Situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Akumal, "The Place of the Turtle in Maya", is located 100km (62 miles) south of Cancun. Akumal was the first resort on the Riviera Maya. It has grown considerably since it’s beginnings in the 1950’s as an exclusive resort for scuba divers, yet still maintains an unhurried, relaxed atmosphere. Akumal has escaped the hassles and hurries of most of the areas’ larger resorts. The Riviera Maya is the is what they call the Yucatan coastline from north of Cancun to just south of Tulum. Akumal is in the middle of the Riviera Maya and is convenient to Cancun,Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, and quite a few other smaller towns in between.
Akumal has 2 beautiful bays for snorkeling, tropical reefs for scuba diving, beautiful Yal-ku Lagoon with its calm clear waters for more snorkeling, and a world class beach at Akumal Bay. Jade Beach, South Akumal, and Aventuras Akumal are just a few minutes south from the main part of Akumal and are considered part of the greater Akumal area. Combined, Akumal offers vacationers a variety of beautiful beaches and tourist services, plus a selection of beach front hotels, condos and luxury villas. Akumal is a small slice of paradise on the Caribbean.
Akumal is situated between the beaches of the Caribbean and the inland jungle, creating an opportunity to see a wide array of tropical flora and fauna. The jungle is full of palm trees, bromeliads, and orchids, supporting animal life and providing the local population with many resources. The Mayans have long utilized these plants for food, medicine, and building materials. Examples of local architecture can be seen in the "palapa" style thatched roofs that are still used today.
Akumal is a major nesting site for sea turtles May through November. As more and more tourists pop up to witness the turtles more and more harm is done.
Cenotes and Caves
The Yucatan Peninsula is made of limestone formations which have been eroded by the constant movement of water creating an extensive underground river and cave system. As a result, cenotes are the natural fresh and brackish water sinkholes that offer great snorkeling and cave/cavern diving. This unique hollow landscape has some of the most amazing dive sites in the world.
Attractions:
Tour Akumal by Bicycle
Take a walk to Yal-ku Lagoon
Robinson Crusoe Tour
Water Activities
Directions from Cancun Airport to Akumal:
A taxi costs about $65 and takes about 1 hour to reach Akumal. Some taxis will try to charge you more, so you need to negotiate. You can rent a car at the airport, but you should make reservations before you arrive. Most of the major chains have agencies at the Cancun airport. Akumal is about 90 kilometers (54 miles) southwest of the Cancun airport. Take 307 South from the airport - you will be on this almost the entire way. Following the signs for Tulum (though Tulum is beyond Akumal), you will pass Playa del Carmen and Xcaret. The exit for Akumal is about 25 kilometers after Xcaret. Following signs to Playa Akumal or Club Akumal, you will turn left from the highway, though you are supposed to first take a right in order to take a left, similar to a New Jersey jug handle.
Time Zone:top
Mexico spans three different time zones. Mexico City and Cozumel, for example, are on central time, putting them in the same time zone as Chicago, or 6 hours behind Greenwich mean time, 6 hours behind London, 3 hours behind São Paulo, 9 hours behind Moscow, and 16 hours behind Tokyo. Two of Mexico's time zones observe daylight saving time during the summer months; during that time clocks are advanced by 1 hour.
Area Code:top
The area code for Akumal and the Riviera Maya is 984. All local numbers have seven digits, and all numbers begin with 8. If a number is written (984) 873-1234, when in Riviera Maya you must dial 873-1234.
Entry Requirments:top
A valid passport or a birth certificate with an official state seal (official document only). A valid photo I.D. if you don't have a drivers license. All drivers will need a drivers license.
Travel Seasons:top
High travel season is August and December to Easter. Low season is all other months.
Tropical Storms:top
It is rare for Riviera Maya to get hurricanes, but it is a fact of life. Hurricanes tend to move slowly enough for people to avoid danger, and there is a 3-day warning system in the area that will advise you of the situation. Hotels and villas are experienced in keeping guests safe and happy during one of these storms. So, you should not worry about vacationing during this season when many times you get the best deals and the best weather.
Climate:top
Not only does Mayan Riviera have the warm sun year-round, but the average year-round temperature is 80°F (27°C) and hardly humid! But during the winter the temperature can go down to a warm 65°F (19°C) at night. And in the summer temperatures can be as high as 100°F (38°C). Not to worry, the ocean breeze keeps Mayan Riviera comfortable, compared to other areas of Mexico.
November through February is the best time to go since that's when the sun shines the most days. And during the "rainy season" from July-November, rainfall is rare even then.
The busy winter tourism season, when prices reach their peak, overtakes the area from mid-December to April. This time of year is attractive not just because it's winter in North America and Europe, but also because it's not raining and the heat isn't so muggy. May, the end of the dry season, and June, the start of the rains.
Tropical Storms:
It is rare for Riviera Maya to get hurricanes, but it is a fact of life. Hurricanes tend to move slowly enough for people to avoid danger, and there is a 3-day warning system in the area that will advise you of the situation. Hotels and villas are experienced in keeping guests safe and happy during one of these storms. So, you should not worry about vacationing during this season when many times you get the best deals and the best weather.
High travel season is August and December to Easter. Low season is all other months.
Water:top
Bottled Water is the absolutely safest drinking water. Many first-rate hotels use purified water in their taps. Budget hotels may provide agua purificada in bottles or carafes. Request beverages sin hielo (without ice) - do not take chances. More up-scale establishments use purified water for everything, but be sure to ask.
Akumal Overview:top
Akumal is about 10 minutes south of Puerto Aventuras. This secluded area grew from a tiny village to an area of condos, villas nestled along the bays from Half Moon Bay to the north to South Akumal and Jade Beach to the south. Restaurants, small grocery stores are scattered throughout the area. Akumal offers life at a slower pace, a laid-back casual atmosphere. It's popularity has grown and properties are in high demand, booking up to a year in advance.
Currency:top
Mexican peso (US dollar is widely accepted)
Emergency Numbers:top
Throughout the country, the number to call for any police emergency
is 18-39-54; to reach the fire department call 14-20-50; for any medical emergency, call the Red Cross at 15-20-55.
Visas:top
Citizens of many countries - including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Chile and virtually all Western European countries - do not require visas to enter Mexico as tourists.
Food:top
Common sense can greatly reduce your chances of coming down with food or water related illnesses. Firstly, do not over indulge in spicy Mexican foods and pitchers of margaritas or strong Mexican beer during the first few days of your trip. Eat and drink in moderation. Go slowly if you are not used to the Mexican spices and cooking.
Like many countries, do not eat from street vendors since they tend to be less sanitary. Only eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are served either oven-hot or refrigerator-cold. Many people eat at street vendors' stalls without problems, but you should be cautious.
Be sure your unpeeled raw vegetables and fruit are washed in purified water and dried with a clean cloth. Peeled and thoroughly cooked vegetables are okay, as the boiling water will sanitize them.
Transportation:top
Driving is on the right, as it is in the United States, and rental cars, taxis, bicycles and mopeds are also available. An International Driver's License is not required, and Mexico recognizes the license that was issued by your state or province.
Crime:top
There is little crime in Riviera Maya. In the tourist areas, you are generally safe late at night. Car break-ins are just about the only crime, especially around the shopping centers. So be sure to lock your door like you would back at home. Like any other beach resort, do not leave money or valuables unattended on the beach.
Inoculations:top
No inoculations are required to enter Mexico, though you should check with your medical practitioner for current requirements. Get a tetanus booster if you are overdue for one. You might consider wearing an ID tag provided by Medic Alert International (Box 1009, Turlock, CA 95381; Tel. 800-ID-ALERT; fee) if you have a medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, allergies to ordinary medications, or heart disease.
Electricity:top
110 volts, 60 cycles, same as in the U.S.
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