Akumal is a very special place and it’s quite unique, in the Mayan language Akumal means “Place of the Turtle”.
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Guide to Akumal Mexico (Turtle sanctuary)
Things to know before you go
Transport
- Akumal Beach is located in the Riviera Maya in Mexico in the state of Quinta Roo.
- To get to Akumal beach you can take a “Colectivo”. Colectivos are the local public transport, they are white minivans that go up and down the road between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. All you need to do is stand on the side of the road and wave them, they will stop if they have enough space for you. It’s generally the cheapest option that you can find, all you need to do is tell the driver you want to go to Akumal Beach and he will drop you off. You pay the driver when you get off the colectivo (make sure to have small change with you).
- Another way to get to Akumal is to take a taxi, this will be a lot more expensive than the colectivo but might be more convenient for you.
- You can also rent a car. From Tulum it’s about a 30min drive and from Playa del Carmen it’s about a 40min drive.
Language
- The local language is spanish, however most people will speak english as well.
Currency
- The local currency is mexican pesos but US dollars are accepted in most places.
- I recommend having mexican pesos because if you pay with US dollars you might get a bad exchange rate when you get your change back in mexican pesos.
- Make sure to have cash with you, as ATM’s aren’t always reliable. If you worried you might have too much cash, you could pay your tours in advance before reaching your destination.
Prices
- The local currency is mexican pesos but US dollars are accepted in most places.
- I recommend having mexican pesos with you because if you pay with US dollars you might get a bad exchange rate when you get your change back in mexican pesos.
- Make sure to have cash with you, as ATM’s aren’t always reliable. If you worried you might have too much cash, you could pay your tours in advance before reaching your destination.
Safety
- I’ve been twice to Akumal and I’ve always felt very safe despite the tour operators being agressive.
- That being said, I recommend wherever you go to always travel smart and be aware of your sourroundings.
What makes Akumal beach so special
As mentioned Akumal means in the Mayan language “The place of turtles” and let’s just say it bears its name well. The beach in Akumal is pristine and the water is very clear.
The special thing about Akumal is the seagrass, which attracts the turtles. The turtles feed on the seagrass which is found in Akumal and nest in the area.
Access to the beach
I’ve been to Akumal twice now and it’s changed quite a bit in a few years and honestly for the worst.
By law all beaches in Mexico are public and cannot be privatized. Therefore Akumal is a public beach and should be free to enter for all. However, local businesses have now privatized the beach access and are charging a fee for the access.
You can escape paying the fee if you are staying at one of the hotels on the beach.
I’ve spoken to a few locals and they are against paying for access to the beach. There has been protests against this however as of November 2022 access to the beach is still subject to charge.
Aggressive tour operators
When walking towards Akumal Beach a lot of tour operators will try to sell you a tour or make you pay for access to the beach. They can be very insistent and upward aggressive.
I’ve personnally never paid for a tour to see turtles in Akumal and I’ve always been able to see them on my own by respecting the rules.
There are a lot of scams going on as well, if someone tries to fine you or tell you off saying they are an official guide, just ask for an ID and proof. I’ve found that this usually prevents them from annoying you any further, as most, aren’t officials. That being said if a Mexican Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) or a police officer gives you directions you need to follow them.
Rules of the beach
Since Akumal is a protected beach there are a few rules you need to respect when in Akumal, here are some examples of the basic rules to follow (to be sure to respect all the rules read the ones listed at the beach when you’re there) :
- Do not touch or harass the turtles
- Do not wear fins (the fins damage the seagrass that the turtles eat)
- “Mandatory lifejacket” this one is subject to controversy, lifejackets aren’t mandatory if you stay close to the shore within the 150feet rope. However, you might get called out if you don’t have one… so might as well put one on.
Tips to see the turtles for free
Here are a few tips to see the turtles for free :
- Politely decline the tour operators and walk past the dive shop. Most tour operators are just before the access to the beach and right in front of the dive shop.
- If you are unsure of the area you are allowed to swim in ask the local fishermen (don’t ask the tour operators). There is also a map on the beach that indicates where you can swim, however, the map in itself can be confusing and tours take advantage of that…
- Bring your mask and tuba with you, if you want a lifejacket you’ll need to bring your own of rent one.
- Get to the beach early (ideally before 9am).
- Make sure there weren’t any storms the night before you go to the beach as that can affect the visibility of the water. If the visibility isn’t great you’ll have a harder time seeing the turtles.
- If your staying at the Secrets hotel in Akumal they offer turtle tours in the protected area and have official passes. The tour are offered for free to hotel guests however they don’t take place everyday and places are limited so i’d suggest checking upon arrival with the entertainement staff if it’s possible to do it.
Where to stay in Akumal
We stayed at the Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya resort, which is amazing. It’s an all-inclusive adults only resort which is just perfect for a couple or friends get away. You can check my honest and detailed review here.
Other things to do while you’re in Akumal
While you’re in Akumal, besides spending time with the turtles here are other things you can do :
- Dine at la Cueva del Pescador : it’s a great restaurant that has amazing seafood at a very friendly price.
- Check out Yal-Ku lagoon : it’s not far from Akumal about a 15-20min walk and it’s definetly worth the visit!
- Visit Akumal town.
- Go diving with the Akumal Dive shop.
