Swimming With Turtles At The Riviera Maya – Snorkeling In Akumal, Mexico

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Akumal is a little beach and now resort town along the Riviera Maya. The bay of Akumal is one of the best snorkeling spots between Cancun and Tulum and is known for its sea turtles. In this post we will share our impressions of the bay and give you information on snorkeling in Akumal and where to eat and where to stay in Akumal, Mexico.

Swimming With Sea Turtles In Akumal

How To Get To Akumal, Mexico

Akumal is about an hour’s drive from Cancun airport and about 30 minutes from Tulum center. The best option to get to Akumal is by renting a car or taking a private shuttle or taxi.

If you are staying in Akumal, your hotel most likely has a pick-up service.

You can get to Akumal for the day via a snorkeling tour as well.

Snorkeling In Akumal Bay

Over the years Akumal has become a super popular tourist spot on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The bay of Akumal is a protected area, but it has suffered due to increased tourism and tourists not respecting the wildlife. Each time we went, there were more people and more hotels have been constructed or were in the process.

Akumal is an absolutely beautiful spot to see turtles and coral reefs. When you go please be mindful of the environment and the wildlife!

Responsible Snorkeling In Akumal

Here are a few things you can do to responsibly explore the Akumal Bay and protect the environment:

• Keep your distance from the sea turtles, don’t disturb them.
• When wearing fins be careful not to touch the reefs with your fins
• Wear reef-safe AND biodegradable sunscreen! That means the sunscreen is environmentally friendly and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients that are destroying the coral reefs. They break down naturally and minimize damage to the environment. None of the major brands are biodegradable btw, even most of the ones that claim to be “reef-friendly” aren’t. You specifically have to look for the ones that are. Here’s an interesting article about the sunscreen problem.
• Stream 2 Sea and Badger Sunscreen are two examples of reef-safe and biodegradable sunscreens.

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You can go on on a guided snorkel tour or snorkel on you own. If you go on your own you have to stay in a certain area. All snorkel gear can be rented, but you can of course also bring your own. We would bring our own gear, since we always travel around with our local friend and also best tour guide ever! Shoutout to you, Sarah! 🙂

There are lockers and changing rooms as well as restaurants and shops.

Snorkeling In The Yal-Ku Lagoon In Akumal

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Akumal Beach also has a lagoon right by the sea where the saltwater and sweet water mix. At the Yal-Ku Lagoon you can snorkel, paddleboard, or kayak and see lots of fish and wildlife.

There is also a freshwater swimming hole, Cenote Yal-Ku. It’s pretty cool.

How To Get To Yal-Ku Lagoon

When you drive up to Akumal from the highway the main snorkeling spot everyone goes to is on the right-hand side. To get to Yal-Ku lagoon you take a left at the intersection and follow the road. It will take about ten minutes by car and you will be passing some vacation residences on the way. On the way, there will be signs that will guide you to Yal-Ku.

There are changing rooms and lockers at the lagoon. You can rent a private palapa close to the lagoon for some shade and to hang out.

Best Cenotes Near Tulum

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Snorkeling Tours To Akumal

Where To Eat In Akumal

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A favorite restaurant in Akumal is La Buena Vida. Their fish dishes and coco locos are amazing. The restaurant has swings and hammocks and the tables are placed in the sand.

The best thing, La Buena Vida is directly by the water, so you have a great view of the bay.

What To Do In Tulum – Mexico Travel Guide To Visiting Tulum

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Akumal Hotels At The Beach

The following hotels are located directly at the beach in Akumal. They vary in their star rating, pricing, and style. Some are adults only and others family-friendly.

Akumal Beach Rentals

There are plenty Airbnb rentals and condos at Akumal Bay and the surrounding area, if you prefer to have your own place and kitchen. Some are directly at the beach and others are a bit inwards or in Akumal town. Many have a pool as well.

Booking.com

Swimming With Turtles At Akumal Beach

We hope you found our post Swimming With Turtles At The Riviera Maya – Snorkeling In Akumal, Mexico helpful and are excited for your upcoming vacation to Mexico.

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