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Dive - Open waters & "Cenote" Diving
The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are great for scuba diving to experience underwater life on the Great Maya Reef. The coral formations extending along a large portion of the coast are an unforgettable sight which allows you to explore the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. The numerous subterranean rivers and "cenotes", formed by water filtering through the limestone, provide another option for those who love diving. Many locations within the jungle provide rental equipment as well as guides and instructors for cave diving.
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Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an
Beaches, coral reefs, cenotes, jungle and coastal lagoons make up the geography of this “Gift from heaven” o “Heaven’s beginning” – according to the translation from the Mayan name – which covers an area of 528, 148 hectares making it the third largest protected natural area in Mexico. In this damp environment, wildlife presents itself in varied forms, sounds and colors. The diversity of flora and fauna is manifested in 800 species of plants, 339 bird species (native and migratory), around a hundred different mammals, a vast range of insects including 90 types of native bees. For these many reasons, Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.
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Akumal
37 Km south of Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya is this warm and tranquil bay whose name in Mayan means Turtle’s Place, owing to the annual summer visits by these serene, ancient creatures which come to lay their eggs on these shores. Apart from the large, pristine beaches, Akumal is also home to several cenotes or fresh water sink holes and for this reason is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
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Xcaret
Located 5 Km south of Playa del Carmen is one of the most captivating spots in the Riviera Maya; within the jungle where close contact with the native flora and fauna is possible in all areas. Xcaret is an archeological park which combines historical Mayan remains with splendid natural resources, emphasized by the cenotes or sacred wells, rivers and lakes (one of which is underground) and beautiful coves. Within the park you can dive and snorkel, watch the parade or participate in possibly the most enjoyable activity; swimming with dolphins.
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Xel-Há
Located 88 Km south of Playa del Carmen is this crystal clear lagoon formed where the waters of the Caribbean Sea meet the fresh water of the region’s underground river system. It is considered to one of the best natural aquaria in the world due to the huge range of species of flora and fauna it is home to. This makes it a splendid site to dive and snorkel
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Cozumel
This is the largest island in Mexico. Its name means land of the swallows and it is said that the Mayan inhabited the island over 2,000 years ago. They considered it to be the home of Ixchel, the god of the moon, representative of love and fertility. Today Cozumel continues to be a cult destination only these days it is not devotees of the moon god who visit, but wave and water sport enthusiasts who thoroughly enjoy free run of the 18 Km of water which separates the island from Playa del Carmen.
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Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is a tourist complex of sumptuous hotels located on beautiful white sand beaches. Here you will find water sports, a golf course, a nautical museum and a chance to experience the sacred waters of the Mayan cenotes. It is located 30 Km south of Playa del Carmen.
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Chichén Itzá
This is one of the most famous cities in the world, locates 243 Km from Playa del Carmen. The site covers an area of almost 10 sq Km (according to experts in its height of power it would have covered 100sq Km) and is home to magnificent buildings whose historical value was recognized by UNESCO in 1988 when it was declared a site of Human Heritage. On the 7th of July 2007, it was recognized as one of the “New Wonders of the World” by a private organization which asked the opinion of voters from all over the world.
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Tulum
Located 70 Km south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum is not only the home of the largest coastal archeological site in Mexico, it is also a great destination for nature lovers. This spectacular Mayan city is a very popular tourist attraction; however Tulum also offers stunning white sand beaches and warm Caribbean waters which are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and horse riding. The crystal clear waters of the area’s cenotes attract divers and explorers from all over the world and Tulum town provides a great variety of fine restaurants, boutiques and hotels.
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