A Land of Timeless Beauty
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Along the Caribbean Coast of Mexico, a country rich in culture, history and natural beauty lies the Riviera Maya. Located along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula between the incredible turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and an enchanting tropical jungle, The Riviera Maya is made up of small quiet communities, each with its own charm and attractions.
The Riviera Maya is an extraordinary and diverse land which invites exploration, adventure and reflection. The coastline is paralleled by the Great Maya Reef, the world's second largest barrier reef, famous for its beauty and abundant and varied marine life. Beneath the earth a unique and complex system of underground rivers criss-cross the Yucatan Pennensula, opening to create fascinating caverns, caves and cenotes, (sinkholes). Hundreds of archaeological sites rise from the emerald green jungle, remnants of the spectacular and timeless Mayan civilization.
With the help of the traveler who chooses to explore this paradise, people of the Riviera Maya strive to conserve and respect the natural beauty of their surroundings. Ecology is a major concern among the people who live here. Innovative alternatives to conventional infrastructure, educational campaigns, and beach clean ups are all part of the progressive ecological movement that is so fundamental to the Riviera Maya.
The Riviera Maya offers a full spectrum of accommodations and settings, restaurants and activities. Sleep in a hammock under the moonlight and stars or lay by the pool of an exclusive villa along a Caribbean beach. Her you can enjoy a daily diet of fresh seafood and tropical fruits or linger over a gourmet meal in an exquisite setting.
About Akumal
Akumal, "place of turtles". Easy and contented, this small little beach community is located 75 miles south of Cancun, Mexico, along Mexico's Caribbean Coast. It is a welcoming and friendly place and a cherished secret for those who have been visiting for years. Akumal is centrally located along The Riviera Maya and makes an excellent base for exploring the many archaeological sites and other attractions in the area. Home to the timeless Maya and blessed with the turquoise sea, bright sky and emerald green jungles, Akumal offers endless opportunities for discovery and adventure.
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Wind Surfing and Kayaking are all part of the daily routine in Akumal. Akumal's bays are populated with brightly colored tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine life.
So much to see and do. . .but what Akumal is really all about is relaxing, spending time with family making new friends, and letting the warm sunlight and blue water soothe you.
Our community life is centered around Akumal Bay. Here you will find "town". Home to our Ecology Center, restaurants, boutiques, the bakery, gym and yoga classes. It is an eclectic community with much to offer.
Akumal and Surrounding Communities
Area Descriptions
Akumal Bay
Akumal Bay is the heart of our community with a perfect white sand beach. Along Akumal Bay you will find dive shops, restaurants, a spa and boutiques. The beach here is soft and sandy with a nice gradual slope making it very easy to walk out into the water. The bay is also protected by an outer barrier reef that keeps the water calm and clear on most days.
This is a great beach for families with small children. The Kid's Club is also located on Akumal Bay. If you are not planning on renting a car accommodations on Akumal Bay can be very convenient for you. Everything is within a close walk. Grocery stores, the gym, restaurants and snorkeling. There are taxis easily available and it is a short walk to the highway to catch the bus.
Accommodations on Akumal include an all-inclusive hotel, private villas, moderate hotel and upscale condominiums. Something to consider: Akumal Bay is a public beach and can be very busy over holidays and weekends. As with all of our natural bays we recommend water socks if swimming or snorkeling.
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Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay defines the center point of Akumal and is where you will find a great selection of condominiums and just a few reasonably priced villas. Yal-Ku Lagoon is an easy 15 minute walk to the north from most accommodations on Half Moon Bay. Akumal Bay and "Downtown" Akumal is a 15-20 minute walk from most points along the bay.
This is an important Turtle Nesting Ground and the snorkeling is great. You can see sea turtles, midnight blue parrot fish and many other species of tropical marine life in Half Moon Bay. The coral here is healthy and varied including a large stand of Elk Horn Coral that is home to schools of blue tang fish. Half Moon Bay has a nice white sandy beach which can get rocky as you reach the water line with some turtle grass as well. More coral means better snorkeling, more coral rock, so water socks or other protective footwear is recommended.
The beach of Half Moon Bay is generally very quiet with few people, even during peak times. There are great accommodations to be had along Half Moon Bay at a variety of price ranges. There are several restaurants within walking distance of accommodations along Half Moon Bay.
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Jade Beach
Jade Beach is a quiet sandy beach located one and half miles south of Akumal Bay via the highway. The beach is generally soft and sandy, and like Half Moon Bay, this is an important turtle nesting ground. There are only a handful of luxury villas and one very nice condominium property located here. Properties along Jade Beach offer many amenities. There are very few people and the setting is serene.
A scenic 20 minute walk along the beach trail will take you from Jade Beach to Akumal Bay. It is a great walk in the morning but we would caution against using the path after dark. It can be rocky and uneven.
For restaurants, grocery stores and other services you must travel to Akumal (less than a 5 minute drive) or other points. It is a very short drive. If you are staying on Jade Beach we recommend that you have a rental car.
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South Akumal
South Akumal is a gated community of beachfront villas and one condominium property. This is a perfect beach. Long stretches of soft white sandy, a nice gradual slope and a protective outer reef to keep the water calm. The snorkeling and swimming are wonderful.
Like Jade Beach, South Akumal, offers a very tranquil setting. Each of the villas located along the beach have highlighted the gorgeous setting and the unbelievable blue of the water and sky. And again, while there are no services within a short walk, Akumal proper is less than a five minute drive away.
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Aventuras Akumal
Aventuras Akumal is located just down the highway from Akumal, proper, about four miles. This is a long stretch of beach with soft white sand and incredible views. The bay here is semi-protected by a barrier reef so stays calm for the most part, but not quiet as protected as Akumal Bay. Still, great snorkeling and an excellent opportunity to find beachfront properties at a very reasonable rate.
There are actually two entrances into Aventuras Akumal now. The first leads to the north end and is used exclusively by guests of the Oasis Akumal All-Inclusive Hotel. The second enters from the south and will lead you to one of the Riviera Maya's most uncrowded white sand beaches. There is a convenience store here and one little food service establishment at Villas de Rosa. The beach is never crowded and it is very enjoyable.
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Soliman Bay
Soliman Bay is the perfect spot for people who truly want to "get away" This is a large bay with a nice beach and incredible views. Located half way between Akumal and Tulum, Soliman Bay is close to Xel-Ha, Tankah and other beaches. Tulum offers a great selection of restaurants, grocery stores and boutiques and is an easy 10 minute drive south. Akumal is just 12 minutes to the north.
Each of the accommodations along Soliman Bay are designed to highlight the incredible natural beauty of the Riviera Maya. You will find very charming little beach houses, perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary or other romantic getaway. Most of the accommodations offer sea kayaks and shade palapas. Once you arrive, you will find it hard to leave.
There is one restaurant within one mile of the beach bungalows and luxury villas available on Soliman Bay. Oscar and Lalo's offers fresh seafood and cold beers in a casual beach setting.
The beach here is expansive with very few people. Generally only guests of properties along the bay can be found walking the beach, kayaking or snorkeling. If it matters, Soliman Bay is considered "clothing optional" so you may see topless sunbathers.
Soliman Bay is a large crescent shaped bay. The beach here is primarily soft sand. It is wider with finer sand towards the north of the bay. The southern end of the bay is exceptionally private and lovely, but is rocky. There is water access. Water shoes are needed. Along Soliman Bay you will see a mix of sandy bottom, turtle grass and some rock.
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