Punta Allen Possibilities?

[AdGuy]

So, I'm thinkin' of gettin' one of those fancy tickers y'all have. Of course to be legit, I'd actually have to have a date set for my next Tulum vacation (we're in the planning stages for a November visit). As many of you know, I'm not one to sit still or to go back to the same place twice. As a result, we're looking at a split trip between Punta Allen and Meridia.

I know many of you have stopped in at Xamach Dos and a few have stayed there. Has anyone stayed "further down" in Punta Allen? We're looking at probably three nights down there. Nothing fancy (heck...I just returned from a vacation where I slept on the ground and had no hot water/showers in 107 degree weather) but should be clean/quiet.

Let me know (even hearsay),

[ziggy]

So, I'm thinkin' of gettin' one of those fancy tickers y'all have. Of course to be legit, I'd actually have to have a date set for my next Tulum vacation (we're in the planning stages for a November visit). As many of you know, I'm not one to sit still or to go back to the same place twice. As a result, we're looking at a split trip between Punta Allen and Meridia.

I know many of you have stopped in at Xamach Dos and a few have stayed there. Has anyone stayed "further down" in Punta Allen? We're looking at probably three nights down there. Nothing fancy (heck...I just returned from a vacation where I slept on the ground and had no hot water/showers in 107 degree weather) but should be clean/quiet.

Let me know (even hearsay),

I was in Punta Allen last week and if you take the road to the end, where the sand gets very soft, you will find many beach front "hotels". We stopped at one and they arranged a snorkeling trip for us and then we had a lovely lunch there (the food was mediocre, the snorkeling sucked, the beer was ice cold and the company divine). Overall a positive experience as the snorkeling trip included many other stops and things to see.

Contact info for them is:
Cuzan Guest House
Calle 77, # 767
Apdo 24, Felipe Carrillo Puerto
Q. Roo, Mexico 77200

983-83-4- 03-58 (USA Prefix 011-52)
Email fishcuzan@aol.com

Didn't see the rooms but they had some. I hope this gives you a good start. There were many of these small hotels in a row on the beach. Beware of the sand!!!

[stlgail]

Lee, We stayed at Xamach in March. We spent a day in Punta Allen and organized a snorkle trip with the owner of Serinadad Shardon..(spelling?) She was awsome, and her place looked great. We are thinking of staying there next year, for a couple of days. She went along on our snorkle trip and we went way out. Saw tortugas, grouper, and a host of other cool fishies & coral. The town has a nice laid back-do nothing vibe. Not sure if I'd last a full week, but 3-4 days would be fun. I think the owners name is Niki. Ask Margo from Xamach, they are buds.:twocents:

[Steve O]

To tell you the truth, your three nights are better spent in Xcalak or Majahual. There is not much in Punta Allen except for lobster and saying you have been there. The beaches aren't that great with a lot of sea grass and murky sand. I've been there about six times and it is usually for lobster or taking a few people down who want to experience a trip that is exciting. The drive down is fun but coming back is so so because you have already done the bumpy road thing. The bridge is ok now so that is no longer exciting to cross. I would recommend you stay with Sean and Nicki at their place. It use to be called Sarinas but changed the name. It's right before the Let It Be Inn.

[HhowieE]

Hhmmm, differing opinions, I like it, the opinions I mean.
I fit in the middle but biases may come out, I like Punta Allen.
I have a desire for very little when I am in the "hood".
Niki is a very special woman and the place she calls home,
which was built with passion is called, Serenidad Shardon.
http://www.shardon.com/puntaPage.html
Nice location, great place to hang yer hat.
Sorry to hear that the food at Cuzans was dissapointing, usually excellent.
Snorkle trip was no fun?
I thought that it was more stimulating than Akumal but, I am different.
Steve, the drive can be good both ways, depends on what time of day ya do it. You must avoid the jeeps is all.
Remember it is a fishing village and treat the trip accordingly.
I am good for 2 or 3 days in Punta Allen then I hafta get back to the ranch, as I said, I have some biases.

Salud,
Ron

[AdGuy]

Thanks folks...really helpful info! SteveO you are a wealth of info and I greatly appreciate your input. And, ziggy, Ron and stlgail, I'll definitely investigate the recommendations you offered. Thanks for sharing!

Anyone else?

[susan]

I didn't stay there but plan to for at least a couple of nights next trip. I thought the snorkeling was great, maybe we were in a different spot. It is a remote place, nothing really fancy, just restful. We also went to swim at a sandbar that was quite nice but not sure where it was with relation to the village, a little north I think via boat, you just go where the captain takes you.

[dmfran]

Not trying to hijack but did anyone dive the Punta Allen area? Thanx

:beerchug:

[Steve O]

I don't mean to sound negative about Punta Allen but if you are on a week to 10 day vacation you should spend it somewhere with nice beaches like Tulum. You can go down for a day trip and have a great time but it's a long dusty drive. It use to take 3 1/2 hours to get down even though the drive is only around 20 miles. Now it's easily done in 1 1/2 houres each way. The Boca Paila bridge is now new. Makes crossing easier. There is not much to see on either side of the road except in a few spots. If you were going to spend a lot of time in the area to explore then you would definately have a great time. I could live there but it's not for everyone. Punta Allen is where the roads begin.


A few old photos:


The road is great to start off.



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/puntaallenroadpic054web.jpg


It gets worse the further down you get. Try to avoid going after a rain fall.



http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/puntaallenwaterhazard2.jpg


The old bridge.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/bocapailabridge1.jpg


Road to the lighthouse.


http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/puntaallenbeachroad.jpg


The new lighthouse.


http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/puntaallennewlighthouse.jpg


Entrance to the lagoons.


http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/puntaallenentrance.jpg


There are 5 miradors that you can climb and look out over the lagoon. A nice place to watch the sunset. All can be reached by wooden walkways. LOL


http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/puntaallenelmirador.jpg


The beach area by Sean and Nicki's place.


http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/puntaallenhotelbeach.jpg

[AdGuy]

W:eek:W Steve...those pictures are priceless...especially the old bridge! Some perspective here...I live in Florida so hangin on a pretty sweet beach (though not as nice as those found in Tulum) is as easy for me as travelling to Schaumburg is for you. As for Punta Allen, it's more of a remote "no one in the world can bother me" feeling that I suspect PA might provide that intrigues me. I realize the road will be rough (part of the appeal) but I've driven in Costa Rica (aka the moon) and am pretty comfortable dodging the ditches. That said, is it a waste of time? There's just so many places to explore in Mexico (heck...in the world) that I don't want to blow precious days off.

[Margoinmexico]

:beerchug::beerchug::beerchug::beerchug::beerchug: :beerchug::beerchug::beerchug:Hey! I just got my computer working and look, the first post I see is this one! :wave:

I've just got to say, I love it here at home in the Sian Ka'an. I just got back from two weeks in the states, had a GREAT Vacation, but I'm so glad to be home.:sun:

BTW, Xamach Dan is here and says HhowdeE. Storms been great....muy bonita.

Next, I so recommend coming down the road. The road is great right now, I just went to town and back after a major storm and there are NO potholes like the one in the picture above. In fact it's just really good right now and has been for really a year now. I used to tell people it would take another hour or more to get to Punta Allen, but now I say 30 or 40 and I can do it in less..........:eek:

So from Tulum expect it to be something you start in the morning, and if you want to you can be back in the evening. Driving the road at night is a great option, lots of life out there It's a whole day trip of fun. And even more fun if you stay a few days along the way.
:beerchug::beerchug::beerchug::beerchug::beerchug: :beerchug::beerchug::beerchug:

:rolleyes:If I had a 10 day vacation, I'd spend part of it in Tulum Beach, and the rest in Sian Ka'an, doesn't matter where, it's all good.

I spend my time off in Punta Allen with Niki and love it. In fact there's a big fishing tournament on June 14th and 15th, the whole family is coming. I'm gonna spend the whole week with Niki and Diane while HhoweE and Xamach Dan watch the Ranch. Better come down and keep an eye on them.......;)
:beerchug::beerchug::beerchug::beerchug::beerchug: :beerchug::beerchug:

Missed you all.................:sun:

[AdGuy]

Welcome back, Margo! Glad to hear the computer is back chuggin along!! For a second there, we thought you decided to stay in the States!!! :D

[minniemex]

Welcome back Margo!! Glad you enjoyed your time in the states!! But I would be happy to call Tulum home too!!

[Margoinmexico]

Good to BE back!:o Got more toys..........so I'm set for a while. I hadn't been home in a year..........:eek: (sort of).

[jodiesme]

We spent 5 days down near Punta Allen at Sol Caribe and absolutely loved it. The beaches were fantastic. Very few people out and about there. Met a couple of the neighbors on our morning walks, but other than that just the other guests at Sol Caribe. Beaches were great. White sand, big waves in some spots but we walked a bit further south and found a great place to hang out and play in the water. So far we haven't stayed at the same place two times either but when we get a chance to get back to Mexico we are going to stay there again.

front cabana and a corner of the restaruant
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0820.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0821.jpg
view out of the restraunt

[jodiesme]

our beach hang out we walked to it but found out later you can park real close to it if you drive.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0755-1.jpg

the beach at Sol Caribe

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0719.jpg

Our Cabana set back a little ways from the beach but still with a view of the water. At first we were hoping for the one up front, but found we like this one even better. It was more private and out of some of the winds that were kicking up pretty good at the end of February

<http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0718.jpg

[jodiesme]

approaching Sol Caribe from the south

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0819.jpg

and last but not least... our afternoon's art work.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0847.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0849.jpg

[Gale in KY]

LOVE the "Flip Flop" graveyard..heehee..that picture would make a really neat avatar!

[minniemex]

Gale & I are usually on the same wave ~ love the flip flop picture!! Thanks for sharing Sol Caribe with us!! We don't get too much reporting on them!!

[susan]

Can we get more info on Sol Caribe please, isn't this sort of a really laid back AI, i.e., meals included? How was the food, how far into Punta Allen if you wanted to eat someplace different?

[jodiesme]

The food was great. We didn't have our food included, but I believe it is the preferred option. We just had a running tab and paid at the end. Didnt end up being too expensive or anything. If you go " all included" they will also pick you up at the airport and take you back but we wanted to have a car for exploring. They eat sort of family style. He cooks up a big dinner and everybody has the same thing unless you speak up and tell him you dont like something, then he will change it around for you. We had everything from Chicken salad for lunch to some fantatsic seafood pasta dish that I would LOVE to duplicate. Lobster, calamari, shrimp, fish, and more all in a yummy sauce over pasta. One night the owners had some friends over to join us, they brought their guitar and flute. After dinner they entertained us with blues and folk music. A couple of the other guests had also brought guitars so they played and sang too. It was quite the experience and added to the trip. There are only 4 cabanas so its pretty informal. You can be a socialable as you like. If you dont want to eat with others, you could sit at one of the smaller tables too. I'm not sure exactly how far Punta Allen was. I think it was about 8 km? A quick drive if you wanted. We only went in once. I thought we would do more exploring while we were there, but we were pretty content just spending the day on "our" beach. Thieir property also goes on the other side down to the lagoon side with a trail and kayaks were available to float around in from Sol Caribe.
A quick story to show how relaxed we were. We had decided to go check out Punta Allen and hopped in the car. We were about half way there when we realised neither one of us had thought to bring any foot wear. Both of us were barefoot. It was so easy to go from room, to the beach, to the restraunt and never even put on our flipflops that we hadn't even thought to put any on when we left. Pretty nice.

the only meal I managed to remember to take a picture of Pork chops

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0743.jpg

the owner and cook and the resident kitty (there are also 2 dogs)

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0828.jpg

the "lagoon" at sunset

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0832.jpg

our room, sorry I forgot to take a picture before we tossed our stuff around

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0706.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0705.jpg

the rest of my pictures are here

http://travel.webshots.com/album/562682744HlnBYL?vhost=travel

We also stayed in Playa for a couple of days and Soliman Bay for 4 nights.. so they are in there too.

[AdGuy]

Thanks so much, jodiesme! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_11.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS) Your details and photos on Sol Caribe look amazing!! According to Loco Gringo, it looks like rooms go for $140/night (plus 12% tax) or $300/night for a couple if you go all-inclusive...does that sound about what you paid? And, do you feel it was a good value?

[jodiesme]

I think the rates have changed since we reserved with them. I will send you a PM with the info. But yes... I think the 300.00 for a couple would be worth it.

[farmboyswife]

Omg! I recognize those doll parts in jodiesme pics! I can't believe they are still around! Hubby and I saw them on our beach walks from Sol Caribe when we were there in November 2006! We kept wondering how on earth doll parts would wash up on the beach. And they were from multiple dolls! Creepy!

And the shoes! I kept trying to imagine all the situations where you could lose your flipflops while on or near the ocean. A sudden breeze on a cruise ship? Dangling your feet over the side of a panga and oops? Lost while jumping in or out of the panga? Left too close to the shore while swimming? There were SO MANY SHOES! How could they really have ended up there? Or is there some unscrupulus garbage scow of shoes dumping in the ocean? How can this be? I'm still scratching my head.

The amount of debris on the beach made me sad and disgusted at the PIGS in our world. Of course there was no debris at Sol Caribe, but all around it.

I agree Sol Caribe is a very nice place to stay and we enjoyed it. Very quiet, very relaxing, good food, miserable drive. But, I enjoy the Tulum beach road much, much more.

And while they offer an AI price, it is not really an AI in any other way. It is just a convenience because there is absolutely nowhere else to eat unless you drive to Punta Allen, 15-20 minutes of crummy road.

As for the value of it, I'm not sure. LG has the room only for two for $140 per night, no food. For AI, it is $300 for two. Now, I don't think we ate and drank $160 worth each day, but for a couple of nights, and convenience, no biggie.

If you do stay at one of the places in Punta Allen, I'd like to see a trip report. It would really be remote.

[jodiesme]

That's funny about the doll head. We kept looking for matching parts but never did come up with any.
You would be amazed at the improvements on the road down there. Our first time was in 2006 too, no more giant pot holes to swallow a car, pretty smooth sailing the whole way. Maybe 5 or 10 min, into Punta Allen now. I tried to rent a 4-wheel drive just in case, but somebody else got our car and we ended up with a van of all things. Not a problem. I think pretty much anything could have made it there when we were there.

[DougSR]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/jodiesme/IMG_0828.jpg



Thinking out loud, sorry. But this photo made me think of an oriental guy I saw driving home from work whose bumpersticker read "Cat! The other white meat!

[FITZ]

Hi AdGuy!

Our next trip we plan on spending a few days at Xamach. We'll be doing a few days in Merida as well, soaking up some city culture.
The beaches and remoteness in the biosphere really worked well for us. Alot of eye candy.
Can't say too much about Punta Allen, except that the people telling us where to get petro were extremely friendly. Funny, we thought we were looking for a gas station. The fuel was stored at a man's home in gallons. He didn't have any left. We had to leave as it was possible we would run out of gas in the dark, on the way back to Tulum. From what I saw of Punta Allen, it probably would work better for a day/early evening trip for us. Very sleepy, very friendly. I think we enjoy the trip there more.
Remember the sun sets quite early in November. It had rained the night before we went and the roads were a real "trip". I wouldn't want to have made that drive in the dark. It seems they are in better repair now, but rain is still an issue I'm sure. Good advice was given about the "jeep trippers". They can surprise the hell out of you and can be a bit rude at times.
Have fun planning.

Would love to hear about your Grand Canyon trip!

[AdGuy]

Would love to hear about your Grand Canyon trip!


Thanks Fitz...really good perspective. BTW, I wrote a bit about our Grand Canyon adventure here: http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=2308

[Steve O]

If you're talking about doll parts, I've probably got them. I've been collecting them for the last 20 years. Carl Franz (The Peoples Guide to Mexico) got me started. No matter what beach you go to in the world, you will always find a doll part. I have torsos, legs, arms, feet, hands, heads, etc. I have coolers and drawers full of them. Where do they come from?


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/dollsP6040639.jpg

[Margoinmexico]

I've got a great Doll parts and toys collection on the beach....I actually bagged them up so I didn't lose them during Hurricane Dean! Sorry no pix, computer isn't totally cured yet. :sun:

[Louden48]

Margo,

I don't post much around here...usually on Playa.info, but are you the same person Scott and Terri met a few weeks ago...you just got a new oven? If so, we're considering coming down to Xamach Dos to see you in a week or so. Do you have any rooms availble and what is the cost? THere are 4 in our group...PM me if you need to!

Thanks,

Christy

[Margoinmexico]

Hola Christy,

I got your PM and I am one and the same, love the new stove! :burp:

Desculpeme, pero no hay habitacion.........we're full during the dates that you are asking for.........:eek::o:eek:

I really am sorry you guys can't stay here, but I'd sure like to invite you out to visit...... :beerchug::sun::beerchug::sun::beerchug::sun::beer chug:
Let me know if you can make it...........
Thanks for the interest, and tell Scott and Terri hola!!!!!!!!!
M:boat:

[Serenity]

Hey Adguy, Coming from somebody who lives here, I think Punta Allen is worth a three day trip. Though sometimes, people find it so relaxing that hanging on the beach becomes the primary point of their visit. If you have questions, let me know!
Niki

[Serenity]

Dmfram, there`s no diving in Punta Allen. Only snorkeling and a life jacket is mandatory. There a concerted effort to help protect the reef here and there is no hyberbaric chamber close enough for safety. Maybe in a few years but not right now.

[Serenity]

To tell you the truth, your three nights are better spent in Xcalak or Majahual. There is not much in Punta Allen except for lobster and saying you have been there. The beaches aren't that great with a lot of sea grass and murky sand. I've been there about six times and it is usually for lobster or taking a few people down who want to experience a trip that is exciting. The drive down is fun but coming back is so so because you have already done the bumpy road thing. The bridge is ok now so that is no longer exciting to cross. I would recommend you stay with Sean and Nicki at their place. It use to be called Sarinas but changed the name. It's right before the Let It Be Inn.
Hey Steve O, Just wanted to update you on this post. Let it Be doesn`t exist anymore. The property was sold last year and the new owners Ascension Bay Beach Club, don`t have the money to fix it after Hurricane Dean. Thanks for the lovely comment about Serenidad Shardon. Another factoid, it was never called Sirena`s, she just lived on the property. When we bought it from the Mendoza family it was a private home. Sirena does have a posada in the village and that`s where she now lives. After this last storm, we`ve got a lot more clear beach with very little seagrass. There is a nice little swimming beach just north of town at the point where you can swim in clear water and even walk a few k north to snorkel right from the beach. Hope to see you again!
Niki