The Ultimate Akumal Mexico Travel Guide for First-Timers

📍 Map of Akumal Mexico

The Akumal Cancun distance is 65 miles (105 km).

It is south of Cancun and only 17 miles (27.5 km) north of Tulum. Check the Akumal Mexico map below.

You can head to this fun little beach town or its surrounding areas by rental car, taxi, or public transport.

1. By rental car

If you don’t mind driving in Mexico, car rentals will give you great flexibility and a heightened sense of adventure.

When it comes to Mexico rental cars, I recommend and use Discover Cars.

They are great because they search both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates.

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.

Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

The process is equally simple from Tulum to Akumal, except you’ll be driving north on Highway 307 away from Tulum Beach.

Remember that the Tulum Ruins are 15 miles south of Akumal =, and are open every day.

3. By public transport

For a cultural experience plus cheap fares, a colectivo bus is the best option for getting to Akumal.

These small buses typically cost 35-45 pesos (about $2 USD) per person from Tulum.

To catch a colectivo in Tulum, simply look for the white minivans on the Main Avenue and hop aboard. The driver will announce each stop. 

When you reach Akumal, walk 10-15 minutes down the pedestrian sidewalk to reach the beach. You can also take the same trip back from Akumal to Tulum.

⚠️ Note: ADO buses don’t make stops in Akumal.

There aren’t any better airports when it comes to the number of available flights, cheap fares, and easy access. 

Cancun International is only 57 miles (91 km), or about a 1.5-hour drive, from Akumal.

The easiest, safest and most convenient way to get there is by booking the Cancun to Akumal Shuttle.

✈️ Find flights to Cancun

Other airports near Akumal Mexico include Cozumel International Airport (CZM), Tulum International Airport (TQO), and the privately owned Tulum heliport.

The Mexico City airport is much too far to fly into for easy visiting anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Now, if you’re looking for the sweet spot with lovely weather, cheaper prices, and higher chances of seeing sea turtles nesting, November is your best bet.

Of course, if you can’t go in November but want to see nesting sea turtles, aim for any time between June and November.

🧳 Not sure what to pack for Akumal Mexico? Check out this guide to Packing for Mexico, and for outfit inspiration, head to Cute Outfits for Mexico.

Note that this is the rainy season in the tropics, so you might get drenched, but most downpours pass quickly.

How about Akumal beach seaweed?

Well, another factor to keep in mind is that sargassum seaweed can pile up and rot on the beach between May and October.

🌡️ Akumal Weather Averages

If your goal is to enjoy the best weather in Akumal Mexico, book your trip any time from December through March.

Be aware that this is the high season, so if you don’t like crowds, aim for the shoulder season of September to November or April through June instead.

Top 5 Best Akumal Hotels

1. Secrets Mexico Akumal Riviera Maya – Adults Only

⭐️ Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars | Price: $$$$ | 🏩 Check Rates and Availability

Stay in the lap of tropical luxury at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya.

This 5-star Akumal Mexico resort offers lovely rooms, fabulous amenities, and unparalleled service.

Akumal Secrets is a gorgeous and intimate Akumal Tulum resort featuring a private beach, expansive pool areas, and a rejuvenating sauna.

Guests enjoy lounging by the water, taking the FREE bicycles on a spin, or playing tennis on the on-site court.

The rooms at Secrets Akumal Resort are perfectly decorated for comfort and relaxation with a spa bath, minibar, flatscreen TV, sofa, and outdoor seating area.

Secrets Akumal Beach is perfect for a luxurious beachside vacation complete with mouthwatering cuisine and nightly entertainment.

Other resorts Akumal Mexico, just can’t compete.

3. Las Villas Akumal Mexico​​

⭐️ Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars | Price: $$$ | 🏩 Check Rates and Availability

Everything about Las Villas Akumal breathes perfection, from the manicured grounds to the modern tropical facilities.

Each of these beachfront apartment-style villas offers a spacious lounge, a fully-equipped kitchen, and stylish bedrooms designed for first-rate comfort.

The on-site amenities provide additional draws with a rooftop restaurant, complimentary kayaks, and snorkeling equipment, and refreshing swimming pools.

Akumal Mexico hotels don’t get better than this when it comes to exclusivity, beauty, and tranquility.

4. Casa Coral Luxury Condos

⭐️ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Stars | Price: $$$ | 🏩 Check Rates and Availability

For privacy, spacious accommodations, and beauty, Casa Coral Luxury Condos are unmatched.

These luxury condos offer terrace-top pools, green gardens, and elegant air-conditioned spaces.

The location close to Akumal Beach is ideal for quick access to restaurants and activities.

Relax indoors, or enjoy splashing in the ocean just a few steps from your door.

As far as amenities go, each condo is furnished with a comfy seating area, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

Guests have free access to paddleboards and kayaks as well.

For Akumal vacations with your family or significant other, Casa Coral has a lot to offer.

5. Akumal Natura Glamping

⭐️ Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars | Price: $$$ | 🏩 Check Rates and Availability

Immerse yourself in the beauties of nature at Akumal Natura Glamping.

It’s a unique and different experience from traditional resorts in Akumal Mexico.

This unique Akumal beach hotel features a unique jungle setting with two jewel-clear cenotes right on site.

Guests also have access to a complimentary breakfast, a high-quality restaurant, and palapa common areas.

Although this unique hotel Akumal option doesn’t offer certain amenities such as air-conditioning, the tents are beautifully equipped, ensuring an upscale camping experience. 

What better way to get in touch with nature than by staying among rustling trees within earshot of softly crashing waves?

Top 7 Best Things to Do in Akumal Mexico

1. Snorkel with the Sea Turtles

⭐️ Rating: 4.93 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | 🐢 Check Rates and Availability

Rated one of the top Akumal Bay snorkeling tours, you won’t want to miss expert guide Sergio’s Snorkel with the Sea Turtles Experience.

This magical marine tour will give you the chance to swim in warm aquamarine waters. 

Anyone comfortable in the ocean will love this chance to see Akumal turtles in the wild seagrass beds.

Stingrays, vibrant-colored coral, tropical fish, and starfish round out this underwater adventure.

Sergio will be your guide on this tour. He’s been taking people out to swim with turtles every single day for several years.

He is passionate about what he does and excels at sharing knowledge that both intrigues and informs.

Make lasting memories on this fun tour snorkeling with Akumal Mexico turtles, which is also highly rated on Akumal TripAdvisor.

2. Head to Akumal Beach

Soft sand, sunshine, and refreshing seawater make Akumal Beach Mexico a prime spot to relax, swim, or kick back with a margarita.

If you’re looking for turtles, Akumal Bay Mexico is the place to be. 

🏝️ Akumal Spots for Snorkeling

Although there are restricted areas in the water that you can only access with a guide (marked by buoys), the others are open to the public.

Swim at your leisure, or rent snorkel gear for the chance to see turtles sans a tour.

To the north is Half Moon Bay Akumal, one of the top snorkeling spots in the entire Riviera Maya.

You may not see turtles here, but the abundance of coral and fish is spectacular, perfect for an Akumal Mexico beach day.

You can also head a bit south and spend a luxurious day at the Kay Beach Club, run by the Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal.

This bay run by Akumal Mexico Grand Bahia Principe is also an excellent spot for swimming or snorkeling on your own.

🏝️ DIving in Akumal

Boasting around 18 distinct scuba diving locations, Akumal is also famous for its prime position atop the Great Mayan Reef (Belize Barrier Reef).

The diversity of marine life in these sites is amazing — from vibrant coral reefs to intriguing short tunnels.

The water is pleasantly warm and usually offers exceptional visibility. If you want to go diving, there are plenty of dive shops around town.

3. Explore Akumal Town

Take a swimsuit break and wander the quaint streets of Akumal town in search of shops, galleries, taco stands, restaurants, and knickknacks.

Akumal’s charming streets are a fun way to spend an hour or two.

4. Take an Akumal Street Art Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.93 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🎨 Check Rates and Availability

Explore the non-touristy side of Akumal on this incredible Street Art Tour. It’s one of the most highly-rated tours available — and for good reason.

Wander from beautiful mural to beautiful mural following your passionate guide, Joan.

As you walk and admire the art, she’ll share personal stories about the 90 artists who painted the murals. She’ll also explain the meaning behind the paintings.

The art you’ll see has transformed Akumal streets, connecting the past to the present and speaking into the future.

Social responsibility, nature, protest, and the rich history of muralism (leading back to the Aztecs) will make this experience culturally insightful.

Phenomenal art, amazing photo ops, and interesting stories await on this fun Akumal Street Art Tour with a local guide.

5. Go Bananas at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2.5 hours | 🐒 Check Rates and Availability

Cuddle with cute monkeys and pose with flamboyant macaws during this tour of the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary.

Not only will you get to interact with animals, but you’ll also learn the backstory behind each creature you meet.

Most of the animals at the sanctuary used to be in the show business. When Mexican law banned the practice, they found a new home at the sanctuary.

Clambering monkeys, boa constrictors, and brilliantly-colored birds will gain a special place in your heart, giving you a unique appreciation for conservation efforts and animal welfare.

As an added benefit, going on this tour and paying the entrance fee contributes to the needs of the sanctuary and helps the work go on.

That’s tourism you can feel extra good about!

6. Visit a Cenote in Akumal

If there’s one thing you won’t want to miss on a visit to the Riviera Maya, it’s the cenotes. 

These water-filled sinkholes occur when underground rivers carve caverns into limestone rock.

Sometimes the roof of the cavern caves in, creating a deep crystalline pool open to the sky. 

Other cenotes remain hidden underground and are only accessible by walking down stone steps or swimming through subterranean rivers.

🤿 Akumal cenotes you can visit

Yal Ku Lagoon Akumal is an achingly beautiful lagoon and cenote that is open to the sea.

Although it is beautiful from the surface, true riches await just beneath the surface. Snorkeling here is a must!

Cenote Puerto Maya is a beautiful cave cenote shot through with atmospheric rays of light. It’s a wonderful spot to cool off and refresh.

Although a little farther out, Cenote Dos Ojos or Two Eyes Cenote, is also a great option.

Since Akumal is not too far from Tulum, you can easily check out these 25 Best Tulum Cenotes on a day trip.

7. Have a Spa Day

Breathe deep and let all your tensions go with a deliciously refreshing spa day. 

Whether you opt to get a massage while listening to the gentle crash of the waves on sand or a healing Mayan clay body treatment, Akumal has something for you.

🧖🏻‍♀️ Akumal spa spots

BudhAkuma Garden Spa is one of the places you can indulge in professional spa services, all with the backdrop of splashing fountains and fragrant flowers.

They even offer couples massages for you to enjoy as a special romantic treat.

If you’re interested in cultural experiences, opt for a temazcal treatment.

The Akumal Beach and Wellness Resort is another prime spot to treat yourself to rejuvenating spa treatments and/or yoga flows.

The Akumal turtles are a huge draw — as well as doing some Akumal snorkeling with the aforementioned turtles 🐢

However, the area also features lovely white sand beaches, beautiful cenotes, and chill vibes.

It’s a perfect destination for beach lovers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts, as turquoise water and sweeping bays await at Akumal, one of Quintana Roo Mexico’s most laid-back beach towns. 

Paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling are the main water activities, but there are also opportunities for deep relaxation at the Akumal resort spas.

Deep tranquility, fewer crowds, and the delights of the Akumal Beach turtles are the main attractions in this lesser-known gem — but you can also just laze on the beach with a cocktail (or mocktail) in hand 🍹

📍 staying in Akumal

Akumal tends to have fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and a more tranquil atmosphere.

There are fewer beaches than Tulum (and sometimes have limited access), but they are all inside protected bays which makes them ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

🏝️ staying in Tulum

Tulum is better if you like to have lots to do in town, want plenty of nightlife, and want access to more beaches.

You’ll also find more accommodation options, including boutique hotels and grand Mexico all inclusive resorts, in Tulum than in Akumal.

Travel to Akumal Mexico is considered quite safe for tourists, including for families traveling with children.

The crime rate is very low in Akumal, which should give you some extra peace of mind.

However, use your common sense and leave unnecessary valuables at home. Drink responsibly and stay aware of your surroundings.

As safety is a complex topic, head to Is Mexico Safe to Visit Right Now? for a deep dive.

As far as swimming goes, the water tends to be calm and clear.

This is thanks to the protection offered by Akumal Half Moon Bay and Akumal Yucatan Peninsula Lagoon. 

In fact, this is one great reason to consider an Akumal Riviera Maya vacation — the protected bays make swimming here a true delight.

However, you should know that certain areas have limited access, and you may need a guide to enter.

The main purpose of these protected corridors is to keep the sea turtle population safe and healthy. Still, free swimming is still allowed in particular zones.

During this period, the Akumal Mexico weather is ideal, and there shouldn’t be a seaweed problem.

It is also the dry season, meaning you won’t have to worry about torrential downpours interrupting your plans.

Although there are sea turtles at Akumal year-round, if you want to see them nesting, the season is May through November. 

However, be aware that the seaweed season and rainy season coincide from May through October.

The rainy season weather Akumal Mexico has usually involves short rainstorms, though, so it doesn’t typically rain all day long. 

To avoid seaweed in Mexico, book your trip between November and April.

Of course, there still may be some seaweed in these months, but it’s usually MUCH less than in the summer.

It is possible to encounter sea turtles in this area though, but it’s hit or miss (mostly miss from what I hear).

However, if you DEFINITELY want to see Akumal sea turtles in their protected marine habitat, you will need to pay for a guide to access this area.

Certain corridors of Akumal Bay are restricted in order to protect the turtles and their habitat.

The guides also make sure that people aren’t touching or bothering the sea turtles.

In fact, there are some pro guides who take people out into the protected waters of the marine sanctuary every day of the year.

Barring poor weather, your chances are high of seeing these cute creatures.

Thanks to the abundance of seagrass in Akumal Quintana Roo Mexico, turtles Akumal Mexico come to feed continuously throughout the year.

They also come to nest between May and November.

My Final Thoughts on Visiting Akumal Mexico

Akumal is a delightful beach town and snorkeler’s paradise on the Riviera Maya in Mexico that just might be your new favorite paradise.

Known as “The Place of the Turtles,” Akumal is one of the best places in the world to swim with sea turtles. Its tranquil bays also make swimming a delight.

Snorkeling with the Sea Turtles is the best thing you can do in North Akumal Mexico.

Coral reefs teem with tropical fish just below the surface of the water, and swaying seagrass beds attract green and loggerhead turtles.

From top-rated Akumal Mexico snorkeling experiences to street art tours, charming shops, and luxurious spas, this lesser-known destination has plenty to attract. 

Along with visiting, living in Akumal Mexico is a great idea if you want to spend an extended vacation in the area.

Akumal Mexico rentals are quite affordable, and if you are looking to buy Akumal Mexico real estate is a great option.

Whether visiting or living, Akumal is a tropical paradise and a quiet place to enjoy the soft sand beach area and the deliciously-refreshing Caribbean Sea.