Best Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Chiang Mai: The Best 2026 Ranking
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1181.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1181.5))
Culture
,regionOfInterest=(3976,2652))
,regionOfInterest=(3976,2652))
,regionOfInterest=(2480,1653))
,regionOfInterest=(2480,1653))
One of the most special natural corners of the Riviera Maya, Akumal is an unparalleled destination for enjoying the Caribbean Sea in a much quieter setting than other, more touristy and crowded places in Quintana Roo. It is best known for the fact that you can swim with sea turtles in the wild here.
It is a small coastal town where you will find white sand beaches, coral reefs, cenotes and a natural wealth that is hard to match. The name Akumal comes from the Mayan language and means "place of the turtles", which perfectly sums up its essence.
Every year, hundreds of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) arrive in the shallow bays of Akumal to feed on its extensive seagrass meadows, making this idyllic corner of Mexico one of the best places in the world to observe them in their natural habitat in a completely respectful way.
A highly recommended destination. In this guide, I am going to tell you what to do in Akumal so you can organise a perfectly planned excursion, whether you are coming from Tulum or any other part of the Riviera Maya.
Culture
,regionOfInterest=(500,500))
,regionOfInterest=(500,500))
All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
,regionOfInterest=(4001.5,2732))
,regionOfInterest=(4001.5,2732))
,regionOfInterest=(2649.5,1765))
,regionOfInterest=(2649.5,1765))
,regionOfInterest=(1728,1152))
,regionOfInterest=(1728,1152))
Although most travellers who visit this destination do so mainly for its famous turtles, the reality is that there are many things to do in Akumal. Its pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, hidden coves, nearby cenotes and the tranquillity that can be felt throughout the town allow you to enjoy a day that is as complete as it is unforgettable.
Among the main activities in Akumal, highlights include snorkelling, walking along the coast on pleasant hikes, discovering lesser-known coves, visiting nature reserves or taking excursions to cenotes located just a few kilometres from the coast.
Thanks to Akumal's excellent location, it is also a perfect starting point for visiting other places of interest such as Tulum, Cobá or some of the most important natural parks in the Mexican Caribbean.
The main beach is the great symbol of the town and one of the best-known places in the entire Riviera Maya. Known as “Akumal Beach”, its white sand, turquoise waters and the reef located very close to the shore create the perfect conditions for snorkelling and observing marine life. In addition, it is precisely here that the seagrass meadows are found where the famous sea turtles that have given Akumal international fame can be seen.
Located to the north of Akumal Beach, Half Moon Bay is a beautiful bay with a perfect crescent shape that offers a much quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. With a predominantly rocky and coral seabed, it has extraordinarily calm and transparent waters that are perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, getting into a kayak or simply lying down to enjoy the landscape and switch off.
Very close to the centre of Akumal is Yal-Kú, a spectacular lagoon where the underground fresh water from the peninsula's rivers mixes with the salt water of the Caribbean Sea. This produces a unique combination of nutrients that attracts a large number of multicoloured tropical fish (such as surgeonfish, sergeant majors and parrotfish), rays and barracudas.
The incredible clarity of the water and the absence of strong waves make the Yal-Kú Lagoon an authentic natural aquarium and one of the best places for snorkelling and observing the great diversity of marine life on the Yucatán Peninsula.
,regionOfInterest=(1632,1224))
,regionOfInterest=(1632,1224))
As I have already mentioned, the biggest attraction and the most exciting experience is swimming with turtles in Akumal. The seagrass meadows located in front of the beach mean that countless green turtles arrive all year round to feed. Thanks to this, you can observe these animals in total freedom while snorkelling.
However, to protect the ecosystem, access to certain areas is regulated by the Mexican environmental authorities and must be carried out while respecting strict conservation rules.
Furthermore, it is important to keep your distance from the animals, avoid touching them and always follow the instructions of authorised guides. It is also important to note that you cannot use sunscreens that are not 100% biodegradable.
For me, the experience of the turtles in Akumal is, without a doubt, one of the most special memories that any trip to the Riviera Maya can offer.
The coral reef that borders and protects the coast is part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. This underwater garden is home to everything from brain coral and elkhorn coral colonies to sea sponges, eagle rays, peaceful nurse sharks and hundreds of species of tropical reef fish. A dream place for diving and underwater photography enthusiasts.
In the surroundings of Akumal there are several cenotes of enormous beauty where it is possible to swim or go diving in crystal-clear waters. Among the best-known are the Dos Ojos Cenote (a paradise for diving with two immense connected caverns), the Sac Actun Cenote (famous for its millions of submerged stalactites) and the Santa Cruz Cenote, ideal for spending the day with the family.
Beyond the coastline, the natural environment of Akumal is formed by an extensive sub-perennial tropical jungle that serves as a refuge for a large number of tropical birds (such as toucans and motmots), reptiles and mammals native to the region, such as coatis, spider monkeys or white-tailed deer.
In the Quintana Roo jungle there are different private reserves and local cooperatives that offer interpretive walks, ecological tours for bird watching and guided visits to terrestrial fauna rescue sanctuaries in the Riviera Maya.
,regionOfInterest=(2322.5,1226))
,regionOfInterest=(2322.5,1226))
The proximity between both destinations means that many people choose to combine a visit to Akumal and Tulum on the same trip.
The famous ruins of the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum, characterised by their stone temples built on the edge of a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, are just 20 minutes to the south along the 307 federal highway.
Another highly recommended excursion is to visit the archaeological site of Cobá, which is one of the most important ancient Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. Immersed in the deep jungle, it stands out for housing the great pyramid of Nohoch Mul and its impressive network of pre-Hispanic white stone causeways or 'sacbés'.
A monumental and internationally famous all-inclusive natural and ecotourism park, Xel-Há offers a large number of aquatic activities to be carried out in a huge natural cove. It is one of the best family plans and most popular and nearby snorkelling itineraries from the residential area of Akumal.
If you want to have enriching, eco-responsible and different experiences during your holiday in the Mexican Caribbean, I recommend including these plans in your travel itinerary:
,regionOfInterest=(2808,1872))
,regionOfInterest=(2808,1872))
Although it is a small coastal town, Akumal has an excellent gastronomic offering based on fresh products from the Mexican Caribbean. The town's restaurants and those located on the beach sand offer delicious dishes made with the day's catch.
Among the most traditional and recommended specialities are:
The name Akumal means "place of the turtles" in the Mayan language, a direct reference to the historical presence of these animals in the area. In addition to green turtles, at certain times of the year, you can also see loggerhead turtles and numerous species of tropical fish thanks to the excellent state of conservation of the reef.
Another curiosity is that Akumal was one of the first tourist developments in the Riviera Maya and played an important role in the tourist development of the region, long before the expansion of other destinations such as Playa del Carmen.
Akumal is located approximately 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen and about 20 minutes from Tulum via the 307 federal highway. You can easily get there by car, bus or 'colectivo' from the main destinations in the Riviera Maya.
📍 In the following tourist map of Akumal you will find all the must-see places mentioned in this guide, from its beaches and natural spaces to the main points of interest in the surrounding area. It will be of great help for planning your route and making the most of your visit.
,regionOfInterest=(2500,1666.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2500,1666.5))
If there is one experience that makes Akumal Mexico a unique destination, it is the possibility of observing and swimming with sea turtles in the wild. To enjoy it fully, my advice is to experience it first thing in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer and visibility under the water is much better.
Beyond snorkelling, it is worth spending time exploring the different beaches, visiting Yal-Kú and discovering some of the nearby cenotes. That combination of nature, tranquillity and biodiversity makes Akumal one of the most special destinations in the entire Riviera Maya.
,regionOfInterest=(2412.5,1357.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2412.5,1357.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1162.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1162.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1181.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1181.5))
,regionOfInterest=(3360.5,2243))
,regionOfInterest=(3360.5,2243))
,regionOfInterest=(3976,2652))
,regionOfInterest=(3976,2652))
,regionOfInterest=(3976,2652))
,regionOfInterest=(3976,2652))