When I planned the trip to Puerto Aventuras I didn’t realize it would become one of my favorite epicurean adventure destinations. I assumed it would just be a quiet place to relax. But after exploring the coast for four days, I realized there is so much more to do and local cuisine to try!
The Mariachi Beach Club
In the upscale neighborhood of Puerto Aventuras (a half hour south of Playa del Carmen and an hour north of the talcum powder beaches of Tulum) the condo residences surround a marina and dolphin encounter center, and sit on a quiet beach. Every night at least one of the quaint, open-air restaurants circling the dolphin pools have live bands, and the shops stay open late, so it’s a lively and bustling place to spend the evening. Just outside the gates is the fantastic Tu Parador, where each dish is delicately crafted to delight taste buds you didn’t know existed. The grounds were beautifully maintained, with a lovely pool and lounge chairs under the palm trees, next to a swim-up tiki bar making this our own perfect travel brochure!
Snorkeling the Dos Ojos Cenote with Rocky
Each morning we headed out for a new adventure, and there were plenty to choose from. We started our week at the Yal-ku Lagoon, a peaceful, rocky lagoon in the northern end of Akumal, for several hours of breathtaking snorkeling. The placid, crystal clear water was perfect for beginners, as the lagoon isn’t deep and is spared from the choppy waves of the gulf with plenty of vibrant fish to follow through the rocky passages. If you are there, don’t miss the opportunity feel like Gilligan and enjoy a cool Corona in the top of a palm tree on the beach at La Buena Vida! Then climb down to feast on their delicious lime soup and shrimp stuffed avocado with your feet in the sand. The next day we ventured further south to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum where our Mayan guide educated us on the history of the Yucatan and the religion, culture and heritage of his ancestors. But our most memorable and unique experience was the chance to snorkel in an underground river, called a cenote. We arrived at the Dos Ojos cenote, and were lucky to have Rocky as our enthusiastic and handsome guide. Armed with underwater flashlights, he helped us navigate through prehistoric stalactites and stalagmites and at one point in the cave we swam through a stunning spectacle of light piercing through the surface of the water it was an otherworldly experience! You MUST see this for yourself!
- Cervezas in the treetops
We only scratched the surface of the numerous activities and plentiful delicacies the Yucatan has to offer. I hope to return soon to explore more Maya ruins, drive the Ruta de Cenotes ( a road with many cenotes) and feast on avocados stuffed with shrimp ceviche on the beautiful white beaches! Please contact me if I can help you plan an adventure to this fabulous destination!
Fresh-caught fish on the beach
