Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
Beach · Akumal, Quintana Roo
Bahía de Akumal
Akumal’s shallow bay, protected by the reef, where green turtles often feed on seagrass a few meters from the sand.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Bahía de Akumal
Akumal Bay is a shallow, calm cove enclosed by a coral reef that breaks the waves. The seabed is covered in seagrass, the food of green turtles, which often spend the day in the bay, surfacing to breathe just a few meters from swimmers. You can also see rays, reef fish and, sometimes, hawksbill turtles.
The name Akumal, in Maya, means place of the turtles. The village began as a coconut grove and, in the 1960s, became a base for divers exploring shipwrecks along the coast. Today it is a small settlement with rental houses and a few hotels around the bay.
Because of the large number of visitors, the bay is a refuge area for marine species, with rules of use: snorkeling is allowed in areas marked by buoys, with a life jacket, and in much of them only with a registered guide. It is forbidden to touch or chase the turtles, to use fins in some areas, and to use regular sunscreen.
The beach itself is public, with access through the village, and parking and services at the entrance are charged.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
Early in the morning, before excursion groups arrive, when the water is usually calmer. The turtles are in the bay year-round.
How to get there
It is in the village of Akumal, a few minutes’ walk from the vans stop on highway 307, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Tip
Wear a life jacket and biodegradable sunscreen and keep your distance from the turtles. Hire registered guides at the bay entrance.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bahía de Akumal
Why are there so many turtles in Akumal?
Because the bottom of the bay is covered in seagrass, which is the food of green turtles.
What are the snorkeling rules in Akumal Bay?
Snorkel in designated areas, with a life jacket, in much of it with a registered guide, do not touch the turtles, and use biodegradable sunscreen.
Is Akumal Bay public?
The beach is public, with access through the village. Parking and services at the entrance are charged.