Akumal, Majahual, Xcalak - Comments...?

[DandyDon]

I think I've had enough of overrun and overdone Cozumel, and no interest in Cancun, but thinking about exploring on south.

I plan such trips well in advance, and - knowing how boring business is Dec 26 - Jan 2, thought this would be a great time to go! I'm thinking about drivng from the Cancun airport down to Akumal for maybe 3 days of diving:

• A local day;
• A day in the Cenotes; and
• Hopefully a trip across to Puna Sur, Cozumel...?

Then diving on down to the Majahual-Xcalak area:

• A day of local waters;
• A day in their Cenotes; and
• A day to The Banks.

I've been using the Search feature, and it looks doable, but I greatly appreciate comments from anyone who has done any of this...?

thanks! don

 

[chrisc]

We've been to Akumal numerous times. The only problem that I see is that your trip is planned during the Christmas/New Years vacation time. Most places there have a 1 week minimum during those times, and the room rates are almost double. We were there last Christmas and again this spring, at the same resort (AI) the price differance per person was $125/night.

But as I remind the wife, they don't put pockets in coffins...

Chris

 

[Shader]

We've been to Akumal numerous times. The only problem that I see is that your trip is planned during the Christmas/New Years vacation time. Most places there have a 1 week minimum during those times, and the room rates are almost double. We were there last Christmas and again this spring, at the same resort (AI) the price differance per person was $125/night.

But as I remind the wife, they don't put pockets in coffins...

Chris

I am planning on heading down that direction on the way to Belize the month of July and would also appreciate any info on diving and low key accomodations. I've looked at XTS Scuba and was wondering about their service. Is there a Ferry to Ambergris Caye from Xcalak? I really like the laid back atmosphere of the south Yucatan. I've also looked at Bill-in-Tulsa.com for nice deals on accomodations. Some nice non-tourist properties and locales.

http://www.bill-in-tulsa.com/

 

[nen]

There is no "ferry service" from Xcalak-Ambergris per se, or at least last I was there--but you can likely arrange a ride down by boat (takes about an hour and a half, depending on conditions). It's sort of an inside job though--the guy who owned the place where we were staying knew a guy who could do it, and even arranged all visa requirements for us. Then came back a few days later and picked us up. WHerever you stay, you can probably ask about this possibility.

With regard to the Banks, it's a harder (longer) ride from Xcalak than from Majahual to Chinchorro. Also, weather conditions dictate whether you'll be able to make it out there on a given day (not always a smooth ride), so you may want to give yourself a few days in Majahual in order to optimize the chance of getting out there. Diving on the reef right off shore is also terrific, so the wait won't be a bore! And the Banks are well worth it.

 

[sealab]

hello: I've been to xcalak 3 times and it is a laid back place. Have not been to chinchorro but the local reef diving was excellent. I use xtc dive shop. (www.xcalak.com.mx). They are a well run operation! I believe you could do the diving you are planning by e-mailing them before you arrive. I usually stay 6 or 7 days there at marina mikes or tierra maya just to make sure i can get in as much local diving as possible. When we were there last year for six days there was only one day that we couldn't dive due to the weather. Have a good dive trip.
jimmy

 

[mediakzar]

I think I've had enough of overrun and overdone Cozumel, and no interest in Cancun, but thinking about exploring on south.

I plan such trips well in advance, and - knowing how boring business is Dec 26 - Jan 2, thought this would be a great time to go! I'm thinking about drivng from the Cancun airport down to Akumal for maybe 3 days of diving:

• A local day;
• A day in the Cenotes; and
• Hopefully a trip across to Puna Sur, Cozumel...?

Then diving on down to the Majahual-Xcalak area:

• A day of local waters;
• A day in their Cenotes; and
• A day to The Banks.

I've been using the Search feature, and it looks doable, but I greatly appreciate comments from anyone who has done any of this...?

thanks! don

DD-
We've spent a lot of time in both Cozumel and Xcalak and I would say your plan is probably do-able. The dates you mention get very busy down there and with the limited number of accomidations in Xcalak, it's not too early to be making your reservations. You need to be flexible in your plans to dive Chinchorro Banks. Travel out there is sometimes subject to weather conditions...but if you plan all your dives in the area with one dive op (I 2nd the reco on XTC - good shop) and they know what you want, they'll go when the going is good.

One suggestion - if you get in a good cenote dive around Akumal, you might consider doing 2 days of local diving and one day at C Banks in the Xcalak area. There are a lot of dives to do there.

JK
http://www.mxtravel.com/xcalak/xcalak_diving.html
http://www.mxtravel.com/xcalak/Cielosazules/

 

[DandyDon]

mediakzar,

Sounds great, except for my preferred time of year. Think I'm going to do something else during December Deadweek, like an adult liveaboard so I won't be competing with families.

I will try this trip another time, though, and I appreciate your input...

 

[nitrogenaddict2]

Try Mahahual, there are a lot of rustic accommodations starting from 15 USD per night up to 75 USD per night. 2 dive operators who do the local reef and weather permitting maybe - just maybe - a trip to Chinchorro. There are pristine reefs, canyons, semi walls. Diving to suit every type of person inexperienced to the experienced. Check out www.bluehadiving.com www.mahahual.com