Akumal has become one of the top destinations for friends and families in Riviera Maya, especially those looking for fun-filled activities during their stay. Travelers mesmerized by jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean can easily be distracted and not realize how much this sleepy one-road town has to offer. Check out the top ten activities Akumal Direct guests love and why they keep returning for more.
1. Snorkelling with Sea Turtles
Regardless of which bay you're staying at, you'll be able to enjoy the very best snorkeling on the coast right offshore among resident sea turtles. That's right, from Half Moon Bay to Aventuras Akumal visitors can walk from their vacation rental into the water and find themselves in the world's second-largest coral reef without having to take a boat ride.
2. Mayan Ruins
Riviera Maya is sprinkled with ancient Mayan ruins and pyramids scattered all over the coast. Thanks to Akumal's central location some of the most impressive archeological sites are only a short drive from town. Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba, and Muyil are all fun expeditions that will have you back at your rental by sundown.
3. Aktun Chen
This natural park offers a guided walk through a 5-million-year-old dry cave. Imagine magnificent natural domes decorated with beautiful stalactites, tall stalagmites, bizarre columns, pillars and translucent curtains that seem to glow in the soft blue light. You have to see it for yourself to understand why the National Geographic Society has included Aktun Chen on the list of the Top 10 Best and Most Impressive Underground Walkways in the World.
4. Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is home to a great variety of primates and other rescued animals. The Sanctuary has a professional and very service-oriented staff that works hard to provide an excellent home to all of their rescued animals.
5. Explore cenotes and caverns
Cenotes are some of the Yucatan Peninsula's most unique features. They are mysterious and beautiful, not to mention a great place to cool off. For this reason, snorkeling through a cenote and cavern is on our list of things not to miss while visiting the Riviera Maya.
6. SCUBA Diving
Whether you're a novice or veteran diver Akumal is one of the best spots for low-stress ocean diving. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef begins at the top of the Yucatan Peninsula and runs south to Belize and beyond. This reef system, with over 500 fish species and 100 coral types, gives you some of the best diving in the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya.
7. PGA Golf
That's right, only a 4-minute drive from downtown Akumal is the PGA Riviera Maya Golf course. Part of the Tulum Country Club, this course offers an 18 hole, par 72 championship course, and a 1,356 yard 9-hole, par 27 course. Those who have played the full 18 at least once rave about the natural beauty and playability of the course.
8. Family Friendly Beach Clubs
Yes, you can enjoy entire days with your friends and family just hanging out on the beach of your own vacation rental but spending a day at one of Akumal's beachfront restaurants and clubs gives you the opportunity to enjoy a day of good food, lounge by the pool, and music by the sea. Unlike Playa del Carmen and Tulum's high-density beachfront venues with daytime concerts that extend into the late hours of the night or even early next morning Akumal's beach clubs are family-friendly and pretty much call it a day by 11 PM at the latest.
9. Spa Day
Stress relief is among the top 5 reasons people choose a beach vacation and what better way to find wellness than a relaxing day at the spa. Guests staying in Akumal can shed away the excess tensions accumulated from their busy life at home at Budha Gardens Spa. Nestled in Akumal Bay just by the entrance to Club Akumal Caribe by the arch this spa features large private suites and meditation stations.
10. Memory Photo Session
A group photo session is a recommendation our guests thank us for once they get home. True today everyone has a camera on their phone but once you get how many of us can claim to have a frame-worthy photo including everyone in your party? Hiring a professional photographer to capture memories of your trip to Mexico is a fun experience for everyone. Plus, a pro will guide you so that everyone looks amazing and postcard-worthy.
Sorting out which activity to start with can be a bit overwhelming with so many to choose from in Akumal. Let us show you the way when you contact our guest services and we'll gladly help you find what you're looking for during your stay.