8 Things to do in Akumal (By a Mom!)

Akumal is a great place to stay on a trip to Mexico. It is convenient to Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum. Valladolid, and Chichen Itza are further, but you could do a day trip from Akumal to these destinations. You could make Akumal a stop on a Yucatán Peninsula road trip or be your place to sleep on your trip.

Why You Should Visit Akumal

Half Moon Bay is at Akumal and is in the Riviera Maya area. The town is small on the beach. Akumal Bay is home to sea turtles. There are plenty of tours to see the sea turtles, but this must be balanced with protecting them and their habitat.

We stayed in Akumal for two nights on Half Moon Bay. We visited in June, which was affordable and quiet. However, that is because the seaweed is extensive in June. Be sure to check the seaweed forecast before planning your trip if you want to spend time on the beach in Akumal.

Akumal is convenient to all the attractions from Cancun to Tulum. You can fly into Cancun and then rent a car to get to Akumal.

🚗Book your rental car by clicking here!

8 Things to do in Akumal

1. Aktun Chen

4.7/5 stars (2,567 reviews)

Plan to spend about half a day visiting Aktun Chen. There are several activities you can choose from.

We started our day by going on the zipline. If you have ziplined in a mountainous area, you may be disappointed by the flat terrain of the region. However, ziplining is still fun and it may be good for those new to ziplining.

Next, we saw some of the animals. The park includes facilities to care for rescued animals and serves as a protected area for wildlife.

We ended our time at the park by swimming in a cenote. The underwater caves are such a treat and unlike anything I’ve experienced before. They will provide snorkel equipment and life preserver. You can pay extra for a photographer.

🦇Learn more about Aktun Chen by clicking here!

2. Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

4.5/5.0 stars (126 reviews)

The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a wildlife rescue. There are several animal encounters, including with a snake, birds, and a spider monkey. You will need about three hours for your visit.

🐵Book your tickets to Akumal Monkey Sanctuary by clicking here!

3. Croco Cun Zoo

4.7/5 (2,329 reviews)

Croco Cun Zoo is a small zoo with wildlife that has been rescued or seized by authorities. You will get to walk amongst crocodiles, interact with birds and Mexican hairless dogs, and perhaps get a chance to see some wild spider monkeys.

The zoo is a nice stop for 1-2 hours if you are driving from Cancun to Akumal.

🐊Get your tickets to Croco Cun Zoo by clicking here!

4. Tulum Archaeological Site

5.0/5.0 stars (189 reviews)

You can visit Tulum Archaeological site without a guided tour. A guide, however, can provide background. With or without a guide, plan to spend a couple of hours at the site. The site is large with many buildings.

There is limited shade, so pack an umbrella and sunscreen.

🎫Book your Tulum Ruins Tour by clicking here!

5. Muyil Ruins at Tulum

4.5/5.0 stars (432 reviews)

There are also ruins south of Tulum that are worth a visit. A lot fewer people visit these ruins (cruises do not do trips here). Plus, they are in a more wooded area. Be sure to bring insect repellent.

🌳Learn more about Muyil by clicking here.

6. Tulum Instagram Photo Experience

4.9/5.0 stars (258 reviews)

If you want to get lots of great and fun photos, look no further than the Tulum Instagram Photo Experience. This is an all-day tour with a professional photographer.

📸Book your Tulum Instagram Photo Experience by clicking here!

7. Calzada de los Frailes (Rainbow Street), Valladolid

Calzada de los Frailes in Valladolid is a street with rainbow colored buildings. There are some shops and restaurants on the street, so it is a great spot for a casual stroll and a meal.

Valladolid is an hour and 46 minutes drive from Akumal. I would not make a special trip just to Valladolid, but it is a good stop if you take a day trip to Chichen Itza.

🌈Learn more about Calzada de los Frailes by clicking here!

8. Chichen Itza Private Tour

One of the top destinations in the region is Chichen Itza. Expect crowds. You can, however, do a private tour.

🎫Click here for your private tour of Chichen Itza!

Where to Stay in Akumal

Budget Pick $

8.5/10 (665 reviews)

We stayed at the Del Sol Beachfront. We had a view of Half Moon Bay from our room. The hotel has a pool and a restaurant. The rooms have a water jug, mini-fridge, and a porch. You can also rent a full apartment at Del Sol.

🔑Book your stay at Del Sol Beachfront by clicking here!

Mid-Range Pick $$

8.2/10 (25 reviews)

The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa is all-inclusive. The resort has a private beach area along with 4 swimming pools, including one just for kids. There are tons of activities including live music, a kids’ club, playground, hot tubs, and tennis courts.

🏨Book your stay at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa All Inclusive by clicking here!

Luxury Pick $$$

8.0/10 (10 reviews)

Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa – All Inclusive is my pick for a luxury option. The resort is beachfront, has 2 swimming pools, 6 restaurants, and is family friendly.

🧳Book your stay at Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa by clicking here!

FAQ: Things to do in Akumal

How far is Cancun from Akumal?

Cancun is 1 hour and 19 minutes or a 65 mile drive to Akumal.

How far is Tulum from Akumal?

Tulum is a short 26 minute or 17 mile drive to Akumal.

Can you fly to Akumal?

No, you can not fly to Akumal. You can fly to Cancun, Cozumel, or Tulum from the United States.

What is the best time of year to visit Akumal?

The best time of year to visit Akumal for the weather is late November to the start of April. The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30.

Of course, while the weather may be less agreeable from June to November, there will be fewer tourists. With fewer tourists, you will have smaller crowds and cheaper accommodations.

We visited in June. It was hot and there were storms one evening. However, the crowds were non-existent and our hotel was a bargain.

What should I pack for Akumal?

Your packing list will vary depending on what you plan to do on your trip.

1. Umbrella: No matter what time of year you visit, an umbrella comes in handy for shade at Mayan ruins and is a must-have in the case of rain.
2. Sunscreen: You will need reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm. Remember to reapply and bring one of each for every member of your group.
3. Insect repllent: If you visit a wildlife sanctuary or Mayan ruins, you will need insect repellent.
4. Waterproof phone pouch: If you plan to swim in a cenote or go to the beach, you need a good waterproof phone pouch.
5. Microfiber towel: I bring a microfiber towel for everyone in my group for any trip involving water.
6. Water shoes: You will need good water shoes for cenote swimming. They also come in handy for rocky beaches.
7. Sun hat: This sun hat comes in several colors. It has several important features. It is adjustable and has a chin strap so it won’t blow off of your head. It is also ventilated, which is critical in hot weather.
8. Prescription snorkeling and swimming goggles: If you have a member of your group that wears glasses, they need prescription snorkeling and swimming goggles. Fortunately, as long as you know the prescription, you can order the strength they need.
9. Carbon monoxide detector: I always bring a portable carbon monoxide detector when I travel outside the United States. It takes up no space, is rechargeable, and provides peace of mind.

Conclusion

Akumal is a wonderful small town to visit along the coast of Mexico. It is a perfect place to stop for the day on a trip from Cancun to Tulum or a good place to stay for a few nights.

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