| Steady temperatures and otherworldly scenery make | | | | you for a ride that's complete with sightseeing, a |
| the Caribbean a hot place to visit in more ways than | | | | picnic lunch, and lots of good advice and instructions. |
| one. When cold weather descends upon the less | | | | Especially during the summer months you'll be likely to |
| fortunate countries of the world, this sultry swath of | | | | reel in some whoppers, so don't forget to bring your |
| the globe becomes even more attractive; in fact it's | | | | appetite for freshly caught fish. |
| practically impossible to avoid heading down here one | | | | Part of Akumal's allure is that it feels like a secret |
| winter or another. A few particular places tend to | | | | place that's been hidden from view. A few lucky |
| dominate travelers' wish lists and unfortunately show | | | | tourists aren't the only ones who enjoy this |
| signs of overcrowding, but a little research will reveal | | | | phenomenon; another group is the sea turtle |
| that you can find virtually the same set of scenes | | | | population. Akumal is the home of a non-profit group |
| with fewer bodies milling around. Consider Akumal, for | | | | specializing in marine research, conservation, and sea |
| example. Several miles south of crazy Cancun, this | | | | turtle protection. This organization lends the region a |
| vacation destination is lovely, brimming with activities, | | | | certain status and respect, as not everyone has |
| and doesn't inspire images of over trodden beaches | | | | taken the time to make environmental protection a |
| or spring break bonanzas. | | | | high priority. While you're here, stop by the center to |
| Akumal is on the Caribbean coast known as the | | | | learn more, and if you're lucky you might spy a turtle |
| Mayan Riviera. Granted, it used to be more remote | | | | to two. By the way, Akumal means "Place of |
| than it is now, but it's still much quieter than some of | | | | Turtles," so you've come to the right locale if you |
| Mexico's other major tourist draws. Thus, during a | | | | have a soft-spot for these slow-moving beach |
| visit here you'll find it possible to enjoy a mind-blowing | | | | dwellers. |
| beach perfect for surfing, swimming and sailing all in | | | | For total immersion into the laid-back lifestyle of |
| one day, and come across a few unexpected options | | | | Akumal, make sure you consider renting a vacation |
| as well that don't include dodging underage drinkers | | | | property. This distinctive getaway deserves |
| or fighting for a spot for your beach chair. | | | | distinctive accommodations, which is exactly how a |
| The Yucatan peninsula is rich in history, brimming with | | | | condo, villa or beach house in this region can be |
| inlets big and small, and pretty easy on the eyes. | | | | classified. Instead of a standard hotel that will feel |
| Akumal itself has three distinct bays that provide | | | | vaguely familiar, find yourself a true gem that feels |
| ample opportunity for all that you want to do, so | | | | unique to your tastes and needs. Most of the |
| save some time to visit Half Moon, Aventuras, and | | | | properties here are drop-dead gorgeous, and many |
| Akumal Bays. Individual areas, like Yal-ku Lagoon (a | | | | are surprisingly bargain-friendly, especially if you start |
| good place to go snorkeling) and Jade Beach will | | | | doing your homework now. If you play your cards |
| compete for your attention, so it might be a good | | | | right, you could end up in a charming adobe casita |
| idea to start at the top and work your way down | | | | with lots of space and stellar amenities that will propel |
| the coast so as not to miss a single stretch of sand, | | | | your vacation into the stratosphere. |
| sun and fun. | | | | Go online to discover the Akumal Vacation Rentals |
| In addition to scuba diving at one of the 30 or so | | | | available, and set the wheels in motion. You and your |
| reef sites, lounging on the white sandy beaches, and | | | | traveling companions deserve to have an amazing |
| sipping tropical drinks at a beach bar, you may also | | | | trip, so start planning now to achieve the best |
| find yourself heading out to sea on a catamaran for | | | | possible outcome. |
| a fishing expedition unlike any other. A guide will take | | | | |