Good morning all! I found some good info on this through a search, but I guess I wanted something more specific from "the experts"! My family's all coming down this Saturday (yay!) and my cousins want to go to Tulum. I was thinking about stopping in Akumal for snorkeling on the way back, but I've never been! Here are my questions: 1. I see there are a few bays/areas where you can snorkel. Which is the best? 2. Which areas require an entrance fee, and about how much is it? 3. About how much is it to rent snorkel gear? 4. I hear it's turtle season! Is this correct? 5. Does it get crowded? Saludos!
Love Akumal, great snorkeling! I'll tell you what I know.... 1. I see there are a few bays/areas where you can snorkel. Which is the best? ---There are three main areas, the first is the "main" beach, behind the CEA. We had a terrific snorkel there, no fee, just walk in the water. (We have our own gear, but if I remember correctly there is a dive shop right beside the CEA which rents, less than $10 USD I believe). The next bay over is Half Moon Bay, we had a nice snorkel there too, again, no fee to enter. You can visit La Buena Vida restaurant and go in from there or just find a place to park and wander in. I believe there is a shop to rent right beside La Buena Vida. Keep heading north and you'll find Yal Ku lagoon, in my humble opinion, the best place to go. There is an entrance fee, I think it was 100 pesos. They have equipment for rent, but again, not sure how much as we brought our own. It's probably the most expensive spot to snorkel, but well worth it. Calm waters, lots of sea life, fantastic spot. So, Yal Ku gets my vote. 2. Which areas require an entrance fee, and about how much is it? see above 3. About how much is it to rent snorkel gear? see above 4. I hear it's turtle season! Is this correct? Yes, it's nesting season, though you can spot turtles almost any time of year in Akumal. 5. Does it get crowded? Depends when you go, we've never seen a crowd there. Early in the day is always better for snorkeling, the sea life seems to be more abundant in early morning hours. Hope that helps!
I have been going to Akumal since 1993! What a wonderful place! Snorkeling is great! Go through the Arch then right & park most anywhere! Walk about 50' & the snorkeling is free! Lol Ha snack bar is right there! There are 2 small grocery stores before the Arch! Snacks & beach food! To the left is Yal Ku! Great snorkeling with a fee! Look for the signs, it is a ways down there! Check out www.locogringo.com then go to their beach cam! This a shot of the free snorkeling! I hopes this helps!
Thanks so much for all the great info! Very helpful! Another question... is there a way to get there by bus?? I need to go tulum to akumal, then akumal to puerto morelos. Does the ADO stop in Akumal??
If I remember correctly, the ADO doesn't stop in Akumal. There are colectivos that run up and down the highway though. You would then need to get from the highway into Akumal proper. To be honest, I would rent a car and give yourself a bit more freedom to explore. You'd be able to stop at the cenotes along the way (recommend Cenote Azul), the road side taco/torta places and have the ability to get down to Yal Ku or Half Moon Bay, both of which are certainly tooooo far to walk from the highway. It's even a bit of a trek to the main beach from the highway, especially if toting all your "stuff" with you. Cancunscorpio, normally I agree, I'll take free over paying any day, but Yal Ku is truly spectacular and worth the price. We saw far more there than we did on the main beach. We stayed five days in Akumal, snorkeled the main beach every morning yet our day in Yal Ku was the highlight.
Ooooh awesome!! Thanks so much CC I think I'll take your advice. I'm trying to check with the villas where we'll be staying... looks like they have car rental!! yay
Far less stress, far more flexibility in having a car. Happy planning and enjoy time with la familia!
