Dive in Akumal

Diving in Akumal

Diving is great in Akumal, book from your hotel or you can visit one of the centres in town. There are about 10 dive sites to explore with an abundance of reef life.  Yalku Lagoon has massive Elkhorn coral structures and swim throughs; Morgan site is great to view different species of turtles, sometimes swimming with you the whole dive.  Motorcycle reef has a 15 year old motorcycle overgrown with coral; and the site Gorgonians offers many different types of corals and sponges.  

Akumal´s dive sites can be dived all year round, with excellent conditions of the coral reef barrier, a water temperature that ranges between 80-90 F, visibility that ranges between 40-100ft, soft easy currents and calm seas most of the year. This combination allows to dive almost 300 days a year on this area.

The most special thing about Akumal is that from May through to November, it is a major nesting site for sea turtles.  Due to the increasing number of tourists, more harm than good is being done, so please only go into the nesting areas with a qualified guide.  You can book your walking tour to the nesting sites through the Centro Ecologico de Akumal (CEA) by signing up that morning at the centre.  Only 10 people at a time may go, please only take pictures when you are advised it is ok to do so by your guide.  

Enjoy your turtle experience!

(by Kelly Luckman)

Travel to Akumal

Located about 100km (63 miles) south of Cancun right in the middle of the Riviera Maya, Akumal is commonly known as ‘The Place of Turtles’.  You can catch a "colectivo" from anywhere along the highway or any major town, and just a short 5 minute walk from the main road and you’ll hit the gorgeous beaches the area has to offer.

It’s great for a day trip or to stay overnight.  There are many all inclusive options on the beach if you wanted to escape for a week or two.  And there are many excursions to keep you occupied along the Riviera Maya.

Snorkelling is very popular here but be aware that some parts of the beach are private (but clearly marked).  The best spots are Half Moon Bay, greater Akumal Bay and Aventuras Akumal Bay.  Yal Ku Lagoon is also worth a look.  Remember to take care of your belongings, and don’t leave valuables lying on the beach while you’re in water.

(by Kelly Luckman)