1) Is driving safe in Mexico?
A new highway from Cancun to Tulum has just been completed so the drive is now very safe. The worst danger is when you turn left off of the highway into whatever town you are going to - if possible , pull over to the right and let cars go by first, then make your left turn. Many Mexicans consider a left turn signal to mean "it's all clear, go ahead and pass me". Use an arm signal along with your turn signal to play it safe |
2) I'd like to get in touch with the local dive shops there - how can I do that?
Akumal Dive Shoptel: 011-52987-59032fax: 011-52987-59033e-mail: akumal@cancun.rece.com.mx Akumal Dive Centertel: 011-52987-59025e-mail: akumal.dive@caribe.net.mxOnly Akumal Dive Center has Windsurfing. If you would like to go cave diving and cenote touring, Greg is a local guide that knows of the most private places to go. He is a great guide and can be reached at extremedivebum@hotmail.com. There is a new service being provided by Akumal Villas. Learn to dive in the privacy of your own villa! An exclusive instructor/master will go to your villa and set up courses and dives with you. You can reach Jorge at jorge@diveace.com or check out his web page under area info. |
3) What if we would like to go out for a romantic dinner without the kids - also, our smallest child could never make a day climbing the ruins - is there babysitting available in Akumal?
Yes, we have a fabulous supervised "Kids Club" in Akumal - it's located on the beach on Akumal Bay near the Lol-Ha restaurant and Palapa Bar. It consists of supervised play, crafts, videos and visits to the pizza parlor. Lots of fun for the kids and a chance for Mom and Dad to do their own thing. The "Kids Club" hours are 9AM to 2PM and 6 PM to 9PM. The rates are:1st child $5.00 US per hour2 children $4.00 US/child/hour 3 or more $3.00 US/child/hour. If you think you are going to want to use the "Kids Club" a lot during your visit, you can buy coupons in advance from their office in El Paso, Texas, for $20 per coupon which is good for a day ( 9 AM - 2 PM & 6 PM - 9 PM ). These coupons MUST be purchased before your arrival in Akumal. They CANNOT be purchased in Akumal. To purchase the coupons call: 800-343-1440 or fax: 915-581-6709. |
4) I've heard a lot about Punta Allen and the bone fishing there. Is it hard to get to?
The drive down the Punta Allen peninsula is beautiful but not for the faint of heart, especially if there has been recent rain. The dirt road is full of pot holes which can drown a small car if full of water and, when dry, the 30 miles can take 3-4 hours to drive However . . . it is well worth the inconveniences. This is like the coast was 30 years ago before the coast highway and resorts. There are many, completely deserted and beautiful beaches along the way, as well as the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve with it's lush jungle flora and fauna, and vast tropical lagoons. Start-out very early in the day as it's a long trip. Guided boat and walking tours of Sian Ka'an are available at Ana y Jose Cabana's along the road, and can be booked by the travel agency in Akumal. Expect to see Roseate Spoonbills, crocodiles, spider monkeys, parrots, and possibly toucan, flamingos, manatee and jaguar. |
5) There has been a lot of publicity about crime in Mexico in the news - what about it?
The only thing that occasionally happens here is petty thievery - don't bring your jewels down with you and you won't have to worry about it. There will be a safe provided for your use in the villa - use it! |
6) Is there any entertainment at night?
In Akumal, there is a fabulous folkloric dancing floor show several evenings at Lol Ha restaurant. La Buena Vida restaurant often has a band and dancing. There is also an art gallery with evening shows and a stage where there are live concerts. The Hacienda Doņa Isabel is a new disco that has opened up just south of Akumal. They have shows, pool tables, karaoke and dancing. If you're a night owl, you can also drive to Playa del Carmen which has many night clubs with live entertainment , but they don't start playing until 10PM. |
7) I've heard about a "Turtle Program" in Akumal - what is it?
The Turtle Watch program is run by the local Ecological Society in Akumal called CEA. During May - August, a team of trained volunteers do nightly walks on the beach to look for nesting females. The turtle team tags, measures, counts eggs, and marks the nests.You and your family are welcome to join them. They have a limit of 10 per night and you may make your reservations when you arrive in Akumal or by e-mailing them at cea94@mail.caribe.net.mx |
8) I am always confused about tipping in foreign countries. What do I tip?
Please give whatever amount you deem appropriate.
Tipping in restaurants is the same here as it is in the States. The overall tip is about 15 - 20% of the total bill. Please remember that the prices are in pesos. 10 pesos here are equal to about 1 dollar US.
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9) Is there a telephone in the villas?
Yes! There is a telephone provided in the villa for guest use. The most economic way to call long distance from Mexico is to use your AT&T calling card. |
10) Do you have a laundry service available?
Laundry is included with your stay at Miramar. |
11) Where do I go for a relaxing massage?
You don’t need to go anywhere! You can enjoy a relaxing massage in the privacy of your own villa. The name and phone number of a Masseuse will be provided upon request. |
12) I would like tour around on my vacation. Do you have any recommendations on guides?
If you would like to tour the ruins, cenotes, or different beaches, these are the people to contact –
Operadora Bahia – Tulum, Coba , Chichen Itza. You name it and they can take you there! Their e-mail is operadorabahia@yahoo.com.
TSA – Travel Services Akumal can provide you with information regarding tours to numerous destinations. Their e-mail address is tsa@akumaltravel.com.
Extreme Divebum Adventure Tours – Greg, a local who has been living the area for years, will take you to hidden cenotes and caves. He can plan custom dive itineraries based on your skill level. He also does cenote/beach tours for those who would just like to swim, snorkel, and enjoy paradise! His e-mail is extremedivebum@hotmail.com.
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