Akumal Mexico

Akumal Mexico in Quintana Roo on the Riviera Maya

Made available on September 28th, 2006 by Tortuga.
Groups: Akumal Mexico and Riviera Maya articles.

Akumal

Akumal Mexico has kept its relaxed, laid back mood amongst boom towns such as Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. Unlike the many pre-planned resort communities popping up on the Riviera Maya coast, Akumal is a quaint Mexican town with a rich history and a proud local mix of Mexicans and ex-patriots.

Abundant tropical fish, nearby sunken Spanish galleon and coral gardens make Akumal Mexico a popular destination for divers from around the world.

Its reef is part of the Mesoamerican Reef that stretches over 720 kilometers along the Yucatan Peninsula into Honduras. Referred to as the “Jewel of the Caribbean,” the reef is home to a high diversity of species not only coral and fish but also colorful flora, mammals, and reptiles, many of which can be seen in Akumal Mexico’s bays.

You don’t have to be a diver to experience the beauty of Akumal Mexico’s waters. Scenic snorkeling is just a short walk from your room no matter where you are staying.

Picture your perfect seaside village, and it will be like Akumal Mexico.
Kathy Boccella, Philadelphia Inquirer

Things to do in Mayan Riviera

For things to do in Mayan Riviera, consider vacationing in Akumal Mexico.

Akumal Mexico is on the shores of two bays - Half Moon bay and Akumal bay. Both are teaming with sea life. Recently greater Akumal has been extended to include Jade Bay, South Akumal, and Akumal Aventuras.

Puerto Aventuras, 15 minutes north, homes the museum of relics from the history of Akumal Mexico, founded by Pablo Bush Romero and his CEDAM diving explorations.

Another unique feature of Akumal Mexico is Yalku lagoon. This small series of lagoons leading out to the sea once served as a trading route for ancient Mayans. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Bird watching enthusiasts will enjoy quiet mornings in Yalku where a large variety of the Peninsula’s bird population gather on the set of a spectacular sunrise.

Kayaking, catamaran rides, deep sea fishing excursions and jungle tours are available. In Akumal Mexico, there is something for everyone.

The people of Akumal Mexico not only enjoy these waters but are dedicated to the protection of their natural beauty. Akumal has established a non-profit ecological organization that sponsors research of the Yucatan’s coastal marine environment and preservation of the Mayan culture.

Students and volunteers from around the world have been involved in projects such as developing reconstructed wetlands, preserving mangroves and working with scientists to study the ecology of the coral reef and the geology of the Yucatan.

One of Akumal Mexico’s most successful ecological endeavors has been its “turtle watch protection program.”

Akumal, Mayan for “place of the turtle,” has been a nesting ground for green and loggerhead sea turtles for centuries. Nesting season begins in May and lasts through October. Swimming hundreds of miles through the oceans they following their instincts to the beaches of Akumal Mexico and lay their eggs to continue the circle of life.

Visitors during nesting season can participate in the protection of these gentle creatures and witness a miracle of nature.

The largest concentration of cenotes in the Yucatan surround Akumal Mexico. These natural sinkholes can be found in either direction on highway 307 just outside of Akumal. Early Mayans believed cenotes were sacred wells of the gods. They are still a fresh water source for communities. Today, tourists visit cenotes to bathe in the cool, refreshing waters, worship the sun, and explore hidden caves.

Undoubtedly, the most mysterious and amazing attractions of the Mayan world are the ancient ruins scattered throughout Mexico. One of the most intriguing archeological sites is near Akumal Mexico.

The famous Tulum ruin is 32 kilometers south of Akumal. A walled city situated on the edge of a 40 foot cliff, this breathtaking location is the most visited of all the mayan ruins with over two million tourists visiting every year.

Akumal Mexico, a central location in the Riviera Maya, is only 20 minutes north of the Tulum Mayan ruins and is conveniently located near three water parks that offer daytime fun and evening entertainment.

Although Akumal is a family town that goes to bed in the late evening, it is only 30 minutes from exciting Playa del Carmen. If you are looking for night life, take a drive north to Playa del Carmen where you can eat, shop, and dance into the wee hours of the morning and then return to rejuvenate in the serenity of Akumal.

Riviera Maya day tours

Akumal Mexico is a popular destination for Riviera Maya day tours south of Cancun. But why not consider staying in Akumal instead of the overrun Cancun? Akumal Mexico has literally hundreds of accommodations for any budget. And with all of the amenities Akumal has to offer, you would never have to venture outside its arches until the drive back to the airport.

Akumal has several restaurants with delicious menu items including traditional Mayan cuisine, fresh seafood, authentic Italian pastas and American classics like pizza and hamburgers. Local watering holes serve fresh fruit libations by the sea.

Akumal’s unique shops and boutiques sell folk art, handcrafted jewelry and original clothing designs. An outside artesian market vends Mexican pottery, blankets, hammocks, and fruits and vegetables from local farmers.

Akumal has well stocked grocery stores carrying everything from sun screen to snacks, as well as familiar items from home.

Car rentals are available in Akumal for small or large groups along with other fun modes of transportation.

Akumal Mexico has long been a haven for honeymooners, but its exotic scenery also sets the stage for romantic beginnings. Wedding planners, hotel accommodations, and reception facilities are all waiting to help create your special day.

Just as the sea turtles return year after year, so do many of Akumal’s visitors. The friendly locals make each and every guest feel special.

Akumal Mexico offers all of the comforts and conveniences of a resort without the canned fun because your experiences in Mexico should be as exciting and unique as this extraordinary land.

Sugary white sand gleams under the bright Yucatan sun, aquamarine water teems with tropical fish and lazy sea turtles, cold Mexican beer beckons beneath the shady thatch of palapas–it’s hard to imagine a sweeter spot than Akumal, Mexico, to contemplate the joys of being alive.
Claudia Wallis, Time Magazine

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