Hello everyone, well previously to this I have been mostly considering one of the islands in the caribbean, I'd love to go to St. Johns or Turks & Caicos but have found they are too expensive for my budget. I would love if someone could recommend a beach area and even an actual resort would be great.
Things that are important to me:
- calm, calm water that doesn't get deep right away. i don't mind waist deep or chest deep water but i don't like it to drop off too suddenly from the beach or I get nervous. Also very clear and beautiful (which seems like all the beaches here). Did I mention I don't like waves? If you have been to the beach at Atlantis in Paradise Island this is EXACTLY what I DON'T want- the only calm water they have at the hotel is man-made!
- fun snorkeling right off the beach where I can see some interesting things,
- all-inclusive, preferably where they will serve drinks/snacks beachside and poolside
- lots of water activities like those dumb banana boats, kayaks, peddle-boats and such (I'm a dork I know). I'm also a little bit of a sucker for free-form pools and swim-up bars. And hammocks!! The more included activities involving water and snorkeling, the better!
- trips close by to wildlife, and cultural eco-tours
- It would be nice if it had a sexy, romantic vibe.


- I DON'T care about shopping AT ALL. I don't think I have ever shopped on vacation unless it was for a new novel to read on the beach.
- Night time activities would be great, perhaps a bar or two or a dance floor. Or at least a short taxi drive away (less than an hour).



Last but not least, my budget. Heh heh. I would like to spend less than $200 a night, preferably around $150 so I can stay longer! The cheaper the better as long as it comes close to at least some of my criteria, particularly the beach and snorkeling hopes.

Thanks guys!!

This place has a lot of what you want. And I do believe... calm water.

http://www.locogringo.com/xpuha/copa...abana%20Resort

Thank you! That place did look great, especially how it mentioned that there is full-service at the beach.

However, I am thinking more that Akumal might be a better spot for us because I hear of its great snorkeling and it seems to be very close to Tulum. I hope I can find a place similar to the place you just linked me to!

Look at the Sunscape Tulum, soon to become a Dreams resort.

I was thinking Xpu-ha because snorkling is okay, calm, sandy, and lots of water sports available at a beach club near there.

Here is the only place in Akumal on a sandy beach. Most of Akumal is rocky.

http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/aku...Beach%20Resort