Category Archives: Riviera Maya News

New Animal/Monkey Sanctuary Open in Akumal

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For those of you who like to explore away from your resort, there is a new monkey/animal sanctuary which recently opened just outside the town of Akumal in the Riviera Maya.  While it is called the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, there are several different types of animals which are housed onsite including several macaws, a couple of boa constrictors, a red kangaroo, a Shetland pony, a lemur, several burros, as well as several different types of monkeys.

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New Akumal Bay Snorkeling Restrictions

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For those of you planning a trip to Akumal Bay to snorkel with sea turtles, please be aware that there are new rules in effect for snorkelers who have signed up with tour groups.  At present, the new rule states the following: Continue reading →

Download Cancun Smart Map App Next Time You’re There

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If you’re not too familiar with Cancun or the Riviera Maya, now there’s an app which can help.  The Cancun Convention and Tourism center has launched an interactive map which allows visitors to gain access to various information about public beaches, shopping malls, entertainment venues, distances between destinations, as well as host to weather widgets and live webcam feeds.  Check out this link for more information concerning what this app covers and where to go to access this great travel “friend”.

Akumal Protest Turns Violent

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Vacationers thinking of visiting Akumal, either to swim with the turtles for the day or those staying in villas or condos in this vicinity, may want to delay or cancel their trips until the situation settles down.  Last night on the 29th what started out as a peaceful gathering turned violent as molotov cocktails, rocks, and God knows what else were hurled at police, protesters, and bystanders with several burned vehicles and a burned police station.  There are reports of missing protesters, but so far those are rumors and have not been officially verified.  These kinds of situations should not affect the AI resorts of Secrets or its neighbor, ABBWR, but guests staying here should not venture to the north of their resorts at this time.  Check out this video–such a sad situation.

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Akumal Bay to Experience Protest

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For those of you planning on visiting Akumal Bay on Sunday, May 29, 2016, there is supposed to be a protest from 5-9 p.m. entailing marching through the arch and dismantling the security fence.  This may not remain a peaceful protest, so it’s best to visit this area another day.

New Trend in Aqua Exercise?

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I wonder if this will be the new trend in aqua exercise at all the resorts or just the upscale ones.  I first discovered the aqua bikes at Secrets Akumal in November, then read that Valentin Imperial Maya and Secrets Silversands also have the same equipment.  Does anyone else know if any other resorts have started this exercise program?  Let me know!

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New Riviera Maya Ecopark to Open

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Experiencias Xcaret has announced that a new ecopark will be opening in the Riviera Maya June 1, 2016 (it originally was supposed to open Oct. 2015).  The new park, Xenses, is approximately 99 acres with a cost of USD $20 million and will be “nature-focused” and thus similar to Xcaret and Xplor parks in its general environmental setting.  Xenses, however, will differ from these parks in that it will focus on the “feelings and experiences” one has with and about nature with an emphasis on sight, touch, and taste.

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Akumal Road Blockade?

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I just came back from Akumal the first part of December and did not encounter this, but word has it that the beach access road into Akumal has been blocked due to a protest which is currently going on. The protest is being staged by locals who are against the new proposal to charge a fee (USD $12 p/p) to enter the beach area.  This is interfering both with tourists who are staying elsewhere and want to snorkel at Akumal Bay and with those who are staying in the area in a condo or other rental.  Check back for updates!  In the meantime, here is a link to an article which explains a bit more about the situation.

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Kan-Kanan Artificial Reef Nears Completion

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Kan-Kanán, the world’s longest artificial reef, is reportedly near completion after a lengthy and careful placement of over 1,000 hollow, pyramid-shaped structures.  The artificial reef was constructed off the Punta Brava coastline and affected the all-inclusive resorts of Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Casitas Royale, and El Dorado Royale.  Each pyramid-shaped concrete and silica-based structure was carefully placed with the aid of a crane and a team of divers–in Mayan, the name Kan-Kanán means “the guarding serpent” which is exactly what the structure looks like from above.  The artificial reef will reportedly deter coastline erosion in addition to providing an eco-friendly habitat for marine life.  The project will be completed by the end of December 2015.

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