Have you ever imagined a paradisiacal beach where you can go snorkeling in the company of friendly sea turtles? Akumal is that place where, just when you think you have Riviera Maya It can't be better, it leaves you speechless.
Akumal Beach, or Akumal Beach, is located approximately an hour and a half away from Cancun or thirty minutes away Playa del Carmen ou Tulum and, despite its beauty, it is still not well known among Brazilian tourists. The visit can be done in one day, the problem will be that you will want to stay there forever.
To find out everything about this impressive bay, including entrance fees, where to eat and stay, read this text until the end. I will also tell you a little secret about this place that few people know about. Let's go!
Akumal: Coconut trees and turquoise sea
Akumal, which means “Place of the Turtles” in the Mayan language, is located in a beautiful bay with coconut trees all along its length, as well as the white sand that is characteristic of the entire Riviera Maya.
Thick sea grass grows beneath the crystal clear waters, which attracts hordes of friendly green turtles. The only problem is that it also attracts thousands of tourists, 15.000 per month to be exact!
Tourism is good for the local economy, but it’s not so good for the local wildlife or the coral reef. Because of this, the Akumal Ecological Center (CEA) has decided to crack down on paid tours, resorts, and tourists visiting this ecological wonderland.
Until 2013 it was possible to arrive with your own equipment and go snorkeling anywhere (it was my favorite beach).
With all these changes, many people are wondering if they can still enjoy the beaches and swim with sea turtles in Akumal.
The answer is yes, if you do it right. So, I’m going to explain exactly how to plan the perfect day trip to Akumal.
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Snorkeling in Akumal
Aside from the picturesque white sand beaches, the main reason people visit Akumal is to swim with the beautiful green turtles, and who can blame them?
While diving in Akumal, you may also see barracudas (be very careful), crabs, groupers, angelfish and grunt fish, all happily enjoying the crystal clear water.
To avoid the crowds and catch turtles during their morning feeding, the best time to snorkel is early in the morning. Anytime after 11:00 a.m., you’ll be surrounded by other eager snorkelers.
It is worth remembering that access to the beach costs 100 pesos per person (approximately 22 reais) and if you go by car, parking costs 11 reais.
Due to new CEA laws, to see the turtles you need to go on a guided tour, there is no way to go on your own.
You can enter the sea without any problems, but there is a barrier that prevents access to where most of the turtles are (on purpose). The guide can be hired there.
If you need diving equipment, don't worry, you can rent it at Akumal Dive Center Mexico, to the right of the beach entrance.
If you have your own equipment and are a competent swimmer, simply enter the water. When swimming with sea turtles, remember to be patient, don’t get too close, and never touch or grab the turtles.
Due to the damage caused by tourism, you can no longer swim to the coral reef at the main beach.
However, if you want to enjoy the vibrant reefs and all the incredible marine life, you can head to Half Moon Bay, the northern beach of Akumal, and swim freely among the corals. Did you like the tip?
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What to do in Akumal?
Just a few steps from the main square, you will find yourself in a world of beautiful beach houses, the wonderful smell of flowers and the lush Mayan jungle.
Akumal is one of the most peaceful and relaxing places to visit, but there is a hidden gem that is simply heavenly.
If you leave the main square of Akumal, you will find a small dirt road that seems to lead into the jungle.
Take a short stroll along this path and you will see a stunning stretch of completely unspoiled coastline and a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean.
This perfect space is full of natural pools, which transform into small relaxing jacuzzis when the tide is low.
As the afternoon draws in, the sleepy town comes alive with local artisan stalls and bustling markets.
Lucy's Kitchen
Here you can find anything from locally made fabrics and sparkling silver, to handmade pottery and fine leather bags.
While you’re enjoying the beautiful shops and soaking up the local culture, why not indulge in some of Akumal’s famous ice cream from Lucy’s Kitchen.
The perfect way to cool off during an afternoon of trinket shopping.
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Where to eat in Akumal?
La Buena Vida Restaurant
After a day of swimming, sunbathing and shopping until you drop, there’s nothing better than devouring a delicious meal and a margarita (or two)!
There are many lovely restaurants in Akumal, including La Cueva del Pescador and Turtle Bay Bakery & Cafe, but one place always tops them all… La Buena Vida.
This place is the epitome of laid-back beach life and perfectly matches the infectious vibe of the bay.
Not only does the restaurant have a reasonably priced menu with something for everyone, it also offers the most incredible oceanfront views and its own garden and hammock pool.
If you’re traveling with your family, this is also the perfect place to entertain the kids. La Buena Vida has an area made especially for the little ones.
They can climb the ladder and eat in their own tree house.
What makes it even more fun is the rope pulley system, which allows the food to be brought to them when it is ready, perfect!
Lol Ha
Another option that I really like is the Lol Há restaurant. In addition to a privileged view of the beach, you can taste delicious seafood and the best pizza in Akumal (really).
Where to stay in Akumal?
The Akumal Cottages
If I could give you a suggestion without wanting to influence, but already influencing, I would tell you to stay at least 2 nights in Akumal.
There are several hotel options. If you want to stay close to Akumal’s main beach, Las Casitas Akumal is the perfect option.
Another place on the beach that you will love is the Secrets Akumal Mexico, an elegant hotel perfect for couples who want to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Also very close to the beach is Villa Bellamar Akumal, a luxurious beachfront hotel in Akumal dedicated to hosting groups, organizing weddings, yoga retreats, boot camps and corporate dives. It is located in Half Moon Bay.
All Inclusive Resorts on Akumal Beach
If you want to stay at an All Inclusive Resort in Akumal, Grand Bahia Principe Akumal offers a perfect all-inclusive atmosphere.
Another option is the beautiful Akumal Bay – Beach & Wellness Resort, an all-inclusive family hotel. The hotel offers beautiful suites with jacuzzis and ocean views, yoga classes and much more.
How to get from Cancun to Akumal?
If you don't have a car, the best way to get from Cancun to Akumal is by using the ADO bus.
However, there is no direct transportation to Akumal. You will need to take a bus to Playa del Carmen and from there a minivan to Akumal.
Getting to Akumal from Playa del Carmen is very easy, just go to Calle 2 with Avenida 15 and get in a minivan that will cost you approximately 7 reais and takes 30 to 40 minutes to get there.
For greater safety and location, always put your route on Google Maps to know when to get off. For this, it is very important to have a cell phone connected to the internet.
Meet Xpu There
To make the most of the day and visit another beautiful beach in the Riviera Maya, I recommend Xpu Há, which is just 10 minutes from Akumal towards Playa del Carmen.
Xpu Há beach, when there is no sargassum, is wonderful and you can find several options to eat, have a drink or just rent a sun lounger to enjoy the beach.
Xpu Há Beach Club is a great choice for those who enjoy a more lively atmosphere.
Xpu Beach Hotels
Catalonia Royal Tulum
The Catalonia Royal Tulum hotel and El Secreto de Xpu Há are excellent options on this beach, which I consider to be the most beautiful in the Riviera Maya. Another excellent option close to Xpu Há is the Barceló Maya Hotel.
Riviera Maya Nudist Beach
Santa Fe Beach
For nudism in the Riviera Maya, we have Playa Naturel and in Tulum, Azulik Beach. The latter is so remote that there is no telephone communication or air conditioning system.
Two other options, not far from Azulik, are Costa Coal and Playa Santa Fe. These are beaches where people who enjoy nudism can practice their hobby without any problems.
And for those looking for a hotel in the Riviera Maya among all the destinations and nudist tourism routes, the Hidden Beach hotel stands out.
At this exclusive hotel, only the staff is dressed in formal attire and visitors, for “just” USD 500 per night, can enjoy the best gastronomic and hotel services in the region, in a place where children are not allowed.
Yal-Ku Lagoon: Bonus tip from Akumal
Near Akumal beach, there is a lagoon that connects to the sea and you can't miss it. Yal-Ku, one of the best-kept secrets of the Mexican Caribbean, is the result of the mouth of an underground river that merges with the sea, and offers the perfect environment for diving enthusiasts.
Its clear brackish waters are home to a wide variety of species, such as parrotfish, sergeant majors, among others.
The water is very pleasant, cold but pleasant and the recommendation is to arrive early, as space is limited and the water is clearer with fewer visitors.
To get to the lagoon, just go through the Akumal parking lot and follow the dirt road parallel to the sea. After about 10 minutes you will see signs to get to the lagoon.
Important tip for buying tours to Cancun and Riviera Maya
One tip we always give is about buying tours. There are several places that sell tours and we always do a lot of research before buying. On our last trip, we discovered a sensational agency, which is Brazilian and has all the tours.
THEY ARE AN AGENCY DIFFERENT FROM CONVENTIONAL AGENCIES, AS THEY OFFER SPECIALIZED ADVICE, PERSONALIZED ITINERARIES IN CANCUN AND THE REGION., for those who want to CHOOSE THE BEST TOUR OPTIONS, BEST SUPPLIERS, BEST WAY TO DISCOVER A PLACE (IT MAY NOT EVEN BE FOR TOURS, THEY MAKE EXCLUSIVE ITINERARIES FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING TO RENT A CAR). WITH THEM WE CAN MAKE MUCH BETTER USE OF OUR TIME!
YOU CAN SEARCH THEIR REFERENCES: They are A TRIPADVISOR'S NUMBER 1 AGENCY IN CANCUN, THEY HAVE WON THE SEAL FOR YEARS IN A ROW AND ARE AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD!
Specializing exclusively in Cancun and the surrounding area, they provide you with advice on PLANNING and throughout your trip: from tips on what to visit and the ideal tour for your profile to HOTEL ADVICE IF YOU HAVEN'T YET CHOSEN where to stay, ALL based on the same itinerary. AS WELL AS FINANCIAL PLANNING SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR TRIP WITHOUT WORRY AND NO UNFORTUNATE SURPRISES.
The service is really excellent, personalized, in Portuguese and they help with everything. They pick you up at the airport to welcome you, accompany you to the hotel, and are available for any unforeseen circumstances (whether it's a medical emergency, missing a ride, anything at all, you can call them!).
All the tours we did were excellent, with a great structure and everything was trustworthy. It was much better than buying from foreign websites or there in Cancun. If you WANT TO LIVE A UNIQUE, PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE, WITH SUPPORT AND EVERYTHING ORGANIZED WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT THE DETAILS, just click here and you will be directed to their website.
IMPORTANT: TO TALK TO THE CANCUNERS TEAM, YOU NEED TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT. THEY DO THE SERVICE VIA VIDEO CALL. IT'S VERY PERSONALIZED! WHEN REGISTERING ON THE SITE, FILL OUT ALL THE STEPS UNTIL YOU GET TO THE APPOINTMENT (IT'S REALLY QUICK AND I GUARANTEE IT WILL BE WORTH IT).
I hope these tips help you enjoy the best the Riviera Maya has to offer and if you want more information, leave your comment here or write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram.
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