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.

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