Snorkeling
You have a smorgasbord or snorkeling choices. Choose from Yal-Ku lagoon, any number of bays along the coast (Akumal Bay, Half Moon Bay, Tankah, etc.) or jungle cenotes. You'll see a variety of sea life which might include parrot fish, angel fish, trigger fish, lobster, sting rays, sea turtles, groupers, octopus and a number of other interesting and colorful sea creatures. Please don't use sun screen as it can be harmful to the environment. Bring your own snorkel gear if you plan to do a lot of snorkeling; some rental gear is available at dive shops (see dive shop listings below) and beach areas. Some dive shops offer snorkel tours (see "diving"). Note that there is a daily entry fee to Yal-ku lagoon.

Diving
Akumal is noted for having the best cave diving in the world. A vast system of caves exists throughout this part of the Yucatan. Ocean diving is popular in this area as well. Dive shops (in alphabetical order):

Akumal Dive Adventures: Diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing trips. Also rent kayaks, snorkel gear. Located between La Buena Vida and Vista del Mar on Half Moon Bay. 984-875-9157 or email dive@akumaldiveadventures.com

Akumal Dive Center: Diving, fishing, sailing, rental gear. Located on Akumal Bay next to Lol Ha. 984-875-9025. www.akumaldivecenter.com

Akumal Dive Shop: Diving, fishing, sailing, rental gear available. Located on Akumal Bay next to CEA. 984-875-9032, dive@akumal.com

Aquatech: Diving, fishing. Located at Villas DeRosa in Aventuras Akumal. 984-875-9020. cenotes@prodigy.net.mx

Lucky Fish Diving: Diving, snorkeling. Located on Tankah bay. 984-129-6774 or info@luckyfishdiving.com

Xibalba Dive Center: Diving, snorkeling, gear rental. Located in Tulum. 984-871-2953 or info@xibalbadivecenter.com

You'll also find dive shops in Puerto Aventuras (Mike Madden's Dive Aventuras in the Omni Hotel, or Aquanauts, located on the marina near the Pub, and in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

Horseback Riding
Experience the jungle on horseback and tell your friends how much fun you had!

Punto Venado (Deer Point) is located 10 minutes north of Puerto Aventuras is owned and operated by a local pediatrician. Healthy, happy, gentle horses in a tropical paradise. Bring your own lunch and have a garden picnic.

Selva Maya offers horse and bike tours through the jungle at Santa Cruz ranch. Included in the tour is a visit to a cavern with stalactites and stalagmites anda cenote where you can take a refreshing dip. 984-875-9115 or tours@selvamaya.com

Fishing
Deepsea fishing, bone fishing and bottom fishing are available in the Akumal area. While you may be more apt to catch "the big one" during spring months, you can usually catch something throughout the year. Arrange a fishing trip by asking around at the docks. A number of the dive shops also offer fishing expeditions (see "diving" above).

Golf
Puerto Aventuras has a picture-perfect 9-hole golf course amidst a lush tropical setting. Reservations are not needed. Carts are available. 984-873-5109

Tennis
Tennis is available in Puerto Aventuras on astro-turf courts. 984-873-5109. There is also a new tennis court in Akumal, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; hourly rate is less if you bring your equpment; go to the Las Casitas office at the entrance to Akumal to pay fees and/or rent equipment.

Kayaking
Kayaks are available for retn at Akumal Dive Adventures (Half Moon Bay), 984-875-9157; dive@akumaldiveadventures.com

Kayaks are also available at some beach clubs such as Xpu-Ha. Some private rental villas and condos have kayaks.

Gyms
Don't want to miss your work out? No problem, Peak Gym is located near the basketball court in Akumal. In Puerto Aventuras, the Bella Mar Spa is located in the Omni Hotel.

Yoga
Yoga enthusiasts will be glad to know that several types of classes are offered at the studio above the Las Casitas reception at the entrance to Akumal. Various Hatha Yoga classes (balancing strength and flexibility through physical postures, using the breath) are offered Monday through Saturday. For the schedule: http://yogainakumal.blogspot.com or

contact: leticiaak@prodigy.net.mx or martijohnston@yahoo.com.

Massage and Day Spas
Budha Gardens Day Spa: Located in the heart of Akumal amidst a coconut grove. Offering Mayan clay wraps, sea salt scrubs, cucumber body wraps, facials, reflexology, pedicures and manicures. Reservations and deposits required. 984-875-9423

Massage by Salvador: Relaxing and energizing massage by a Reiki master and massage therapist, Mon.-Sat. Located in the white tent next to Turtle Bay Cafe (above Peak Gym). Stop by to schedule your session.

Massage del Mar: Choose from Swedish and deep tissue, lymphatic cleanse, relaxation or deep tissue. Also offering reflexology, Reiki, hydrating facial, exfoliation body glow. Located in Vista del Mar Hotel (3rd level), North Akumal ; house calls also available. 984-975-9060; info@massagedelmar.com

KidsClub, Childcare, Babysitting
This is a great option for kids and parents. Kids get to play with other kids in a supervised setting on Akumal Bay (between Lol-Ha and Palapa Bar). Children have a fun-filled day with games, arts, crafts and various activities inside and out, plus a visit to the local pizza parlor next door. Meanwhile, mom and dad can explore the Riviera Maya on their own. Kids Club is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rate is $6 per hour; $35 per day. Babysitters are also available for hire at the Kids Club.

Another possibility for childcare: Ask the maid at your villa if she would be willing to do some babysitting for an extra fee.

Or, some folks bring their own nanny.