I've been to Akumal several times over the years, and have to agree that it's no Cozumel or St. Croix or Grand Cayman, but it is still fun to dive. When I've actually done boat dives there, I've often been the only diver, apart from the DM. Lots of turtles, rays, and eels (garden, spotted, etc), but not the volume of other areas, especially since it doesn't get the nutrient flow most islands tend to get. The cenotes are amazing...a must dive. Surreal and unworldly...you understand why the Maya thought they were the door to the underworld. Good snorkeling for the kids along the coast, but definitely take them to the Yal-Ku lagoon north of the main part of town, very kid friendly and lots of stuff to see. I'd also second/third/fourth the locogringo.com recommendation. A great source for all things on the Riviera Maya. For food, the little open air lunch counter on the right at the entrance to town (by the arched gateway) is amazing. I've had the best mole I've ever had there, and the tortilla are handmade at the counter, and lunch is like $2-3 american. Imelda's Ecochina is also a great breakfast/lunch place, as is the Turtle Bay Cafe, though Imelda's is a little more down-home. She makes all the salsa's herself, and you can tell. Don't miss "La Vida Loca" on Half Moon Bay...great for a cerviche and cervesa at the end of a good day of diving.
Have Fun! Try to get the kids to Tulum as well!
