Akumal Bay is known for its assorted species of sea turtles which use the area for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to experience the turtles in their natural habitat, including the many varied species of fish and plant life.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the best activities to pursue during a visit to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good site choice, snorkeling is very easy for even first-time beginners.
One popular site for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This site is an very rare environment where fresh water coincides with salt water from the ocean. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.
Only very specific species can live and prosper in this halocline lagoon, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an altered appearance of the water itself. Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been featured on many travel channel specials in recent years.
Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and bright fish displays. Interested snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite interesting for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to original civilizations that once occupied the area.
Snorkel lessons are always a good idea forfirst-timers prior to traveling to one of these sites. Although the activity is simple, some find that they are uneasy with the equipment or unsure how to best watch the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.
A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.
Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be seen when snorkeling after nightfall. This is usually because they are night-feeders or resting during the daytime.
The octopus is a excellent example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at nighttime, and change color when a flashlight beam shines on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a family-friendly activity also.
Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night. This creates greenish lights glowing either continuously or flashing at night – quite a view for one who is only used to snorkeling during the daytime!
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