Akumal · Travel Guide
Best Things to Do in Akumal, Mexico
Updated July 26, 2026 · 11 min read
Akumal — Mayan for "place of the turtles" — is a small beach community on Mexico's Riviera Maya, about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It's one of the only places in the world where you can reliably snorkel with wild green sea turtles from shore, and it's surrounded by cenotes, lagoons, jungle trails and world-class beaches. This is our local shortlist of the best things to do in Akumal — the same recommendations we give guests at PPIM Vacation Rentals.
1. Swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay
Snorkel with wild green sea turtles that graze in the shallow seagrass beds off Playa Akumal — one of the only places in the world you can reliably see them from shore. Access is CONANP-regulated, so a certified guide is required.
Book This Experience →2. Xel-Há Park
An all-inclusive natural water park 15 minutes south of Akumal — snorkel a mangrove river, zip-line, cliff-jump, and enjoy unlimited food and drinks. One of the best full-day activities in the Riviera Maya for couples and families.
Book This Experience →3. Off-road ATV jungle tour
Rip through jungle trails behind Akumal on your own ATV. Most tours combine ATVs with a cenote swim, zip line and Mayan-village lunch — adrenaline plus culture in a single half-day.
Book This Experience →4. Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
A rescue sanctuary just outside Akumal that rehabilitates spider monkeys, coatis and macaws confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. Guided, educational, and one of the best family-friendly stops in the area.
Book This Experience →5. Tulum ruins day trip
The only major Mayan site built on the coast — a walled city on a limestone cliff above a turquoise cove, just 25 minutes south of Akumal. Pair it with a beach afternoon or lunch in Tulum Pueblo.
Book This Experience →6. Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is our favorite easy cenote near Akumal — a bright, shallow, open-air swimming hole 10 minutes south on Highway 307. It's family-friendly, with shallow ledges for young kids and deeper areas with small cliff jumps for teens and adults. Bring cash for entrance (~$150–200 MXN), water shoes and a snorkel to spot the tiny fish.
Local tip
Arrive at opening (9 AM) or after 3 PM to beat the tour buses. Combine with Cenote Cristalino or Cenote Jardín del Edén next door for a full cenote-hopping morning.
7. Yal-Ku Lagoon
Yal-Ku is a protected brackish-water lagoon at the north end of Akumal where fresh water from an underground river meets the Caribbean. The result is calm, glassy water full of parrotfish, angelfish and occasional barracuda — perfect for a mellow snorkel with kids or anyone who wants to skip the open ocean. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for the rocky entry and your own snorkel gear if you have it.
8. Kay Beach Club
Kay Beach Club is our top pick for a slow beach day. It sits on a beautiful stretch of white sand just north of Playa Akumal with loungers, a pool, an excellent kitchen (fresh ceviche, wood-fired pizza, cold micheladas) and attentive service. Reservations are worth it on weekends and holidays.
9. PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course
The PGA Riviera Maya (Bahia Príncipe) course is 10 minutes south of Akumal and one of the top-rated courses in the Yucatán. Fairways wind through jungle and cenote-fed lagoons — you'll spot iguanas, coatis and the occasional crocodile from the cart. Book early morning tee times to beat the heat.
10. Where to eat in Akumal
Our short list of favorite restaurants in Akumal — tap any card to open it in Google Maps.
Plan your Akumal trip
Stay steps from all of it
PPIM Vacation Rentals manages Akumal's largest collection of direct-book condos at Santamar by TAO and Tulum Country Club — walking distance to the beach, cenote-close and family-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Akumal best known for?
- Akumal is best known for swimming with wild green sea turtles that graze in the seagrass just off Playa Akumal. It's also a launch point for cenotes, Yal-Ku Lagoon, Xel-Há Park and easy day trips to Tulum.
- Do you need a car to enjoy Akumal?
- Yes. We strongly recommend a rental car. Cenotes, Xel-Há, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and most beach access points are spread out along Highway 307, and rideshare is limited in the area. See our rental car page for trusted options.
- How many days do you need in Akumal?
- Four to seven nights is ideal. That gives you a turtle snorkel morning, one cenote day, a Xel-Há or Tulum ruins day, a golf or ATV day and still time to relax by the pool or at Kay Beach Club.
- Can you swim with sea turtles year-round?
- Yes. Green turtles graze in Akumal Bay all year, though sightings are usually best from May through September. Always go with a certified guide and wear reef-safe sunscreen.
Ready to Book Your Riviera Maya Vacation?
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