About 60 miles south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, lies the small seaside town of Akumal. Akumal is Mayan for “Place of the Turtles” as it is a major nesting site for the reptiles. Once an ancient Mayan seaport and trading route, Akumal has many beaches, mangroves and small lagoons that are ideal for partaking in the area’s main attraction—snorkeling. Divers flock here to explore the beauty of Akumal Bay’s and Half Moon Bay’s spectacular reef system, underwater coral gardens and sunken Spanish galleon. Dive shops in town provide snorkeling and scuba rental equipment and guidebooks. Because of the lush jungle just inland, Yalku Lagoon in Akumal is also a popular and picturesque spot for bird watching. This small town also boasts some of the best sport fishing around.
Naturally formed limestone freshwater sinkholes called cenotes surround Akumal. Swimming in the cool waters and exploring these underwater caverns is a “must-do” adventure included in jungle tours. With its myriad of activities, including three water parks, a wide range of hotels and restaurants, and proximity to Tulum’s Mayan ruins, Akumal makes for an exciting and unique excursion.