Riviera Maya · Community guide

Akumal

Akumal is a relaxed beachside town on Mexico's Riviera Maya, in Quintana Roo, about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The name means "place of the turtles" in Mayan. It is best known for its calm, turquoise bay, where green sea turtles feed on the seagrass. Snorkelers can often swim alongside them. The town sits beside the Mesoamerican Reef, one of the largest reef systems in the world. This makes it a favorite for snorkeling and diving. Yal-Ku Lagoon and Half Moon Bay are popular for their clear water. Nearby cenotes, natural freshwater sinkholes, offer more places to swim and expl