Akumal Beach Cancún
Akumal Beach offers a unique chance to snorkel with sea turtles in a protected bay, complemented by beachfront dining and amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer water
Akumal Beach Cancún
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer water
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Akumal Beach offers a unique chance to snorkel with sea turtles in a protected bay, complemented by beachfront dining and amenities.
"Swim with wild sea turtles in Akumal's turquoise waters – a truly magical Caribbean experience!"
🎯 Go Early for Turtles
Arrive before 8 AM for the best chance to see turtles with minimal crowds and clear water.
💰 Guide Fees for Turtles
Expect to pay around $40 for a guide in protected turtle viewing areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swim with Sea Turtles
Akumal Bay
Encounter wild sea turtles in their natural habitat. Snorkel alongside these gentle giants in the clear turquoise waters.
Yal-Ku Lagoon
North of Akumal Bay
Discover a serene lagoon offering excellent snorkeling with diverse marine life, a more relaxed alternative to the main bay.
Akumal's Beachfront Dining
Along Akumal Beach
Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine with stunning ocean views at restaurants like La Buena Vida.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Turtle Sightings
Navigating Akumal Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Turtles
Arrive before 8 AM for the best chance to see turtles with minimal crowds and clear water.
💰 Guide Fees for Turtles
Expect to pay around $40 for a guide in protected turtle viewing areas.
🚗 Colectivo to Akumal
Take a Tulum-bound colectivo and ask to be dropped off near Playa Akumal.
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Guides are mandatory in some areas to protect turtles and marine ecosystems.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Turtles
Arrive before 8 AM for the best chance to see turtles with minimal crowds and clear water.
💰 Guide Fees for Turtles
Expect to pay around $40 for a guide in protected turtle viewing areas.
🚗 Colectivo to Akumal
Take a Tulum-bound colectivo and ask to be dropped off near Playa Akumal.
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Guides are mandatory in some areas to protect turtles and marine ecosystems.
☀️ Cloudy Days? Reschedule!
Sunny days offer the best visibility for snorkeling with turtles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Akumal Beach is celebrated for its incredible opportunity to swim with sea turtles in a beautiful bay. Visitors love the ease of access to marine life and the charming beachfront atmosphere. However, some find the mandatory guide fees and increasing crowds detract from the experience, urging for early morning visits to mitigate these issues.
"Akumal Beach: A Riviera Maya gem! 🏖️ Famous for snorkeling with sea turtles, its clear waters and white sand are captivating. Ideal for families and nature lovers. While some areas have restricted access, the experience of swimming with turtles in their natural habitat is unforgettable. A top spot for relaxation and marine life encounters! Beware of stingrays!"
Michael Caine
"Entrance is 140 pesos now and you will be harassed by so called ‘information’ and ‘bay patrol’ guys every 5 minutes. Just go to the Lol-Ha cafe to have breakfast and have a look at the beach before and after. It’s not a nice bay anymore, it’s full of snorkel / dive boats, full of sea weed and most of all full of lines with buoys that help snorkel guide chase turtles in groups of 12 (!!!). Any many groups at the same time. If you want to snorkel yourself, you can in the first 20 meters, you can spot a turtle in that under water grass as well. Just enjoy it from a distance. And for really nice reef snorkelling, go somewhere else."
Review Meneer
"We went only for the purpose of snorkeling for the turtles and sting rays, we went early at 8.30am payed 100 pesos parking for the whole day and 140 pesos pp entry. We went snorkeling for 1 hour by ourselves (we were bound between some places and they whistled us back sometimes) we saw beautiful fish and one tiny stingray. Decided to do the tour because we felt disappointed after an hour. On their spot with the guide we saw so many turtles, big and small, a big stingray and more fish. The turtles swam multiple times just besides us. Should've taken the guide on the beach directly when we arrived. Payed 400 pesos pp but it was worth it. Sometimes a lot of people but still manageable and would have been less if we did it right away. Use the guide on the beach, we had one just for us 2. Lots of pelicans fly the beach"
Nathalie Mertens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most budget-friendly way to reach Akumal Beach from Cancun is by taking a 'colectivo' (shared van). Look for the colectivos heading towards Tulum and inform the driver you wish to stop at Akumal. It's advisable to remind them about a mile in advance. Alternatively, you can book private transfers or taxis, which will be more expensive.
Yes, Akumal Beach is easily accessible from Playa del Carmen. You can take a colectivo heading towards Tulum and ask to be dropped off at Akumal. The journey is relatively short.
If you're not staying in Akumal, taking a colectivo is a popular and affordable option from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Many tours also offer transportation directly to Akumal Bay.
Yes, driving to Akumal Beach is possible, and there are parking areas available. However, be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Akumal is located about an hour's drive south of Cancun. The exact travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Akumal Beach is a public beach, so general access is free. However, to snorkel in the designated areas where sea turtles are protected, you will likely need to hire a guide and pay a fee, which can be around $40 USD for two people.
Yes, Yal-Ku Lagoon typically has an entrance fee for snorkeling and access. The cost can vary, so it's best to check current prices upon arrival.
Akumal Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, specific services like restaurants and tour operators will have their own operating hours. For turtle viewing, early morning is best.
Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. However, in the protected areas for turtle viewing, you may still be required to use a guide's equipment or rent gear as part of a package.
Yes, there are restrictions in place to protect the sea turtles. Touching or feeding the turtles is strictly prohibited, and in certain zones, a guide is mandatory.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The best way to see the sea turtles is by snorkeling in Akumal Bay. For the most responsible and informative experience, hire a certified guide who can ensure you maintain a safe distance and understand the turtles' behavior.
While some areas might allow independent snorkeling, designated turtle viewing zones often require a guide for conservation purposes. It's recommended to check local regulations upon arrival.
Besides sea turtles, you can often spot stingrays, starfish, and a variety of colorful fish in Akumal Bay and Yal-Ku Lagoon.
Some beach clubs and restaurants along Akumal Beach offer facilities like lockers and changing rooms, often for a fee or with minimum consumption. It's advisable to check with specific establishments.
Akumal Beach can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and on weekends. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays can significantly reduce the crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Akumal Beach has several restaurants and beach clubs offering a range of dining options, from casual snacks to full meals with ocean views.
Popular spots include La Buena Vida for beachfront dining and Turtle Bakery for a more casual bite. Many beach clubs also offer food and drinks.
Generally, bringing your own food and non-alcoholic drinks is permissible on public beaches, but it's always good to be mindful of local rules and clean up after yourself. Some beach clubs may have restrictions.
You can expect fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and international options at Akumal's restaurants. Don't miss trying local specialties like ceviche or fish tacos.
While some beachfront restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options by exploring local eateries slightly away from the main beach or opting for snacks from smaller shops.
📸 📸 Photography
The early morning light offers beautiful, soft illumination for photos, and you'll also have fewer people in your shots. Midday sun can be harsh, but the turquoise water still provides a stunning backdrop.
Yes, if you have a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone, you can capture amazing underwater shots of the turtles and marine life.
The entire stretch of Akumal Bay offers picturesque views. For a different perspective, consider viewpoints from nearby restaurants or beach clubs.
Be mindful of other visitors and the marine life. Avoid using flash photography directly at the turtles, as it can disturb them.
Drone usage regulations can vary and may be restricted in protected areas or near resorts. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Yal-Ku Lagoon for a more protected and less overwhelming snorkeling experience for younger ones. 💰 Budget Travelers
Packing snacks and water, and opting for more casual eateries or local spots away from the prime beachfront can also help manage expenses. 🐢 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Avoid touching or disturbing the marine life, and always practice 'leave no trace' principles by properly disposing of any waste. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Akumal Turtle Experience
+1 It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and responsible tourism is paramount. Many visitors are excited by the prospect of swimming alongside these magnificent beings, a truly unforgettable experience. To ensure the conservation of Akumal's turtles, specific regulations are in place. In designated protected areas, hiring a certified guide is mandatory. This not only helps manage visitor numbers and prevent overcrowding but also ensures that interactions with the turtles are safe and non-disruptive. Guides are knowledgeable about the best spots and the turtles' behavior, enhancing the viewing experience while minimizing impact.
Visitors are strictly prohibited from touching, chasing, or feeding the turtles. Maintaining a respectful distance is key to preserving this delicate ecosystem. For the best chance to witness this natural spectacle, plan your visit for the early morning, ideally before 8 AM. This is when the water is typically clearest, and the turtles are most active, often seen grazing near the shore.
Getting to Akumal: Transportation Tips
For those seeking more comfort and direct service, pre-booking private transfers or taxis is also an option. While more expensive, these services offer door-to-door convenience and can be arranged in advance, eliminating any last-minute hassle upon arrival at Cancun Airport.
It's important to be aware of potential scams or unsolicited offers of help, especially at Cancun Airport. Stick to official transportation providers or pre-booked services to avoid overpaying or falling victim to timeshare pitches.
Beyond the Turtles: Exploring Akumal
For a unique wildlife encounter, consider visiting The Jungle Place, a spider monkey sanctuary where you can interact with these intelligent creatures in a controlled and ethical environment. Reservations are typically required, so plan ahead.
Akumal also offers a pleasant beachfront with restaurants and bars. La Buena Vida is a popular choice for enjoying a meal or drinks with a view of the Caribbean Sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit