Just south of Puerto Aventures is another tourist center, Akumal, with three bays, and coral reef nearby. Snorkeling is a highlight in this area: kids will especially like the calm waters in the beautiful Yal-Ku Lagoon. (Admission fee.)
Akumal has shops, restaurants, condos, villa rentals, and some all-inclusives, of course.
The Gran Bahia Principe Resort is a complex of three resorts -- Gran Bahía Príncipe Akumal, Gran Bahía Príncipe Tulum and Gran Bahía Príncipe Coba-- that share a shopping/entertainment area; a trolley runs every 10 minutes, to help guests get around this large resort.
Also in the area -- 3 miles from Akumal on Playa Kantenah (and just five minutes south of the Barcelo Riviera Maya) -- is the Grand Palladium complex of four resorts, which share a half-mile of white sand beach, and 173 lush acres with flamingo ponds and orchid gardens. Be prepared to do some walking, on pathways and wooden bridges. Lodgings include villas, bungalows, rooms, suites; some can sleep five.
Features include lagoon-style pool, kiddie pool, complimentary snorkeling and hobie cats; fishing, sunfish sailing, scuba, windsurfing, snorkeling excursions, at an extra charge; kids club, and nightly kids' shows; teen program at peak times.
continue to Xel-Ha Eco-Park, km 122
