Nestled along Mexico's stunning Caribbean coastline, Akumal stands as one of the Riviera Maya's most enchanting destinations. This charming coastal town, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, offers visitors the opportunity to swim with majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat, making it a must-see destination for lovers of marine life and nature in general.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Akumal, meaning "Place of the Turtle" in the Mayan language, lives up to its namesake perfectly. Mayan people have lived on the Yucatan peninsula for more than 4,000 years, and today, approximately 1,000 turtles consider Akumal their nesting grounds. This rich cultural heritage adds depth to what is already an extraordinary natural experience.
Location and Getting There
Akumal is a small beach-front resort community in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, lying 62 miles south of Cancun between the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum in the Riviera Maya. The destination's strategic location makes it easily accessible from major tourist hubs:
From Cancun: Approximately 65 miles (105 km) south From Playa del Carmen: About 40 km south (30-minute drive) From Tulum: Just 28 km north (20-minute drive)
Transportation Options
By Car: The drive to Akumal from anywhere along the Riviera Maya is straightforward. From Cancun or Playa del Carmen, it's a straight shot on Highway 307 south to the Akumal Playa exit.
By Colectivo: The colectivos in Playa del Carmen to Tulum are the fastest and cheapest way to get there. The base of these colectivos is located on Calle 2 Norte and Avenida 20 in downtown Playa del Carmen, very close to the famous 5th Avenue.
By Bus: It costs between $1.30 to $5.34 per passenger to ride the bus from Akumal to Tulum, and between $1.60 to $5.93 from Akumal to Playa del Carmen.
The Star Attraction: Swimming with Sea Turtles
The crown jewel of any Akumal visit is the opportunity to snorkel with wild sea turtles. Akumal is home to three species of sea turtles: Green, Loggerhead & Hawksbill. The small bay is protected by a reef, so big waves can't penetrate the bay, making it perfect for snorkeling.
Best Practices for Turtle Encounters
Timing is Everything: The small bay has a sandy bottom comprised of very fine silt and sand that gets stirred up very easily as the day goes on, cutting down visibility significantly. Therefore, arriving as early in the morning as you can, ideally no later than 9:30am, is recommended.
Conservation Guidelines: Never touch the turtles, make sure you give them their space, use bio-degradable sunscreen, and don't stand up on the seagrass. The seagrass beds are crucial feeding areas for the turtles.
Tour vs. Independent Snorkeling
While many tour operators offer guided experiences, going out by yourself is often the best way to see turtles in Akumal, allowing you to spend more time observing the turtles from a respectful distance. However, local law restricts independent snorkeling more than 150 feet from shore, and if you want to swim out further, you need to be with a licensed tour guide and wearing a life jacket.
The Natural Wonder: Mesoamerican Reef
Akumal's gorgeous white sand beaches are surrounded by two bays enclosed by the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef system in the world. The reef system is home to more than 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusk, and more than 500 species of fish. It also includes sea turtles, rays, manatees, and sharks contributing to the complex ecosystem.
Beyond the Beach: Things to Do
Akumal Pueblo
Akumal is a charmingly quaint town that can easily be explored on foot. You'll find shops, markets, restaurants and hotels in the downtown area. Notable spots include:
- Galeria Lamanai: Offering Mexican folk art
- MexiArte: Wide variety of souvenirs by individual artisans
- Animal Sanctuary: Akumal's famous animal sanctuary features a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, birds and more, with a focus on rescue and recovery.
Nearby Attractions
Yal-Ku Lagoon: A wonderful experience for guests staying in Akumal. This inlet feeds into the Caribbean and connects Yal-ku Ha with Half Moon Bay.
Cenotes: Cenotes are some of the Yucatan Peninsula's most unique features. They are mysterious and beautiful, not to mention a great place to cool off.
Day Trips: Explore nearby Tulum ruins, Cozumel island, or the mystical lagoons of Bacalar with their seven shades of blue.
Where to Stay
Luxury Resorts
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya: Voted the #1 Hotel in the World in Tripadvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards, this AAA Five Diamond adults-only resort offers 434 smoke-free suites and nine dining options.
Family-Friendly Options
Hotel Akumal Caribe: A classic choice with easy beach access Las Casitas Akumal: 18 individual units with private terraces overlooking the bay, great for families or groups.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Taverna Akumal serves the best Italian food in the Riviera Maya, while the Turtle Bay Café serves fabulous breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. La Cuerva Del Pescador specializes in fresh seafood and fish.
Historical Significance
Akumal has fascinating historical roots dating back to Spanish colonial times. One of the sailors, Gonzalo Guerrero, married a local Mayan princess and taught the Maya about modern war techniques to help them fend off Spanish invaders. A statue of Gonzalo Guerrero still sits at the entrance to Akumal today.
Conservation Efforts
The protection of Akumal Bay, the reef, ecosystems, and watercourses are vital for locals and ex-pat residents alike. Areas of the reef are cordoned off to prevent erosion and allow regrowth, with several conservation programs supported by local businesses, many initiated by the Centro Ecológico Akumal.
Practical Tips for Visitors
What to Bring:
- Comfortable footwear for dirt roads and trails
- Hat, sunglasses, and reusable water bottle
- Beach towel and basic first aid kit
- Cash, as many smaller businesses may not accept cards
Safety: Travel to Akumal Mexico is considered quite safe for tourists, including for families traveling with children. The crime rate is very low in Akumal.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round destination, though be aware that sargassum seaweed can affect the beaches between April and October.
The Bottom Line
Akumal is an easy drive from the Cancun Airport, and it's the type of place that feels like time stops from the moment you check in—the perfect getaway for a weekend of true R&R. Whether you're drawn by the promise of swimming with ancient sea turtles, exploring vibrant coral reefs, or simply relaxing on pristine Caribbean beaches, Akumal offers an authentic slice of paradise that captures the true spirit of the Riviera Maya.
For the environmentally conscious traveler, Akumal represents more than just a beautiful destination—it's a place where tourism and conservation efforts intersect, offering visitors the chance to witness and support the protection of one of nature's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.