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    Akumal

    Mexico

    Akumal

    Village

    Akumal is located on the Riviera Maya between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, about a half-hour drive from both places. Its name means "Place of the Turtles" in Maya.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Mexico
    7. Yucatán Peninsula
    9. Akumal
    Akumal is located on the Riviera Maya between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, about a half-hour drive from both places. Its name means "Place of the Turtles" in Maya. In the protected bay, Green Sea Turtles feed in seagrass meadows, making it one of the coast's most famous snorkeling destinations.

    Sights

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Akumal Bay

    1Akumal Bay

    Protected bay with seagrass meadows where Green Sea Turtles feed; it has been a protected area since 2016. Swimming with the turtles is only permitted with an approved guide, in groups of no more than six people, wearing a life vest, mask, and short fins, and between 9 AM and 5 PM. Do not touch or pursue the animals, and only use biodegradable sunscreen.
    Open in Google Maps
    Lagoon Yal-Ku

    2Lagoon Yal-Ku

    Shallow lagoon north of Akumal, where freshwater from underground meets seawater. The water is calm and clear; you see fish, rays, and sometimes turtles. Sculptures can be seen along the banks. Sunscreen is forbidden, an entrance fee applies.
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    Aktun Chen

    3Aktun Chen

    Private nature park in the forest southwest of Akumal. Guided tours lead through a stalactite cave and to a cenote, plus ziplines. Admission only as a package, water shoes are recommended.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants & Cafés

    1

    Lol-Ha Restaurant

    Restaurant directly on Akumal Bay with sand-side seating. The menu features fish, ceviche, and Mexican classics. Convenient after snorkeling; tourist-level prices.
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    2

    La Buena Vida

    Beach bar and restaurant on Half Moon Bay, north of the main bay. Known for its seating on wooden platforms and swings at the bar. Serving seafood, tacos, and burgers.
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    3

    Turtle Bay Café & Bakery

    Café at the entrance to the bay with breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches, and smoothies. The garden is a shady spot for a break before or after the beach.
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    Food & Beverages

    The selection is small and visitor-oriented. For cheaper eats, try the Loncherías in the village west of the highway.

    Fish in Tikin-Xic Style

    Marinated in Achiote and grilled, frequently found on menus along the Riviera Maya.

    Ceviche

    Raw fish in lime juice, refreshing and light after swimming.

    Agua fresca

    Fruit water from melon, hibiscus or tamarind.

    Protecting the Bay

    Turtles and RulesHigh visitor numbers have stressed seagrass and reefs. Since March 2016, the bay has been designated a protected area (Área de Refugio) for sea turtles. Swimming with turtles is only permitted in groups of max six people with an authorized guide, wearing a life vest, and between 9 am and 5 pm. Do not touch, chase, or feed the animals, and only use biodegradable sunscreen.Centro Ecológico AkumalThis non-profit organization by the bay conducts research on turtles and reefs and informs visitors about the bay's protection.

    Getting There and Around

    Getting ThereAkumal is on Highway 307. Colectivos between Playa del Carmen and Tulum stop at the turn-off, from there it's a short walk to the bay. ADO buses also stop at the junction.LocallyThe bay, restaurants, and shops are close to each other. The Yal-Ku lagoon is approximately two kilometers away, a distance you can cover by foot, by bike, or by taxi.

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    Nearby

    Tulum

    Tulum

    Tulum is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, south of Cancún on the Riviera Maya. It is known for its Maya ruins on a cliff directly above the sea, for cenotes in the hinterland, and a long beach lined with boutique hotels and beach clubs. Tulum has grown significantly in recent years, with prices increasing accordingly.
    Playa del Carmen

    Playa del Carmen

    Playa del Carmen, located about 70 kilometers south of Cancún, is the largest city on the Riviera Maya. In just a few decades, this fishing village grew into a city of over 300,000 residents. Life unfolds along Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street parallel to the beach. From here, ferries depart for Cozumel.
    Cozumel

    Cozumel

    Cozumel is an approximately 48-kilometer-long Caribbean island off the Riviera Maya, a good half-hour by ferry from Playa del Carmen. You primarily come for diving and snorkeling in the reefs of the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, which belong to the Mesoamerican Reef System. The main town is San Miguel de Cozumel on the west coast, where the ferries dock; Cozumel is also Mexico's most important cruise port. Beyond that, you'll find the Mayan site San Gervasio and, at the southern tip, the Punta Sur Natural Park.
    Puerto Morelos

    Puerto Morelos

    Puerto Morelos is a quiet fishing village on the Caribbean coast, located about 38 kilometers south of Cancún and between Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Instead of high-rise hotels, a small square, a pier, and the leaning old lighthouse define the town's character. Directly off the beach lies the reef of the Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park; inland, the Ruta de los Cenotes begins.
    Cancún

    Cancún

    Planned as a 1970s resort, Cancún is now Quintana Roo's largest city, home to nearly 900,000. Its two worlds: the Zona Hotelera, on a narrow isthmus between the Caribbean and the lagoon, and El Centro (downtown), where residents live and work. The airport is the most important gateway to the peninsula.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI