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Akumal is a small coastal community on Mexico's Riviera Maya, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Its name is usually translated from Maya as place of the turtles, and that is still the reason most people come: green sea turtles graze on the seagrass beds of its sheltered bays. The town grew from a coconut plantation into a diving base and later a quiet residential and vacation area.
Akumal Bay is the main attraction, with a sandy beach and shallow water that make it accessible to beginners. Snorkeling with green sea turtles is regulated to protect the animals, so visitors typically enter with a guide, wear life vests and stay within marked areas. To the north, Half Moon Bay is lined with rental homes and leads to a snorkeling lagoon where fresh and salt water mix. The nearby reef, part of the large barrier system running along this coast, draws divers, and inland cenotes offer swimming and cave diving for those with the right training. Nearby communities such as the gated Aventuras Akumal and the small beach of Chemuyil provide alternate stretches of shore.
Akumal suits families and snorkelers wanting a calmer base than the larger towns. The Tulum ruins, Playa del Carmen and the ferry to Cozumel are all within an easy drive.
WiserMap travel guideAkumal Mexico Green Sea Turtles Cenotes and Tulum RuinsPlan a trip to Akumal in Quintana Roo: snorkeling with green sea turtles, calm bays, cenote diving, Tulum ruins and food tips between Playa del Carmen and Tulum...Read the guide
A sheltered bay with soft sand, palm trees and calm shallow water protected by an offshore reef, the heart of the small resort area of Akumal. Dive shops, restaurants and the ecology center line the beach. Access and snorkeling rules are regulated, so follow signs and use biodegradable sunscreen.
A curved bay just north of Akumal Bay lined with villas and condos, with rocky reef shallows good for snorkeling and quieter stretches of sand. It is a residential area, so beach access is through a few public paths. Wear water shoes, as the shore is rocky in places, and watch for waves.
A quiet bay south of Akumal with a sandy beach, hotels and holiday homes, and gentle water good for swimming on calm days. It is less busy than the main bay. Public access is limited, so ask locally or stay nearby, and bring snacks, as services are fewer than in Akumal itself.
A protected beach south of Akumal, part of the Xcacel-Xcacelito sanctuary where loggerhead and green sea turtles nest in summer, with white sand, a reef and a cenote close to shore. Facilities are minimal and there is an entrance fee. Bring water and shade, and keep away from marked nests.
Green sea turtles feed on the seagrass in Akumal Bay all year, and snorkelers can watch them in shallow water, often with rays and fish nearby. A protected zone limits access. Go with a certified guide, wear a life vest as required, keep your distance and never touch or chase the turtles.
A sheltered lagoon at the north end of Akumal where fresh and sea water mix among rocks and mangroves, home to parrotfish, angelfish, rays and sometimes turtles. The calm water suits beginners, and the grounds have sculptures. Arrive early to avoid groups, and only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed.
A section of the Mesoamerican Reef just offshore from Akumal, with coral heads, sea fans, reef fish, eagle rays and nurse sharks, reached by boat or a long swim from the bay. Local dive shops run snorkel and scuba trips. Go with a guide, as currents and boat traffic can be a risk.
A nature park in the jungle near Akumal with a large dry cave of stalactites, a clear underground cenote for swimming, ziplines and a small zoo of local wildlife such as spider monkeys and deer. Visits are guided in small groups. Wear sturdy shoes for the cave and bring a swimsuit.
A non-profit research and education center on Akumal Bay that works on reef, turtle and water protection, with a small visitor area, talks and turtle nesting walks in season. It explains the rules for the bay. Stop by to learn how to visit responsibly, and ask about volunteer opportunities.
A beach bar and restaurant on Half Moon Bay known for its playful treehouse-style seating high above the sand, swing seats at the bar, seafood and cocktails, with views over the reef. It is a relaxed spot for lunch or sunset drinks. Arrive early for the upper seats, which fill quickly.
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