Is Akumal a good place to stay in Cancún?

Akumal is a good base if you want calm water, snorkelling and a quiet beach holiday on the Riviera Maya. It sits on the coast road between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and its two sheltered bays, Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay, have the reef close to shore. Tulum, Xel-Há and several cenotes are a short drive away.

The village is small and relaxed. Akumal Bay is famous for the green sea turtles that graze in its seagrass, and guided snorkel trips set off from the beach, while the Yal-Kú lagoon, where fresh water meets the sea, is full of colourful fish. Beachfront condos and villas line Half Moon Bay, and the local town across the highway has simple taco stands and shops.

The downside is that there's little to do in the evenings. Akumal has only a few restaurants and almost no nightlife, it's a long way from Cancún, and without a car you'll rely on taxis to go anywhere. The turtle bay can also get busy with day-trippers.

What makes Akumal special is how close nature feels. You can swim with turtles in the morning, snorkel a calm lagoon in the afternoon and fall asleep to the sound of the sea, far from the crowds of the bigger resort towns. For families and couples who want peace and clear water, it's a lovely choice.