How to get to Akumal
As the ultimate Akumal travel guide, we have to begin by telling you how to get there. And actually, getting to Akumal can be quite easy by booking transportation in advance. It can be reached by Playa del Carmen–Tulum route vans; however, the public transportation vans drop off passengers over the highway; which is quite distanced from what is considered Akumal.
We offer a private route of transportation to Akumal. The average transportation time from Cancun Airport to Akumal is 1:45 hrs. This will vary according to the exact location where you are going, weather, and traffic conditions at the time of your service. The best time to avoid traffic is before 7:00 or after 21:00 since hotel workers whose workday starts between 8:00 – 9:00 and ends between 17:00 – 19:00 take this route on a daily basis.
Learn more about how to get to Akumal from the Cancun Airport here.
Things you didn’t know you could do in Akumal
Swim with Turtles
The most famous attraction in Akumal Bay is by far swimming with turtles, so by default, this attraction starts off the Ultimate Akumal Travel Guide.
The reserve is protected by the government, and to be able to spot some turtles you’ll have to book a private tour. Normally, tours give you snorkel equipment, but we recommend you get your own if you are going to keep exploring the beaches in Akumal. The tour takes you to a depth of approximately 2 meters, the turtles are in their natural habitat and you can watch them without touching them. Remember, the area is protected, so by law, it is forbidden to touch them or get closer than 3m.
The best time to see turtles is in the morning (before 11 am) when the turtles are feeding and there are few people in the water. From May to October, turtles lay their eggs in Half Moon Bay. They can be seen laying eggs on the beach at night or eating and swimming during the day.
Learn more about the best places to spot turtles in Akumal here.
Snorkel in Akumal
Off the coast of Akumal is the Mesoamerican Reef, also called the Great Mayan Reef, which is the second largest reef in the world. It is home to 65 species of coral and 500 species of fish in crystal clear and very calm water, ideal for snorkeling. So even if you spend a day at the beach, you’ll enjoy snorkeling, it’s fun and kids also love it!
Yal Kú Cenote & Lagoon
A shallow cenote that offers clear waters for snorkeling. Yal-Ku is one of the Caribbean corners that will surely surprise you on your way. In this outlet of fresh subway waters to the open sea, you will enjoy incredible views. Discover among colorful fish one of the most beautiful landscapes of this paradisiacal coast of southeastern Mexico.
General admission (adults) $280 MXN
General admission (kids) $200 MXN
Locals (adults) $180 MXN
Locals (kids) $120 MXN
(Kids are considered kids from 4 to 12 years old)
Cenotes
Located in the municipality of Homun Santa Cruz is a closed cenote located in a small cavern. Access is possible by wooden stairs to a depth of approximately 8 meters. The cenote is located inside the Parador Turístico Santa Cruz Turismo de Aventura located on the Carretera a #Huhí km. 1 in the municipality of Homun. The access cost per person is $30 Mxn and it has a rest area and a place to leave your belongings.
Cenote Azul
Snorkeling is the most popular activity at Cenote Azul because the water is perfectly clear and is home to many fish and plants. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment, or you can rent it for $70 pesos.
As the Ultimate Akumal Travel Guide, we couldn’t miss talking about the Reserves and Animals’ Sanctuary in Akumal
Centro Ecológico Akumal
Centro Ecológico Akumal is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the ecosystem of the Akumal region. It is dedicated to the study and preservation of sea turtles on 4 beaches in Akumal. You can visit their small museum dedicated to the reef and turtles of Akumal. If you have some time, they also offer a volunteer program with sea turtles.
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
The Monkey Sanctuary or Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a place to visit with children in Akumal. There are many monkeys and other rescued species (goats, lemurs, boas, parrots, turtles, flamingos, etc). All are cared for, fed, and returned to the wild when possible.
Akumal Natura Rescue
It is a nature reserve dedicated to preserving biodiversity and offers ecotourism activities. It houses about 80 animals of 23 different species (birds, monkeys, reptiles, etc.) rescued, cared for, and housed in a safe environment.
Aktun Chen
Aktun Chen in Akumal is a park that offers an unforgettable immersion in nature. It is a jungle that is home to many animals such as parrots, toucans, kinkajous, coatis, several species of monkeys, collared peccaries, and white-tailed deer. In addition to its 10 zip lines of 1500m in the jungle, and its subway river ideal for snorkeling, its cave is one of its best attractions.
Kantunchi
Only 14 km from Akumal is the Kantun Chi or Kantunchi Ecological Park. It is home to rich fauna and flora including spider monkeys, deer, many species of birds, and raccoons. There are 5 cenotes in the middle of nature, perfect for swimming and snorkeling: Kantun Chi, Saskaleen Ha, Uchben Ha, Zacil Ha, and Zihil Ha.
Now you can start planning your vacation in Akumal!