7 Best Things To Do in Akumal, Mexico
Things to do in Akumal are plentiful, making it a popular destination along Mexico’s Riviera Maya coast. This small town, located in the Tulum municipality, offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages.
Akumal, which means “place of the turtles” in Mayan, is famous for its opportunities to swim with sea turtles. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters is a must-do activity, allowing you to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The town also boasts several beautiful beaches, including Central Akumal Beach, North Akumal Beach, and Jade Bay, each offering a unique experience.
Swim with Sea Turtles
Akumal is renowned for its beaches teeming with various sea turtles swimming in its waters, making this activity the town’s most popular attraction.
Tourists flock from Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and other cities to Akumal to swim with these magnificent creatures.
If you’re visiting Akumal, you’ll find this experience conveniently located at Akumal Bay, where you can snorkel alongside the sea turtles during a Private Sea Turtle snorkeling experience.
Remember, it’s important not to touch them! Here, you can spot seven different species of sea turtles, as Akumal is rich in these beautiful creatures, making it the ideal spot for anyone wanting to see them in the Quintana Roo region.
Visit Yal-Ku Eco-Park
Yal Ku Eco Park is a reserve park in Akumal, and it’s famous for its extensive cenote that is ideal for those who love to go snorkeling.
If you enjoy snorkeling, you’ll want to visit the park. As you snorkel here, you will see various species of tropical fish, manta rays, sting rays, and more.
Besides the lagoon and Cenote Yal Ku, you will be snorkeling in. The park has several hammocks you can relax on and enjoy the natural reserve park area is home to many reptiles, bird species, and other animals.
The park has everything you need for the day, a great restaurant, washrooms, lockers, and WIFI even, and it’s an excellent place for families to enjoy the day!
Day Trip to Xplor Adventure Park
For those who love adventure, Xplor Adventure Park is a must-visit destination, located just a 25-minute drive from Akumal.
While it’s not technically in Akumal, the trip is worth it if you enjoy thrilling experiences. The park features two stunning underground caves to explore, a cenote, ATV riding, ziplining through the jungle, and more.
On this tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and dropped off at the end of the day. The package includes transportation, entry to the park, and a delicious lunch buffet, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.
Vista Playa Akumal
The main beach in Akumal, Playa Akumal or Akumal Beach, features an exceptional shoreline that captures a tropical atmosphere. As the most popular beach in the town, it can get busy during the afternoon. “Playa” means “beach” in Spanish by the way!
Along Playa Akumal, you’ll find several beach loungers available for rent, as well as beachside restaurants serving food and drinks. If you’re looking for a quieter spot to enjoy your day, consider visiting Tortuga Marina Sanctuary or Strand Riviera Maja.
The area is dotted with palm trees, some of which bear coconuts. Be cautious where you sit and avoid lounging under coconut trees, as the last thing you want is for a coconut to fall on your head!
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
Another fun activity for kids in Akumal is the Monkey Sanctuary. At the sanctuary, you’ll receive a brief history of the place and its programs while getting the chance to bond with the monkeys.
Although it primarily focuses on monkeys, the sanctuary is also home to various animals, including flamingos, zebras, and colorful parrots.
During your visit, a local guide will take you around, allowing you to interact with the monkeys and learn more about the other animals. While transportation is not included in the tour, you can pay extra for it.
Overall, it’s a delightful day for kids to enjoy and interact with the animals being cared for at this sanctuary.
Akumal Dolphin Discovery
Dolphin Discovery is a large company with several locations offering dolphin encounters throughout the Quintana Roo region.
At the Akumal Dolphin Discovery, you will first learn fascinating information about these friendly mammals, including their diets, behaviors, and more.
On this Tour Booking, you will gain a 40-minute dolphin interaction, entry into the park, and lockers for storage.
Swim at Cenote Puerta Maya
When visiting this region of Mexico, experiencing the cenotes is a must. For those unfamiliar, cenotes are sinkholes filled with natural spring water, providing the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
Visiting a cenote in Akumal is not only one of the best activities in the area but also among the top things to do in the entire Quintana Roo region. The entrance fee for this cenote is 200 pesos per person, which is around $10 US dollars.
Fortunately, there’s a beautiful cenote in Akumal called Cenote Puerta Maya. Inside, you can easily spot the cave-like edges and the stunning shades of turquoise and green waters.
Other Cenotes Near Akumal
- Cenote Media Luna
- Aktun Chen
- Casa Tortuga Cenotes
- Cenotes Sac Actun
Where to Stay in Akumal
Below you will find several hotel options for all your needs and budgets. The best hotel in Akumal is listed below for your preference!
Whether you’re coming with your loved one and looking for a luxurious adult-only hotel, or perhaps you’re a solo traveler looking for a hostel. I’ve even added a glamping option below!
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – (5 Stars)
Starting with the best of the best, Secrets Akumal is very popular amongst guests visiting Akumal, and for a good reason.
The resort is impeccable and has everything you’d expect in an upper-class 5 Star hotel. A private beach area, phenomenal food, top-level concierge, a spa that will make you not want to leave, and more!
Best For: Highest-rated Hotel in Town and Adults-Only hotel
Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal – (5 Stars) All Inclusive
Another popular option in town is the Bahia. They offer an all-inclusive stay with an extensive list of impressive amenities for the whole family, such as a water park for the kids, Zumba classes, silent disco dancing, a fully equipped gym, and more.
Bahia Principe is a top choice for those coming with families to Akumal and looking for an all-inclusive hotel stay in Akumal.
Best For: Families and All-inclusive Hotel option
Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort – (4 Stars)
Those looking for a luxurious stay in Akumal with convenient beach access but not looking to pay the prices of a 5 Star hotel exactly, this is the hotel to book!
Akumal Baya Wellness Resort is a beautiful beach area with several beach loungers, cabanas, and more.
Best For: Great beach access for 4 Stars hotel
Akumal Natura Glamping – (Glamping Experience)
Moving on from hotels momentarily, this is for the adventurous type, glamping in Akumal’s jungle!
This is an experience a few of my friends experienced and told me some great things. I, too, plan on spending a night at this place the next time I visit Akumal.
At Akumal Natura Glamping, you will be immersed in a small room in the jungle, making for a unique experience. Don’t worry; they’ve got everything you need here. This is glamping, after all, not camping!
Best For: Unique experience
ITZA Hotel Akumal – (hostel)
Lastly, for those looking to visit Akumal and looking for a great hostel to stay at, this is where you need to come.
ITZA Hostel is located in the center of the Akumal town area. It’s clean, the decor is excellent, and the rooftop has a pool and a remarkable communal space!
The best part is because this hostel is in the city center, unlike all the other hotels on this list, you’re close to so many local taquerias! – Drinks on the rooftop followed up by late-night tacos!
Best For: Excellent Hostel accommodation
Is Akumal Worth Visiting?
Akumal is a fun place to visit, and for those looking to snorkel and see the sea turtles, there’s no reason to consider elsewhere!
For those coming with families, it’s exceptional because there are so many things to do with the kids, and unlike crowded Cancun, it’s calmer here.
Also, for those looking for a quiet romantic vacation with their partner, I’d recommend Akumal and make sure you stay at Secrets Akumal.
Suppose you’re with friends looking to go to bars, nightclubs, etc. I wouldn’t recommend staying in Akumal. You’d be better off going to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, or Tulum.
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