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if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 2:13:38 PM

nettie

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From: BC Canada
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Where else would you go?
I really like the freedom of snorkelling off the beach as opposed to having to out in a boat. We may want to try something other than akumal/HMB in the next couple years. Another place in mexico would be nice because the price is right and we can get there easily from vancouver Island. But any other suggestions would be good .Thanks

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 2:23:52 PM

sherrys07

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Well, I've snorkeled in a bunch of places all over, everywhere, and I don't know who says the off beach snorkeling in Akumal is not good, but you must be kidding. Half Moon Bay is world class off beach snorkeling, and Akumal Bay is very good, plus you have yal ku near by. Other than that, Cozumel has some good sites and Hawaii is good.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 2:37:34 PM

Sailbait

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quote:

ORIGINAL: sherrys07

Other than that, Cozumel has some good sites and Hawaii is good.

... if you're thinking of that general area, Coz is SO simple to get around (especially if you can score a direct flight in).

Enjoy!

K.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 2:38:46 PM

minnjim

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Where does she say it's not good?

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 3:00:21 PM

sherrys07

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quote:

Where does she say it's not good?

You're right, my misinterpretation!

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 3:12:28 PM

funcampin

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Hawaii is great for off beach snorkeling. You gotta plan carefully though. The ocean and surf on the north sides of the islands are not suitable for snorkeling on most days during the winter months. We went last December; the south beaches of Maui were nice and the south beaches of Kauai were OK some days, but not good on others.

There are some places in the Florida Keys to snorkel from beaches - mostly state parks, but I wouldn't plan a trip around snorkeling. Many people kayak out to reefs in the keys to snorkel.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 4:01:38 PM

Akumal GanG

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This is a good thread and a question I've wanted to ask also. The important "part" of the OP's question is:

"snorkelling off the beach as opposed to having to out in a boat."

Living in Florida and growing up with the Gulf of Mexico outside my door, the only snorkeling is in the clear waters of our natural spring fed rivers. That's NOT really going to fit the bill for me anymore now that I've done Akumal, HMB, and Yal-Ku

I have snorkeled Hawaii, but had to go out in a boat. ( Maui, Kauhi, and Oahu). Plus we have snorkeled St. Kitts, Nevis, and St. Martins. NONE as good as Akumal and Yal-Ku

As to the original post: Where would YOU go or have you gone that was good to snorkel as a beach "walk-in" rather than boating to a snorkeling destination?

I've now become a snorkeling FOOL due to our experience at Akumal. So, I'd really like some suggestions from those of you who have been to other locations that are great for snorkeling right off the beach.

Terri

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 5:13:38 PM

Iguana Mama

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Along the RM, the only area that offers good off-beach snorkelling is the Akumal area. Otherwise, I think you have to go WAY south.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 5:35:33 PM

minnjim

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Soliman...if you can access it and to a lesser extent tankah....I've seen peoiple snorkeling in front of Casa Cenote.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 5:37:23 PM

GlennAP

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From: Vernon, BC Canada
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Hi Nettie,

A few suggestions:

Cook Islands: This place is a true tropical paradise, like Hawaii must have been like 50 years ago. We stayed on the main island of Rarotonga but also visited the island of Aitutaki. Both great for snorkelling. Bit of a long haul to get there but well worth it. We stayed at the Muri Beachcomber. The Cooks are in NZ dollars so our buck goes a long way for once!

Cuba: Breezes Jibacoa, the ABR of Cuba (with much better facilities). Located between Havana and Varadero so easy to get to. Has a large bay about half the size of Ak Bay with lots of diversity. The resort is a bit isolated but a great spot for quiet relaxation. They even have a lobster nite! There is a budget option next door called Chameleon Villas.

Hawaii: Kauai: Lots of places to go but you have to drive to most. Tends to be shallow. Our favourite Hawaiian island, gorgeous little spot. Very uncrowded.

Maui: we snorkeled a bit but it was too cold, windy to do much. There is one cool place where you walk about 20 minutes across an old lava flow to what is called the "Fish Bowl", a small bay with lots of fish. Maui is our least favorite Hawaiian island. There is a "must do" snorkel trip to Molokini crater which is to be avoided...complete rip off unless you like a bay shared with 20 boats and hardly a live item in sight. It was so cold on the way back on the boat some likened it to ice fishing!!!

Big Island: I have not been but heard good stuff about Kahaluu beach. LP Hawaii says "The bay is like a big natural aquarium loaded with colourful marine life. At high tide green sea turtles come in to feed" Sounds good to me! The resort next door is called the Keauhou Beach Resort.

Happy Exploring!!

Glenn

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 6:17:17 PM

Meenie

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I can't imagine finding better off shore snorkeling than at ABR. It was absolutely wonderful.

What about at Aruba? Is the water too rough or not enough visibility? I haven't been there, but the pictures look like beautiful beach and water.

Meenie

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 7:01:20 PM

ellied

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We really enjoyed the snorkelling in HMB and Akumal bay. Other places we have visited with great off beach snorkeling include:

St. John, USVI
Bonaire
Grand Cayman
Lizard island (Aus)
Cozumel (this is an easy day trip from Akumal. just take the ferry over in the a.m. You can visit Chankanab (sp?) just south of the ferry dock. Or you can rent a car and just drive up/down the west side. I recall Playa Corona had good snorekling)

The trick is, quality can vary due to time of year, weather etc. We've visted all but Australia more than once, and were surprised that sites that were spectacular on one trip might be only so so or even lousy on another. Still, to paraphrase an old golf saying - A bad day snorkeling beats a day in the office.

Ellie
(who will be searching for more RM off shore snorkeling on our trip Nov 25)

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 7:04:35 PM

VAtravelers

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I have been to Oahu, St. Martin, Grand Cayman, Belize, Cozumel, Florida Keys, etc. The only place I've been that has outstanding shore snorkeling like Akumal is Bonaire. There are many, many locations in Bonaire where you can drive up and walk right into amazing snorkeling with no entry fees.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 8:04:58 PM

Bosco

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From where you are, I vote for Maui. Not a bad flight. Great shore snorkeling. Lots of reasonable condos for rent and the price of dining out isn't bad compared to some Caribbean islands. I prefer west Maui for the greenery but south Maui has even more beaches and snorkeling. I like Napili in West Maui or Wailea in south Maui. I do not like Kahului.

Bosco

< Message edited by Bosco -- 10/26/2009 8:08:59 PM >

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 8:25:22 PM

nettie

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Thanks everyone. I really want to say that I think Akumal is the bomb! I never wanted to insinuate that it was not beyond wonderful ! Thats why we keep coming back.....
Nor did I mean to be unthoughtful or rude by posting this question on an RM site hosted by a travel company.
Perhaps I should just delete it.....

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 8:30:58 PM

Bosco

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No...dont delete it..its good....just PM whale and ask him to move it to the Edge.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 8:37:05 PM

funcampin

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quote:

ORIGINAL: minnjim

Soliman...if you can access it and to a lesser extent tankah....I've seen peoiple snorkeling in front of Casa Cenote.

Minnjim,

Do either of these bays have a public access, or do you have to stay somewhere?

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 9:09:59 PM

minnjim

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I'm probably not the best person to ask, but I know for sure you can access Tankah by going to Casa Cenote. It's a bar/restaurant open to the public. There's also a cenote right behind the restaurant, but you need to fork over a few pesos to an enterprising individual. The cenote goes underground across the road and empties out into the ocean very close to the restaurant. Kinda cool. From what I hear now, Soliman has some kind of security that is supposed to limit access to residents and renters, but since it's Mexico....

Nettie....no reason to delete or have this thread relocated. No big deal at all.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/26/2009 10:14:44 PM

marjmy

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I'm with Bosco on the Maui suggestion especially where you are located, it can be a very very reasonable trip. We also loved our trip to Akumal and are certainly serously considering booking CRT in April and will spend a few days at Akumal snorkeling. Life is good.....:0)

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/27/2009 6:53:21 AM

crunch

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Cozumel!

We went back there in May for the first time in 12 years and the clarity of the water just amazed me.......

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/27/2009 7:26:13 AM

greekbeachgirl

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quote:

Cuba: Breezes Jibacoa, the ABR of Cuba (with much better facilities). Located between Havana and Varadero so easy to get to. Has a large bay about half the size of Ak Bay with lots of diversity. The resort is a bit isolated but a great spot for quiet relaxation. They even have a lobster nite! There is a budget option next door called Chameleon Villas.

I was going to post about this place!! I was there in June and am returning Nov 2nd!! Great snorkelling right off shore and beyond... but no tortugas
You are so right..it is the ABR of Cuba, especially the staff, and recently renovated..although I didn't think it needed much..

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/27/2009 7:27:17 AM

seemunkee

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St Johns or BVI have great off beach snorkling too. It's going to be more expensive, but the conch fritters are delicious.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/27/2009 10:35:31 AM

2BVI

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Loblolly Bay on the remote island of Anegada in the BVI. We stopped going there because it has become too expensive but we love that place. Loblolly is a beautiful sparsely used stretch of beach and the reef is located similar to Akumal Bay. But it goes a long way. We have seen a few turtles but nothing like Akumal Bay. Cow Wreck is fair. Snorkeling the large island of Tortola was not good the two times we have been there. Off shore is where its at.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/27/2009 11:47:47 AM

fireball

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You could check with David Soliman about Soliman Bay, we'll be there next week and can check out the access. I have ONLY snorkeled in Soliman Bay and love it. Plan to try Akumal this trip. Wondering if you could go to Chamico's (the new beach restaurantin Soliman) for lunch and a swim.

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RE: if not Akumal for off the beach snorkelling... - 10/27/2009 11:54:10 AM

thewild59

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Culebra Puerto Rico has great snorkeling from the beach. Flights to San Juan from Chicago were $232 for May 2010. We are booked! Just google Culebra and you might find it interesting. Great beachs and snorkeling and diving, but not much else to do.

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