11 Best Things To Do In Akumal, Mexico

Akumal is part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and it used to be a quiet, sleepy town.  Over the years though, this town in an area called the Riviera Maya slowly became known for its eco-adventure offerings and underwater ecosystems.

Primarily known as the home of sea turtles, Akumal is now a must-visit in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

READ MORE: Best Hotels In Akumal, Mexico.

Situated between more popular destinations like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Akumal is a must experience. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Akumal that you simply couldn’t pass up.

11 Best Things To Do In Akumal, Mexico

1. Hang out at the beautiful beaches in Akumal

Akumal has some of the best beaches in Mexico. So when in town, spending time at the beach is a must.

One simply cannot resist the fine sand, the turquoise waters, the sunny weather, and the relaxing atmosphere.

Spread a blanket on the shore or soak up the sun, or chill in a hammock. Take in the views of the sea meeting the sky and relax, before seeing and doing anything else.

Some of the best beaches to visit in Akumal are Jade Beach, Soliman Bay, and  Tankah Bay.

2. Snorkel with sea turtles

Akumal is also nicknamed ‘turtle town’ because its waters are home to many sea turtles. The great thing about being in this town is that visitors are allowed to swim with these adorable species.

Get your snorkel gear ready or rent in one of the shops by the bay. Akumal Bay is known as the home to a large number of loggerhead and green sea turtles.

These turtles are also used to humans poking around their underwater homes in the bay’s protective reef. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Akumal that’s not to be missed.

3. Swim with dolphins

Swimming and bonding with dolphins are probably one of the most fun experiences ever, and you get to experience that in Akumal.

They have tours that allow visitors access to the conservation area where you can meet dolphins, which are one of the friendliest marine species.

The areas in this town where you’ll find dolphins are also said to be one of the most beautiful in the world so make sure this is part of your Akumal itinerary.

4. Sail away in Akumal

Jet off from the shore in a catamaran, and see Akumal and the Caribbean coastline from a different perspective.

Sailing us one of the most fun things to do in Akumal, and it’s best to do it in the morning or late afternoon.

Sail through the turquoise waters, and check put the diverse marine life of the second largest barrier reef in the world. Book a sailing tour in advance and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.

5. Scuba dive in Akumal

The waters of Akumal is regarded as among the top diving spots in the world. With the area’s diverse and rich marine ecosystems, divers are treated to a variety of species to see and swim with.

Even the diving sites in Akumal have distinct characteristics and things to offer. There’s the Motorcycle reef, a shallow dive that has an actual motorbike on the seabed.

The Gonzalo Reef meanwhile is known for the turtles and large fishes. Then there’s Xaak Reef, a deeper dive where you can bond with turtles, nurse sharks, and rays.

If you fancy an underwater adventure, then diving is the top thing to do in Akumal for you.

6. Yal-ku Lagoon

There seems to be a lot of places to visit in Akumal that leads you to the waters. The Yal-ku Lagoon is another fascinating site, an inlet that contains both fresh and saltwater.

Here, you can swim in the turquoise waters, or snorkel and sea turtles, tropical fishes, and manta rays.

After your time in the water, relax in one of the cottages in the area or chill in a hammock. This attraction also has some interesting sculptures in the surrounding garden that you may want to explore.

7. Visit Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

After spending a lot of time in the water, it’s time to explore Akumal on dry land.

Head towards the monkey sanctuary where you’ll meet different types of monkeys and even play with them.

The area provides tours where you can learn more about the species, explore the sanctuary, and even swim in a cenote if you want.

Spending some time here is one of the best things to do in Akumal where you’ll also get to support a good cause.

8. Xel-Ha

If you’re up for a more extreme adventure, near Akumal, is the theme park of Xel-Ha. Located in the town of Solidaridad, it is only 10-15 minutes drive from Akumal.

There’s a wide variety of activities that you can enjoy here – from snorkeling and swimming with dolphins, to cliff diving and zip-lining.

This eco-adventure park has been around for decades and continues to be one of the best places to visit near Akumal.

Xel-Ha is located by a natural lagoon in the south of Akumal, and a must experience while you’re here.

9. Aktun Chen

If you’re up for a unique experience that involves walking through 5 million-year-old caves and caverns, Aktun Chen is a must-visit.

It is located just five minutes from Akumal, an eco-adventure park that consists of a zoo, a Mayan jungle, and cenotes.

A fun way to see this diverse area is to ride the thrilling zip line that explores its stunning landscapes. That Aktun Chen experience alone is one of the best attractions in Akumal.

10. Coba Ruins Tour

About an hour from Akumal is the ancient town of Coba. You can explore the area’s rich history by visiting the Coba ruins.

Book a guided tour to cut through the lines and explore the fascinating ruins that include one of the highest pyramids in the Yucatan, the Nohoch Mul.

You can climb the pyramid and marvel at the lush surroundings from the top.

After the pyramid, there are thousands more of ruins to explore, which spans over 4 miles. Allot an entire day for this adventure if you want to see them all

11. Explore downtown Akumal

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Daniel Guadarrama (@danielguadaleo) on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:47am PDT

Strolling through downtown in between all those nature trips makes for a great respite. Relax as you walk along the picturesque town center, where you can relax with a cup of coffee, enjoy a meal or shop for souvenirs.

The downtown area is pretty small, and you might even miss it as you head to the beaches. Just stop here for a while to appreciate the colorful small buildings and laid back atmosphere.

Try some baked goodies at Turtle Bay, or enjoy some ice cream as you walk around and take in the scenery.

So, that’s our list of the best things to do in Akumal, Mexico. I hope this helps if you’re planning a trip to Akumal. Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!