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Mayan
Ruins
As you are
vacationing in the Southern part of Mayan Riviera you really should
explore a few of the special Mayan Ruins in the area. Each has it's own
special atmosphere.
Tulum Mayan Ruins are
10 minutes from Tankah and Soliman on highway 307
Tulum ruins
are the only Mayan ruins that are built oceanfront - with spectacular
views of temples with ocean backdrops - swim in the ocean off the sandy
beach and take a photo of the ruins from the sea with your waterproof
camera.
Go either
early morning 8:00 a.m. or late afternoon 4:00 p.m. Tulum closes at 5:00
p.m. Early morning visits are best to avoid the cruise ship tours
arriving around 9:00 a.m.
Time to view
the park - one hour. From the main highway you can walk into the ruins
(about half mile) or catch a tram ride for a small fee then pay to get
into the gate of the ruins walls.
Site seeing
after - When you come out of the main entrance through the brick wall -
take a walk left and follow the paved road down the walled jungle until
you get to a chained fence across the road - right after that, there
should be a trail, well tread, going up the hill to the lighthouse.
Awesome photo spot and cool breezes. If you have come prepared for a day
at the beach and a different beach atmosphere - from the light house
there is a path, then steps down to the beach (special about Tulum Beach)
it has the softest, finest beach around - flat beach - big waves - fun
day beach crowd - possible drums, and fire dancers.
Subway - the
real thing - subs like back home
There are
stores that sell souvenirs and Mexican goods, sodas, beer and water.
Coba Mayan Ruins are
40 minutes driving from Tulum - buses leave from Tulum daily - no
schedules available - west off highway 307
Take your
time on this narrow highway - drive around the pot holes (the 18 wheeler
trucks do) - as this use to be pretty much the highway from Cancun to Tulum.
Shopping -
you will find some really good deals - at all the little shops on the
highway in between Tulum and Coba
I love Coba
- renting the bikes is the only way to go, this is a large park - with
few ruins - but the ruins excavated are some of the best chosen. The bike
paths are wide with tall covered canopy forest (fantasy view of a chariot
wedding). The largest pyramid is located at Coba and you can climb to the
top and see as far as you can see. Theses ruins are built near 2 lakes -
that are a wonderful home for small crocodiles - give the man on the dock
$5.00 and he will throw in the water some chicken meat - so you can see
for sure I am not telling a wives tale
A couple of
great restaurants - stick to the Mexican dishes - there specialty is
Mexican food not American and sooo good. There are stores that sell
souvenirs and Mexican goods, sodas, beer and water.
Muyil Mayan Ruins are
20 km straight south of Tulum situated on a fresh water laguna. This city
is one of the oldest in the Northern Yucatan.
This place
is special in that there is enough to see here - it can be a day trip.
Drive
straight threw the town of Tulum
on the highway going straight south - follow the highway for 20 km.
At the 20 km
mark - will be a very very very small town called Muyil. Go to the Muyil
Ruins. They are located on the left side of the highway when traveling
south (if you go over the second speed bump you have gone to far...). Pay
the 30 pesos to see the ruins.
When you get
to the biggest ruin, directly behind the big ruin, there will be a sign
and a small hut where you can rest. This spot is the beginning of a
wooden walkway (look really really hard to find this trail (wooden
walkway) because its there and very very fabulous.
The brand
new wooden walkway goes on for at about a half km. in the middle is a
tower you can climb - when at the top you get a spectacular view of the
Sian Kaan.
The end of
the walkway is the large lake - the Sian Kaan Tour boat trip and bird
watching. A big wooden map of the entire Sian Kaan water ways. Likely
Ismael will be there and maybe he will be able to take you out. If
nothing else the walk is worth every minute of your time. At the lake
they rent kayaks out, so maybe you will get to do that as well. Have Fun!
Great bird watching.
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Cenotes
The
Mayan Riviera's
best kept secrets
Cenotes are
one of the many spectacular, revitalizing things one could experience
while in Mexico.
Don't miss out - or better yet - make it a tour day - in your car - with
a cooler of refreshments and find as many as you can. They all cost about
$3.00 to swim in - but each Cenote is completely different. Believe me,
you will get what I mean, when you start on this wonderful day of
adventure, when the weather is sweltering in the jungle - there is nothing
like finding these refreshing swimming holes "Cenotes".
Cenotes are
fresh water pools, connecting to submerged caverns and other cenotes. The
standard formation is a round hole in the ground. Often referred to as
lagoons and ponds, they are common all over the peninsula, being most
common in the Maya Riviera. Of value to the early inhabitants, these
ponds were a source of fresh water and their connection to the source was
of a mystical nature. If you fly over the peninsula you will observe that
wherever you see a cenote you will see the outline of ancient villages
long gone.
Casa Cenote
Next door to
Blue Sky Hotel, we call it our pool - well it's not ours - but we are
sure glad it's located on our Bay.
This cenote
is a great swim spot and the only one that does not charge a fee to swim
in it - but that could change one day. They do cavern scuba dives in this
cenote - so don't be surprised to see bubble and then a diver appear.
Cenote
Cristalina and Azul
These
cenotes are north of Blue Sky by 30 minutes - across for a large resort
called Barcelo.
Cenote
Cristalina
is my favorite - as it has a 10 ft cliff that is great for jumping off
and awesome for the brave divers - the waters are about 20 ft deep so no
worries. A homemade ladder assists you to that side for the jump. There
is a great lounge area for sunbathers and the great photographs of the
dare devil show offs.
Cenote
Azul
is flat large pools - completely different from Cristalina - but unique
in it's own way.
Cenote
Chemuyil
Coming from
Cristalina - just north of Akumal.
Chemuyil is
a small Mayan town - home of Leo's Pizza - come back here at night and
have his pizza or most famous Lasagna's - pick one; they are all great
and don't be surprised if you need a doggy bag to go.
Anyway back
to the cenote findings - drive threw the town and do NOT make any turns -
this road your on is paved for a while and kind of bends in a curve that
leads a sort a left. When you finally pass this little town and come to a
dead end (start watching for signs - that mention Cenote) at the dead end
- turn right and follow the signs - which eventually you will turn left
again onto a tiny trail - keep going till you get to a large cleared
parking area. There will be some one their to collect you $4.00 us per person
and lead you to the cenote. This cenote is like a large pool - with an
open area - so you still can get some midday sun.
Cenotes
South of Tulum
10 to 15
minutes - straight south of Tulum
There are 2
Cenotes one right across from each other. The one on the right side if
traveling south is not swim able - but you can add it to your list of -
yet another cenote.
The one on
the left - is really neat - you can get in at one end and swim the length
of an Olympic size pool to the other end - they do cavern dives in this
cenote - so don't be surprised to see bubble and then a diver appear.
Cenotes on
the way to Coba
Cenote
Grande
is the most famous on this road - however you will see many.
Grande
Cenote is indeed Grand (very large) cenote of many colors - great for a
swim, snorkel and scuba diving. Well worth the money - yet a whole new
cenote - with a different view.
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Sian
Kaan Boat Tour
To contact
the guide: Ismael Caamal Angulo
email: caamaltours@hotmail.com
He is not able to get to Tulum very often to check his emails (every
couple for days - so try to book early)
I have a
phone number: 01 998 830 2502. If this number does not seem to work, not
to worry, it just means he is not available because he is on a boat tour,
so keep trying.
Sian Kaan
Boat Trip is $25.00 US per person - minimal 4 persons - or 2 people can
go for $50.00 US per person.
Ismael and
his father are a very long string of many many generations of true
Mayan's that have lived in this area for hundreds of years. Muyil town is
the oldest Mayan community to date. Ismael speaks English. His studies
include the local birds. Great kid. Awesome couple of hours.
To get to
the boat launch area - Drive straight threw the town of Tulum on the
highway going straight south - follow the highway for 20 km.
At the 20 km
mark will be a very very very small town called Muyil. Go to the Muyil
Ruins. They are located on the left side of the highway when traveling
south - just after the ruins is a dirt road on the left hand side (it
looks long and narrow) take that road and you end up at the lake - where
Ismael will be waiting for you. The road is about a 4 km drive. You will
know your in the right spot as there will be a couple of boats in the
water, kayaks on shore, a large 2 story building.
Ismael will
take you out in his boat for a few hours - down the canals - bring
sunscreen for clear sunny days and of course lots of water. He gives a
great speech on the past uses of this canal, being a gateway to the ocean
and the present information about the birds and ecosystem of Sian Kaan.
After the
boat trip if you still feel you have some energy and time do the Board Walk.
At the boat
ramp area, look for a big giant Octagon thingy, home made from branches -
right behind this octagon is a path into the forest - this spot is the
beginning of a wooden walk way (look really really hard to find this
trail (wooden walk way) because its there and very very fabulous. Takes
about an hour to do the walk. Very Cool.
The brand
new wooden walkway goes on for at about a half km. in the middle is a
tower you can climb - when at the top you get a spectacular view of the
Sian Kaan. The end of the walkway is the Muyil Ruins - if you venture in
to see the ruins - don't be surprised if you get approached to pay the
$3.00 US required to see the couple of ruins in this. Have fun!
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Snorkeling
Tankah Bay
and Soliman Bay
- South of Cancun snorkeling is absolutely fabulous. There is the Great
Maya Reef running across these 2 bays - this is an amazing feature - as
the reef is accessible by, swimming, boogie boards or kayaks for the best
snorkeling in the Mayan Riviera. Also another feature I love - is
that these bays only get lap waves - as the reef acts as a breaker -
making the bays calm and clear for snorkeling. Ever tried to get into the
ocean when big waves are hitting shore - well it's fun -
but... Cancun snorkeling can only be reach via renting a boat
- however, Tankah Bay and Soliman Bay the reef is close, therefore
accessible from the beach shore.
Snorkel
Lesson
- No jewelry period. Sparkles like a fishing hook in the water. Wear a
life jacket and fins - ever tried to clear your mask and snorkel in water
over your head, it is not an easy feat. Fins are your strength and power
in the water. In my scuba diving course we were instructed to stick with
our buddy (underwater partner) at all times - I agree on this for
snorkeling. I hate looking for my partner - so I prefer to hold hands and
then I can concentrate on the wonder that is below and around me.
The easiest
and most comfortable way to learn to snorkel is with a lifejacket -
learning to breath through your mask and snorkel is not that difficult -
but it is a strange and different sensation and you can hear your self
breathing 10 fold the volume, that alone can be weird - so best to relax
in your float devise. Plus you need to practice taking off your snorkel
and masked in a life jacket with out touching ground.
Start in
shallow water - go in the water about waist deep and try to float,
breath, swim - roll over on your back with your life jacket on and
practice, removing and putting your mask and snorkel back on (you need to
learn this - so when your in deeper water at the reef you do NOT need to
stand on the reef in order to get you snorkel gear back in place).
At which
point in time you graduate to the reef snorkel club.
The Reef -
stay on the inside and don't get to close - careful of water and wave
surges that could lift you to close to the reef. Believe me its razor
sharp. Do not stand on the reef - pleaseeee...
P.S. -
navigate with your fins and movements of your upper torso - keep one hand
to your side and other hand in your partners. Flapping your arms around
only does damage to you partners mask and snorkel. Your fins are your
speed and strength in the water and you torso is the steering - you arms
do nothing.
Buying a
snorkel and mask
I have no
regrets about my purchase - even if I only used it once a year. Snorkel
equipment is rarely offered at properties any more, they just can't keep
them in supply. You can buy a decent mask and snorkel for about $40.00 US
Mask - you are looking
for a good fit - which is found by putting the mask up to your face with
out the head strap and suck in through your nose, the mask should stay
suction to your face.
Snorkel - buy a snorkel that
has a bottom water release (this is a one way value on the bottom of your
snorkel) so when you blow water out of your snorkel - it does not have to
go all the way up the tube as in the olden days. Plus - new snorkels come
with a type of water blockage at the top of the snorkel - so less water
gets in.
Fins - I like small fins
because they take up little travel space and are better than nothing -
longer fins have better speed and power. Makes you move through the sea
like a stingray.
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Scuba
Diving
If you are an avid Scuba Diver you will know when
you arrive on your vacation that you have to plan your dives according to
(rough or calmness) of the SEA. Plan accordingly and try to get your
ocean dive in first if weather permits as Cavern diving is good, no
matter of the weather conditions.
Ocean Dives
There
is several dive shops located in Tulum. Cost is about $65.00 to $70.00 US
for a 2 tank dive. The reef in the Tulum area is farther out and requires
the dive trips to leave in a boat. Which is the kind of diving I like.
Cenote Dives
Many of the dive shops in the area advertise both Ocean and Cavern dives
- when the ocean is really ruff boiling waters and the port is closed -
Cave and Cavern diving are still top notch.
Cave Diving
is swimming into a cave beyond the reach of natural sunlight.
Cavern
Diving is staying in sight of the entrance of a cave within the
realm of natural sunlight.
Scuba Cenote - this company runs
a class act.
We had the best diving experience of all scuba dives I have had for
years.
Armando was our Dive Master, he is indeed a master and knows the
best dive sites, with years of experience in the industry and location.
You will not find a nicer more enjoyable person to spend the day with,
that alone was a big part of our adventure. Jeff and I highly
recommend Scuba Cenote.
Hidden worlds (10 minutes from
Tankah and Soliman) - has underground cavern snorkeling. Amazing! The
IMAX movie that is out, "Amazing Caves", is filmed here at
Hidden Words. Awesome snorkel day or scuba dive. Cavern Dives,
snorkeling, scuba diving.
Xel Ha (6 minutes from
Tankah and Soliman) is a snorkel park - a bit touristy - but out of all
the touristy things on this coastline it is my favorite.
http://www.xelha.com.mx
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Fishing
fishing
Mexico to me is the ultimate - the ocean is the deepest darkest navy blue
I have ever seen, once you get about 2 km from shore - the excitement of
the catch is like no other. I can set you up a half day of Deep Sea
Fishing for $350.00 or a full day $600.00 in Puerto Aventuras, a gated
marina community located Between Playa del Carmen and Akumal. There are
smaller deep sea fishing boats that will take you out if you don't need
all the luxury. You are going to need a hat and sunscreen (use them, they
work). Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Mai Mai, Dorado - most catch and
release.
Punta Allen
offers some of the most spectacular bone fishing and fly fishing ever to
be experienced. South of Tulum on the beach access road, about and 1 and
half hours drive.
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Beaches
and Ocean
Coral sandy
beaches
run for 100's of miles. This sand doesn't get too hot as the sun reflects
off of white sand leaving it cool, unlike black sands. Shells
occasionally make there way to the shore line unharmed. In most cases
they are shattered pieces that will eventually become sand.
Tankah Bay
and Soliman Bay
has a reef as a breaker - meaning calm waters - great for swimming,
snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving with shallow waters to the
reef about 10 to 15 feet deep.
The Sea - there are some
sandy bottom areas, some gassy bottom areas, some rocky bottom areas, so
try to find some of the water slippers - they can be found for about $5.00
Ocean colors - Countless, a
collage of Greens, Blues, Aqua's, Turquoise, accented by white sand and
tropical fish. The Caribbean Ocean can also be crystal clear on a calm
day - comfortable swimming temperature all year round
Fish &
Sea life
- There is lots to see in the Caribbean Ocean. Colorful Fish and Giant
Turtles can be seen throughout the Yucatan. Sharks and Sting Rays spend
time here as well. You can Swim with Dolphins at local attractions or
explore fresh water fish in the many Cenotes that dot the landscape. We
strongly advise that you recognize the sanctity of the sea turtles
nesting areas. Due to human interference their populations are
consistently decreasing. With more and more Large Communities and Mega
Size Hotels these creatures are afraid to lay eggs. "Lights"
Adult Turtles will do not like the bright lights emitted from many human
occupied areas.
Coral and
ocean plant life -The Yucatan has an unbelievable at reef. If you're not
a strong snorkler, wear a life jacket. This way when you clear your mask
you won't feel the need to use the reef as a prop. Everybody should have
consideration for action which could cause permanent damage to living
organisms in the Ocean. Yes the tiniest touch to any part of the reef can
be permanent and fatal. Really try hard to respect all ocean habitat.
Tides - Yes there are
tides - just on the other side of the reef. Careful while you're floating
and viewing the magic below. You do not want to float out to sea. I still
recommend going to the reef with a life jacket, boogie board or
kayak, you never now when you might get a cramp and need that devise. The
ocean is one big piece of nature after all.
Waves - use your judgment
you non ocean types - if the ocean is like a boiling caldron - stay out!
Tulum Beach - want to go for a
swim in the ocean, in the big body waves we dream about - here's the
place - the reef is so far out here, it does not affect the tides coming
in - nice sandy bottoms.
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Miscellaneous
fun things
Don't forget
to Sun Tan
Beach
Combing
- you can walk for miles on these beaches and for every mile you walk the
views change dramatically - bring your camera and a bag to carry fun
things you find - a must experience.
Some places
have bicycles
- the roads are flat as a pancake - easy riding for anyone - no worries,
the tropical jungle air keeps you cool as you ride.
Kayaks are a great feature.
The bays are so calm - this is really for every one - just float out and
see your rental from waters view - bring you water proof camera - going
to wish you did.
Star Gazing
and Full Moon Gazing - if you are at all interested in checking out the
constellations - this is the spot - when the sky is clear - it's just a
bright twinkle of stars and planets. Catch a full moon - lucky you - see
if you can really catch it - depending on the time of year it can just
sneak up on you late after noon or another time of year, you will walk
out of a restaurant at 10:00 p.m. and the moon is just starting to poke
out of the dark horizon. Big, white, bright moons that light up the
ocean. I tell you I have to get documented scientific information about how
the ocean and moon relate and work. Because out of the 4 years I lived in
Mexico - I watched and watched and my opinion is the waves get a bit
bigger and then a bit bigger and then a bit bigger as time creeps up to
the full moon, then waves get huge, rumbling, boiling "then the full
moon" we wake up and the ocean is so calm the boiling/angry waters
is gone - give it 3 days to clear and you have the most ultimate amazing
snorkel and scuba conditions.
Sunset and
Sunrises
- try to get in at least one sun rise with your coffee, they only
initially take maximum 15 minutes - and the sunset can be pinks, purples,
gold's, royal blues, mauves, and oranges - just WOW!
Most places
have books
- leave a book / take a book
Most places
have board games - travel games - bring a deck of cards
Create your
own Games
- Traveling
with a group and want to get a little group fun going
• Invent a horseshoe type game with teams on the sand beaches
• Build sandcastles or make a contest
• Have Kayak and Boogie Board races
• Make a scavenger hunt of the kids
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