Akumal, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
Akumal, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
Akumal, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
Akumal is a small village on the Caribbean coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. It is located on the Riviera Maya between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The beautiful bay of Akumal is famous for its sea turtles, you can watch them while you swim or snorkel. Of course, nature conservation must always be respected.
Content: Akumal, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
5 Reasons for a trip to Akumal
What to expect
Akumal is a rather quiet village with some nice restaurants, friendly locals and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the party zones in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. In the Mayan language, Akumal means “Land of Turtles”. In fact, the region is one of the most important habitats of these wonderful creatures.
Where exactly is Akumal?
Akumal is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, in the region of the state of Quintana Roo known as Riviera Maya. The town is located about 100 km south from Cancún, about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
How to get to Akumal
Akumal is located just about 100 kilometers south of Cancún, the most popular tourist destination in Mexico. There are several ways to get to Akumal. The easiest way is to book a private transfer from Cancun Airport that will take you directly to your hotel. This takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
A cheaper alternative is to hail a colectivo bus at the street. These are small white vans that commute between Cancun and Tulum, stopping at various locations. All you have to do is tell the driver that you want to go to Akumal and he will drop you off at the crossroads, where you have to walk about 15 minutes to the beach. The price of a trip is about €3 per person and the journey time is about an hour and a half.
Another option is to rent a car and drive yourself. This gives you more flexibility and independence to explore the surroundings. You can rent a car at Cancun Airport or Playa del Carmen and take Highway 307 southbound. The drive to Akumal takes about an hour and there are several parking lots on the beach or near the center.
Where to Stay – Hotels in Akumal
Akumal is a beautiful place in the Riviera Maya that has significantly more to offer than most people expect. Whether you are travelling with your partner, family or friends – here you will find the right hotel for every taste and every budget. There are a wide variety of categories, facilities and services in the village. So, nothing stands in the way of your dream holiday in Akumal.
Some of the great hotels in Akumal include:
Now you have a few hotels to choose from. Which one do you like best? We hope you can enjoy your stay in Akumal soon and wish you a great holiday in Mexico!
Getting around
In Akumal you can get along well walking. For longer distances and excursions, a rental car might be helpful, as the nearest sights are at least 20 minutes away by car. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also just take a taxi. The fare should be agreed with the driver before boarding.
To Playa del Carmen and Tulum, there is a good connection with shared cabs (“Colectivos“). The fare is relatively cheap. Although they are sometimes full, they circulate very often. Shared cabs are the usual means of transport for the locals. If you are standing on besides the road, the drivers will give light signals when there are still free seats in their vehicle.
Snorkeling with turtles in the bay of Akumal
The wide bay of Akumal with its wide white sandy beach and warm blue-green water is perfect for snorkeling. Although the nearby reef was badly damaged by Hurricane Wilma a few years ago, snorkeling there is a wonderful experience. By the way, in the lagoon Yal-Ku fresh water flows into the Caribbean Sea, and there is also a very special snorkeling paradise.
Snorkeling with the gentle sea turtles is a unique experience in Akumal. There are various ways to do this.
Attention!
Corals die from direct contact with humans. Therefore, every touch should be carefully avoided. Turtles and other wild animals must not be touched or harassed under any circumstances. All these animals are under strict nature protection.
When snorkeling with the turtles in Akumal, the observation of a single turtle is limited to a maximum of two minutes per animal. But this is not too bad, as there are quite a few of them in the bay.
The best time to snorkel with turtles is in the morning before 11 a.m. After that, many tourists come, and it becomes rather crowded and uncomfortable. Besides, the turtles come into the bay early in the morning to eat the seaweed at the seabed. These wonderful animals are particularly good to observe when grazing.
Where to Eat – Restaurants in Akumal
There are many exceptional restaurants in Akumal, especially a lot of seafood. You should definitely try the exotic recipes with fish and shrimp. Also, many restaurants that offer Mexican dishes are particularly recommended.
Here are some recommended restaurants in Akumal:
And for the evening in Akumal there are of course also a few possibilities:
And if you’re in the mood for even more nightlife, take a taxi. After all, Tulum is just around the corner.
Things To Do in Akumal
You think Akumal is a small village? That’s true. But that doesn’t mean it gets boring here. From the unique nature to the mysterious ruins of the Maya, shopping and culinary delights, from art to action – there is a lot to do. We have researched 10 exciting activities in Akumal for you.
Conclusion
Akumal offers many adventures and relaxation. With its natural beauty and ancient culture, it is an ideal place to explore and discover on your next trip to Mexico.
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FAQs
Akumal is known for its beautiful beaches, rich underwater life and the near Maya ruins. Some of the most popular activities include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, biking and hiking. You can also visit the Cenote Yal-Ku, a natural pool with crystal clear water and colorful fish. Or you can visit the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see monkeys, reptiles and other animals
There are several ways to get from Cancun to Akumal. The fastest and most comfortable is by car or taxi. The drive takes about an hour and costs between 50 and 100 US dollars. You can also take a bus or a colectivo (a shared taxi). The ride takes about two hours and costs between 5 and 10 US dollars. Another option is a private transfer or a guided tour that you can book in advance.
Akumal means “place of the turtles” in Maya and is one of the best places to watch these fascinating animals. You can see turtles all year round at various beaches in Akumal, but the best time is from May to November, when they lay and hatch their eggs. The most popular beaches to snorkel with turtles are Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. However, you should always keep a respectful distance from the turtles and not touch or feed them.
Akumal offers a variety of accommodations for every taste and budget. You can choose between hotels, resorts, villas, vacation rentals and hostels. Some of the most popular accommodations are the Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a luxurious all-inclusive resort for adults, the Hotel Akumal Caribe, a family-friendly hotel with ocean views and access to the beach, and the Del Sol Beachfront, a cozy hotel with kitchenette and pool.
Akumal is a year-round destination with a warm and humid climate. The best time to travel to Akumal depends on your personal preferences and activities. The high season is from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny and many tourists arrive. The low season is from May to November, when the weather is rainier and hotter and fewer people are there. The best time to snorkel with turtles is from May to November, when they lay and hatch their eggs. The best time to dive is from June to August, when the visibility is best.
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