Akumal in October

Has anybody been diving in Akumal? We're considering a trip there this October. We've been to Cozumel. Is the diving similar?

The ocean diving in Akumal isn't like Cozumel. Current is very mild. No deep walls. Nothing absolutely spectacular. The reefs are pretty healthy, nice corals, fans etc., lots of rays, turtles, huge eals and baraccuda, some sharks, the usual assortment of tropicals. The dives were nice, but not spectacular. I'd say much better then the Bahamas, but no where near Cayman.

There are several cenotes to dive close to Akumal. Since the weather isn't a factor with the cenotes, you can dive them on days that it's raining or the ocean is too rough.

Akumal is a really nice area. Very laid back, very relaxed and not a whole lot going on. There are about 7 restaurants and 2 bars and a handful of shops. Lots of affordable condos to choose from, and also nice villas. We've stayed at Vista del Mar condos and dove with Akumal Dive Adventures.

We've liked Akumal because it's quiet and laid back, and we like the combination of descent ocean dives and the cenotes. It's also about 25 min to either Playa del Carmen or Tulum if you want more restaurants, nightlife or other topside activity.

I'm not familiar with cenotes. Will you explain?

Cenotes are fresh water caverns/caves in the jungle. They have openings that are kind of like a big swimming hole. It's a very cool experiences. To do a cenote dive with a guide you only have to be open water certified. They will take you no more then 250 ft from an opening and there is always some natural light. We were never deeper then 20 ft. Water temp is a constant 76-78 degrees, regardless of the time or year or weather. You can snorkel or dive in the cenote.

We did Dos Ojos and Bat Cave with Hidden Worlds. (http://www.hiddenworlds.com.mx/cavern.html). The shops in Akumal can also arrange for other cenote dives with their guides. Hidden Worlds has a great set up, very professional, qualified guides, safety conscious, etc. Small groups (we had one dive just the 2 of us, and the second dive there were 4 of us with the guide). It was a great experience. We're going back to Akumal with friends in Dec and we'll do these dives again and then arrange for another day at a different spot with a private guide.

Thanks for the great info. Sounds like fun -- we'll check it out if we decide to make the trip.