandy bottom so the plan was to find a place with pool for swimming, etc. but to prioritize access to easy snorkeling that will get the kids into it. thanks again -- the convenience of stores and food would be great and sounds like the half moon area is more "central" for this.

Half Moon Bay is very relaxing, and about half way between The end of the road at Yal_ku Lagoon, and Akumal Beach. If you want a place where you can just stroll out onto a beautiful beach, this is the place to be. We have stayed at the Vista Del Mar at Half Moon several times. For easy snorkeling with thousands of fish, Yal-Ku wins hands down however Half Moon also has great snorkeling, but can be a little tricky entering the water for beginners due to the rocks, etc. The best thing about Half Moon is that the beach is fine white sand, and usually quite empty. It's also quite dark at night so as not to disorient the turtles. There is a tiny grocery in the Vista Del Mar building.

It is vey tricky getting in and out of the water in that area. My son and I were out snorkling from La Buena Vida last summer and we made it all the across the bay. We got close to shore in the area where this condo looks like it is located but found it tricky to get out of the water so we just snorkled until we found a decent area to exit.

That is a good rate, but for beginning snorkelers start them out at Yal-Ku lagoon and Akumal Bay. HMB can be tough to get in and out and at times has an undertow. It is a hike into Akumalo Bay so you will need to walk, take taxis or think about renting a car. There are also limited golf cart rentals in Akumal but you need permission from the condo owner to plug them in and recharge them. Headed back to Akumal this May, staying at Hotel Akumal Caribe.