During your stay at CEA you will be lodged in dorms with the other volunteers of the program, as well as various local fauna representatives, and will also have access to a fully furnished kitchen

Room
You’ll have a bed in a coed dorm room with five or six other volunteers. The close quarters can sometimes seem a little too close, but most roommates don’t let minor incidents get in the way of becoming close friends.

Housekeeping is the shared responsibility of all roommates, so expect to do your share of sweeping and other cleaning.

Electricity
The rooms have few electrical outlets, so you might want to bring an extension cord to get electricity to your bed. You might need plug-in adapters, since the wall plugs accommodate only U.S.-style two-prong plugs with 110 volts. And you might bring a small night light if you like to read before going to sleep.

Bugs & critters
The dorms sit in front of the jungle, as people here know it, so you can expect visitors -- spiders, lizards, scorpions, and such other critters. They’re dangerous only if you mistreat or mishandle them. You can gently capture them or otherwise scoot them out of the room and back into the jungle.

If you have allergies to insect bites, be certain to bring appropriate medications. And tell CEA staff about how to use them.

Sunscreen and bug repellent are as essential in Akumal, as they are for a walk in the woods anywhere. They can be expensive in Akumal, so you might bring some of your favorite potion with you.

Eating In
For those who plan to cook, the CEA dorms have a shared kitchen.

There are two stores in Akumal with a variety of food, as well as a Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Mega in Playa del Carmen.

On Wednesday and Saturday there is a market with fresh fruits and vegetables located on la cancha in front of the CEA dorms.

Eating Out
You should plan to spend between $10-15 US dollars per meal (around $100-150 pesos) if you eat in local restaurants. Akumal has half a dozen restaurants, Lol Ha, La Buena Vida, La Lunita, Akumalito (also known as the Loncheria), and Que Onda. Prices for an entrée range from $65-$200 pesos per meal.

On CEA property are several restaurants whose rental payments help support CEA. La Ecocina is on the CEA patio; Turtle Bay Bakery serves an eclectic mix of food and sweets; La Cueva de Pescador serves seafood.

Most of the restaurants give CEA volunteers a 10% or 20% discount.

Clothing
The climate in Akumal is usually warm enough that you can live in shorts, sandals and T-shirts and, of course, your bathing suit. Also recommended is a hat.

Sometimes there is rain and some nights can get a little chilly. CEA recommends that you bring warm clothing such as a light jacket or sweatshirt. You should also bring light rain gear. Other items to consider are long pants and tennis shoes.

Laundry
There is a send-out laundry service, and it costs around $18 pesos a kilo.
You can also hand wash in the sink in front of the showers

Bedding
We ask that you please bring the following:
2 towels
1 or 2 sheet set(s) w/ pillowcase (depending on the length of your stay)
1 light blanket or light sleeping bag

Toiletries
CEA does not provide toiletries or toilet paper. Please pack one roll of toilet paper to have for when you first arrive here or make a quick stop at one of the little local grocery stores to buy toilet paper. You can buy items such as toothpaste, toothbrush and shampoo in Akumal.

If you have brands that you like, please bring them, since they might not be available or expensive.

Pack a first aid kit including waterproof band-aids and a disinfectant. Bring all prescriptions for any medication you need while you are here.

Please buy environmentally friendly products.

Equipment
If you are planning to bring computer equipment, it is safe to bring here as long as you use normal precautions. Bring a strong surge protector; the power fluctuates.

• Bring a good flashlight and extra batteries. Rechargeables are best.
• Snorkel gear is strongly recommended, since it is expensive to rent or buy.
• If you are a diver, bring your certification card and your gear or budget for rental.
• Dive certification is available at The Akumal Dive Shop and The Akumal Dive Center.

Entertainment
Music, books, and DVD’s are something that is great for the long-term EcoTourist. If you have any you would like to donate, that is always appreciated. Bring any books, movies or music. There is limited access to TV.

Drug use
Use of illegal drugs or other illegal substances is strictly prohibited when on CEA property or when performing duties as a CEA volunteer.

Money
Akumal has a place to exchange money. You can also exchange in Playa del Carmen as well as Tulum for better rates. We recommend that you bring travelers checks for safety and ease. There are ATM machines at the Super Chomak and the Pueblito grocery store at Akumal, but frequently, they are out of cash.

Security
CEA has a safe that you can use to store important documents including passport, plane tickets and traveler checks. It can be accessed only during office hours; but sometimes the office staff has to run errands or take care of other business, so you might have a short delay in getting access.

CEA recommends that you carry a photocopy of your passport and tourist visa with you at all times.

Communication
There is one computer that can be used for accessing e-mail. Please give the phone number of CEA to family to use only for an emergency. +52 984 8759095

Pay phones are available that use a prepaid card. They are very expensive!!