How to visit Akumal Beach in 2023

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Akumal is a small beach town on Mexico’s Maya Riviera. Its name means “Place of the Turtle” in the Mayan language. If you go to the Akumal Beach or Playa Akumal, you’ll see where it gets its name.

This beach welcomes thousands of visitors every year and is famous for swimming with the turtles in Mexico but also for its white sands, warm waters, and rich marine life.

Akumal Beach is extremely beautiful and worth visiting.

Today, I’ll take you on a trip to the beach and its surrounding area and show you what to do in Playa Akumal besides swimming with the turtle, including some of the best Mexico snorkeling spots, after Baja California of course!

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What’s special about Playa Akumal?

Playa Akumal offers tourists the unique experience of swimming with turtles in Mexico (please don’t touch them though). You also get to see underwater coral reefs and other marine life.

The turquoise waters are very clear and swimming in them is a very enjoyable experience.

If that sounds like your gem, you’ll have to get here very early during the day.

Only 200 people are allowed to swim in the protected turtle zone each day.

If you want to be one of those people, get here as early as possible and hire a guide to show you the best spots where you can swim with the turtles.

Although until a couple of years ago you could swim with the turtle on your own, now it’s not possible anymore and you need to hire a guide to get to the spot where you are sure to see them.

However, if you want to take your chance and avoid the guided tour, you can swim a little further east out of the marked area and you may be able to see them anyway. It’s less certain but possible as the turtles are free to swim wherever they want.

The guide is only mandatory in a limited area that is well marked with buoys.

The turtles themselves are very used to swimming with human beings since they see thousands of us every year. It’s quite a unique experience.

Just make sure not to go too close to them and please don’t touch them. While they’re not dangerous, you can easily cause harm to them.

There’s also an abundance of other types of marine life that you can enjoy fishing with, such as barracudas, stingrays, and manta rays.

While the beach itself is easily one of the best parts of Akumal, the area around it is extremely beautiful as well. After all, you don’t want to take a long trip just to visit a beach and then take a trip back to your hotel.

To the north, Laguna Yal Ku (which closes at 5 PM), and the famous Half-moon Bay.

To the south, you’ll find Jade Bay, which has residential communities, tourist resorts, and other tourist attractions. The town and the whole area, in general, are surrounded by lush greenery and have all sorts of wildlife.

How to get to Akumal Beach

Now that you know why you should visit Akumal Beach, let me tell you some of the ways you can use to get here.

Getting to Akumal beach by car

If you’re currently in Playa Del Carmen, I recommend renting a car and taking the 307 highway south. The drive should take you about 30-40 minutes maximum from both towns.

If you’re in Tulum and have a car, you’ll have to drive north on the 307 highway. It’ll take you about 30 minutes this way too.

You may be interested in my detailed post about renting a car in Mexico, and the one about Driving in Mexico for some tips while on the road, in case you are concerned or want to get some tips from a local.

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Also if you rent a car, you are free to explore the surrounding area and check out the nearby attraction, such as the best cenotes on the Riviera Maya (Azul and Taak-bi-ha) or the nearby Xpu-ha beach, one of my favorite beaches in Mexico!

Getting to Akumal by Taxi

If you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi from Tulum or Playa Del Carmen directly to Akumal. Make sure to agree on the fare with the driver beforehand to avoid any unpleasantness when you arrive at the destination.

Getting to Akumal by public transportation

If you have luggage and are planning to stay in the area, I don’t recommend this option because the colectivos are often small and don’t have enough room for your luggage.

Colectivos are the best option for you if you’re just going to the area on a day trip and are on a budget. A “collective” (small bus) costs about 35-45 pesos per person.

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Hotels near Akumal Beach

In case you decide to stay in the area (which you absolutely should), here are a few hotels you can choose from.

Las Villas Akumal

If you’re looking for somewhere with a quiet atmosphere and great views of the Mediterranean Sea, then this beachfront hotel is the place to stay.

It’s a great hotel for families and friends to stay in, as it focuses on giving you a feeling of home away from home. You can book villas, apartments, or rooms, according to your requirements.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Secrets Akumal is a 5-star all-inclusive, adults-only resort with multiple spas, pools, and different types of restaurants and bars.

It’s perfect for couples who are here on a honeymoon. You’ll be living in luxury, and the food is delicious.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Hotel SAK-NAJ

It’s the perfect hotel for you if you’re on a budget. It’s situated within walking distance of the highway, so you can easily get colectivos, and the beach is only a 10-15 minutes walk away.

The staff and service are excellent and you’ll get the best bang for your buck here.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com

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The best time to visit Akumal Beach

You’ll want to visit Akumal Beach between June and November, as this is the turtle nesting season and you’ll maximize your chances of swimming with the turtles.

More specifically, September is when you’re most likely to see the turtles.

Make sure to have plenty of sunscreens as you can easily get sunburnt, even when it’s cloudy and even when you’re under the shade.

If you’re planning on staying until sundown and even later, keep a mosquito repellant with you.

As I mentioned earlier, only 200 people can swim with the turtles per day because it’s a protected zone. So make sure to get here as early in the day as possible and reserve your spot.

You’ll also want to hire a guide to show you the best spots where you can swim with the turtles.

If you’re planning to stay in the area, September to November is also the best season because there aren’t a lot of tourists in the area and you’ll get the best prices for your rooms.

Not to mention it’ll be much more peaceful at the beach.

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Top tours to visit Akumal Beach 

If you don’t want to visit on your own because you are short of time or there are incredible tours that you can join from wherever you are staying, whether it is Cancun or Tulum or anywhere in between they will come and pick you up and take you to the most incredible places, including Akumal beach for swimming with the turtles.

Here I am sharing the top tours that I have selected for you.

1. Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Guided Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 268 Reviews

Duration 5 hours (approx)

► Book the half-day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling tour now

This is an incredible snorkeling tour that includes Akumal beach and a spectacular cave cenote, two of the most popular snorkeling spots in the area.

This tour last half-day and includes transportation, a guide, entrance fees, and snacks.

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2. Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 106 Reviews

Duration 7-8 hours (approx)

► Book the private tour to Tulum Ruins with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling

This tour is perfect for those who have a limited time and want to see as much as possible in one day

✔ Tulum Ruins guided visit
✔ Swimming with the turtles in Akumal
✔ Cenote Dos Ojos guided tour

Also, the fact that’s a private tour makes it even better as you have the guide all for yourself and they can tailor the schedule to your liking.

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3. Swim With the Sea Turtles in Akumal

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 106 Reviews

Duration 1hr 15 min (approx)

► BOOK NOW your tour to swim with the sea turtles in Akumal

This is the basic Akumal tour organized by the Akumal Ecological Guide. You will meet your guide right there in Akumal and the price includes entry fees, equipment, and a guided tour.

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Swimming in an area known for sea turtles and cenotes tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9 Reviews

Duration 5 hrs (approx)

► Swimming in an area known for sea turtles and cenotes tour

This is another tour that is perfect for snorkeling lovers! In fact, you will be swimming and snorkeling in the sea from Akumal beach to see the turtles and then you will be one of the spectacular cenotes on the Riviera Maya for more swimming.

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What to wear in Akumal

Here you will find my packing tips for your day trip to Akumal

✔ Shorts and tank top (see below)

✔ Hat (for the strong sun)

✔ Swimsuits

✔ Beach towel

✔ Snorkeling gear – I know that you can rent it or if you book a tour it’s included but it’s much better if you have your own.

✔ Dry bag for your belonging

✔ GoPro Hero10 for amazing pictures

✔ waterproof pouch for your phone

✔ Mosquito Repellent (eco friendly)

✔ Sunscreen (eco friendly)

Here below are some cute outfit ideas. Click on the picture to see the product.

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FAQ about Akumal Beach 

Does Akumal have nice beaches?

Akumal Beach is the most popular beach in the area because of the swimming with the turtle activity, and it’s very beautiful but also very busy.

However, you should know that Akumal is also the name of the town and it covers a more extended stretch of coast, which includes other amazing beaches. 

Unfortunately, although the beaches in Mexico are public and free most of those beaches in Akumal are reachable by staying in one of those hotels such as Sunscape Akumal or Bahia Principe. 

However, I have a pro tip for you. 

Bahia Principe has now opened a new beach club that’s called Kay BeachClub for those who are not staying in the hotel. It’s located on the spectacular Akumal Beach right in front of the Coral reef one of the best places for snorkeling from Tulum. 

It only costs 15 USD (300 MXN) to access but you can use the 15 USD as a credit for your food, which is great if you want to spend at least a few hours on the beach.

Is Akumal Mexico safe for tourists?

Akumal it’s quite safe for tourists as it’s a very busy and popular area.

However, some common sense use will not hurt, for example, knowing that you can’t leave your personal belongings unattended.

You can check out my post about safety in Mexico to learn more. 

Is Akumal Beach free?

Akumal beach is free, just like all beaches in Mexico, but the local businesses have made it difficult to access. 

To access the beach there are a few entrances. You can try to pass by the hotel by the arch and they may let you in for free if you don’t use their facilities

Or further on beside the dive shop, you may find an entry door. 

Right before the parking lot, after the dive shop, you will find another beach entrance gate. 

There you pay something like 5 USD but you have the use of the lockers and bathroom facilities which may come in handy. I believe it’s worth the price. 

Parking in Akumal Beach

You will find different parking lots along the beach road in Akumal. The first you find on the left is 20MXN per hour, but if you stay more than 3 hours you are better off with the next parking lot which is only 50 MXN for the entire day.

Can you snorkel off the beach in Akumal?

Some time ago vendors were trying to talk you into buying their snorkeling tours saying that it was mandatory if you wanted to see the turtles. 

Nowadays this issue has been sorted out, but, indeed, you can’t swim in a certain area on your own. You will need to get a local guide for that. 

But you can snorkel off the beach in Akumal on your own and still find turtles hanging out even if you are not in the designated area because they are free. 

Is it better to stay in Tulum or Akumal?

Well, Tulum is a very busy and much bigger resort town and I don’t think they can compare. 

It depends on what you are looking for. 

Akumal doesn’t offer much in terms of restaurants and places to hang out. However, if you have a car rental it could be a peaceful destination to use as a base and then explore the surroundings by car. 

There are a lot of beachfront villas or hotels in the Akumal area that may be worth checking out. 

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Can you walk along the beach in Akumal?

Yes, Akumal has different bays that are not connected. If you go to the Key Club that I mentioned before you cannot walk to Akumal beach where the turtles are because the beach is interrupted.

However, each of those areas has quite an extended stretch of beach for a nice long walk. 

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Things to do around Akumal Beach 

Akumal beach can make a day trip by itself but you may want to use your day to explore other amazing places in the area. 

One of the best places near Akumal is Yal-Ku lagoon, located just a few miles passed Akumal beach along the same beach road, it’s one of the best places for snorkeling in Mexico. 

Along the federal highway, there are other interesting spots to visit, including some of the best cenotes of the Riviera Maya, such as Cenote Azul at 16 minutes drive, and Cenote Dos Ojos and Taak Bi Ha at 20 minutes drive. 

Also, Xpu-ha beach is worth visiting. 

If you are staying in Tulum and going back to your place you may want to check out Casa Cenote as well. 

As you can see there are so many things to do in the area. 

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How to enjoy Akumal Beach by respecting the environment

We live in a fragile environment which we are deteriorating just by existing.

However, there are a few simple actions that will help with its preservation and at least cause less damage. Here are a few:

✔ Do not litter

✔ If you see some rubbish on the beach or in the water pick it up and put it in the first available trash bin

✔ Don’t try to touch the turtles or disturb them in any way. Keep your distance.

✔ Don’t feed the turtle. They are in their natural environment. If you start feeding them they will start relying on humans for food and they lose their natural instinct and ability to find it on their own. This is very important.

✔ Use a reef-safe sunblock or even better avoid putting sunblock before entering the water.

✔ If you see somebody who doesn’t follow the above rules or is disrespectful in anyways let them know (kindly if you can)

✔ Don’t be loud. Other people have the right to enjoy the beach

✔ Don’t do anything stupid!

If you think of any other good rules, that I didn’t mention please let me know.

How to visit Akumal Beach: final thoughts

So now you have all the information you need to plan your trip to Akumal beach. There are many ways to visit this beach. Whatever you chose I am sure you are going to have an amazing time! Just remember to do it while respecting the environment.

Happy travels!

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