Place to visit near Riviera Maya Hotels see new attractions
Playa del Carmen, 30 minutes south of Cancun, has quadrupled in population in the past few years, due in large part to its wide soft beaches, miles of snorkel-friendly reef and proximity to Cancun's airport.
Even further south, the Riviera Maya becomes more laid-back, with smaller enclaves of resorts – many with beautiful strands of clean, palm-lined beaches carved out of a flat jungle. This section of the Rviera Maya is more about the natural environment, which helps explain the prevalence of natural parks designed to raise visitor's appreciation of the ocean environment.
Xcaret is the largest such park. You can spend the day floating through underground caverns, snorkeling in lagoons, swimming with manatees and visiting a sea turtle nursery, butterfly pavilion and aviary.
Budget-minded travelers can choose from family-run hotels, fishing lodges and beach shacks without electricity tucked among villages and coves running down the coast.
The Riviera Maya saves one of its best cultural offerings for last: 80 miles south of Cancun is Tulum, well-preserved ruins of the ancient Maya civilization, perched on a 40 foot cliff above the shimmering Caribbean. Stroll among temples and dwellings that were abandoned after the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s.
Coba, a vast jungle city 30 minutes west of Tulum, was occupied by the Maya between 800 A.D. and 1100 A.D. and features steeped pyramids, temples, ball courts and uncovered ruins. and Chichen Itza
Back up north a short ferry ride from Cancun is Isla Mujeres (Island of Women), a very relaxed alternative to Cancun's frenetic pace. Highlights include snorkeling the vibrant reef of El Garafon National Park and swimming with dolphins.
Cancun's other nearby island is Cozumel, a scuba-lover's dream 12 miles offshore that offers diving for all levels – challenging drift dives, deep walls, shipwrecks, and the popular caves and canyons of Palancar Reef, discovered in the 1960s by Jacque Cousteau.
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What is a Cenote Diving Caverns snorkel underworld
South-East of Mexico, there is an incredible place for the divers and snorkelers ....
Caribbean waters , jungle, and underground rivers called Cenotes, accessible to all.
We made our speciality out of it, and we welcome you on board our dream....
What is a Cenote?
The YucatanPeninsula is located on a limestone platform which was created millions of years ago. Throughout various glacial periods, the ocean level has varied, and this platform found itself submerged by water.
When the level of the ocean drops again, the caves begin forming. The heavy rain falling on these formations dissolves through the rock the carbonic acid from the soil and leaves in putrefaction. This carbonic acid mix carved the fragile rock, creating underground passages in which water would find its way back to the ocean. In this process stalagtites and stalagmites were also formed.
During the last glacial period, the oceans were 100 feet below their actual level. Around 18,000 years ago, the ice started melting and the ocean rose to the level we know now, flooding the passages and generating a wide underground river system like nowhere else on earth.
For the mysterious Mayan civilization, who lived here between 300 and 900 AD, the Cenotes (D'zonot = Sacred Well), not only were a fresh water source, but had also an important role in its mythology: they were windows to the "After World" and a key to their afterlife. Ceremonies and rituals were made to the "Underworld Gods". In some caverns you can still find artifacts.
Now these spaces a the entrre the property of associations charging entrance fees (included in our prices)
Why dive in Cenotes ?
Beautiful
Along the ride, wether you go snorkeling or diving, you will be surprised as you cruise from ligth to obscurity, catch the light effects dropping through the jungle right onto a fossile, feel the light rays exposing mysteries, slalom stalagtites and stalagmites, trace roots sneaking out of earth like from the Mayan sacred underworld...
The water visibility is infinite and will give you the feeling you are flying in another galaxy, when suddenly, you reach the Halocline, where salt water mixes with fresh, appearing like an incredible fantastic cloud... magic.
Unique
There is only one place in the world you can dive or snorkel cave systems without any higher certification than Open Water. Yucatan's Cenotes are world famous. It is worth it...
Easy
The Cenote dives are typically shallow dives (15-30 ft/5-10 m), and open to anyone with an entry level diving experience. The fresh water is extremely quiet, welcoming you to a world of silence and rest. It is an easier diving opportunity for all the people who might be scared of the sometimes adverse conditions of the ocean.
Safe
The paths you will be using will always be wide enough to have two people swim side by side, always within 120 ft/40 m from a direct access to air and daylight, and your groups wil be a maximum 4 divers per guide.
Unlike the ocean, you can always dive Cenotes with bad weather - It is a dive available all year long!
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Shotover Jet Riviera Maya Playa del Carmen Jungle ride
Shotover jet, it's an exciting speedy journey on the exclusive jet of the Cancun Riviera Maya area. Feel the adrenaline with the 360 degree twists and the incredible techniques of our expert pilots. Navigate between jungle while you admire the plenty vegetation around the Holkan Kingdom Park.
Our new operations base Holakn Kingdom is located in the open Cenotes and lagoons of an old abandoned Saxcab mine in the middle of the Mayan Jungle. 10 minutes from Cancun's Hotel Zone. Transportation provided from the Hotel Zone.
Your Shotover Jet Cancun takes you gliding across the waters of the the open Cenotes and lagoons of an old abandoned Saxcab mine in the middle of the Mayan Jungle into the mangrove canals. As you travel at high speeds you will feel the force of the wind rushiShotover Jet Cancunng through your hair and feel the rush of water as our pilots execute one of their famous 360 degree spins.
Operations: Every day at 11AM and 13PM pickup at your hotel along Cancun and Riviera Maya
Shotover Jet passengers from 3 to 99 years old.
For safety reasons people with back, neck and heart problems or pregnant women will not be allowed to take part in this tour.Price: 70.00 / Internet price 65 reserve now,
Holkan Kingdom park reservations phone 998 848-2904
Shotover Jet Cancun reservation phone 998-149-2524
or fill the form belowAnother activities at Holkan Kingdom Park are:
ZIP Line 60 us Holakn Kingdom
Horse back riding 70us
ATV from 60by pax (2pax by atv)
Paint Ball 60us
SEGway 60us
Activities COMBOS
Live a wonderful jungle and ocean experience, discover in one day three extraordinary ecosystems of the Mayan world. Surprise yourself with Mexico´s biodiversity and join us in the snorkeling tour that will change your way of feeling nature.
We will dive into the turquoise waters of the mexican caribbean surrounded by exotic marine life; explore an underground river in the middle of the jungle, and discover the mystical wonders of the mayan sinkholes (cenotes).
You will be accompanied at all times by our professional guides, that will share with you the best snorkeling techniques and information regarding the flora and fauna that inhabits this unique ecosystems. Above all they will make sure you enjoy and unforgettable snorkeling experience.
This adventure tour includes: Transportation in air-conditioned van, professional bilingual guide, entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, lunch and beverages, insurance, taxes.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and footwear, water shoes, sunglasses and a hat, bathing suit, extra T-shirt, towel, only BIODEGRADABLE sunscreen and mosquito repellent, extra cash (tips, pictures).
Important recommendations: Basic swimming skills required. This tour is not suitable for people with severe physical or motor handicap, serious heart problems, or people who are not able to handle moderate physical activity. Children under the age of 6 may participate under the responsibility and direct supervision of a responsible parent or family member. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate in this tour.
Duration: Approximately 7 hours from pick up to drop off at your hotel
Description:
The Sea - inlet
Always guided by the philosophy of enjoying nature at its best while preserving the natural environment, we will visit a beautiful and secluded inlet called Yalku . Located in the coastline of the Akumal region, snorkeling in this inlet will allow us to experience a halocline, the natural phenomenon in which the fresh water coming from the underground rivers mixes with the ocean waters. In addition, we will delight in watching exotic birds and marine species for which this inlet serves as their refuge and nesting site.
We will snorkel in the inlet's clear waters surrounded by a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, and if we're lucky, we'll come across sea turtles and manta rays.
In addition to the marine life, we will enjoy the spectacle of the mangrove, an amazing ecosystem that serves as breeding and nesting ground for hundreds of fish species, and as the temporary home of a range of exotic migratory birds from November to May.
You will be accompanied at all times by a professional guide.
Approximate duration: 1 hr 15 min.
The Cavern
The emotion continues! This time, while snorkeling inside an underground river, you will admire hundreds of geological formations including stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and columns, as well as some of the exotic aquatic species that inhabit this underground marvel.
Exploring an underground river with crystal clear waters and observing the magical light effects that the cavern produces, combined with the comfort and safety that are our trademark will inspire you with a deep sense of awe and respect towards nature. After this unique experience, you will understand why these rivers and caverns were considered sacred by the Mayans. For them, they were entrances to the underworld or xibalbá.
Approximate duration: 50 min.
The Cenote
Experience an authentically Mayan adrenaline rush in the middle of the exotic jungle!
This third site is a breathtaking cenote or sinkhole - an entrance to the underground rivers, also sacred for the Mayans - with pristine and refreshing crystal-clear waters. You will be surrounded by glamorous tropical vegetation, which will provide you with an awe-inspiring scenery while you perform the Mayan sacrifice jump into the cenote from one of its cliffs.
You will have time to swim, snorkel, explore, and relax in this natural sanctuary of exquisite natural beauty. Our professional guides will accompany you at all times, and they will share interesting stories with you about the importance of these places for the wellbeing of the local indigenous communities. Finally, they will let you know how you can make a difference by helping the preservation of these natural wonders.
Join us on the perfect combination of culture and adventure tour inside the natural beauties of the Riviera Maya. We will take you to the heart of the Maya land and the majestic archeological site of Tulum with its spectacular views over the Caribbean waters.
Experience the thrill of flying 20m ( 66 ft ) over the jungle canopy in our 580 m . ( 1,930 ft .) long zip-line circuit. The longest zip-line 260m ( 865 ft ) is the longest and fastest in the region!
We will prepare and gear you up to rappel 18m ( 60 ft.) into the depths of an underground river.
Swim and snorkel while exploring the astounding rock formations of a mystical Mayan cenote. (wells)
A delicious mexican lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature will await you at the end of your jungle adventure.
Travel back in time and admire the beauty of the archeological site of Tulum, where a certified guide will make you feel part of history while you tour around this ceremonial center. Our guides will accompany you at all times sharing information regarding local traditions, flora and fauna, making sure you experience an XTREME day.
This tour includes: Transportation in air-conditioned van, professional bilingual guide, entrance fees, climbing and snorkeling equipment, lunch and beverages, insurance, taxes.
What to bring : Comfortable clothes and footwear, water shoes, sunglasses and a hat, bathing suit, extra T-shirt, towel, only BIODEGRADABLE sunscreen and mosquito repellent, extra cash (tips, pictures and souvenirs).
Important recommendations: Basic swimming skills required. This tour is not suitable for people with severe physical or motor handicap, serious heart problems, pregnant women or people who are not able to handle moderate physical activity. Weight limits 120 kg or 270 pounds . Children over the age of 6 may participate under the responsibility and direct supervision of a responsible parent or family member. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate in this tour.
Duration : Approximately 8 hours from pick up to drop off at your hotel
People comments on tripadvisor: We went on the Mayan Adventure tour offered in the pamphlets in the hotel. My husband and myself and our 4 teens all enjoyed the day. You get picked up at your hotel and driven to Yal Kul lagoon for the first snorkel. This is an underground river joining the ocean. Saw Turtles and a Barracuta. Quite a swim out to the reef though so we wre moving alot and I would have preferred to have had more time in the lagoon with the colourful fish. the next place was a cenote cave and that was exciting. Just an open cave, no tunnels or anything too scary. Beautiful! Last was an open cenote and the ritual sacrifice of jumping 35 feet into the lake. Well I used the stairs.... Lunch included and it was a great day.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RESERVE HOTELS Free
number from
Usa & Canada : 1-800-507-1239
Europe 00448008456506
Italy 00-39-06-917-17896
UK 44-808-120-1929
Spain 34-900-808-661
Mexico 01-800-504-1157
