Kayaks in Soloman Bay

[lynnwatx]

Does anyone know if you can rent kayaks anywhere on Soliman Bay? We stayed there last year and would love to go back and snorkle but the reef is too far to swim.:boat:

[John in DC]

I believe all of the houses on Soliman Bay have kayaks for their guests to use. However, I don't know of any place that rents kayaks for non-guests' use.

There's lots of good snorkeling available from the shore. Just look for the dark spots between the beach and the reef. Those are coral heads, and they offer a great snorkeling experience. During a week on Soliman, I might head for the reef once or twice, but I paddle around the coral heads every day.

[letele]

Good to know, I need to add Soliman Bay to my list of places to go! How would you say the snorkeling compares to Akumal or Half Moon Bay? Thanks!

[lynnwatx]

I was way better than those- best I have ever done casually along the "riviera". Unfortunatly we were staying on Soliman Bay last year when that guy drowned and couldn't snorkle anymore while they searched for his body for 3 days. Yet I still want to go back...

[letele]

Ugh, that is terrible! Hopefully there will be no drownings this year. Such a shame.

Good to know that the snorkeling is so wonderful though! I assume it's much less crowded than Akumal?

[lynnwatx]

Less crowded and no boats!!! Nice deep, clear coral.(probably shouldn't be talking too much about it or it will get crowded) What is happening at the old Oscar y Lalo site- THEY rented kayaks- but I never got around to going out to "their" reef.

[pepper]

Where did y'all decide to stay this time around?

[lynnwatx]

We are staying at Tita Tulum- can't wait!

[think]

What's a good place to park / beach entry point at Soliman Bay? Also, is the exit off of 307 pretty self explanatory? :) Thanks

Here's a map I found of the area. Looks like mostly houses.
http://www.bill-in-tulsa.com/webmaps/soliman_bay_tankah_bay_bw.pdf

[John in DC]

It's all private homes except two very small B&Bs.

Look, don't tell anyone about this.;)

The entrance road has a large whitwashed stucco sign that reads "Bahias de Punta Soliman; it's located about 4km south of Xel Ha, directly opposite Oscar y Lalo's new location on 307. To get to the bay, head down the dirt road about 1km. After crossing a small wetland, the road bears right parallel to the beach. About four or five lots in, there's a vacant lot where you can park. This is near Palapas Caribe and The Last Resort. You'll recognize it by the big white sign that spells out the snorkeling rules for the bay. Please abide by them. Otherwise the owner (it's private property) is liable to drop a tree down over the driveway to keep people out.

[think]

Awesome. Thank you very much :D

[letele]

Thanks for the info, John! Don't worry, I'll keep my mouth shut! ;)

[Lynnette]

Less crowded and no boats!!! Nice deep, clear coral.(probably shouldn't be talking too much about it or it will get crowded) What is happening at the old Oscar y Lalo site- THEY rented kayaks- but I never got around to going out to "their" reef.

I believe it was Lalo's sons that had the kayaks. Lalo still owns the land, at least the point where he's going to be building $$$$ houses. If you stop at the restaurant (now on 307) they might be able to tell you where to rent kayaks. Yes, we do try to stay mum on Soliman. ;):)

[ilovewyoming]

We stay at: Casa de Corazon: GREAT and Canciones: also great:
They both have kayaks..in fact i believe most properties there do...
it's great there...very shallow..lots of rays...reef is not that far.
Worry about the development where Oscars was located..especiallyto the general environment..but then $$$ talks...but that is a very vulnerable area, for hurricaines...and there is going to be a change/loss for the beautiful birds etc that called that bay by Oscars home Especially when the fancy smanchy homes go in..we just plan on going, and enjoying the beauty and peace in late October as long as we can...Nice bay, good people, and not crowded ....

[John in DC]

I share your concern about Paradise Bay, ilovewyoming. However, I think it's an extremely good thing that private homes are going in there instead of a large hotel. Let's face it, that site would have been "perfect" for very dense resort development. Thankfully, Oscar resisted that temptation, which I understand was on the table at one point a couple years ago.

[sctx]

Thankfully, Oscar resisted that temptation, which I understand was on the table at one point a couple years ago.

after 10 years, he's probably still battling the government for permits.... too much mangrove woulda been destroyed...... the residential development has been planned for almost as long

[ilovewyoming]

I have to agree, the private homes are much better for Solimon, and a hotelish establishment would have been horrible. The mangroves need to be preserved, and it's good that something is in place to keep them..(hopefully)
In Utah, the prairie dog is endagered and has found that the Cedar City Golf course and ajoining land is the BEST place to live...laws are in place as to not being able to kill them, and trapping them and relocating them resulted in a large % of them dying off People trying to develop the land are not pleased.. Oh well! ...So what i am getting at: We need to preserve nature, and destroying the mangroves for a buck would have been a bad move...or a bad karma move. Solimon bay is a very peaceful, beautiful place..and sometimes it is hard to think that a part of your seasonal paradise is going to be over populated. ALthough, i admit:
Not seeing those cursed ATV's arriving at the point and making a lot of noise and pollution will be nice. The homes will be much better: But that end of the beach was where a lot of locals would go on Sunday, and have bbq's, and fish and just relax after a long work week. Enjoyed seeing all the fun when we are there every year.

[Lynnette]

We stay at Nah Uxibal, and they have 4-6 kayaks for guests. There's nothing like gliding over the glassy water first thing in the morning.

The property owners on Soliman are VERY happy that the development will be houses. There is a local owner trying for hotel development on the south side of the bay....so far it's not happening.