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Xel-Ha: A natural paradise just 10 short minutes South of Akumal. Xel Ha is a national park which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far to experience the beauty and tranquility of this deep blue lagoon. As you enter the park, you'll be greeted by parrots, toucans and other brightly colored native birds, as well as an occasional curious iguana. The Dolphin Discovery program allows you to swim with these playful creatures - an experience you won't soon forget! Bring your snorkel gear and prepare to be amazed. (All gear is also available for rental at the park, as well as lockers for your valuables.) A huge buffet featuring local dishes is available at the main palapa restaurant located in the center of the park, so make a day of it. ** Admission fees may vary.
Yal-Ku lagoon: There is a small entrance fee for this hidden jewel of a National Park located a short walk from Las Casitas in North Akumal. Wonderful snorkeling among deep rock formations and mangroves, with a large concentration of fish and other Interesting sea life. Fishing. Diving or suntan lotions are not allowed, but you will Definitely want to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this National treasure. A small outdoor snack bar offers snacks and cold drinks. Snorkel gear and lockers are available for rental.
Lol-Ha Beach Bar*- An informal, open air beach café with thatched palapa roof is a fun spot for lunches and informal dinners. Also offering a great "happy hour" for mixing with other visitors and Akumal locals. Find here also a variety of handmade pizzas and pastas with satellite TV available for keeping up with world news and sports. Turtle Bay Cafe*- This charming café is nestled in a jungle-like setting near the art gallery and is very popular for their specialty which include fresh daily baked breads, rolls and muffins as well as fabulous waffles and omelettes. Also open for light lunches, they are closed on Mondays, and are open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Note: They are no longer closed on Mondays and are open for evening dinners on select nights, depending on the season. Also need to add that Turtle Bay also offers a variety of catering options, as well as special occasion cakes. La Cueva del Pescador* - A definite favorite for those who love fresh seafood! Outdoor dining with a rustic atmosphere, located near Turtle Bay Café. *5 Minute walk or less from Las Casitas
La Lunita - Located in the Hacienda de la Tortuga property, on Half Moon bay; this small café Features tables on the beach for casual dining. A local favorite. Que Onda - Near Yalku Lagoon, Que Onda specializes in a choice of many Italian dishes in an open-air garden setting.
Las Casitas Akumal Email Copyright 1999-2008 by Las Casitas Akumal. All Rights Reserved.
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Diving:
There are two PADI certified dive shops within easy walking
distance of Las Casitas. Both offer rentals (by day or week)
of snorkel or dive gear. "Tourist" or "Resort"
courses are available, as well as certification. Also available
is the "Bubblemakers" program for children as an
introduction to diving. A variety of dive packages are available
for day or night dives, as well as cave and cenote diving
- a thrill you won't find everywhere! For more details and
pricing, click on the following links:
Snorkeling: The snorkeling in Akumal Bay is simply paradise! Just about all types of hard and soft coral can be found in the shallow depths near shore to over 40 foot reefs further out. No need to "schedule" a snorkel trip like in many places in the Caribbean - just put on your snorkel gear and let yourself drift above an underwater carnival of colors! Schools of Blue Tang, brightly hued Parrottfish, spotted Eagle Rays and a wide variety of colorful hosts await your arrival. Akumal is Mayan for "Place of the Turtle" so…. Yes! The sea turtles may well be there to greet you. 
Fishing:
Dive Shops and independent boats can arrange half day and
full day fishing trips to accommodate your busy schedule (or
leave time for that "siesta"). 
Tennis: Las Casitas Akumal is the only resort in Akumal with it's own private court! Rackets and balls are available and there are lights to play at night on our special mid-speed, easy-on-the-legs Nova Grass surface.
Tulum:
A magnificent Maya city built on the Caribbean coast, Tulum
is a convenient 20 minute drive South of Akumal. This walled
city has a lighthouse that helped Maya seamen find the entrance
through the reef to the shore. The view from atop the cliffs
is breathtaking, and one that it's many visitors will never
forget. We suggest that you go early in the day before the tour
busses arrive. There is a small admission fee (free on Sundays)
as well as a small cost to park. You may choose to hire a guide
or go exploring on your own! Also great shopping for those 'must have' souvenirs!
Coba:
A mystery-school center of the Maya, Coba houses the tallest
temple pyramid in the Yucatan. This is an enormous site in the
jungle amidst 5 lakes, and archaeologists are uncovering more
each year. When visiting Coba, drive South to Tulum and turn
right at "Coba" sign. This is an interesting trip,
and best done in the morning hours when the jungle is a bit
cooler. Yes… we said JUNGLE, so take your insect repellent
along! Before returning to Las Casitas for that afternoon siesta,
you might want to have lunch at one of the restaurants nearby
- we suggest Club Med Coba.
Chichen
Itza: A 3 hour drive to the most famous Maya archaeological
site of extraordinary architectural and historical beauty.
Recently was voted worldwide as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Don't miss the evening "lazer show" that alone is
worth the trip. New highways leading into the area will make
it easy to put this visit at the top of your "must see"
list. Easy directions are happily provided by our staff. 
Sian
Ka'an Reserve: 40km South on the Boca Paila road. Park consists
of a protected 1.3 million acre biosphere (mangrove swamp, forest,
savanna with much wildlife). A must on many visitor's list, you
will need to drive to Boca Paila and board an outboard motor launch
to explore with a knowledgeable guide the shallow estuary that is
the breeding ground for hundreds of species of fish. There are several
types of mangrove islands that form rookeries for many tropical
birds, including roseate spoonbill, crane, gulls, tern, egret, pelican
and a host of other birds. The trip usually takes 2 - 3 hours so
take water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Reservations
are usually a must, so please ask our reception office to call for
you. 
Ecological
Center (CEA): Come and help protect turtles during nesting season May through September. Located in the large rectangular building
near Las Casitas, CEA offers regular tours and activities as well
as information on the local culture and ecology of the Yucatán.
Check 
Lol-Ha*-
Located on the main beach, with a wide assortment of seafood, beef
and chicken as well as both Mexican and Yucatecan specialties, restaurant
Lol Ha features a lovely, relaxing atmosphere for breakfast and
evening dining. 
La
Buena Vida - Located on Half Moon bay, a short walk away. Downstairs
bar on sand. Upstairs has seafood and Mexican specialties for lunch
and dinner, as well as "happy hour" specials. 