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Akumal
Akumal is an easy on the eye coastal community set between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Its name translates from Mayan as 'Place of the Turtles,' which is perfectly fitting: the seagrass beds in its main bay serve as a natural feeding ground for numerous green sea turtles. To protect these creatures, snorkeling in the bay is now strictly regulated and generally requires a certified guide. Beyond the main beach, Akumal is home to the memorable Yal-Ku Lagoon at its northern end. This is where freshwater from underground cenotes mixes with the saltwater of the Caribbean, creating a calm, natural aquarium teeming with tropical fish. It is a convenient spot for families and beginner snorkelers who prefer still waters over open ocean waves. The beaches here, such as Half Moon Bay, are tranquil and lined with private villas rather than massive resorts. The town maintains a low-key, residential feel with small art galleries, appealing cafes, and beachfront restaurants. It’s a popular spot for those looking for a quieter vacation experience in the Riviera Maya. Scuba divers also flock to Akumal to explore nearby reefs and the intricate cave systems found slightly further inland. Getting to Akumal is easy by rental car or by using the local 'Colectivo' vans that run along the main highway. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to enjoy the clearest water and the most peaceful experience with the turtles. The best time to visit is from November to May when the weather is at its most pleasant.
- Location: Mexico
- Top sights: turtle beach · Beach · Yal-Ku
- Nearby: Puerto Aventuras (10 km)
- Population: ~1.310 (2018)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 42 | 40 | 44 | 96 | 189 | 119 | 149 | 195 | 207 | 108 | 61 |
Live webcam – Akumal
See what it looks like near Akumal right now.
Puerto Aventuras › South: Bahia Akumal - Caribe Mexicano · 1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Name means 'Place of the Turtles'
- Major sanctuary for green sea turtles
- Home to the stunning Yal-Ku Lagoon
- Centered around two beautiful bays
- Snorkeling is regulated and often guided
- Quieter atmosphere than neighboring cities
- Famous for the Half Moon Bay shoreline
- Frequent nesting ground for sea turtles
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day begins inland at a stunning cenote, where the cool underground waters provide the perfect start. The short walk under the tropical canopy introduces you to the lush environment of Akumal before you head towards the coast. Midday brings you to the tranquil Lagoon Pool and the vibrant Playa Akumal. Enjoy the soft sands and crystal-clear Caribbean waters, taking time to relax or perhaps try a little snorkeling right off the shore. The afternoon is dedicated to the famous sea turtles. A short stroll takes you to a protected beach area where you can spot these gentle creatures gracefully navigating the seagrass beds. As evening approaches, settle on a quieter stretch of the beach. The golden hour casts a warm glow over the palm trees, offering a peaceful and highly scenic conclusion to your walking tour.
Cenote Puerta Maya
Lagoon Pool
Playa Akumal
turtle beach
Beach
The morning starts with tropical rain, but the dense vegetation provides natural shelter while walking. By noon, heavier showers arrive, so seek refuge under the beach palapas. In the afternoon, the paths between cenotes become slippery, so walk carefully on the wet limestone. By evening, the rain settles, leaving a fresh and cool sea breeze behind on the shore.
Cenote Puerta Maya
Lagoon Pool
Playa Akumal
turtle beach
Beach
Winter mornings are refreshingly cool, perfect for a long walk without the stifling heat. At noon, the sun is high, but the low humidity makes the journey very pleasant. In the afternoon, keep an eye on the time as it gets dark quickly around 5:00 PM. The evening is best spent in a light jacket with an early outdoor dinner.
Cenote Puerta Maya
Lagoon Pool
Playa Akumal
turtle beach
Beach
Start your cycling adventure with a refreshing dip at a local cenote. The cool waters invigorate you for the ride ahead, as you pedal through Akumal's winding streets towards the spectacular coastal lagoons. Midday finds you snorkeling in the famous Yal-Ku lagoon, where salt and fresh waters merge. Afterward, a short bike ride brings you to the lively main beach to soak up the glorious Caribbean sunshine. Spend the afternoon exploring Playa Akumal in detail. Park your bike and walk the shoreline, perhaps grabbing a quick tropical snack before preparing to ride further south. Conclude your day with a scenic ride to the dramatic Punta Sur viewpoint. The crashing waves and rocky cliffs provide a stunning contrast to the sandy beaches, ending your tour with an unforgettable panorama.
Cenote Puerta Maya
Yal-Ku
Beach
Playa Akumal
Punta Sur viewpoint
Cycling in the rain requires caution as sandy paths can soften. Start carefully in the morning and watch out for puddles. At noon, the rain provides a welcome cool-down while riding, but brakes may be less effective on wet surfaces. In the afternoon, it is advisable to stay on paved roads. Finish the tour before dusk when visibility decreases.
Cenote Puerta Maya
Yal-Ku
Beach
Playa Akumal
Punta Sur viewpoint
Winter is the ideal time for cycling tours in Akumal due to the moderate temperatures. In the morning, a pleasant breeze blows, making pedaling easier. At noon, the sun doesn't burn as relentlessly as in summer. Since days are shorter, plan your route to be back by 5:30 PM. It cools down quickly in the evening, so bring a windbreaker for the ride back.
Cenote Puerta Maya
Yal-Ku
Beach
Playa Akumal
Punta Sur viewpoint
Your road trip kicks off at a sprawling luxury resort area, setting a relaxed tropical tone. From there, a quick drive takes you to the stunning Yal-Ku lagoon for your first snorkeling adventure of the day. Midday combines the best of both worlds. Drive to a crystal-clear cenote to cool off in the shaded jungle, then cruise down to Playa Akumal for lunch options and classic Caribbean white sands. The afternoon offers breathtaking scenery as you drive south to Punta Sur. The rugged coastline and crashing waves provide incredible photo opportunities before heading to your grand finale. Finish the day at Xel-Há, a massive natural aquatic park. Enjoy the remaining daylight floating down the lazy river or snorkeling among exotic fish, culminating your road trip in spectacular fashion.
Sirenis
Yal-Ku
Cenote Puerta Maya
Playa Akumal
Punta Sur viewpoint
Xel-Há
By car, Akumal can be comfortably explored even in the rain. Start dry in the morning and use the AC against the high humidity. At noon, you can seamlessly switch between sights without getting soaked. In the afternoon, be careful on the coastal roads due to potential water pooling. End the evening at a restaurant with parking right in front of the door.
Sirenis
Yal-Ku
Cenote Puerta Maya
Playa Akumal
Punta Sur viewpoint
Xel-Há
Winter is high season in Akumal, ideal for car trips due to the pleasant weather. In the morning, roads are often busy, but temperatures are moderate. At noon, you can roll down the windows and enjoy the sea breeze. Since it gets dark at 5:00 PM, avoid long late-afternoon drives. The evening is perfect for driving to a more distant location for an elegant dinner.
Sirenis
Yal-Ku
Cenote Puerta Maya
Playa Akumal
Punta Sur viewpoint
Xel-Há
Sights in the town Akumal (7)
Frequently asked questions
Akumal: where is it located?
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