Quick Guide to Akumal Area Beaches

Playa del Carmen

The beach that runs the length of Playa del Carmen is a very happening place. The main beach begins at the ferry dock and stretches northward. This is a nice, soft, sandy beach with restaurants, beach bars, dive shops and all kinds of water sports. The atmosphere is very “bohemian” with young and old travelers from all over the world enjoying the bright sun and blue water. It’s a great place to make new friends and enjoy a good meal. There are lifeguards along the beach that have rescue equipment available. The water is generally calm here but the surf can be rough on windy days and some currents are present. The sand is soft and there is very little coral, meaning not much snorkeling but easy to walk in and out of without protective footwear. The beach is wide and has a nice gradual, sandy slope into the water which means that the swimming can be very nice if there is not much water movement. There are many restaurants and beach bars where you can pick up a cold beer or margarita to go. The main beach in Playa is an active, exciting place and great fun.

Paamul

Located just north of Puerto Aventuras, Paamul is kind of secret haven for the RV crowd. Not a dingy trailer park, a nice community of somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 RVs. Most are there for extended stays and have constructed nice patios and sun/shade areas. It is actually kind of charming. The RV park owners also have basic,comfortable hotel rooms for $71 US per night, double occupancy, and allow camping. RV spaces with hookups are more or less $16 US per day. You can call or fax the RV park and hotel 984 876 2691. The beach of Paamul is soft white sand to the south, with increasing coral rock outcroppings as you head north. There is a reef barrier which helps keep the water calm. This is a nice swimming and snorkeling beach. We do recommend water socks or other protection. A small restaurant on the beach serves seafood and Mexican specialties. It is a nice alternative to the more expensive restaurants nearby Puerto Aventuras. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and provide to-go cups if you would like to take a cold beer or Margarita down the beach.

Xpu-Ha

If you are looking to enjoy a day on the beach outside of Akumal, here it is. The beach is wide and long and made up of fine white sand. So nice, that three all inclusive hotels are located on this bay. Not to worry though, there are still long stretches with barely any people and some great little casual restaurants where you can enjoy a cold cold beer and some fresh seafood. The atmosphere is very laid back, and if it matters, clothing optional, so don’t be surprised if you see a topless sunbather. One benefit of the large hotels on Xpu-Ha is that the beach is cleaned and raked everyday. The bay area is generally not as protected as some others but can still be a great swimming area if the water is relatively calm. The sand is soft and powdery. You really don’t need to be too concerned about stepping on something, but as always, use your best judgement. There are services for the public on Xpu-Ha that include a small dive shop, fishing guide, small hotels and restaurants. Al Cielo Restaurant is one of Xpu-Ha’s treasures. They offer lunch and dinner in an exceptionally nice setting. It is a great place to hang during the day and becomes a gorgeous elegant setting for a romantic dinner in the evening. Specializing in fresh seafood and whole grilled fish. The food is delicious and the presentation artful. Al Cielo also has a nice wine selection. For information see the Xpu-Ha Restaurant and Service Guide. (Link to Xpu-Ha Services)

While there really are no clear road markings for Xpu-Ha, three hotels will help you recognize the neighborhood. Club Maeva Tulum (formlerly Robinson Club) is at the south end, The Copa Cabana in the center and marking the north the Xpu-Ha Palace. To access the public areas of Xpu-Ha beach from the highway take the roads leading to the water just to the left or right of the Copa Cabana.

Akumal
Akumal Bay
Half Moon Bay
Jade Beach
South Akumal
Aventuras Akumal
Xcacel

Solimon Bay

Midway between Akumal and Tulum is Solimon Bay. Solimon Bay offers a semi-private beach that is used mostly by guests of properties along the bay. Coconut palms and other seaside vegetation line the sandy beach. Tucked back into the greenery you will find a small number of beach bungalows and a luxury villas. This a great bay to snorkel, swim or sea kayak. An outer reef keeps the bay quiet on most days.

Most of vacation accommodations along the bay have brightly colored hammocks, shade palapas and sea kayaks for guests to use during their stay. The beach here is generally sandy (a little course) with and easy gradual slope into the water. The bottom of the bay has large areas of turtle grass and some coral heads.

We recommend that you bring your water socks so you don’t have to give a second thought about who lives in the grass. Lots of palm trees mean that it is easy to get out of the sun if you need to.This is a true getaway and a very special place. Also- a clothing optional beach.

To get here head south from Akumal approximately seven miles. Turn left where you see the sign for Oscar and Lalo’s. Travel to the end of the gravel road. To your left will be Oscar and Lalo’s, to your right, Solimon Bay. Enjoy!

 

Tankah

Just south of Solimon Bay is Tankah Bay. This is generally a narrow beach with fine to course sandy. Very quiet and interesting place to hang out. The Manatee Cenote is located just behind Casa Cenote Restaurant. This is actually a kind of fresh water river that eventually crosses to the ocean underground. The water is cool and crystal clear and perfect for swim to cool off and refresh. There are also fish and other interesting marine life so if you have your snorkel gear be sure and spend some time looking around. There are two restaurants on Tankay. Casa Cenote, a local favorite for Sunday Texas Style Barbeque, and another at the Blue Sky Hotel. There is an outer reef to break up the surf so this is a nice beach for swimming and snorkeling. Protective foot wear, like water socks, is a good idea because of the coral, rock and grass. There are several villas and two hotels on Tankah Bay. Tulum

Sian Kaan

“Where the Sky is Born” This coastal biosphere reserve offers an opportunity to see the incredible natural beauty of Mexico’s Caribbean Coastline in it’s most natural state. The beaches here are uninhabitated. In general, this coastline is not protected by outer reef which means there is more surf coming ashore. In some places it is calmer, but expect to see waves and tidal action. Which also means, use your best judgement. Be cautious when swimming, surfing and snorkeling. Riptides and other currents can be present. The road to Sian Kaan is just past the Tulum Ruins and is an old cocunut road. You enter Sian Kaan through stone archways. You will stop here and register with the reserve. This road will also take you to Boca Paila’s famous fishing lodge and Punta Allen. It is a dirt road and the condition of the road changes with the weather. Expect a slow and bumpy trip and you won’t be disappointed. Also there are a few or no services here so take everything you will need including food and water. One other word of caution: Whenever visiting any remote place, leave your valuables behind. That way you just don’t have to worry about it.

One last thing. Sian Kaan is home ot many species of wildlife and an incredible wilderness area. Please do not leave trash behind.

Sian Kaan is a beautiful and unique place. To get the most out of your visit we recommend a guided tour. There are several guide services available. (For more information on guided tours of Sian Kaan and other sites click here)