Snorkel in a cenote — Photo courtesy of Aventuras Mayas
Who would have thought that just one tour could show so much of what the Cancun area has to offer? Aventuras Mayas has created the perfect vacation adventure...ziplining, rappelling and snorkeling in a cenote and the Caribbean Sea, all in one day.
Aventuras Mayas is a Mexican company dedicated to providing sustainable excursions to visitors. Their dedication to the preservation of the region's flora and fauna is clearly demonstrated during their tours. Visitors are given clear explanations of when and where to apply biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent and are explained the importance of respecting their surroundings. Aventuras Mayas offers four different excursions, but the most complete is the Snorkel Xtreme.
Fly high over the jungle canopy — Photo courtesy of Aventuras Mayas
You'll be picked up by a comfortable van from your resort in Cancun or the Riviera Maya and be transported deep into the Mayan jungle where Aventuras Mayas rents land from a local family. Their facility is very small and unobtrusive. Next, you'll receive a locker, gear, and clear, simple safety instructions. Then it will be time to climb the stairs to the top of a, eh-hem, very high wooden tower. You'll leave that tower by flying over the jungle canopy on a zip line. There are three zip lines in the circuit, the last one being the fastest and longest. A wonderful aspect of Aventuras Mayas' zip lines is that you are not responsible for braking. Just lean back and enjoy the ride.
Now it's time to rappel. This activity brings Discovery Channel survival shows to mind...you'll feel scared yes, especially when it's time to take the first step backwards off the tower, but you'll also feel strong and powerful once you make your way down into an underground cavern. By this time you will be really sweaty, so it's the perfect time to ease into the freezing cold cenote (underground natural sinkhole) for
The beautiful stalactites and stalagmites make for amazing scenery both above and below the surface of the water. You'll notice underwater openings leading deep into the earth to the underground river system the Yucatan is known for. Don't enter...that's another tour.
Conquer your fear of heights — Photo courtesy of Aventuras Mayas
By now you'll be starving, so it's a great time to have a simple but tasty lunch. Take some time to chat with your guide, they are extremely friendly, knowledgeable and have interesting stories. Eat well, the adventure isn't over and you'll need energy because it's time to hop back into the van and head to Akumal Bay to snorkel with the sea turtles.
You'll watch these endangered treasures munching on sea grass before they swim to the surface for a breath of air. If you're quiet and don't move around a lot, they won't be at all bothered by your presence. You'll also see rays, fish and a large coral reef. Afterwards, grab a beer or cocktail (not included in the tour) and check out the photos of your activities. You can purchase a disk of all photos for a reasonable price.
Get close to sea turtles (but don't touch) — Photo courtesy of Aventuras Mayas
It's hard to say which part of this tour is the best, because each activity is amazing it its own right...Aventura Mayas' Snorkel Xtreme tour is an unforgettable day of adventure during your Cancun vacation.