Akumal, nestled just 23 miles (38 km) south of the bustling hotel zones of Playa del Carmen and 65 miles (104 km) south of Cancun, offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Perfectly positioned halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal is easily accessible, as we discovered on our short 25-minute drive from Tulum during our road trip. This hidden gem boasts pristine white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and, most importantly, incredible snorkeling opportunities right off the shore. Akumal Bay is renowned for its calm, shallow waters and sandy bottom, making it ideal for families and snorkelers of all levels. However, the fine sand can stir up later in the day, impacting visibility, particularly as tour groups arrive mid-morning with less experienced snorkelers. The key to experiencing Akumal at its best is to arrive early and enjoy the crystal-clear waters before the crowds.
Akumal Beach Scenery
Discovering the Underwater Wonders of Akumal Bay
The waters surrounding Akumal Bay are remarkably clear and sustain thriving coral reefs, teeming with diverse marine life. Just a short swim from Akumal Beach, snorkelers can explore vibrant inshore fringing corals and nearby havens like Half Moon Bay and Yal Ku Lagoon. You don’t need to venture far or hire a guide to immerse yourself in an underwater paradise. The bay’s protected environment makes it a haven for a variety of species, most famously, sea turtles, who frequent Akumal as a nesting ground. Snorkeling in Akumal offers the unparalleled experience of swimming alongside these gentle giants and observing a rich tapestry of marine creatures in their natural habitat. For those passionate about sea turtle conservation, consider visiting Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast, another excellent location to witness sea turtle rescue initiatives.
Sea Turtle in Akumal Bay
Akumal Accommodation: Resorts and Relaxation
While many visitors opt for a day trip to Akumal Beach, the area offers compelling reasons to extend your stay. In fact, for a more relaxed and authentic Riviera Maya experience, Akumal might be preferable to more crowded destinations like Tulum. The waters here are notably cleaner, and the beaches tend to be more peaceful. If you’re considering an overnight stay, Akumal provides a range of excellent resort options:
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All-Inclusive Luxury: Secrets Akumal is a premier all-inclusive resort directly on Akumal Beach, providing unparalleled access to the bay and its attractions.
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Sustainable Wellness: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort focuses on sustainability and wellness, offering beachfront pools, diverse international dining, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
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Affordable Villas: Las Villas Akumal provides a more independent experience with spacious villas featuring lounges and terraces overlooking the bay and the protected turtle nesting beach.
Akumal Bay Beach Resort Pool
Navigating Your Way to Akumal Beach
Akumal’s central location makes it easily reachable from several popular destinations along the Riviera Maya. It’s approximately 20 miles from Playa Del Carmen, an hour south of Cancun, and just a 20-minute drive north of Tulum.
The primary route to Akumal is Highway 307, which runs along the coast. Whether you’re coming from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, simply take Highway 307 to Akumal Bay. Upon arrival, especially if you’re heading to the national park entrance, you might initially feel like you’re in the wrong location as you pass hotel entrances. However, continue along the road past these entrances, and you’ll find the national park entrance clearly marked.
Transportation Options:
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Car Rental: Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the Riviera Maya. Parking is available at Akumal, costing around 20 pesos per hour (approximately $1.50 USD). Parking is limited, so arriving early is strongly advised, and remember to bring cash for payment.
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Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but it’s crucial to negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey to avoid any unexpected costs. Expect to pay a higher price, possibly 300 pesos or more each way.
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Colectivo (Public Bus): For a budget-friendly and local experience, colectivos are an excellent option, particularly from Playa del Carmen or Tulum. In Playa del Carmen, colectivos heading towards Tulum depart from Calle 2 between Avenida 15 and 20. Listen for drivers calling out “Tulum!” The colectivo journey from Playa del Carmen to Akumal takes about 25-30 minutes and costs approximately 35 pesos per person (around $2.68 USD) each way. Colectivos run frequently along Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum. In Tulum, ask your accommodation for the nearest colectivo stop.
Stingray in Akumal Water
The Best Time to Visit Akumal Beach
For the highest chance of encountering sea turtles, plan your visit to Akumal Beach between May and November, which is their nesting season. During these months, sea turtles are frequently observed near the shore.
Regardless of the season, arriving at Akumal Beach early in the morning is highly recommended. Aim to be there no later than 9:30 a.m. The national park entrance typically opens around 9 a.m., and even at this hour, you’ll likely find other visitors already queuing.
If you’re considering a guided tour, ensure they can get you to Akumal by 10:30 or 11:00 am at the latest. However, it’s important to note that a guided tour is not essential for visiting Akumal and enjoying its snorkeling.
Snorkeling in Akumal with Sea Turtles
Guided Akumal Snorkeling Tour Options
While exploring Akumal independently is easy and rewarding, guided tours offer convenience and can enhance your experience for some visitors. If you prefer a structured experience, consider these tour options:
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Tulum Guided Tour and Akumal Swim with Turtles: Combine cultural exploration with marine adventure on this tour that includes a visit to the Tulum ruins followed by snorkeling with turtles in Akumal.
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Tulum: Ruins, Cenote and Turtle Snorkel Day Trip with Lunch: This full-day tour from Cancun or Riviera Maya encompasses Mayan history, refreshing cenote swims, and snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal, complete with lunch.
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Private Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Akumal Beach: For a personalized experience, opt for a private snorkeling tour with a certified diving and biology expert, ensuring a focused and informative turtle-watching experience.
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Turtle Night Watch: For a unique and conservation-focused activity, participate in a turtle night watch project at nearby Xpu-Ha beach, learning about sea turtle conservation and joining beach patrols with experts.
Akumal Beach Parking: Tips for a Smooth Arrival
Parking at Akumal Beach can be challenging, especially during peak season. The most important advice is to arrive as early as possible. Even arriving before the official opening time of Akumal Bay might be necessary to secure a parking spot. Parking options are limited, with a mix of free and paid lots.
You’ll find several parking lots available. A day lot typically charges around 60 pesos for the entire day, while other lots offer hourly rates, such as 20 pesos per hour. A convenient option is the parking lot directly across from the national park entrance, where you pay upon exit. Regardless of your choice, be prepared for limited spaces and ensure you have cash for parking fees.
Akumal Beach Parking Area
Akumal Beach Fees and Scams: What to Watch Out For
Be aware that there is now an entrance fee to access Akumal Bay National Park. While some reports suggest free entry through the dive shop might be possible, paying the nominal fee contributes to the upkeep and preservation of this natural habitat. The entrance fee is around 100 pesos (approximately $5-7 USD) per person, which is a reasonable contribution to protect this pristine beach and its special inhabitants. This entrance fee was the only official charge we encountered besides parking.
Once on the beach, you’ll notice roped-off areas. Some sections are restricted to guided tours only, supposedly offering access to further-out snorkeling spots. However, you can readily observe turtles, rays, and abundant fish life within the coral reefs accessible from the public beach area without a guide.
Navigating Potential Scams:
Akumal, like other popular tourist destinations, has its share of persistent vendors and potential scams. Be particularly cautious of individuals near the national park entrance who may insist that a guide is mandatory for snorkeling. They might offer snorkeling tours for inflated prices, ranging from $150 to $300 pesos per person. These guided tours are not required to see sea turtles in Akumal.
It’s common for vendors to approach you from the entrance all the way to the beach, aggressively promoting tours. Politely decline if you prefer to snorkel independently.
Key Tips to Avoid Scams and Enjoy Akumal Safely:
- Independent Snorkeling is Allowed: Despite what vendors may claim, you are still permitted to snorkel on your own in Akumal for free without a guided tour.
- Life Jackets are Optional (for Independent Snorkelers): Life jackets or snorkeling vests are only mandatory for guided tours. While wearing one might deter persistent vendors or perceived “officials,” they are not necessary for independent snorkeling.
- Short or No Fins are Recommended: To protect the delicate reef and marine life, short fins or no fins are preferred. If you have long fins, consider snorkeling near Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort where there’s more space. However, long fins are generally unnecessary in Akumal’s shallow waters.
- Respect Restricted Areas: Avoid entering buoyed and roped-off areas, which are often designated for conservation or guided tour groups.
Akumal Beach Scam Warning Sign
Where to Find the Best Snorkeling in Akumal Bay
Upon entering Akumal Beach, you’ll initially see an easily accessible entry point close to the entrance. However, this immediate area may be surprisingly devoid of marine life – lacking coral reefs, fish, or seagrass. If you start snorkeling here, you might be disappointed, as we initially were, and even tempted to consider a tour.
Instead of opting for a tour right away, continue walking further down the beach, past the boats and towards the area in front of the beach chairs. Enter the water again in this area, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Here, we encountered multiple sea turtles, stingrays, manta rays, and countless colorful fish. This area was significantly more rewarding and less crowded. The snorkeling here rivals experiences in other renowned locations, such as Looe Key Reef in Key West. Simply walk past the boats and beach chairs to discover Akumal’s true underwater treasures.
Snorkeling Spot in Akumal Beach
Snorkel Gear for Akumal: To Rent or to Bring Your Own?
If you’re planning an extended trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, investing in your own snorkel gear is highly recommended. Having your own mask, snorkel, and fins offers convenience and cost savings, especially if you intend to explore cenotes and other snorkeling spots. Quality snorkel sets can be purchased online for around $20 and will prove invaluable throughout your trip.
For day visitors or those who prefer not to travel with snorkel gear, rental options are available at Akumal. The dive shop and various stands along the beach offer snorkel gear rentals for approximately $10-15 USD per set. However, rental gear can run out, especially later in the day, so arriving early increases your chances of securing equipment.
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Akumal Beach Facilities, Dining, and Refreshments
Akumal National Park provides updated facilities for visitors, located near the entrance. You’ll find restrooms, lockers for storing your belongings (for a small fee), and a small shop selling essential items you might have forgotten. Restroom use is complimentary.
When it comes to dining and refreshments, Akumal offers several options. Akumal town, a short walk away, provides a wider variety of restaurants. However, for convenience and beachside ambiance, two excellent options are located right in Akumal Bay:
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Lol Ha (Open 7am – 10pm): Situated directly on the beach, Lol Ha is a long-standing Akumal institution, perfect for a post-snorkel meal or relaxing drinks. With a large bar and seating area, Lol Ha serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy coffee while watching pelicans in the morning, afternoon nachos with a cold Corona, or fresh seafood in the evening.
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La Cueva del Pescador (Open 12-9pm): Located on the main road in Akumal Bay, La Cueva del Pescador is a popular spot for expats and visitors seeking fresh seafood and cold drinks in a relaxed, Caribbean atmosphere. Known for its fish tacos and ceviche, this restaurant features sand floors, enhancing its laid-back charm.
Lol Ha Restaurant Akumal Beach
Supporting Preservation Efforts in Akumal
Over-tourism is an increasing concern in many parts of the Riviera Maya, including Akumal. While the region’s beauty and unique ecosystems are undeniable draws, responsible tourism is crucial for their long-term preservation. New regulations, such as roped-off areas in Akumal, are intended to help manage visitor impact and protect the delicate marine environment. Supporting these measures ensures that future generations can also enjoy these natural wonders.
Mexico actively implements conservation laws and volunteer programs to safeguard its natural treasures, including protecting wildlife like sea turtles and establishing national parks.
You can contribute to these preservation efforts by participating in activities like the Turtle Night Watch in nearby Xpu-Ha. This evening conservation project allows you to learn about sea turtle conservation from experts and join beach patrols to assist with monitoring and protection. By being a responsible traveler and supporting conservation initiatives, you can help ensure the continued health and beauty of Akumal and the Riviera Maya for years to come.
