Amazing Things to Do in Akumal, Mexico – A Complete Travel Guide

White sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, hidden cenotes, lush jungle, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—there are so many incredible things to do in Akumal to fill your vacation.

Tucked between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Akumal is an underrated gem along the Yucatán Peninsula. This laid-back beach town may be small, but it is full of unforgettable experiences. From snorkeling with sea turtles to exploring underground cenotes, visiting animal sanctuaries, and sailing into the sunset.

Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, or just a little relaxation, Akumal is the perfect addition to your Riviera Maya itinerary. In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your tropical getaway—including where to stay, the best things to do, and how to get around.

Where to Stay in Akumal

Akumal offers a mix of beachfront condos and all-inclusive resorts, ranging from family-friendly to adult-only. Some accommodations are in town, while others are just a 10–15 minute drive away.

The best place to stay in Akumal depends on your travel style. Whether you are looking for direct beach access and steps away from Akumal’s top activities or prefer a more secluded retreat with the flexibility to explore by rental car (or the occasional taxi fare), there is an option to suit every preference.

Where to Stay on Akumal Beach & Half Moon Bay

Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort
A 5-star resort, only a few steps from the sand, is about relaxation and rejuvenation. Spacious, luxurious suites and an incredible spa offering Mayan-inspired treatments make it the perfect spot to unwind in paradise.

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Set along the powdery white sands of Akumal Beach, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort is known for its signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience. Enjoy gourmet à la carte dining, top-shelf spirits, pool and beach wait service, daily activities, themed parties, and live entertainment in a romantic, upscale setting.

Del Sol Beachfront
This vibrant beachfront property on Half Moon Bay offers hotel rooms and spacious condos, including up to 3-bedroom units fully equipped for families or groups. Plus, it’s next door to La Buena Vida, a laid-back local favorite with beachy vibes, delicious food, and bar stools made from rope swings!

La Joya Condos
La Joya offers several beautiful condos, but the real gem is the 2-bedroom penthouse—your dream escape in Akumal. With luxury amenities and sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, this thoughtfully curated space blends comfort and style for an unforgettable stay.

Best Places to Stay Near Akumal

Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
A massive 5-star property that combines four resorts of Bahia Principe into one, giving you the flexibility to stay at one and enjoy all the amenities across the complex. Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal sits along a stretch of beach on the rugged coastline, offering exclusive amenities like a children’s water park, a PGA golf course, and multiple pools. It’s the perfect family getaway, blending luxury with fun for all ages.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is our go-to choice in the Riviera Maya for those seeking ultimate luxury. Having stayed at the Conrad Maldives, we can confidently say this beachfront resort is just as breathtaking. The award-winning property is thoughtfully designed to blend Tulum’s signature natural beauty with contemporary architecture. With spacious rooms, world-class dining, and an impressive spa, it’s the ideal escape for sophistication and serenity.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
We love Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya so much that we have returned multiple times. It is perfectly situated between Akumal and Tulum, making it ideal for families seeking relaxation and adventure. Families will enjoy the exceptional kids’ and teen clubs, epic outdoor playground, and fun waterpark. It’s our favorite resort when staying near Akumal and Tulum with kids!

Getting to Akumal and How to Get Around

Booking where to stay and what to do in Akumal is the easy part of planning your trip. The trickiest part is figuring out how to get there and how to get around once you arrive!

Flying Into Cancun vs. Tulum

You can fly into either Cancun or Tulum. The driving time to Akumal between the two airports is only about 20 minutes—Cancun being the farthest. So, it really comes down to finding the most affordable and efficient flights that work for you.

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the busiest and most popular airport in the Riviera Maya, with a wide variety of direct flights and options from international destinations. On the other hand, Tulum International Airport (TQO) is newer and much smaller, meaning it doesn’t have as many direct flight options, and not all airlines serve it.

Having traveled to the Riviera Maya multiple times from both airports, we prefer Tulum. It’s quieter, less chaotic, and far easier to navigate, which is a big plus when traveling with kids. The Tulum Airport also offers plenty of dining options and two indoor playgrounds for kids to burn off energy before the flight!

Regardless of which airport you fly into, I highly recommend booking your round-trip airport shuttle ahead of time. It’s the most affordable and reliable way to get to your destination without the stress of last-minute transportation decisions.

Best Ways to Get Around Akumal

Taxis:
Taxis are easy and generally reliable for getting around Akumal. However, they can be a bit pricey, especially for a family of five. While it’s a convenient option, especially for short trips to some of Akumal’s best attractions, the cost can quickly add up and put a dent in your trip budget.

Pro Tip

The resorts are great at arranging reliable rides with confirmed round-trip fares so you won’t encounter any surprises. Also, we find that many taxis operate through a business. So if you find a driver you like, ask for their contact information. You can often negotiate a discount if you plan to use them for multiple trips throughout your stay.

Renting a Car:
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility when exploring Akumal. Whether you are heading to cenotes or animal sanctuaries or taking a day trip to Tulum, a car allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want. However, driving in the area does come with some risks—tourists are sometimes pulled over by local police (yes, it happens!). To stay safe, follow traffic laws, drive cautiously, be alert on the roads, and have cash ready.

Colectivo Bus:
For a more budget-friendly option, hop on a colectivo bus—a shared van that runs along the highway between Cancun and Tulum. It’s an affordable and local way to get around, especially if traveling solo or in smaller groups. While it’s an excellent option for short distances, it may not be the most comfortable for families, especially during busy times when the vans get crowded.

Tours with Transportation:
If you plan to visit popular attractions or book guided tours, many will include transportation to and from your hotel. This is a hassle-free way to enjoy the best things in Akumal without worrying about driving or coordinating logistics.

The Best Time to Visit Akumal

While summer is a popular time to visit, sargassum (seaweed) tends to wash up along the beaches throughout the Riviera Maya. This can create an unpleasant smell and detract from those postcard-perfect views.

Late summer through fall also falls within hurricane season. So, if you plan a trip between June and November, I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

The best time to visit Akumal is from December through April, when you will avoid most of the sargassum and hurricane risk. Winter and early spring weather is nearly perfect, with average highs in the low 80s and lots of sunshine.

The only downside is that December and March tend to bring higher room rates and larger crowds due to winter and spring breaks in the U.S. Still, with ideal beach weather and clear waters, it’s often worth it!

How Many Days Do I Need?

While many visitors come for a day trip to snorkel with sea turtles, Akumal has so much more to offer. I highly recommend spending three days in Akumal to fully experience all the incredible activities in this stunning beach destination.

Best Things to Do in Akumal

From swimming with sea turtles to exploring breathtaking caves and meeting rescued animals, here are the best things to do in Akumal to fill your tropical vacation.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles

Snorkeling with sea turtles is easily the best thing to do in Akumal. It’s such a popular activity that many visitors along the Riviera Maya make a day trip to Akumal to swim alongside these gentle sea creatures.

Thanks to the seagrass-covered ocean floor, Akumal Beach is a natural haven for sea turtles, making it one of the most reliable spots to see them in the wild.

I highly recommend booking a guided tour with Akumal Dive Shop for the best snorkeling experience. Their knowledgeable guides take you further out by boat so you can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Then, you will swim to shore, where you have a high chance of finding sea turtles amongst the seagrass.

On our tour, we were lucky to spot a stingray hiding in seagrass, several colorful fish, and two beautiful sea turtles. Watching the sea turtles swim to the surface and graze the seagrass on the sandy ocean floor was truly unforgettable—one of my favorite moments in Akumal!

Pro Tip

Book a snorkel with turtle tour as early as possible! Our tour started at 8:30 am, and small groups were already in the water. By 9:30 am, Akumal Beach was getting crowded, and I’ve heard it only gets busier as the day continues. Getting an early start is the key to enjoying a more peaceful experience with the sea turtles!

Relax on the Beach

Akumal, which means “Place of the Turtles” in the Mayan language, is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on the Riviera Maya. Once a hidden gem, Akumal Beach and Half Moon Bay are now two of the most popular beaches for relaxation and exploring the vibrant marine life.

Akumal Beach is a soft, white sand beach with palm trees, shallow waters, and gentle waves. While it’s famous for snorkeling with sea turtles, it’s also the perfect setting for swimming and basking in the warm Caribbean breeze.

To access Akumal Beach, you have to pay an entry fee of 120 pesos per person, which includes access to showers, bathrooms, and lockers. For a quieter experience, head to the beach’s southern end, away from the busy turtle snorkeling zones.

Half Moon Bay offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. As its name suggests, this breathtaking bay forms a perfect half-moon shape lined with beachfront villas and charming boutique hotels. Unlike Akumal Beach, Half Moon Bay is a bit harder to access, as most visitors stay in accommodations directly on the beach.

Half Moon Bay’s shoreline is a mix of soft sand and coral rock, making water entry slightly tricky, but the incredible snorkeling makes up for it. The coral reefs attract a variety of tropical fish, making it a fantastic place for underwater exploration.

Explore Caves and Cenotes

Aktun Chen Nature Park is an incredible eco-adventure destination and one of the best things to do in Akumal for families and nature enthusiasts. The award-winning park is nestled in the dense jungle and is a fun, off-the-beaten-path experience that combines outdoor adventures, natural wonders, and wildlife encounters.

The park’s name, Aktun Chen, translates to “cave” and “well or cenote” in the Mayan language, and once you experience the underground magic here, you will understand why. The highlight of the park is its stunning underground river and cave systems.

Take a guided tour through a cave that National Geographic named one of the best underground walks in the world. During your cave exploration, you will see dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, bats swooping overhead or hanging upside down, and a gorgeous crystal-clear cenote.

Another cave features a stunning underground river (cenote), and it is my favorite in the Yucatán Peninsula. This cave has one of the largest underground cenotes in the country—stretching over 100 yards long. It’s the perfect spot to snorkel or marvel at its serene natural beauty.

Beyond the caves and cenotes, Aktun Chen also offers a thrilling zipline course and a small wildlife sanctuary home to rescued animals native to the Yucatán Peninsula. You might encounter white-tailed deer, spider monkeys, coatis, and colorful parrots.

Meet Rescued Animals in a Jungle

Akumal Natura Rescue is a heartwarming, family-friendly experience nestled in the lush jungles of Akumal. This non-profit organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wild animals native to the Yucatán Peninsula, all while promoting conservation and environmental awareness.

During the guided tour, visitors learn about the region’s diverse flora and fauna, meet various rescued animals, and interact with a few. We had an unforgettable experience holding a falcon, having a macaw perch on our heads, and feeding monkeys, which was our children’s favorite part!

Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will share stories about each animal and the importance of protecting local wildlife and ecosystems. At the end, you will visit a beautiful cenote tucked away in the jungle and enjoy a refreshing dip—the perfect way to cool off and reflect on a meaningful visit.

Monkey Around an Animal Sanctuary

The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is another great experience in Akumal for families and animal lovers looking to experience the wilder side of the Riviera Maya. This sanctuary is home to dozens of rescued species, including capuchin and spider monkeys, lemurs, macaws, flamingos, and more.

The tour goes beyond simple observation. Visitors will learn about each animal’s story and enjoy hands-on encounters that are both educational and exciting. Interact with playful monkeys, let a macaw perch on your arm, and hold a boa constrictor—if you feel brave!

Craving more adventure? You can upgrade your visit with an ATV jungle ride or a refreshing swim in a cenote.

Snorkel in a Lagoon

Yal-Ku Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Akumal, especially if you love snorkeling. This peaceful spot is where the Caribbean Sea meets a natural freshwater inlet, creating a unique mix of salt and freshwater for a calm and vibrant underwater experience.

This oasis is ideal for families and anyone looking for gentle waters teeming with colorful marine life. The lagoon’s shallow, crystal-clear depths make it easy to spot tropical fish like angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, and even manta rays. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned snorkeler, Yal-Ku Lagoon is one of Akumal’s best-kept treasures.

Play a Round of Golf

PGA Riviera Maya is a world-class golf destination set on a former limestone quarry in dense jungle, with lakes and cenotes protecting the green. The 18-hole championship course or 9 par-3 holes offer players a challenging yet scenic experience amidst tropical landscapes.

Although you do not get direct views of the Caribbean Sea, its unique design and stunning surroundings make it a perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in nature while enjoying top-tier golfing.

Swim in a Cenote (or Two)

In addition to the cenotes mentioned in the parks and animal sanctuaries above, Akumal has more to explore! Like most attractions in Akumal, these cenotes are hidden gems of the Riviera Maya.

Cenote Santa Cruz is one of Akumal’s best-kept secrets and a truly immersive adventure for those looking to go beyond the typical cenote swim. Unlike many open-air cenotes, this guided experience takes you through a mix of dry and wet caves, creating a 2.5-hour underground journey.

The small entrance leads to an incredible hidden world of crystal-clear water, ancient rock formations, and fascinating cave features. Once you reach the open-air cenote, you can soak in the serene surroundings—or take things up a notch with a rope swing and jumping platform that kids and adults will love.

Cenote Puerta Maya is a peaceful escape from the crowded cenotes—a quiet, hidden retreat that feels like paradise. The semi-open cenote has a portion open to the sun, while another section is tucked beneath a cliff, giving it a cool, cave-like vibe without feeling too enclosed. The water is incredibly clear, perfect for a refreshing swim amongst tiny fish swimming around as you float and relax.

Sail into the Sunset

Sunset sailing in Akumal offers a serene and breathtaking way to end your day aboard a luxury catamaran stocked with chips, guacamole, soft drinks, beers, and tequila. As you glide across the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, you will be treated to stunning views of the coastline and the vibrant colors of the sunset reflecting off the ocean.

Whether you are enjoying a quiet sail with a loved one, friends, or family, the gentle breeze and tranquil setting make for an unforgettable experience as the sun dips below the horizon.

I hope you have found my guide to Akumal helpful and inspiring. It’s such a wonderful beach destination on the Rivieray Maya, and I hope you love it as much as we did!