Great activities in Akumal

To visit Akumal is to discover the best place to swim with turtles in Mexico while enjoying the warm waters of the Caribbean and its white sand beaches. This village between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is indeed inseparable from its marine fauna because its name means “land of the turtles” in Maya. Here are some great activities in Akumal.

Great activities in Akumal: Snorkeling

Off the coast of Akumal lies the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, sometimes called the Great Mayan Reef, which is the 2nd largest reef in the world. It is home to 65 species of coral and 500 species of fish. In addition, the water is crystal clear and very calm, ideal for snorkeling. You can of course see turtles, but also crabs, rays, groupers, and more. It is possible to take a snorkeling tour in Akumal or to go solo by spotting the groups in the water to know where the best spots are.

The Bay of Akumal

The main public beach of Akumal is located in the large Bay of Akumal. It used to be free, but now you have to pay $100mxn for the entrance to the local cooperative (cash only) which also gives access to the toilets and showers. It is mainly known as the best place to swim with turtles.

There are also very good snorkeling spots quite close to the main entrance. You can swim freely in its transparent waters, but to access the protected waters where most of the turtles are, you must take a guided tour. There are several restaurants, stores and agencies where you can rent snorkeling equipment to go solo or take a tour.

Half Moon Bay

North of the main bay is Media Luna Bay or Half Moon Bay which is also a must see in Akumal. This bay is home to beaches between fine sand and rocks, a quieter refuge than Akumal Bay. It is a long, clean, sandy beach with a quieter atmosphere than the main bay. It’s a great place for walking, but also for windsurfing and kayaking. It is also a good spot for snorkeling in Akumal because the water is shallow and full of colorful fish.

Great activities in Akumal: Laguna Yal Ku

North of Media Luna Bay is another must-see place in Akumal: Caleta Yal Ku, also called Cenote Yal-Ku or Laguna Yal-Ku. It is a small paradise with crystal clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling in Akumal. Indeed, this freshwater lake communicates with the salty waters of the Caribbean, and you can find a great variety of tropical fish. In addition to fish, you can see starfish, corals and sometimes some sea turtles.

The Eco Center

The Akumal Ecological Center is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the ecosystem of the Akumal region.  They work among other things on the study and preservation of sea turtles on the 4 beaches of Akumal.  You can visit their small museum dedicated to the reef and the turtles of Akumal.  If you have some time, they also offer a volunteer program with turtles.