When going on vacation to a beautiful location like Akumal, you wonder what is there to do other than go to the beach and get a suntan.  Here is a list of the best way to spend your valuable time in Akumal during your visit.

Snorkeling in Akumal Bay:

Akumal Bay is the only place where you can do this unique activity, swim with sea turtles all year round, in the ocean full of marine life and coral reef.  A guided tour is required, preferable with certified dive shops that will provide all you need, clean and sanitized equipment, and expert guides.
Contact: (52) 984 875 9030/31/32/33
Website:  www.akumaldiveshop.com

Snorkeling in Yalku lagoon:

Yalku Lagoon in Akumal is a popular spot for snorkelers, a charming place with a unique set of the coastal lagoon, calm waters, full of gorgeous mangrove and lush jungle, located at the end of North Akumal.  The park has statues underwater; you will enjoy a couple of hours in Yalku.  There are stairways for an easy entrance to the water.

Bring your snorkeling equipment or rent one from there or dive shops in Akumal.

Entrance fee $330 per person.
Open every day from 8 am to 5 pm

If you are staying in one of the condos or villas along Half Moon Bay, then you will have access to the ocean for a good swim and snorkel.

Snorkeling in Half Moon Bay:

Half Moon Bay is pretty shallow and usually calm; when swimming up to the barrier reef, you will be delighted with the marine life and sea turtles; however, Keep a respectful distance from the corals because of the stinging fire coral.

Kayaks and paddleboard:

Kayaks and paddleboard are the trends of fantastic outdoor activities; some of Akumal’s rental properties offer them for their guests use, the best way to see the Caribbean coast from the ocean to enjoy the scenery.

If your rental property does not offer them, visit Extreme Control website to rent kayaks and paddleboards. Follow the link:  https://extremecontrol.net/rent-equipment/   

To be delivered to your rental property required a minimum rental of 3 days.

Swimming in a cenote:

A cenote (pronounced [se’note]) are natural wells that evolve when the limestone weakens and collapses, forming a sinkhole leaving a natural entrance to the underground river systems. 

There are many amazing cenotes in the area. Here are the closest to Akumal.

Cenote Rancho Santa Cruz:

Cenote Rancho Santa Cruz is a beautiful cenote with crystal clear waters and unique formations located just a few miles east of Akumal.  They have only private tours and personalized attention, so make sure to make a reservation.  The tour will provide life jackets and waterproof flashlights, but make sure you bring comfortable clothing, your snorkel/mask, and water shoes. 

This is the closest cenote to Akumal.

Location:  4 Km. from Akumal into the jungle. 
Contact Phone:  984 154 3277

Cenote Tajmahal

South of Puerto Aventuras on the west side of the highway.

Cenote Ponderosa

Just south of Puerto Aventuras and beside Cenote Azul, a perfect public cenote with a short walk to the water. 

Dos Ojos

Location: on highway 307, south of Akumal, 10 kilometers, just pass Xel-Ha park on your right.

Nice-Ha Cenote:

Location:  The same entrance of Dos Ojos

Chac Mool Cenote

Location:  on the highway 307, south of Puerto Aventuras on the west side of the road.

Cenote Tortuga

Location: South of Akumal, 17 Kilometers on the east side, you will find the sign on the road. 
There is a tour that will guide you through 4 cenotes, 2 hours tour.

Scuba Diving:

Akumal offers excellent conditions for Scuba diving, calm ocean, almost non-existent current, dive sites are 7 to 10 minutes ride by boat. Going for a shallow or deep dive, what a better way to enjoy the ocean, scuba diving!  Book your dive, or if you are new, you should try one of the beginner’s courses, Scuba diver or Discover Scuba Diver.  www.akumaldiveshop.com
Contact: info@akumaldiveshop.com
www.akumaldiveshop.com
(52) 984 875 9030
(52) 984 875 9031

Fishing

The fishing in this area is awesome! And there are fishing boats and expert master fisherman available every day to take you on an adventure along the beautiful Caribbean coast.  The great thing is there is a fishing style like Flyfishing, sport fishing, deep-sea fishing, and species for everyone in this tropical paradise.  You can get Mahi Mahi (dorado), tuna, wahoo, barracuda, billfish, grouper, marlin, tarpon, bonefish. Snook.

Sailing

One of the best activities in Akumal is sailing in the Kantaris. A great vacation is not complete without any of the trips offered in the only catamaran in Akumal.  You can do the Robinson tour, sunset tour, or moonrise tour; any of them will make you smile.

Contact: info@akumaldiveshop.com
www.akumaldiveshop.com
(52) 984 875 9030
(52) 984 875 9031

Boat ride:

A fun way to see the coast from the ocean is in a boat, and if you have a small family and just want to go on a ride for one or two hours, this is the best way, just rent a boat from any of the dive shops in Akumal, you will have a blast.

Bicycle

A great place to start a vacation is to stop at the local rental bicycle.  Renting a bike as your transportation is a fun and ecological way to move around Akumal enjoy the place at your own pace; Akumal is a small town, and you’ll love to the stores or restaurants by bike.

To rent a bike per day or week, contact Akumal Guide located at the arch entrance to Akumal:

Email:  info@akumalguide.com
Tel. (52) 984 875 9115

Yoga:

Meet their great teachers and wonderful sessions, check out their schedule; there are classes for everyone, whether you are an old practitioner or new.  Private classes are also available in your vacation home. Find them on the Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/YogaEnAkumal/ 
Contact: Santa Sofia
WhatsApp: (52) 984 876 2652

Massage

Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of tropical zen gardens and flowing waters while being pampered by experienced professional spa technicians.
Budha Gardens is a perfect place to relax with exotic and traditional treatments, making time for yourself or with your friends.   Budha Gardens Spa menu includes complimentary use of gardens, hammock area, and herbal tea of your choice, making this an authentic spa experience!

Here are some of the treatments offer:

• Deep tissue & Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, and more!
• Luminous Facial Rituals, Body Scrubs, and Wraps.
• Couples can experience massages and romantic spa treatments together.
• Group bookings and gift certificates available.
• Spiritual blessings, cleansings, and Temazcal available; inquire within.

Budha Garden Spa is located steps away from the beach of Akumal Bay.

Contact: http://www.budhagardenspa.com
Phone: (52)-984-745-4942

Dining out or in

We are proud to have a great variety of restaurants in Akumal, seafood, Mexican, Italian, international, snacks, beach bars, bakery. There is something for everyone.

La Lunita restaurant on the beach of Half Moon Bay with various Mexican-International food is a star, perfect for a romantic dine out.  For fun and drinks and snack from lunch to dinner is La Buena Vida, right on the Half moon bay beach.  To enjoy your favorite beverage and have a happy hour, La Palapa Beach Bar is excellent, with a beautiful view of Akumal Bay. For a fun breakfast at The Turtle Bay Café, fresh daily bakes are a must.  If you are a fan of seafood, your best bet is La Cueva del Pescador, fresh ceviches, and the best tostadas with pico de gallo, cold beers, and festive ambiance.  Open for lunch and dinner. You can’t miss this one.

La taverna restaurant offers delicious authentic pizzas and a good selection of wines and Que Onda, and another Italian restaurant offers a variety of good homemade pasta.  And LolHa Restaurant with fine dining Mexican and international dishes, family ambient, and the best location of Akumal Bay.  Open for Breakfast and dinner.

Cooks & Chef Service

Daveed Chef Service offers you, experienced chefs who will take note of your needs and dietary requirements, arrange to shop for all the ingredients, cook, serve and have dinner ready at your convenient time; your only worry will be enjoying a delicious and authentic Mexican meal prepared and served in the comfort of your place.

Locations Available: Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, Soliman Bay, Tankah, Tulum

Chef Daveed also offers cooking classes in the comfort of your rental villa.

Contact: Chef Daveed
Local Phone: 984 157 7908
Web Site: www.daveedchefservice.com

Sightseeing out of Akumal

Sian Kaán Biosphere reserve

A sublime area of natural beauty, Sian Ka’an is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, which is why the region became a designated Biosphere Reserve in 1986. A year later, Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site by  UNESCO, and it remains the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Possibly the most astonishing part of the Yucatan peninsula, it is located 40 minutes south of Akumal, near the small town of Tulum. 

Tours typically begin with a two-hour boat ride across an expanse of water to reach canals that were once an important part of the Mayan trade routes. All of the boats have shade but be sure to pack sunscreen. 

Tulum Ruins

The greatest attraction at the Tulum Ruins is its location; sitting on a patch of rocky coastline just south of Tulum’s downtown, the ruins showcase several temples.  The area isn’t relatively large, nor is the architecture the most grandiose. But the scenery is dramatic; the ruins sit over the sea atop a small cliff, offering visitors spectacular views and one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches.

Muyil  Mayan Ruins

Muyil archaeological site is located on the mainland side of a lagoon in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This impressive archeological site extends across 38 hectares of jungle, perfect for a day of exploration.  Built nestled deep within the lush vegetation to an incredible onsite lagoon and canal system that leads to the Caribbean Sea. Wander the well-maintained paths and jungle trails filled with a diversity of plant, mangrove, and animal species. 

Muyil is located 23 miles south of Akumal.
The entrance fee is $100 per person
Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm

What to do:

• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• History
• Photography
• Wildlife
• Birdwatching
• Meditation

Cobá  Ruins

Cobá Mayan Ruins is unique in that only a few of its estimated 6,500 structures have been uncovered, but the ones that have been are graceful and impressive.

Location: 73 kilometers from Akumal
Entrance Fee: 70 pesos

Transportation

The easiest and reliable way to get to your vacation home in Akumal from the airport is to hire a professional transportation service.  The driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your vacation home in their well-equipped vans.   They also do private tours.
Contact:  Miguel Martinez
Local Phone:  984 125 4491
Web Site: www.namaste-transportation.com