Akumal

The Basics

Most Akumal tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other Riviera Maya destinations. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours are a good way to experience Akumal’s coral reef and resident sea turtle population, while jungle ATV and zipline excursions allow you to experience the town’s nearby jungle. Some combination tours visit Akumal along with the Tulum ruins and various cenotes (underground pools).

Things to Know Before You Go

• Akumal is an ideal destination for nature lovers and peace-and-quiet seekers.

• Be sure to bring sun protection, swim gear, water, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Be careful not to touch the sea turtles or any other wildlife in Akumal.

How to Get There

Akumal is located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region, roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen and 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Cancun. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or as part of a guided tour.

When to Get There

The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities. Arrive in the morning for the best chance of spotting sea turtles.

What to See in Akumal

Be sure to check out Half Moon Bay, a famous spot for sea turtle sightings, along with Laguna Yalku, a protected snorkeling area. Akumal Bay is also a good spot for swimming, reef snorkeling, and sunbathing.

What is Akumal known for?

In Mayan, Akumal translates to “Place of Turtles”—and sea turtles are what this coastal resort on the Riviera Maya is all about. Once a tranquil alternative to Cancun (and then Tulum), Akumal is now a buzzy resort town. But with wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s still a great place to unwind.

Can visitors swim with sea turtles in Akumal?

Yes. While many places on the Mexican Caribbean require a boat ride to reach sea turtles, visitors can find these gentle marine animals grazing on seagrass right off the shores of Akumal Beach. (There is typically a small charge to access the beach.) Visitors can bring or rent snorkeling gear.

How can visitors avoid damaging the marine ecosystem?

This is a big issue in Akumal, where tourism has had a negative impact in recent years. Following basic guidelines helps. Never, ever touch the turtles. Don’t wear sunscreen (use a rash guard instead) or snorkeling fins, and refrain from standing on seagrass. And don’t urinate in the water, as this can harm marine life.

What is the best time of year to visit Akumal?

December to March is by far the most popular time to visit Quintana Roo, but it’s also the high season—expect more crowds and higher rates. The rainy season hits in summer and early fall. That said, showers typically last only a few hours, and visitors will encounter far fewer people.

Other than Akumal Beach, what else is there to do in Akumal?

The town of Akumal, with its restaurants, shops, and galleries, is a nice place to explore on foot. Animal lovers will appreciate the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, which rehabilitates primates, birds, and even zebras. And nothing says Riviera Maya like cenotes—cool off in Gran Cenote or Yal-ku Lagoon, both a short driving distance from Akumal.

Which is better, Akumal or Tulum?

That depends. Once a fishing village, Tulum is now a hipster party mecca—equally popular with yogis and wellness gurus as EDM enthusiasts. It’s perfect for capping off beach days with nights out, since bars and clubs abound. Akumal is a good pick for snorkelers or scuba divers.

Ways to explore

Akumal’s beach is tricky to access unless you pay to enter via a hotel or beach club. So while you should be able to enter the water for free and snorkel, you may find this difficult to do in practice. However, there’s no shortage of Akumal sea turtle encounters and guided swimming experiences. Do your research well and opt for an eco-friendly/ethical experience with a guide who prioritizes the turtles’ wellbeing and their natural habitat.

Many Akumal day trips offer turtle swimming plus a visit to a cenote or the Maya ruins at Tulum. Often these include round-trip transportation from Riviera Maya hotels for a convenient, car-free day out.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users may use the boardwalks to see the beach.

Age limits

Tour operators set differing minimum age and swimming levels for turtle tours, so check before you book.

What to pack

Rash guards instead of sun lotion to protect the fragile marine ecosystem

What to wear

Sun hat while you’re on the beach

Not allowed

Snorkeling fins, standing on the sea grass, sun lotion, urinating in the water

Amenities

Hotels, shops and eateries in the town

Address 

Akumal sits roughly halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on the Riviera Maya, just across from the island of Cozumel.

Driving

From Playa del Carmen, follow highway 307 in the direction of Tulum. From Tulum, follow the road to Playa del Carmen and take the exit for Akumal. There’s a paid-for parking lot (bring cash in pesos) by the main entrance to Akumal Beach, or other parking lots within walking distance around the town.

Public transportation

Use the shared shuttle (colectivo) route between Tulum and Akumal, for a wallet-friendly way to reach the town. Alternatively, there are public buses that run toward Playa del Carmen from the ADO bus terminal in Tulum, however there’s not a frequent service in this direction.

Best times to visit

Visit as early in the morning as possible for the best chance of seeing turtles without too many other tourists around.

Best days to visit

Skip Sundays when the beach could potentially be busier with locals.

Best months to visit

Nesting season is May through October, with hatchlings appearing from September through November. Expect more travelers around during the peak Riviera Maya season from December through April.