Akumal area AI scuba and snorkeling

[scorman]

We are planning a week trip in early Dec for 5 certified adults for vacation diving near Akumal.

We have spent many hours on this board, Debbies, LocoGringo, and Trip Advisor researching.

We have been to Barcelo Maya a few times and enjoy the AI mentality...forget about the world and your wallet concept.

We typically would not leave the resort... sailing , kayaking,etc
Not picky eaters and I'll put on 10lbs in a week <grin>
The snorkeling from BM was terrific and the lagoon to the north was a gem.
We are now considering Akumal's Gran Bahia, Grand Sirenis, and Grand Palladium, whereby snorkeling from the beach is a prime activity ( we will stay in water for over an hour at a time !)
Barcelo is our backup plan ..nothing wrong with their dive op (Dressel) and their flexible family packages.

Did some Due Diligence and contacted several local dive ops to compare to in-house ops.
Akumal Dive Center, Akumal Dive Shop, Nateli & Ivan, and Akumal Dive Adventures
On another thread, a comment was made that the hotels discourage pickups now,
and ADA confirmed this in an email.

How convenient is it to get into town for the ops vs just using in-house?
Any other recommendations?
Any hotel to avoid because of their dive ops and policies or any other issues?
BTW, Does anyone have specific information on the dive operator at the Grand Sirenis (prices/ packages, etc)? can't find anything on their website

Would appreciate comments relating to any of the above, especially from experienced snorkelers as far as the beach reef quality or limitations

thx,
Stew Corman from sunny Endicott (NY,USA)

 

[warmwaterturner]

Can't speak to the op's or hotels but we really enjoyed the snorkeling at Akumal. There is (or was) no diving inside the reef at the beach. There were lots to turtles and other aquatic life. It would have been a shallow but good dive but as stated before - it was not allowed. It is a great place to relax if you have some that are not divers. We did use the Akumal Dive Center for a two tank which was very good. The vis was not Coz but a very good dive none the less.

 

[mstclaire]

I like diving with easy chango in Tulum Easy Chango Filling station & Dive Tours . They are a bit out of the way but im sure if you contact them they would at least give you some good advice!!

Happy Diving

 

[driftwood]

You might want to go to cancunmap.com-Your information source and see how close your resorts are to "downtown" Akumal. Cabs will be expensive and there are some IA's located by the southern end of Akumal Bay that may be within your walking distance.

Akumal Dive Center is your best shot outside of the resort's dive op.