Below are a few of our most frequent questions. We hope this helps get your oriented. Please do not hesitate to contact with any questions you might have. Thank you! How do I Exchange Money? Where to buy Groceries? Electrical Hookups? Gym and Wellness Center? Community Organizations? When is the best time of year to visit Akumal? What about Restaurants? Should I rent a Car? A Bike? A Golf Cart? What's the best way to get to Akumal from the Airport? How do I see a Sea Turtle Nesting? Does Akumal Have Internet Access? Tipping the Housekeeper or Caretakers? Will my cell phone work? What's the best way to call home?

How do I Exchange Money?

Within Akumal and around the Riviera Maya US Dollars are accepted at most businesses. You will find that VISA, MasterCard and American Express are also easily accepted in Cancun and by most hotels in Akumal. However most restaurants in Akumal accept only Mexican Pesos, US Dollars, or travelers checks.

A tip: If you would like to buy something that is priced in dollars it is best to pay with dollars.

You will probably find that you get the best deal if you exchange your US Dollars or Travelers Checks for Pesos at a Casa de Cambio or Exchange House. DO NOT CHANGE MONEY AT THE AIRPORT. The exchange rate at the airport is often one whole point below the bank exchange. There are Casas de Cambio in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and here in Akumal. In Akumal the Casa de Cambio is located next door to The Original Akumal Dive Shop and is open 6 days a week, 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sundays until Noon.

The best exchange rate is usually found at the banks in Playa del Carmen.

Currently (Feb. 2005) the exchange rate at local banks is stable right around 10.00 Pesos to $1.00 US. (Ranging from 9.5 to 10.5) Meaning that something that is priced at 100.00 Mexican Pesos will cost you more or less $10.00 US. The exchange rate at restaurants, grocery stores and boutiques is right around 8.5 pesos to the dollar. CLICK HERE FOR TODAY'S CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES.

The gas stations have a very low exchange rate. Try not to use US Dollars to pay for Gasoline.

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Where to buy Groceries?

For More Detailed Information on Buying Groceries, Click Here
Akumal has 2 Grocery Stores both located in the center of town. "Super Chomak" offers a large selection of imported goods, snacks and sundries. "Mini Super El Pueblo", located just across the street is great for everyday standards. Their selection is limited but prices are very reasonable.

Fresh produce is available in Akumal Pueblo at the "Fruteria", located on the main street or every Wednesday and Saturday at the fresh fruit and vegetable market in town near the basketball courts.

We recommend swinging by Playa del Carmen on your way from the airport. There are several large retailers with convenient locations either along the highway, or just a few blocks into town. Soriana, Chedraui, SAM's Club and the Mega Commercial are all large retailers with locations in Playa del Carmen. Sam's carriies USDA meat and a good selection of Cheeses and other staples.

If you are coming from Akumal, Playa del Carmen is just 25 minutes away. Keep your eyes open for "retornos" or other areas where you can access the frontage road which runs along the highway.

You can also swing by the grocery store (Chedraui) in Playa del Carmen on your way down. Very easy to find, coming from the airport, enter Playa del Carmen at Ave. Benito Juarez, the second stoplight. Take your first right and head two blocks. You can't miss it! A good selection of staples, fruits and vegetables and a nice bakery but few good meats. Very important driving note: When coming into Playa head off on the parallel lanes. From there you will circle to the right at the stoplight and come around, straight across the highway. If coming from Akumal, again join the parallel lane and turn right into the Chedraui parking lot.

For further directions to the super markets in Playa del Carmen please e-mail us at info@akumaldirect.com.

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Electrical Hookups ?

Electricity is 110v, 60 Hz, as used in the United States. The outlets are standard, but do not necessarily have the wide-prong or third slot. If this is needed for something you are bringing, you may want to consider bringing an adapter as well. For standard connections, like hair dryers, no adapter is needed. Oh, and power outages are not uncommon. :-)

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Gym and Wellness Center?

If you are looking for a massage, pedicure, manicure or good work out, stop by Peak Gym and Wellness Center is located near the basketball courts in the center of Akumal. Peak Gym is very well equipped with brand new free weights and a large variety Medx equipment. Usage fees are $8.00 US per day or $42.00 US per week. Monthly memberships are also available for $50.00 US.

The Wellness Center offers a variety of service including massage, manicures and pedicures. For more information see Roccio at Peak Gym.

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Community Organizations?

Akumal is a progressive community with a strong commitment to protecting the incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the area.

The CEA, Centro Ecologico de Akumal, Akumal's Ecology Centeris a driving force behind many of the conservation and preservation efforts throughout the region.

"Hekab Be", Akumal's Bilingual Library offers continuing adult education, Spanish, English and Mayan Language Classes and acts as a liaison between the tourist and foreign community and community schools.

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When is the best time of year to visit Akumal?

Well gosh, that really depends on what you're looking for. High season begins on around the 20th of December each year. Christmas and New Year's week are two of the busiest weeks of our year. It is also a great time to get away and enjoy the warm days and cool nights of the Mexican Caribbean. The water is usually very clear with temperatures in the high 70's. The days are very nice and bright and the evenings cool.

Beginning in May the sea turtles will come out the sea to dig their nests and lay eggs on Akumal's beaches. This is incredible and very moving to see. May and June are great times of the year to be here. The water is warm, calm and clear. There are turtles everywhere and rental rates have all gone down for low season. Don't forget to check out the summer solstice on June 21 from any of the Mayan ruins in the area. Each has its own unique display of sunlight designed by the ancients.

By July the turtle nests have begun hatching. Join our local turtle walk guides to see the baby turtles digging their way out of their nests and heading to the sea. A great time for families to be here. The water is incredible and you are almost guaranteed great weather. It's hot though. We recommend that you choose accommodations with air conditioning.

Autumn is great because you can get great rates on accommodations and enjoy the quiet. Locals spend all day at Turtle Bay drinking coffee and enjoying the downtime.

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What about Restaurants?

Click here for more information on dining out or planning a special event. Akumal has 12 restaurants, each unique and pleasing. Enjoy local specialties, warm baked goods, smoothies, fresh seafood and delicious Italian.

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Should I rent a Car? A Bike? A Golf Cart?

If you choose to rent a car we recommend Easy Way Rent a Car, www.easywayrentacar.com. These are our favorite company to work with. We strongly recommend a rental car for anyone staying in South Akumal, Jade Beach, Soliman Bay or Tankah. Check rates because during much of the year the price of private transport plus taxis, buses or golf carts often equals or exceeds a rental car.

You can rent cars in Akumal, at either "TSA" (Travel Services of Akumal) which is located in the round building just behind the Ecological Center and the Akumal Dive Shop, or at the Akumal Beach Resort. Car Rental is also available in Akumal via AkumalGuide.com located in the Hotel Akumal Caribe, at Akumal's main arches. E-Mail Nayeli@akumalguide.com for more informationThis is great if you really only need a car for one or two days, but check rates. The rate is usually much higher and depending on the number of days you will need the car, it can sometimes be just as economical to rent for the entire week and pick up at the airport. For help on checking local car rental rates, please just email us at info@akumaldirect.com.

A golf cart is a perfect way to get around town if you have smaller children. No climbing into a hot car. For current rental rates and more information please visit www.selva-maya.com. Golf Carts can be found at Mexi-Arte Boutique, a pink building just to your right after you enter the arches. Golf Carts are available for rent to adults 21 years and older with a valid drivers license. A credit card is required as deposit.

There are some properties that include use of the golf cart with the rental. This is great if you have a large family or group doing different activities. One group can take the car and head out to explore ruins, the other can use the golf cart to go for a snorkel in the lagoon.

You can also find bicycles for rent at several locations around Akumal including Vista del Mar, Mexi-Arte Boutique and Luna Azul Condominiums. Bicycles are perfect for getting to and from town, the lagoon and local restuarants. Bicycles rent for around $35 US per week.

The local bus system is also very easy to use. Buses generally run every half hour between Tulum and Cancun and can be picked up at the bus station shelter located along the highway at the Akumal entrance. If you would like to visit Chichen Itza or Merida we recommend that you try one of the first class buses. It costs about $160 Pesos each ($18 US) per person. The buses are very comfortable and will definitely take the stress out of trying to find your way around.

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What's the best way to get to Akumal from the Airport?

Well if you are renting a car, that's easy enough. Akumal is straight shot, heading south on Highway 307. Just follow the signs to "Tulum".

From the airport you can also catch the new "Riviera" Shuttle Bus whcih operates everyday between the Airport and Playa del Carmen. The Shuttle Buses are air conditioned, have reclining seats, video and TV and bathrooms. The cost of the Shuttle is 65.00 Pesos ($7.50) each way. From Playa del Carmen you can easily catch a cab for another $25.00 US or grab a bus for another $2 or $3 US. If you bring a bus into Akumal you will probably have to walk the half mile or so from the highway into town so you may want to think about a cab that can take right to your hotel, villa or condo.

We can also arrange for a private ground transport service to pick you up. This is a very nice service. The driver will be waiting for you just after you pass through customs and will take right to your hotel. Cost is $65 US for up to 3 people and $125 US for up to eight.

Click Here for more information on transportation between Akumal and the Cancun International Airport or please e-mail us at info@akumaldirect.com.

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How do I see a Sea Turtle Nesting?

Sea Turtles have been returning to the beaches of Akumal and the Mexican Caribbean to nest for centuries. This is our legacy, to ensure their safe return to Akumal beaches for generations to come.

Begining in May and through September, female sea turtles will make their way out of the sea to the beaches where they will hopefully dig their nests and deposit eggs. A female sea turtle may come ashore many times before finally laying her eggs.

It is a very moving thing to see. The huge female lumbering ashore. She is completely exhausted after digging her nest and will have to take many rest breaks as she crawls back into the sea.

The eggs mature in 58 days. Right around the begining of July we will see baby turtles dig their way out of their nests and begin the journey back to the sea.

The best way to see a sea turtle nesting or the baby turtles hatching is on the CEA turtle walk. Guided by a trained volunteer, these turtle walks patrol the beaches at night to watch for females and mark their nests. On occasion, when nests are in an area that places them at high risk, the volunteers will collect the eggs and bury them in a protected nesting area.

Click here to see what you can do to help the endangered sea turtle.

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Internet Access

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Tipping the Housekeeper or Caretakers?

Please remember that tipping is something done at your discretion. Generally, we recommend that you designate tips for both the housekeeper, or housekeeping staff and the groundskeeper. Tips can be divied by name, or left with management. Tip prior to departure, but please do not feel the need to tip throughout your stay. We generally recommend $10 - $15 per dollars per person per week. Many upper end villas will recommend more for large groups.

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Will my cell phone work?

Yes, probably. Be sure to check with your service provider. We have found that Sprint, Verizon and Cingular work well. Signal is strong in Akumal but lessens as you travel south on the highway. If you are staying on Soliman Bay or Tankah Bay you will probably not have signal until you travel a little north or a little south on the highway. Signal is strong from Akumal north to Cancun.

Again, check with your provider. Roaming rates will apply and they can be quite expensive. Find out what your rates will be and if there are international plans available before you travel.

Some properties are now equipped with Vonage or Skipe phone systems making calling home easier than ever. But, if you do not have vonage service at your property, either in the unit, or main reception office, The Akumal Cyber Cafe also offers international long distance service at a very resonable rate.

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