Akumal

Most Akumal tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other Riviera Maya destinations. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours are a good way to experience Akumal’s coral reef and resident sea turtle population, while jungle ATV and zipline excursions allow you to experience the town’s nearby jungle. Some combination tours visit Akumal along with the Tulum ruins and various cenotes (underground pools).

• Akumal is an ideal destination for nature lovers and peace-and-quiet seekers.

• Be sure to bring sun protection, swim gear, water, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Be careful not to touch the sea turtles or any other wildlife in Akumal.

Akumal is located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region, roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen and 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Cancun. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or as part of a guided tour.

The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities. Arrive in the morning for the best chance of spotting sea turtles.

Be sure to check out Half Moon Bay, a famous spot for sea turtle sightings, along with Laguna Yalku, a protected snorkeling area. Akumal Bay is also a good spot for swimming, reef snorkeling, and sunbathing.

In Mayan, Akumal translates to “Place of Turtles”—and sea turtles are what this coastal resort on the Riviera Maya is all about. Once a tranquil alternative to Cancun (and then Tulum), Akumal is now a buzzy resort town. But with wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s still a great place to unwind.

Yes. While many places on the Mexican Caribbean require a boat ride to reach sea turtles, visitors can find these gentle marine animals grazing on seagrass right off the shores of Akumal Beach. (There is typically a small charge to access the beach.) Visitors can bring or rent snorkeling gear.

This is a big issue in Akumal, where tourism has had a negative impact in recent years. Following basic guidelines helps. Never, ever touch the turtles. Don’t wear sunscreen (use a rash guard instead) or snorkeling fins, and refrain from standing on seagrass. And don’t urinate in the water, as this can harm marine life.

December to March is by far the most popular time to visit Quintana Roo, but it’s also the high season—expect more crowds and higher rates. The rainy season hits in summer and early fall. That said, showers typically last only a few hours, and visitors will encounter far fewer people.

The town of Akumal, with its restaurants, shops, and galleries, is a nice place to explore on foot. Animal lovers will appreciate the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, which rehabilitates primates, birds, and even zebras. And nothing says Riviera Maya like cenotes—cool off in Gran Cenote or Yal-ku Lagoon, both a short driving distance from Akumal.

That depends. Once a fishing village, Tulum is now a hipster party mecca—equally popular with yogis and wellness gurus as EDM enthusiasts. It’s perfect for capping off beach days with nights out, since bars and clubs abound. Akumal is a good pick for snorkelers or scuba divers.