Half Moon Bay is situated along the Yucatan’s Riviera Maya. If you haven’t heard of it before, chances are it’s because it tends to get over shadowed by the neighboring towns of Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Granted, Half Moon Bay can easily remain off the radar for the mainstream traveler but, for those seeking something off the beaten path and not oversaturated with tourists, you may want to schedule a stop over here. Why wouldn’t you want to spend the day in a town where “no shoes required” is their local mantra?
1. Pick up a bicycle & cruise the sleepy town of Half Moon Bay and Akumal. It’s a healthier (and cheaper) alternative to renting a golf cart and is a great way to see the rest of the area.
2. Have a long lunch at La Buena Vida. If you’re not careful, you may end up spending the entire day here! Although there are a couple beachside restaurants in Half Moon Bay, this place is by far one of the best.
Grab a swing at the bar, dig your toes into the sand, and enjoy a fresh juice or a frosty cocktail with a view of the Bay. This place has a daily happy hour and has been known to be the hub of the local nightlife scene as well.
3. Get some R&R. The strips of beach aren’t very wide here but there are plenty of beach chairs and hammocks awaiting your arrival. It’s an incredibly relaxing atmosphere so don’t forget your sunnies and a good book.
The sand bar allows you to walk pretty far out without getting too deep.
No shortage of vitamin D in Half Moon Bay!
Shout out to O2 Denim for these cute fringed, high waisted shorts. They have been put to serious use already!
4. Share a view with the birds. Looking for a little perspective? Climb the miradors (“crows nests”) and take pleasure in panoramic views and incredible sunsets.
5. Stuff your face with some authentic local Mexican & Mayan cuisine. Personally, I could eat tacos everyday for the rest of my life so it was a no-brainer for me when we sat under the beachside palapas and ordered lunch. Seafood is fresh in this region so I also indulged in calypso shrimp stuffed avocados and a fresh natural juice.
A rare on-camera appearance by the guy who puts up with my unquenchable wanderlust and helps me document it along the way. I love you Richie Chance!
6. Try your hand at deep sea fishing! Akumal Dive Adventures is conveniently located next door to La Buena Vida. Your fishing trip includes all the necessary components: boat, bait, tackle, drinks, fishing rods, reels, line & a knowledgeable captain who can lead you to big game. I wasn’t able to try my hand at fishing but it comes highly recommended, as you can take your fresh catch to La Buena Vida and a chef will prepare it for you to your liking!
7. Find local wild life. Between the iguanas roaming the sands, colorful birds flying overhead, or the turtles and sea creatures swimming about, you don’t have to search long before stumbling across any wildlife in the Riviera Maya.
Fun fact: Historically, iguana meat has played an important role throughout Mexican and Central American culinary tradition. I hear it does not, in fact, taste like chicken. Would you try it?
8. Get caught up, literally. Hammocks seem to be an integral part of life on the peninsula and now I know why.
9. Go kayaking! It’s fun but also allows you get a whole new perspective of the surrounding area. As I mentioned earlier, the water is relatively shallow for quite a ways out, making it extra safe for those with children and aquaphobics alike.
If you enjoyed this post and would like to see more of this bikini by Siempre Golden in Akumal…click here.
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Happy Travels!
