Akumal: Snorkeling with Turtles

My very special experience in Mexico? Snorkeling with turtles in Akumal.

Akumal - once a natural harbor of the Maya - offers you a pristine marine paradise like something out of a picture book: fine sand, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed atmosphere. At least in the morning before the tourists flood in for snorkeling.

Are you looking for a vacation spot that offers plenty of great snorkeling opportunities? Then Akumal, Mexico is just the place for you! This beautiful town is home to some of the best beaches in the country and is also a great spot to observe turtles up close.

In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Akumal. We will tell you where to stay, what to do, and most importantly, how to go snorkeling with turtles!

Akumal is located just 18 km from Puerto Aventuras, about 25 km from Tulum, and 36 km south of Playa del Carmen. The 2 km long beach is lined with hostels, vacation rentals, and smaller luxury hotels. However, Akumal has remained a quiet little village where environmental protection and living in harmony with nature are the focus.

Where is Akumal?

If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place, Akumal is definitely worth a visit. The town on the Mexican Riviera Maya is known for its stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters.

It's a great place for snorkeling and diving, with many reefs and fish to see. Akumal also has a variety of shops and restaurants, so you'll find everything you need. Plus, with its relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect place to kick back and unwind.

So if you're looking for a vacation spot that has it all, make sure to add Akumal to your list!

The greatest fascination of Akumal, I find, is in the water: Here you can snorkel with turtles in their natural habitat. I love turtles and the peace and tranquility these creatures exude. It is always amusing to watch a turtle surface.

Like the lookout of a submarine above water. Wonderful. You should experience this too.

The bay has long been a preferred nesting site for turtles. Between May and September, several hundred loggerhead turtles come to the fine sandy beach of Akumal to lay their eggs. To protect the eggs, they are stored by biologists on the beach from their environmental organization and monitored until hatching.

Since turtles are endangered, they are also strictly protected in Mexico. In the underwater landscape of Akumal, numerous other fish species like barracudas, parrotfish, and manta rays can also be found.

A snorkeling tour through the entire bay lasts about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. The emphasis on conservation here is highlighted in a video: each turtle may only be observed for a maximum of 2 minutes and not touched. You really don't have to worry about not seeing any turtles. For children, this gently sloping bay that is only 2 - 5 meters deep is a good fit.

The best time to go snorkeling in Akumal is in the morning, preferably before 10 AM. Then you will find most of the turtles in the bay, as they are still busy eating the seagrass. At this early hour, there are not many day tourists here, and you have the lagoon almost to yourself. Around 11 AM it gets very crowded and uncomfortable. We watch this calmly from the beach.

On our trip to Akumal, we traveled independently by Collectivo (from Puerto Aventuras 6 M$) and arrived around 9 AM. We saw about 20-30 turtles without having to search hard. As soon as the 2-minute limit is up, you turn around, and another turtle is right in front of you.

As a bonus, a spotted eagle ray glides majestically past us, just as it did on Caye Caulker (Belize). Goosebumps. Water is simply one of my favorite elements.

When it comes to swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, the opportunities in Akumal are endless. Whether you want to swim with friendly dolphins or explore colorful coral gardens while snorkeling, there are plenty of options available.

Along the stunning coast, you'll also find opportunities for peaceful kayaking tours, where you can discover some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region. Whether on land or water, Akumal is the perfect destination for all your water adventures. So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and head to this beautiful coastal paradise!

One of the best things about traveling is trying new foods, and Akumal offers many delicious options. The region is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try dishes like ceviche and whole grilled fish.

If you're looking for something lighter, try one of the many salads offered. And of course, no meal is complete without a cold beer or a refreshing margarita. Whatever you crave, you're sure to find it in Akumal. Bon appétit.

When packing for a summer trip, it's important to keep the weather in mind. Hot and humid conditions can be a challenge, so it's essential to bring the right clothing and accessories.

Key items to consider include breathable fabrics that allow air to circulate, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays, as well as high-SPF sunscreen to keep your skin safe from sunburn. Additionally, water bottles and sun hats are essential gear to help you stay cool and hydrated even under extreme conditions.

So, if you're planning your next trip to Mexico this summer, be sure to pack accordingly and take the necessary measures to ensure you feel safe and comfortable on your journey!

Traveling around Akumal is easy and affordable. Whether you want to cover short distances or venture further into the region, there are plenty of taxis (and UBER) to meet your needs.

These taxis are scattered throughout the town, so you can call them from anywhere. They are also very affordable, as prices are usually lower than what you would expect in many larger cities. Whether you're a local or a tourist, getting around in Akumal is simple and convenient!

As a nature lover, I hesitated to visit Akumal a second time because I feared the area had become too touristy. However, after spending a few days in the sun and exploring the breathtaking coral reefs in the area, I couldn't change my mind.

Although Akumal is no longer a hidden gem for tourists, with large hotels now present on what was once a quiet and empty beach, it has largely retained its natural beauty and charm.

With endless white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water full of colorful marine life, and gentle green hills dotted with native villages, Akumal offers plenty of stunning scenery to admire. Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to relax on a quiet beach away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this picturesque coastal town has something for everyone.

So if you're prepared for crowds and ready to enjoy the sights of one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, then Akumal is definitely a destination worth discovering.

The cheapest way to get there is certainly by Collectivo bus. However, we wanted to be in Akumal early, so we took a taxi directly from our hotel in Tulum for the outward journey. The cost was about 200 M$ (I unfortunately don't remember exactly). Far cheaper, however, is a Collectivo, which we chose for the return trip.

The stop is only 500 m from the beach in Akumal and costs about 60 M$ one way (I unfortunately didn't write this price down either). The Collectivo stop in Puerto Aventuras is located right at the entrance gate of the marina and hotel zone.

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