Other Lodging Options

Iberostar Queztal - This is the first Iberostar property to open along the Mayan Riviera and it remains their most popular and for good reason. The rooms are in blocks set among dense vegetation. The Iberostar chain has its eye on preserving the natural state as much as possible during construction. The vegetation combined with the resident wild life (monkeys, flamingos and other birds) gives one the feeling of being in the jungle. Add to this a gorgeous beach, great food and a short walk to Playa del Carmen and it's easy to see why this property is frequently sold out.

El Dorado Royale - This is the second adults only all-inclusive property for El Dorado Resorts. All of the rooms have at least an ocean view, in suite Jacuzzi tubs, and balconies or patios with hammocks. The El Dorado Royale and its sister property farther south, the El Dorado Resort & Spa consistently receive high marks for food. The property also has casita style suites, a full spa and a fitness center. A stay entitles you to a half day Ak Tun Chen cave tour but many see fit never to leave the property. This is the perfect spot for stressed out couples looking for a chance to just be together.
Porto Real Resort & Spa - This five star resort is located beachfront in Playa del Carmen and offers both all-inclusive and European plan packages. All of the rooms are junior suites.

Activities

SCUBA

Nearly all of the resorts have an on-site dive operation. There are also several in Playa del Carmen. While the diving may not be as famous as nearby Cozumel it is still good and the reef is a short boat ride away. You can usually snorkel right from the beach as well. At the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort the area around the dive shop pier was home to a variety of small fish and late one afternoon we saw quite a few barracudas.

Mayan for "place where water is born" this park is centered around a natural aquarium. Here fresh water springs and underwater rivers combine in a shallow lagoon to create a snorkeler's paradise. Most people start with the River Float. You can either don a floatation vest, hop in a tube or just jump right in. We did the later only to be surprised at just how cold the spring fed river was. Once we overcame the initial shock, we had a great time. The fresh water and the seawater mixed about 5 feet from the bottom. This layer appears almost oily from above and partially obscures the fish hidden below. Since we were not wearing vests we could dive down and check out what was going on. You can also swim beneath overhanging mangroves to see small fish hiding in the shadows. The porous limestone surrounding the river is riddled with small openings that the adventurous snorkeler can swim through to discover hidden grottos. After about three-quarters of a mile the river opens to the main lagoon. Here we found ourselves swimming against the current. We did encounter the largest parrotfish we had ever seen (diving or snorkeling) as well as schools of reef fish and a couple of sting-rays. On the far side of the main lagoon are some caves that you can snorkel into and then look up through the broken ceiling to the sky above. There are also cenotes you can swim in and some Mayan ruins. The all-inclusive entrance price (our package also included a morning tour of Tulum) includes meals and alcohol (the drinks were made with top shelf liquor). The all-inclusive price also includes use of vests, floats, towels, lockers and snorkeling gear (you get a new snorkel to keep). Along the coast, there is a small lighthouse and a beach were turtles nest from May to November. Alas, it is not safe to swim from this beach, but after all of that floating and snorkeling it's not really a let down. The park has a separate lagoon set up for dolphin experiences. This program is not covered in the entrance fee but is none the less very popular. Continued 

Playa Del Carmen Photos

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To book a trip or get more information send an email to kelly@apostcardhome.com or call (281)334-0427
Last modified: 03/29/05