Start with the lagoon and Coral Gardens just outside your door. Snorkeling in Half Moon Bay is not to be missed. Hurricane Gilbert (September 14, 1988) deposited sand in close, so the waters are shallow for quite a distance in front of the condos. Going straight out, the reef will bring you to a wonderful coral garden
Half Moon Bay is a much-used nesting site for Sea Turtles, so if you are fortunate to be here in June or later in August you will no doubt see the tracks left by turtles indicating where eggs have been deposited and where, 60 days later, baby turtles will emerge and make their way to the ocean.
Yal-ku lagoon (left) is located one-half kilometer north.
Just walk north to the end of the road near Casa Romero, (please do not
park in their driveway) and you will find the beautiful lagoon. On a calm
day try the mouth of the lagoon where you will find several types of coral
and other marine life. The "oily" appearance sometimes noticed in the
lagoon is a halocline, an optical phenomenon caused by the mixing of salt
water and the fresh water from springs in the lagoon.
Xel-Ha is located 12 kilometers south of Akumal and is a beautiful park and lagoon famous for snorkeling and popular for tours from Cancun. There is an entrance fee per person. A beach bar restaurant, snack bar, and rental of underwater cameras and snorkeling equipment are available. It is best seen if visited early in the morning before the buses arrive from Cancun. At the entrance to the actual lagoon are a few small shops with local crafts and a snack area.
Akumal Bay has interesting snorkeling especially on the north end of the bay near where the canons are mounted on the point by the large house and Las Casitas.
Xcaret, located approximately 5 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen, is a privately-owned ranch that has opened its doors to the public. The park features a small Mayan ruin, a series of underwater tunnels and cenotes, a natural inlet, a breakwater, and a beach. You can swim in the underground river system or dive among the tropical fish. There is an entry fee. Scuba diving is available for an additional charge.
Many other beaches are also available for your enjoyment. Paamul, Kantenah, Chemuyll, Xpu-Ha, and Xcacel, just to name a few. Puerto Aventuras includes a real estate development, hotels, a golf course, shopping, and a museum.