GETTING AROUND THE RIVIERA MAYA
There are several different public transportation options in the area.
TAXIS
Taxis are everywhere in Akumal and they are very reliable (but they tend to be a bit pricey). They have a set price but it is wise to ask first what the cost will be. Your rate should be determined before the taxi leaves for your destination. A trip from Akumal to Playa Del Carmen is usually around $30 USD. Taxis run 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
COLECTIVOS
Colectivos are white mini vans (10-14 passengers) that ferry locals and tourists alike from Tulum to Playa Del Carmen and are an inexpensive way to travel. Just stand along Highway 307 and wave at anything large and white. If it stops, get in and tell the driver where you want to go. One will usually come by every 10 minutes or so. Akumal to Playa costs approximately $2 US. Collectivos run daily 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
BUSES
ADO and Mayab are two good bus companies that service the Yucatan Peninsula. ADO is the direct service which runs between the main towns and is the fastest and most punctual service. Mayab runs a slightly cheaper service between major towns and will pick you up and drop you off at any of the local villages, or indeed wherever you like, along the highway.
There are a number of other buses that run up and down Highway 307 from Cancun all the way to Chetumal and additional ones that run throughout the Yucatan. The buses are a good mode of transportation; clean and comfortable, air conditioned and have movies. Bus stations are located in Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Buses run from 7:00AM until 11:00PM. ADO also runs an airport shuttle service from the Playa del Carmen bus terminal to the Cancun International Airport. If you choose this transportation you could use a cab or combi/collectivo (white van) to get to the Playa del Carmen bus terminal.
LIMO SERVICES AND VANS
Within Akumal, Travel Services of Akumal and the Akumal Guide group are available to arrange for special services, such as limousine and helicopter services. They also can arrange for group transport and day trips. TSA also includes a full service money exchange.
FERRIES
Ferries run a regular schedule to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. There are 2 ferry companies now providing service between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Their schedules are similar so make sure if you are buying a round trip ticket to check which company you are buying from; one may have a later or earlier departure than the other one. Cost of a roundtrip ticket is approximately $20 USD, and the ride over is about 40 minutes. The ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel run approximately every hour , starting very early in the morning until about 10:00 p.m. (This information may be subject to change.)