Travel tips for Akumal

“Akumal” comes from the Mayan language. It means “land of the turtles”. Its fame comes from its numerous turtles cavorting in the bay. This gives you a special opportunity to snorkel with the turtles for free. To make sure you have an unforgettable day, here are some travel tips for Akumal.

Travel tips for Akumal: parking in Akumal

Those driving to Akumal will find a few parking options, all about a 5 minute walk from the beach. The parking spaces in front at the edge of the main street cost 50 pesos per day. If you drive through the white gate, there is another parking lot on the left that costs 20 pesos (about One dollar) per hour. Also, be sure to check the parking lot hours, the one we parked in closed at 6pm. The entrance fee to the beach (at the access next to the dive store Dive In) is 100 pesos (about 4.60 USD) per person.

Restaurant Lol-Ha

Located right on the beach, Restaurant Lol-Ha offers a gorgeous view of the beach. The prices are a bit higher (as with most restaurants on the beach), but the dreamlike ambience is worth something. To drink a glass of cool Agua de Jamaica (made from hibiscus flowers) with your feet in the sand and enjoy the view sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

Snorkeling in Akumal

There are snorkel sets to rent at the Dive In Shop in Akumal, however, we decided to buy a snorkel set. Our road trip on the Yucatan Peninsula should finally offer us the opportunity to snorkel more often. The cheapest set is in the supermarket Súper Chedraui for 199 pesos (about 10 dollars). If a simple diving mask is enough for you, you can buy it there for 14.50 pesos (about 0.70 dollars).

Travel tips for Akumal: turtle watching

Akumal is known for its many turtles munching on the seagrass in a relaxed manner near the shore. I had read in some blogs that an early arrival (around 8-9 am) is recommended, as there are less tourist groups in the morning. In addition, the turtles are supposed to be particularly fond of eating seaweed for breakfast and thus be close to the shore. Try to schedule your visit to Akumal in the morning.