The Best Akumal Vacation Guide is here! Akumal (place of turtles) is famous for its beautiful beach and large, swimmable lagoon, and does attract turtles, though in far fewer numbers than before due to the massive development that has encroached on nearly all of their nesting grounds. Akumal is an Americanized beach community which is home to divers, fishermen, and laid-back residents from the U.S. and Canada. It’s basically a long string of upscale homes and condos along three bays. Akumal Bay is the best base for visits, with a good selection of hotels and restaurants plus the best all-around beach for swimming and snorkeling. Half Moon Bay, just beyond, has decent snorkeling and more condos for rent, but the beach is narrow and rocky. For snorkeling, go to Laguna Yalku. For a detailed description of all the beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya, visit here. Akumal Vacations planning is simple, just read on and find everything you need for your Akumal beach vacation. Visit all of the best Maya Riviera Beaches on our Pinterest site here.
Akumal Weather – When to Visit
Summers are hot and humid in Akumal, and with the rainy season running from June to August, visitors should expect torrential rains almost every day at sometime. The rains do make the evenings cooler and more pleasant. Hurricane season runs from June thru October, further complicating summer weather. The best time to go, and busiest, is January thru March. Weather is at its best during this time. Prices for hotels will be the most expensive during these months, to purchase as far in advance as you can.
Best Akumal Beaches
Akumal Bay
Akumal bay has shallow waters that it is calm with little surf, making it the best in the area for lounging and for children to play in the sea. Akumal Bay is most popular for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. With many of Akumal’s amenities also located at the main beach area, such as; dive shops, beach bar, and restaurants, it is the busiest beach in Akumal.
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Soliman Bay
Located south of Xel-Ha, Soliman Bay is a beautiful location for many TV commercials. This picture perfect bay on the Riviera Maya is home to a number of large, exclusive Akumal rental homes. It is a private gated community, so the beach is less crowded than the main Akumal Beach.
Jade Beach
Jade Beach is located about one mile south of the village of Akumal on the Riviera Maya. This is a quiet area made up of private vacation homes and also a great place to snorkel as the reef comes very close to the beach here. There is a small restaurant on this bay, although it is an easy walk along the beach to the amenities of Akumal.
South Akumal Beach
South Akumal Beach is a lovely white sandy bay to the south of Punta Sur on the other side of the point from Jade Bay. This is a quiet and gated residential community of Akumal vacation homes and the Seven Seas condos.
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Xcacel
Xcacel Beach is located south of Chemuyil, between Aventuras Akumal and Xel-Ha. A sea turtle sanctuary and protected area, the beach offers fantastic kiteboarding and surfing for those who are so inclined; there is a Cenote on the grounds as well. There are restrooms facilities, but pack a lunch as there are not restaurants.
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Best Akumal Restaurants
La Buena Vida $11 – 30
This popular beachside eatery serves some of the best fish tacos around! If you are one who likes the option of shade, La Buena Vida offers comfortable seating areas perfectly situated beneath towering palms. There are also ultra-comfy beanbag pillow beds and hammocks, ideal for sinking into for an afternoon siesta. Telephone: 52-984-875-9061 Web: La Buena Vida.
Turtle Bay Café & Bakery $11 – 30
For fresh baked goods (some of the best pies in the region), and a divine mix of local and international cuisine (from eggs benedicts to seafood stuffed chili rellenos,) Turtle Bay Café is a must when in Akumal. It has been around for a while, filling customers’ bellies with home baked goodness and delicious meals for nearly 20 years! Telephone: 52-984-875-9138 Web: Turtle Bay Café & Bakery.
Lol-Ha Restaurant & Snack Bar $11 – 30
Ocean views, a flavorful menu with generous portions and friendly staff. There is a vast selection of items on the menu including the popular nachos al pastor (a thinly shaved pork marinated with chiles and achiote, a very traditional regional spice.) They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you have the choice to sip coffee while watching the pelicans feast, have a cold corona with your nachos in the afternoon, or try a fried whole fish dish, caught fresh, while you enjoy the evening breeze off of the bay. Telephone: 52-984-875-9012 Web: Lol-Ha Restaurant & Snack Bar.
La Cueva del Pescador $11 – 30
This is where you’ll usually find a friendly crowd of residents gathering for cold beer and fresh seafood dishes. The fish tacos are great as is the cured ceviche seasoned with cilantro. The sand floors are a nice touch and add to the relaxed, Mexican-Caribbean atmosphere. For more information call 52-, or visit them on the web at La Cueva del Pescador. Telephone: 52-984-875-9002 Web: La Cueva del Pescador.
La Lunita $11 – 30
This Mexican Caribbean-style, beachfront restaurant serves an intriguing assortment of savory entrees from duck to jumbo prawns. Enjoy the ocean views over lunch or by moonlight in the open patio area on the sand. For a unique Mexican cocktail experience, try the Serrano margarita! Telephone: 52-984-875-9070 Web: La Lunita.
Best Akumal Nightlife
La Buena Vida
A popular beachside restaurant/bar with sand floors, swings, roaming musicians and a drink menu with gimmicky cocktail names such as “The Viagra”, which offers you “a stiff one”. Telephone: 52-984-875-9061 Web: La Buena Vida
Beached Bikini Bar & Grill
Swings around the small bar create a cozy space, so you are just as likely to come away with some new friends as a hangover. Neus will give you a warm welcome in her adorable Catalan accent. Good bar food. Real fruit in the blender drinks. Soon everyone is having one more and singing along to the 70s station. It’s like Cheers on the beach. Telephone: 52-998-845-4528 Web: Beached Bikini Bar & Grill.
Tequilaville
They are located in the pueblo side of Akumal. Visitors can see the ‘authentic’ side of Mexico. They have a variety of great drinks. The food is great too! Telephone: 52-984-875-9022 Web: Tequilaville.
Best Akumal Hotels
