Playa del Carmen has
many marvelous spots to go snorkeling, scuba diving and even cave
diving. Along the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest coral reef
system in the world, you can dive among hundreds of multicolored
fish and discover coral formations that have been around for more
than 500 years. At the sinkholes (ponds connected to underground
river systems) located in Playa del Carmen’s environs you can
explore various caves and caverns full of stalactite and stalagmite
formations, allowing you to take in sights of rare beauty that few
people will have the opportunity to see.
Zona de Cenotes. This sinkhole zone is located west of Playa del
Carmen. In this region you can dive among underground sinkhole
formations such as those at Chac-Mool, La Ponderosa, Dos Ojos,
Nohoch-Na-Chich, Gran Cenote, Car Wash, Chikin Ha, Taj Mahal and
Angelita. In Playa del Carmen you’ll find touring companies that
will teach you how to dive in sinkholes.
Parque Ecologico de Xpu-Ha. Located 32 km (20 mi) southwest of Playa
del Carmen. At this place you can go snorkeling and scuba diving
along the reefs off the coast. In its coves you can observe hundreds
of multicolored fish.
Xel-Ha. Located 47 km (29 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the
Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. This is an ecological park where you’ll
find coves, sinkholes (ponds connected to underground river
systems), lagoons, caves with subterranean rivers and springs that
empty into the sea. Open daily from 8:30 to 6:00. Tel. (998)
875-6000 www.xel-ha.com. At this ecological park you can go swimming
and snorkeling on an impressive tour that allows you to admire
underwater life in crystalline rivers and well-lit caverns. You can
also do the Sea Trek, an exciting adventure tour that gives you the
opportunity to witness marine life without having to be an expert
scuba diver.
Parque Ecologico Tres Rios. Located 11 km (7 mi) north of Playa del
Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. At this ecological park
embedded in a subtropical jungle you can have the memorable
experience of a close encounter with nature. The park is closed due
to remodeling, but will reopen its doors in summer 2006. This
ecological park has eight sinkholes where you can scuba dive with
experienced guides. Among its services, the park offers diving
classes for all skill levels and ages.
Xcaret. Located 8 km (5 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the
Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. At this place, among many other
attractions, you’ll find archaeological ruins of one of the most
important ceremonial centers of Mayan culture. You’ll also see
plenty of natural beauty such as caves, underground rivers full of
colorful indigenous fish, and a reef aquarium. Open daily from 8:30
am to 10:00 pm. Tel. (998) 883-0470. www.xcaret.com. Here you can go
snorkeling and scuba diving on an unforgettable tour through 600
meters (nearly 2,000 feet) of caves and tunnels. Open daily from
8:30 am to 10:00 pm...
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