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Akumal

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City
—°7
Akumal (Mexico)
ℹ️

Practical info — Akumal

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232426272827272727262424
Rain mm534240449618911914919520710861

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

Population
1,310 (2018)
Coordinates
20.40094, -87.32244

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.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Akumal (7)

turtle beach📍 landmark

A beach in Akumal known for sea turtles.

Beach📍 landmark

A sandy beach along Akumal Bay.

Yal-Ku📍 landmark

A natural inlet with calm waters for snorkeling in Akumal.

🕒 08:00-17:30

Punta Sur viewpoint🌿 nature

A rocky viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Playa Akumal🎡 recreation

A popular swimming and sunbathing beach in Akumal.

Cenote Puerta Maya🎡 recreation

A natural cenote in Akumal with crystal-clear water, convenient for swimming and snorkeling.

El Secreto Pool🎡 recreation

A swimming pool in Akumal, named after the secret, for relaxing hours.

Frequently asked questions

Akumal: where is it located?
Akumal is located in Mexico.
Akumal: what is there to see?
Highlights include turtle beach, Beach, Yal-Ku.
Akumal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Akumal: why is it worth visiting?
Akumal is an easy on the eye coastal community set between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
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