Akumal Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Akumal. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya

• Hidden Cenote Swim: Snorkeling, Sea Turtles and Beachside Lunch

• Full-Day Tulum Ruins Tour, Cenote, and Swimming with Sea Turtles

• Private Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal, and Cenote Adventure

• Swim with Sea Turtles

It’s free to visit the picturesque resort of Akumal independently—but there are plenty of budget-friendly tours that can make the most of your trip. Snorkeling tours of the sea turtle habitat offshore start around US$37, while longer excursions combining Akumal snorkeling, ruins, and cenotes start at around US$131.

Yes, Akumal is worth visiting. Between white-sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, and the town's low-key charm, it's among the most appealing resorts in the Yucatan. It's also one of the best places to see sea turtles in the Riviera Maya, and is home to both green turtles and loggerheads.

Per one customer who booked the Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya, "We truly relished snorkeling with the turtles and swimming through the cenote caverns. The cenote cavern was one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. Our guide, Maryna, did an excellent job managing the activities and making sure everyone was safe and enjoying themselves."

In Mayan, Akumal translates to “Place of Turtles”—and sea turtles are what this coastal resort on the Riviera Maya is all about. Once a tranquil alternative to Cancun (and then Tulum), Akumal is now a buzzy resort town. But with wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s still a great place to unwind.

Yes. While many places on the Mexican Caribbean require a boat ride to reach sea turtles, visitors can find these gentle marine animals grazing on seagrass right off the shores of Akumal Beach. (There is typically a small charge to access the beach.) Visitors can bring or rent snorkeling gear.

This is a big issue in Akumal, where tourism has had a negative impact in recent years. Following basic guidelines helps. Never, ever touch the turtles. Don’t wear sunscreen (use a rash guard instead) or snorkeling fins, and refrain from standing on seagrass. And don’t urinate in the water, as this can harm marine life.

December to March is by far the most popular time to visit Quintana Roo, but it’s also the high season—expect more crowds and higher rates. The rainy season hits in summer and early fall. That said, showers typically last only a few hours, and visitors will encounter far fewer people.

That depends. Once a fishing village, Tulum is now a hipster party mecca—equally popular with yogis and wellness gurus as EDM enthusiasts. It’s perfect for capping off beach days with nights out, since bars and clubs abound. Akumal is a good pick for snorkelers or scuba divers.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Akumal. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan:

• Quintana Roo

• Chichen Itza

• Isla Mujeres

• Xcaret

• Playa Norte

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan.