Located in the Riviera Maya, Akumal Beach is 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Cancún on Mexico's Caribbean Coast. Relax on the beach’s powdery white sand and swim in the clear, tranquil water protected by an offshore reef.
In the Mayan language, Akumal means “The Place of the Turtle,” called so for the turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches here once a year. The warm, shallow waters and palm tree-lined bay make the beach an ideal destination for human families too!
In this quiet swimming bay far from the partying crowds, relaxation comes easy. Find a deck chair under one of the many cabanas and unwind with a good book and an ice cold cerveza (beer) or freshly made fruit juice.
Sail, fish, kite surf, visit the ruins and swim in the nearby cenotes (sinkholes). Pull on some flippers and swim with barracuda, stingrays, manta rays, and green and loggerhead turtles. The waters are usually crystal clear, making the area ideal for exploring with an underwater camera.
The turtles are a special feature at Akumal Beach. Less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) to the north is the Centro Ecologico de Akumal (CEA) where researchers work to protect the marine environment and the turtle population. Many of the local hotels, diving organizations and independent marine tour operators are working with the CEA to ensure the protection of these magnificent sea creatures that come to the shores once a year to lay their eggs.
Akumal Beach is a great base to explore the Riviera Maya but, with its laid-back resorts, restaurants, bars and dive shops, there’s little need to venture away. If you do decide to explore the nearby ruins, cenotes or nightlife of Playa del Carmen, simply hail a taxi or colectivo, or rent a car.
Akumal Beach Tours
Visit Akumal Beach
Reviews of Akumal Beach
4/5 - Good
Paid parking. Only worth to visit if you go swimming with the turtles$$
5/5 - Excellent
We went as part of trip with Cancun Adventures and had Ivonne as our tour guide to snorkel with the turtles. We did this as part of a trip to Coba where we were able to climb the temple there. The day ended at a private beach with a fabulous lunch. A+
4/5 - Good
Main beach has changed a lot, very crowded,. But fun place lots restaurants, shops. Can only snorkel the reef with guides now which is a very good thing due to reef damage & turtle disruption. Saw lots turtles , rays, fish
2/5 - Disappointing
Not disabled friendly. The bottom is very uneven and hard to get into water deep enough to swim. I was never able to do any snorkeling. The facility has very steep ramps. The staff is lovely and try to help as much as they can.
4/5 - Good
We paid for a guide to help us snorkel to see turtles. It was windy and water was not clear. We would not have found the turtles without the guide, so I recommend using one!
4/5 - Good
The remaining coral reefs and sea turtles are endangered, so be sure and use Reef-Safe sunscreens (or none at all) There's a lovely lagoon & cenote called Yal-Ku within walking distance of the Resort, and I also highly recommend the Kantun-Chi cenote package - pricey, but well worth it!
Popular places to visit
Half Moon Bay
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Half Moon Bay during your travels in Akumal? Stroll along the seaside or experience the entertainment choices in this relaxing area.
Xcacel Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Xcacel Beach during your travels in Chemuyil? Amble around the area's parks or experience its art scene.
Xel-Há Park
Have a fun-filled day at Xel-Há Park and see why everyone loves this theme park in Tulum. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Tajma Ha Cenote
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Tajma Ha Cenote during your travels in Kantenah. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Dos Ojos Cenote
Explore the lovely green spaces of Dos Ojos Cenote and enjoy the snorkeling spots in Tulum. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Xpu-ha Beach
Massages, deck chairs and watersports rentals are available from the private club on this oasis of calm, just a short distance from lively resorts.