A small beach town on Mexico's Riviera Maya where sea turtles swim close to shore. Clear waters and coral reefs make it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Akumal sits along Mexico's Riviera Maya coast, 30 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. Swim with green sea turtles in clear bay waters, explore the Yal-Ku Lagoon’s mix of saltwater and freshwater habitats, or walk past murals painted during the annual November art festival. Coral reefs near the shore shelter parrotfish and angelfish, visible through snorkel masks. The town’s beaches have soft white sand, and nearby cenotes like Santa Cruz let you cool off in freshwater pools. Development remains limited, with low-rise buildings and jungle paths leading to quiet bays.
Swim with Green Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay
Green sea turtles graze on seagrass in Akumal Bay, where snorkelers can observe them from a respectful distance. Conservation rules require visitors to avoid sunscreen, refrain from touching marine life, and stay with certified guides. Pay the 100-peso entry fee at the beach entrance—funds go toward protecting turtle habitats through the Centro Ecológico Akumal. Early mornings bring better visibility and fewer people, increasing your chances of spotting turtles gliding near the reefs. Look for stingrays resting on the sandy bottom and schools of blue tangs darting between coral formations.
Explore Yal-Ku Lagoon’s Mixed Waters
Yal-Ku Lagoon, a short walk north of Akumal’s main beach, merges freshwater from underground rivers with Caribbean seawater. This creates a habitat for barracuda, sergeant majors, and occasional tarpon. Rent snorkel gear on-site and navigate around limestone rocks covered in algae. The lagoon’s shallow areas suit beginners, though waterproof shoes help protect against sharp surfaces. Entry starts at $15 USD, with discounts for bringing your own equipment.
Visit Nearby Cenotes
Cenote Santa Cruz, 15 minutes from Akumal by car, has a circular pool surrounded by dense jungle. Jump from limestone ledges into its cool waters or float beneath overhanging vines. The Dos Ojos cave system, 30 minutes away, draws experienced divers to its underground rivers and stalactite-filled chambers. Guides explain how these freshwater pools connect to the Yucatán’s vast network of subterranean waterways. Most tours include transportation from Akumal and snorkeling gear.
Akumal Arts Festival Murals
Artists from Mexico and abroad gather each November to paint large-scale murals on buildings and walls throughout Akumal. Themes range from Mayan legends to vibrant underwater scenes, with over 120 artworks added since the festival began. Attend live painting sessions, join workshops on mural techniques, or listen to traditional music performances. Completed murals stay on display indefinitely, creating a permanent outdoor art walk. Verify dates online, as the festival schedule shifts slightly each year.
Akumal’s History and Growth
Pablo Bush Romero, a diver and explorer, established Akumal as a diving destination after discovering a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck offshore in 1959. His team recovered cannons and anchors now visible near the bay’s rocky points. Development has focused on keeping buildings low and spaced apart, preventing the overcrowding seen in nearby resorts. Residential streets remain unpaved, with jungle foliage separating beachfront hotels from local homes.
Transportation and Parking in Akumal
Most visitors arrive via Cancún International Airport, followed by a 90-minute drive south on Highway 307. Shared vans (colectivos) run hourly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, stopping at Akumal’s highway entrance. Parking near the beach costs 50 pesos per day, but spaces fill by mid-morning—arrive early or rent a bike to avoid congestion. Taxis from Tulum charge around $25 USD for a 20-minute ride.
Accommodation Options
Beachfront hotels like Hotel Akumal Caribe provide direct access to snorkeling spots, while vacation rentals in residential areas offer kitchens and private terraces. Stay near Half Moon Bay for quick walks to less crowded beaches, or choose central Akumal to be close to restaurants like La Buena Vida, which serves fresh seafood. Book several months ahead for stays between December and April, when demand peaks.
Protecting Wildlife in Akumal
From May to October, volunteers with Centro Ecológico Akumal patrol beaches to protect sea turtle nests. Join guided night walks to watch hatchlings reach the sea, but reserve spots early and follow strict no-flashlight rules. The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary rehabilitates injured spider monkeys and iguanas—visit with a guide to learn about their diets and habitats. Use only biodegradable sunscreen in the bay to prevent coral damage.
Nearby Destinations for Day Trips
Tour the cliffside Mayan ruins in Tulum, 20 minutes south, to see ancient temples overlooking the Caribbean. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a 45-minute drive, organizes boat trips through mangroves where manatees and dolphins surface. Explore the Aktun Chen dry caves, 15 minutes north, to see stalactites and zip-line over jungle canopy. For a longer excursion, drive three hours south to Bacalar Lagoon, known for its striking blue hues.
