Major city · Mexico
Akumal
Spend 2 days in Akumal: one day snorkeling with turtles, a second day exploring nearby Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
Akumal is a small coastal town on the Mayan Riviera, 37 km from Playa del Carmen and about an hour south of Cancún. Its shallow bay and reef make it ideal for a half‑day snorkel with sea turtles, while the town offers a few restaurants and easy access to Tulum (20 min) and Playa del Carmen (40 km). One full day of water activities plus a second day for a nearby ruin or beach outing fits most travellers.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, warm sea)
- avoid Jun–Oct (rain, hurricane risk)
- Airport
- CUN
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Akumal911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Akumal, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyAkumal is generally safe; stay alert to unofficial parking attendants and avoid touching marine life.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 078 Tourist assistance
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCUN Cancún International Airport (≈1 h drive or shuttle to Akumal).
- Getting aroundColectivos run along Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, costing ~M$35 per person; taxis available…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$30–M$45
- Street or quick mealTacoM$25–M$40
- BeerBeer (bottle)M$35–M$55
- Budget bedCondo rental, a night, per roomMX$2,600 (≈ US$150)
- Mid-range bedCondo rental, a night, per roomMX$3,800 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedCondo rental, a night, per roomMX$8,000 (≈ US$450)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$600 (≈ US$35) · Mid MX$1,000 (≈ US$55) · High MX$1,500 (≈ US$85)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CUN Cancún International Airport (≈1 h drive or shuttle to Akumal)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Aug (14 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Akumal: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Colectivos run along Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, costing ~M$35 per person; taxis available; rental cars possible (≈1 h from Cancún).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tulum
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Colectivo or taxi, ~20 min drive
Mayan ruins and beach, easy to combine with snorkeling.
Playa del Carmen
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Colectivo or taxi, ~40 km (25 mi), 45 minColectivo or taxi, ~25 mi (40 km), 45 min
Shopping, nightlife, ferry to Cozumel.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Condo Half Moon Bay
4‑bedroom rental, 1/4 mi north of bay, US$160–480/nt
Unahkin #3
Beach condo, US$90/nt, 2.7 mi south of bay
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $30–$50 (≈ US$2–3) excl. bed
- Mid
- $50–$80 (≈ US$3–5) excl. bed
- High
- $80 (≈ US$5)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Condo rental1 × 2 nights × MX$3,800 | MX$7,600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,000 | MX$4,000 |
| Colectivo ride (one way)2 × MX$35 | MX$70 |
| Snorkel tour (official dive shop)2 × MX$800 | MX$1,600 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × MX$350 | MX$700 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$1,397 |
| Trip total≈ MX$3,842 per person per day, bed included | MX$15,367≈ US$850 |
2026 estimate in MXN; flights and long‑distance transfers excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | M$30–M$45 |
| Taco | M$25–M$40 |
| Beer (bottle) | M$35–M$55 |
| Colectivo ride | M$35 |
| Snorkel tour | US$40 |
| Parking at beach | M$50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Collectivos have limited luggage space; travel light.
- Beach parking operators may pose as officials – pay only official rates (≈M$50).
- Touching coral or turtles is illegal – follow guide rules.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
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AkumalAkumal
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
US consulate in Cancún (check address); other embassies in Mexico City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Cancún → Akumal (colectivo): about M$35 per person, ~45 min
- Snorkel tour (official dive shop): US$40 per person, 2 h
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑koo‑leh‑peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (grah‑see‑ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwahn‑toh kwes‑tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (don‑deh es‑ta el bah‑nyo)
- ¿Me puede dar un mapa? — Can I have a map? (meh pweh‑deh dar oon mah‑pah)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Akumal. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, warm sea) · avoid Jun–Oct (rain, hurricane risk) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a scuba‑diving day (US$40 tour) for deeper reefs.
- Rent snorkel gear (M$200) for independent swims.
Sources
Ask about Akumal
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