One Day in Puerto Aventuras | Tao Mexico

The first time I heard about Puerto Aventuras was merely by accident. Several years ago, I was looking for a hotel package toPlaya del Carmen. It was that time of the year where you could find a low cost flight to almost anywhere in the world, but to Cancun. So I didn’t want to spend that much money on accommodation. In a destination such as beautiful asPlaya del Carmen you barely stay in your room. So, that’s how it all started. 

I found a great deal in a very nice hotel “just 15minutes away from Playa del Carmen”. I did not miss the chance and I got my hands on it without blinking. I don’t know if it was because of the upcoming holidays excitement, because of my (two) Spanish lessons or just because I’m not that clever, but for some reason, I thought it meant 15 minutes away from“playa” the beach, not the town. Thank God for that life-changing mistake!

My wife and I had been to Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum many times before, but we’d never heard about Puerto Aventuras. So we definitely didn’t know what to expect­—although we kind of thought it was going to be a disaster. If it was so nice, how come we’d never heard of it?

As soon as we got into the gated community, the beauty that surprised us smashed our thoughts. The cobble stone streets, framed by lush vegetation, guided our way, while the huge luxury residences, villas, and condos all around us let us know we were somewhere special. We passed by some exclusive well-known hotels such as the Dreams Puerto Aventuras and theCatalonia Riviera Maya. So we immediately realized that this beautiful place was going to make us really happy. And it did! Staying there made us feel so joyful that a few years later we decided to get away from our populated city and move to Puerto Aventuras so we could live, breathe, and meditate nature.

I know that Puerto Aventuras can be a blank spot on most maps (even though is just 15 minutes south from Playa del Carmen), but it’s starting to be a point of reference, so I want to tell you more about it. Maybe it will also change your life just as it changed ours. Since we fell in love with Puerto Aventuras in just one day, here are some things you could do inside this beautiful paradise in just 24 hours. 

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Wake up, watch the sunrise and go deep-sea fishing

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In English, Puerto Aventuras means “port of adventures”, and that’s the way you should live it!

6:00 a.m. Wake up, have a coffee on your balcony and drive towards the Marina. Don’t forget to book a boat in advance.

6:45 a.m. Make sure the crew has the boat ready and stocked with supplies. You can also bring your own beverages.

7:00 a.m. Set off your six-hour journey just as the sun starts coming up and watch the beautiful colors as they keep on changing the dark sky. You will be out on some of the most crystal-clear, stunningly blue water on the planet. Keep an eye open, you'll easily spot some sea turtles and flying fish in their natural habitat.

During the adventure, you can try trolling fishing. Even if you have never done it before, it will be easy since the crew is always very helpful.

If you are lucky, you might catch mahi mahi, sailfish, barracuda, marlin or wahoo!

1:00 p.m. Return to the dock and ask the crew to fillet the fish for you. Walk to The Pub, a nearby restaurant where the chef will cook your fresh fish!  You can choose one of the different ways like: fried, blackened, garlic and olive, and a Mexican style with tomato, peppers and onion. Unbelievable!

Since Puerto Aventuras is the only marina between Cancun and Belize, don’t be surprised to see some luxury yachts sailing around. It offers sailors all the services of a top nautical destination and holds boats up to 150 ft. including catamarans and sailboats.

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Immerse yourself in the jungle and exercise

This exclusive community offers plenty to do, especially for nature lovers.

3:00 p.m. Beneath the pleasant shade of coconut palms and jungle trees you can explore the entire community by foot or by bike. There are walking and cycling trails. Some are paved while others are not, but all of them are well maintained, with marked crossings at intersections for safety.

4:00 p.m. Take your cell phone out and watch for exotic birds, iguanas and deer in the lush surrounding jungle. Soon you will realize that nothing compares to the simple pleasure of being in nature.

5:00 p.m. If you feel inspired by Wimbledon, bring with you a racket and enjoy a tennis match on the synthetic grass courts, which are open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. there’s no better way to exercise than doing it outdoors and there’s no better time than when you’re on holiday.

Dining and partying like a star

Puerto Aventuras is in a privileged location allowing you to visit the principal gastronomic, entertainment, and nightlife experiences in the Riviera Maya. Nevertheless, you don’t even have to leave the community to find the best dining spots.

7:00 p.m. Finish your day with a refreshing drink under the sunset. Afterwards, you can choose one of the varieties of restaurants with their dining tables outside and a great view of the Marina. Ask the friendly waiter for their specialties. Most of them offer a high-end cuisine. You can choose among Mexican, Argentinian, Italian, Asian, French, Seafood, Steakhouse, and much more.

10:00 p.m. Move on to a dancing or singing session or simply enjoying some of the live music played along the marina. Feel free to walk to your hotel (if it’s close by), Puerto Aventuras is a very safe place 24/7.

12:00 a.m. Go to bed with a huge smile on your face.

Wake up, watch the sunrise and go golfing

6:45 a.m. Wake up, have a coffee on your balcony, put on some casual relaxed clothes and drive or walk towards the golf course.

You will enjoy every minute there. Its 9-hole course is a great example of quality golf. As a golf lover, I am happy to write that I was more than impressed with the course condition and the experience I had while playing. The greens were in really good shape, and were fast and receptive, and, quite possibly, some of the healthiest Bermuda fairways I have played on.

7:00 a.m. Start playing a round of golf amidst balmy tropical breezes, while you watch the sunrise coloring the sky.

The course is open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. so you can choose between playing 9 or 18 holes.

12:00 p.m. If you haven’t done it yet, let the friendly team take care of you and bring your beers out to you on the course, so you don't have to wait until the end.

1:00 p.m. Since you are already there, end off with a delicious lunch at The Divot restaurant. It serves great food, cold beer and has a beautiful view.

Go for a swim and practice snorkeling in the coral reef

4:00 p.m. Get your swimming gear and walk or drive towards the Omni Hotel. Next to it there’s a public entrance through a walkway to a lovely long beach called Fatima Bay.

Lie on its beautiful white sand beach and then go for a swim in its calm, crystal clear water. Bring your snorkel and have a wonderful experience around the coral reefs. You will see lots of colorful fish and you might even see some turtles.

It is also a wonderful beach to paddle board if you are into it. The best time to paddle though is from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. because there’s no wind and is much calmer.

Dining and singing

7:00 p.m. If you’re the mood to eat out and have some fun, try one of the restaurants with karaoke bar. There are a lot of fun places where the food and the atmosphere is good, especially in the Marina. Feel free to walk to your hotel (if it’s close by); Puerto Aventuras is a very safe place 24/7.

12:00 a.m. Go to bed with a huge smile on your face.

These are just some interesting things to do in a day, but in Puerto Aventuras you can find all kind of experiences: beautiful white sand beaches, two big marinas where there are endless activities available, including swimming with dolphins and manatees, sailing, sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. There’s the Golf & Racquet Club, cenotes, restaurants, hotels, playgrounds, and much more.

Many foreigners live in Puerto Aventuras, so the community has an international feel. It is quiet, safe, and patrolled around the clock. Among the amenities you can find within the community are: ATMs, veterinary, pharmacy, doctor’s office, shops, a dolphinarium, cafés, a beach club, and even a bilingual school.

Since it is a central point where you can move to different Riviera Maya’s attractions, many visitors stop by every year to enjoy the small town feel of this development, so it is also a great place to invest in rental property.

Now you know what to expect from Puerto Aventuras. I really recommend you to come and experience it first hand. But be careful… you might never want to leave!

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