Great write up Liz! This makes me smile and brings back so many fond memories.
My wife and I went to Riviera Maya for our honeymoon in 2018. We snorkeled the heck out of the whole region.. reefs, beaches, cenotes, and even water theme parks. I would actually suggest Xel-ha (water park) as a great snorkeling spot for Elena. Its a bit expensive, but is a great park and the snorkeling is all protected and safe from the 'big fish' :)
Akumal was by far our most favorite place in Mexico, and one of our most favorite we have ever been too. Such friendly Mayan locals, amazing food, and soothing vibes.
We stayed at the Canon House which is just down the beach from the tortuga snorkeling. La Buena Vida was our favorite restaurant there.. great food at great prices, not to mention an amazing tequila selection ;). There was also a 'mom and pop' restaurant on the other side of the bridge which was absolutely delicious.
And how beautiful is the bridge now! All that fresh and gorgeous artwork was not present when we were there in 2018. I am very happy to see more love being put into such a wonderful town.
We cannot wait to return after the covid scare dies out. Thank you for this post.
Awww @doon! You just gave the smile right back to me 😀- It is so nice you share the love to this area with me!
In 2018 I still lived there, and I have to tell you that it is even more beautiful now, because the locals care about sustainability!! I was thinking of Xel-Ha waterpark for Elena, but I don't like those touristy places too much, and it is also really expensive for what it is. Also I did meet a whole group of Barracudas in Xelha last time I went.. so I am not so sure they take care of the "big fish" 😅😅😅- We went to Bacalar instead 😉
The Canon house is a very good pick! and of course buena vida has awesome food! But I have never tried any restaurant on the other side! Great to get new recommendations, thanks for that! The only thing I know there is that you can drive ATVs and that they sell really great fruits and vegetables at the local market. Did you check out the Monkey Sanctuary?? We didn't have a chance to see it in the end.. but also it looked a bit fake to be honest. More like a zoo than a sanctuary.. I feel like in this times we have to be careful what kind of projects we support 🙂
Yes, the bridge is awesome! The other side is painted as well!! Before it was a little bit sad and now it looks so different and beautiful. I just had to stop and take pictures! Glad you like it!!! In Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Holbox and Bacalar they also have more and more streetart like this. - I just love it!
Well I cannot wait to see what changed after Covid! I know a bit from my friends that live there, but it would be interesting to see it from the view of you guys! Let me know when you write about it 😉❤️
Well, thanks for stopping by and sharing these memories with me @doon! Greetings to your wife as well ❤️
My god, a group of barracudas.. no thanks! Honestly I would rather swim with reef sharks, haha. Yes that park is definitely touristy and was the most expensive activity we did (and though fun to swim around, did not have the best snorkeling).
Is the Monkey Sanctuary at Aktun Chen? We did explore that cave system (again very expensive for the brief tour, but so beautiful). We were the only ones there for the caves so got a 'private' and more chill tour at least so that was cool.
At the end after you exit the caves you walk through the monkey habitat. If we are talking about the same place then yes it is basically a monkey zoo. The cages were not tiny but it was cramped and sadly did not feel like a 'sanctuary' to us (still confined).
I am very happy to hear that the other towns are getting love as well. Hands down Riviera Maya is one of our most favorite places to visit, explore, and relax. Thanks again for posting this.
Perhaps we will create a post of our adventures during the honeymoon.. aahhh such good times!
Lol, I don't know what I prefer. Both are pretty scary! At one of my first scuba dives we saw about 30 reef sharks.. I almost got a heart attack haha.
Yes it is the sanctuary next to Aktun chen. The cave system is so awesome! We went driving with the ATVs around that area! Just wonderful!
Well I would love to read about that! - Let me know if you do!😉 👍