Akumal Villa Rentals

Absolutely! Akumal, translated from the Mayan language, means “land of the turtles.” The entire area is considered a nature preserve and is home to the Centro Ecologico Akumal. This agency conducts ongoing research to improve and protect the region’s marine species and coral reefs. Tourists can witness these magical creatures in their natural habitat in a healthy, protected environment. Three turtles come into Akumal Bay to feed: the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle, and the hawksbill turtle. With the ocean floor covered in seagrass (one of their favorite foods), the turtles linger for hours as they graze on the abundant food supply. The turtles have become accustomed to humans swimming in the water next to them, which makes for a very unique, interactive experience.

The best time to swim with the turtles in the open water is typically in the morning, before 11 AM. Not only does this take advantage of the turtle’s feeding times, but it is also often a lot less crowded. May through November is typically the best time to swim with turtles as it is their nesting season. However, there are turtles in the area year-round. Akumal Bay is one of the most popular areas to swim with turtles as it provides pristine, calm shallow waters where marine life thrives. This bay is home to a designated, protected feeding area for the turtles. But due to strict regulations by the Mexican government, only 1440 people can enter the protected space daily. In addition, it is mandatory to go with a guide on an organized tour to those areas.

Visitors to Akumal Bay are forbidden to touch the turtles or approach them within less than 3 meters. While tours take you out past the buoys to areas rich in seagrass (where turtles are most commonly seen), there is also the option to bring your gear (or rent) and swim on your own in the unprotected waters. Keep in mind, though, that fins are banned as they may injure the endangered turtles. If you choose to venture out on your own, locals ask that you don’t go any further than the buoys (around 100 meters from the shoreline). It is also essential to remember not to use sunscreen or mosquito repellant as it can harm the turtles and other marine life in the area.

Akumal is located approximately 57 miles (92km) south of the Cancun International Airport. Once you’ve arrived in Cancun, you’ll need to arrange for transportation to where you are staying in Akumal. Driving from the airport to Akumal typically takes around an hour but can take up to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic and weather. There are a few options for transportation, such as renting your vehicle, a taxi, a shuttle service, the ADO bus, or a private driver. While buses leave the Cancun airport terminal every 30 minutes for Akumal, they will only take you to the Akumal terminal, not to specific hotels or villas. Therefore, you’ll need to find a taxi from the airport to bring you the rest of the way. Probably not the best option! Using a taxi service is another option; however, remember that each taxi can only accommodate up to four people. Also, if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, it may not be the most comfortable ride. Arranging for a private driver through Villa Experience is the safest and most reliable option. All you need to do is book the arrangement in advance, and your driver will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival. One of the many perks of this option is that it is entirely private (just you and your party). There’s no waiting for other people on other flights or any delays from making stops at other hotels, as is typical with a shuttle service.

Driving from the Cancun International Airport to Akumal is simple. Once you leave the airport, you’ll see signs for Highway 307. Heading south, you’ll take this one road to Akumal. Being a well-maintained, four-lane road compared to a typical highway makes the ride enjoyable. After passing through Playa del Carmen, you’ll have another 27 miles to Akumal. Staying on Highway 307, you’ll later pass Puerto Aventuras before seeing signs posted for Akumal.

Akumal is a quaint beach town with some of the finest beaches in Riviera Maya. They are adored by locals and visitors alike. With gorgeous sugary white sands, crystal clear, turquoise waters, and plenty of natural palm trees for shade, Akumal is nothing short of tropical heaven! There are five bays in Akumal. Often referred to as “Las Bahias de Akumal,” they encompass a vast stretch of beaches with plenty of space for everyone without feeling overcrowded. The bays highlight pristine waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Akumal Beach includes Half Moon Bay, Yal-Ku Lagoon north, and Akumal Bay, Jade Bay, and Aventuras Akumal south. The central beach hub is known as Akumal proper. Here, you’ll find brilliantly calm waters with the best snorkeling in the entire area.

You can find the North Akumal Beach stretching around Half Moon Bay. Here, you’ll also discover very calm waters due to this particular beach being protected by a reef bank. A freshwater river runs out to the sea (due to being close to the Yal-Ku Lagoon), creating a magnificent underwater adventure filled with different species of tropical fish, coral beds, and turtles. Children love visiting this beach due to the shallow, calm waters and vibrant marine life. Jade Beach is a relatively quiet area with beachfront villas and stylish condos. It is a coveted haven where the reef comes very close to the beach, creating a serene environment perfect for snorkeling. South Akumal is located to the south of Punta Sur. A lovely, white sandy bay characterizes it with a quiet, gated residential community. Aventuras Akumal is another fabulous beach where the residential community has full access to an incredible stretch of soft, powdery sand with crystal clear waters right outside their front door.

Akumal is a pristine paradise that is world-famous for its thriving sea life. It’s a phenomenal place for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its location on the Meso-American Barrier Reef (also known as the Great Mayan Reef). Being the most significant barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the reef system stretches down the Riviera Maya coast into Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. With more than 65 species of coral, 350 species of mollusk, and over 500 species of fish, turtles, rays, manatees, and sharks, snorkelers can experience this magnificent ecosystem up close and personal. The reef shelters Akumal beach from large waves, creating a calm environment perfect for exploring the thriving underwater world. This makes snorkeling in Akumal suitable for everyone in the family, from small children to adults of all ages. All the action typically takes place just a couple of hundred meters from the shore, making it easy for visitors to swim alone, go out with a tour group, or even utilize an organized boat tour to venture further.

Akumal Bay is the most popular place to snorkel, mainly due to the variety of marine life in the area. The coral reefs are close to shore, making it easy to swim there and explore without needing a guide. However, visitors should use caution as there are areas marked by buoys that indicate protected areas or areas that contain dangerous stinging coral. A handful of dive shops around Akumal Bay offer guided tours for approximately USD 40, and locals provide some informal tours for roughly USD 20. Half Moon Bay is another great option for snorkeling as it is often quieter and less crowded than the beach at Akumal Bay. This beach can be a bit rocky, so it’s recommended to wear shoes when you enter and exit the water. You’ll find abundant sea life with sponges, soft corals, hard corals, sea turtles, stingrays, lionfish, angelfish, and barracudas. You may arrange tours with vendors in the area. If you are going on your own, the best spot to snorkel is in front of the restaurant La Buena Vida.

The Yal-Ku Lagoon offers a breathtaking wonderland of marine life in a body of crystal clear water that is never more than 15 feet deep. With just a 20-minute walk from Akumal Beach Road, you’ll discover many different species of coral, sea fans, sea turtles, fish, and manta rays. The lagoon has an entrance fee of USD 15 with two companies that offer organized snorkel tours.

Akumal and Tulum are located in the same region of southeastern Mexico. However, being their different towns, they each bring their charm with natural conservation spaces, laid-back living, and authentic Mexican spirit. Tulum highlights a level of curiosity and adventure, whereas Akumal is more of a relaxed and peaceful environment. Being just 30 minutes from each other, visitors can experience both towns without having to choose between the two!

Tulum is an iconic yet rustic destination that has recently experienced much development. You’ll find something for everyone as it’s home to magnificent Mayan ruins, gorgeous beaches, ecologically-diverse natural surroundings, and dining/nightlife. The ruins of Tulum are believed to hold the same value as Chichen Itza and Coba. Sitting on a cliff overlooking the beach below, they are equally as fascinating as they are unique. The beaches in Tulum are some of Mexico’s most idyllic, with soft white sands and clear blue waters. While Tulum holds a more touristy vibe than Akumal, there are still quiet beaches perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

On the other hand, Akumal boasts some of the most serene beaches in all of Mexico with a slow, laid-back atmosphere. The beaches are authentic, not crowded, and provide a sense of exclusivity. You’ll find immaculate white sands, gorgeous pristine waters, and tropical vegetation. Akumal is composed of multiple bays.

In comparison, Tulum’s coast faces the open ocean. With the bay’s protection, Akumal’s beaches have very calm waters nearly year-round. Tulum lacks such protection, which leads to chances for more giant waves and diminished visibility when snorkeling. The beaches in Akumal typically come with an entrance fee, although this brings many benefits such as cleaner, safer beaches and less risk for beach thefts. Tulum has many accessible beaches, although you may have to pay for parking or a bike rental. Snorkeling and water sports are abundant in both towns. However, Akumal is world-famous for its extensive conservation methods, thriving marine life, and snorkeling opportunities (especially with sea turtles).

Some of the most popular things to do in Tulum include visiting the Mayan ruins, exploring cenotes, riding bikes, and attending a spiritual ceremony or yoga class. In Akumal, activities center around the magnificent natural surroundings with the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, the gorgeous Yal-Ku Lagoon, Aktun Chen, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming with sea turtles in their natural environment.

Tulum has become more developed over the years, bringing more options for nightlife and dining. In Akumal, everything pretty much shuts down at night. While Tulum can’t compare to the nightlife in Cancun, you’ll find some small clubs in the downtown area and a burst of culinary diversity. It is impossible to say one destination is better than the other. While Tulum and Akumal offer spectacular accommodations for a getaway immersed in nature, they each have advantages. For fun, an eventful vacation spent exploring Mayan ruins and cenotes with the option for nightlife, Tulum may be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a low-key getaway filled with lazy beach days, special wildlife tours, and plenty of relaxation, Akumal is the perfect place.