Playa Del Carmen Forum & Riviera Maya Forums

Hi I will be staying at the Barcelo Maya Caribe. I hate to lay around at the pool. I like to see the local culture, take the bus, interact. Can u recommend good spots to snorkel? I love to snorkel and am looking for caves and reefs close by. I was also wondering about taking the bus to get around. Thanks for your help. Hope the weather is good. Patti

Hi Patti,

Congrats on your decision to stay near Puerto Aventuras. There are many options for getting around, some better than others and some cheaper than others.

Inside Puerto Aventuras you do not need a car to get around but the Barcelo Maya is not "inside" Puerto Aventuras it is too the south of the entrance and you can't walk the beach even to get there.

Good Snorkeling Spots? Well in general along the mainland coast there are not alot of "easy access" reefs for snorkeling since the reef is a good distance from the beach unlike Cozumel where the island literally sits on the reef and is surrounded by reef with easy beach access. For that same reason along the entire coast from Cancun to Chetumal there is no Beach Diving, all diving is accessed like snorkeling from boats.

There are some great snorkeling tours that you can do and others that you should stay away from. There is a great sailing and snorkeling tour that leaves from the Puerto Aventuras Marina and goes to a beautiful reef to the south to snorkel, offers lunch and guided visit at the Tulum Ruins.

Tours to the cenotes (caverns or fresh water sacred wells) are also organized since access to these sites are limited and can be dangerous for someone who does not know them or has an accident there. There are many cenotes near Puerto Aventuras (to the south) and if you let me know exactly what you are looking for we can connect you with something just for you.

Have you thought about how to get from the airport to Puerto Aventuras?

Getting from the Airport to Puerto Aventuras can be as easy or complicated as you want to make it. Yes Airport Transfers are not cheap... Depending on the number of people in your group it can cost from $85 dollars each way ($150 round trip) to $150 each way ($280 round trip). Puerto Aventuras is not the farthest destination from Cancuns Airport but not the closest either. 1 Hour usually with a fast driver but also depending on the day, I have gone to Cancun from Playa Del Carmen and spent 90 minutes getting there. If you are not going to rent a car at the airport we recommend a pre-arranged, prepaid transfer round trip. There is nothing better than having your ride waiting outside the terminal for you to get you right to your hotel or condo. No waiting for the van to fill up and no sitting in the van while others are dropped off along the way. Most of the per person transportations fill the vehicle before leaving and if you are the farthest away you are the last to be dropped off so maybe spending an extra hour in the van while people getted dropped of doesn't bother you but I hate it.
If you want to arrange airport transfers please e-mail info@puertoaventuras.com and someone will arrange it for you.

Thats all I can think of about your subject right now but don't hesitate to post or email us if you have questions about anything else. If you want to do some of the activities mentioned we can book for you Sailing and Snorkeling with a visit to the Tulum Ruins with a Guide, food and beverage all included or there is swimming with the dolphins and much more.