experience of the week

Adventures in Riviera Maya

When holidaying in Riviera Maya it’s essential that you experience some of what Mexico really has to offer. If you’re game for an adventure, something to get the blood pumping and the adrenaline going; then you simply have to take a trip with Aventuras Mayas. The ‘Snorkel Extreme’ is guaranteed to fulfil all your daredevil instincts with an action packed day of rappelling from dizzy heights, taking a dip in a fresh water Cenote, zip wiring through the jungle, and snorkelling with turtles, all the while getting to experience the exotic natural beauty of Riviera Maya.

You are assigned a bilingual tour guide to lead you along each stage of the trip, illuminating the group about many fascinating facts and traditional Mayan tales along the way. The trip begins with rappelling from a rather high platform into the entrance of a cenote - not for the faint hearted! You are directed to stand on the ledge, on your tip toes, and lean backwards over the sheer drop until you are at ninety degrees. Once you have managed this, the hard part is over as you then begin your decent - there really is no better way to conquer your fear of heights!

Next on the agenda is the Mexican cenote. The privilege of discovering the stunning rock formations as you swim and snorkel in a mystical underground river is truly unforgettable. The cleverly placed lighting brings the cenote to life as you lower yourself in to the cold, fresh water and witness the beautiful underwater Mayan world.

Time to get the heart pumping again! Upon arrival in the jungle you are geared up with safety equipment and given a thorough briefing about your forthcoming zip wire experience. When ready the guide takes the lead on your ascent above the trees. The dramatic views for miles over the lush green landscape make you truly admire the breath taking wonders of Mother Nature. Escaping reality never felt better as you endure pure thrill while speeding through the air, over tree tops zipping along a 66ft wire.

At lunch you have the opportunity to indulge in a taste of some truly delicious Mayan cuisine. Once you are re-fuelled and satisfied it’s time to head on over to the magnificent Akumal beach. The postcard views are unbelievable with white sun soaked sand being lapped up by the crystal clear blue ocean. Once equipped with fins and snorkels you are ready to make your way in to the glorious sea. At ‘Turtle Bay’ getting to see a marine turtle is not guaranteed, and is dependent on the time of year, but if you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time it’s an adventure you’ll never forget. As the gentle turtles swim calmly below, beside and around you, it feels like a scene from Finding Nemo. What a truly unique experience witnessing the striking underwater world on your snorkelling adventure.

Upon your return to dry land you are encouraged to take some time to relax on the picturesque beach, with a cold beer and a smile on your face. There are photographers that follow you around during your day of adventures and you will be offered the chance to purchase the images at this point, but after such a wonderful action packed day, it seems hard to imagine not wanting to keep a little piece of it.

Jess Whitworth had the experience of a life time on her ‘Snorkel Xtreme Adventure’ courtesy of Aventuras Mayas, during her family holiday to Riviera Maya in July 2011. The family would like to say a huge thank you, and thoroughly recommend their fantastic tour guide SpongeBob!