THINGS TO DO IN AKUMAL: 97 WONDERFUL AND COOL ACTIVITIES

Akumal is a quaint Mexican beachfront town founded in 1958 by Pablo Bush Romero. And Akumal is the little know cousin of Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. But it still receives tourists yearly who enjoy many things to do in Akumal. It was once a coconut plantation, but because of the exotic coral reef surrounding Akumal Bay, it was established as a community for scuba divers. And the name "Akumal" comes from the Mayan, meaning "place of turtles." Hundreds of turtles arrive to lay their eggs in the sand and feed on the seagrasses. And while one of the favorite things to do in Akumal is swimming with turtles, there are many more wonderful and cool activities to do here.

Our list of the best 97 things to do in Akumal include, Adventure and Theme Parks, Beaches, Festivals, Cenotes, Eco Adventures, Mayan Ruins, Sports, Eating & Drinking, Exercise, Night Time Activities, Arts and Culture, Shopping, Romance, and Water Activities.

This 2-hour tour of the animal sanctuary features 55 species of rescued animals that you can meet, touch, and learn about. An excellent one of the family-orientated things to do in Akumal.

At Xplor, there are many activities. You can drive amphibious vehicles through the jungle and caves. Or fly on 13 zip lines over lush vegetation. And swim or raft, exploring a fascinating underground cave system with beautiful rock formations. All you need is an adventurous spirit!

Aktun Chen is one of the popular Akumal things to do. It is a remarkable natural eco-park ranked as a Top 10 Underground Walk by National Geographic. It also has zip lines, a cave, and an underground river.

You can fly on 9 ziplines at Selva Maya. Or go over 5 hanging bridges and rock climb to a pyramid. Or rappel down overlooking a cenote, go swimming or cliff jumping at a cenote, and visit a cavern for snorkeling. Or go ATV'ing.

Set in the dense jungle just north of Akumal, Xenses Park offers outdoor adventure with a multisensory twist. This exciting park is hours of fun with its sensory stimulation tours, 3D movies, and artificial pools to confuse your senses. The park also has optical illusions, a zipline, a lazy river, and a waterslide. And natural exhibits and interactive features to get your adrenaline going. Making it a top choice for thrill-seekers of any age.

Xcaret is like a North American amusement park, but it is built into the natural environment. It includes quiet jungle trails, an underground river, caverns, and diverse wildlife. And a Coral Reef Aquarium teeming with colorful fish. And swimming with nurse sharks !! As well as an Orchid Greenhouse (with over 80 species of orchids) and our favorite, the Butterfly Farm.

When people think about Akumal things to do, they don't often consider festivals. But there are a few fantastic festivals and events throughout the year.

Each October, there is a sea turtle festival to promote awareness and preservation of sea turtles in the Riviera Maya. There are many activities during this time.

This is Mexico's biggest gay and lesbian dance music festival. It occurs in the Riviera Maya in February each year.

Another of the highlights of things to do in Akumal is to attend this five-day celebration before Catholic lent. Carnaval is an exuberant celebration of parades, music, dancing, floats, and costumes between February 19 and 26th.

A 6-day gastronomic festival and restaurant week occurs in Tulum each year. Being a foodie is one of the fun things to do near Akumal.

Twice a year, one of the unique things to do near Akumal is to attend an equinox celebration at Chichen Itza. This is a special evening festival.

Many things to do near Akumal Maya are surrounded by pristine nature. But there are also some unique eco-adventures, including volunteer opportunities.

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is a 530,000 ha protected area. Its tropical forests, mangroves, marshes, and barrier reefs are home to vast biodiversity, especially bird and marine species. And is home to more than 300 species of birds. This is an excellent day trip if you stay in Akumal for several days.

Things to do near Akumal - Visit the Sian Kaan Biosphere

The Centro Ecologico Akumal is a nonprofit organization. Each year during turtle nesting season, they have teams of volunteers for up to 4 weeks between May and November. This is a unique thing to do in Akumal, which contributes to the protection and preservation of turtle species.

With the Yucatan Peninsula being home to over 500 species of birds, it's an excellent place for bird watching. If you're a birder, this will definitely be on your list of things to do near Akumal. But even if you're not a birding specialist, you can take some fun tours.

If you're a certified scuba diver, you could volunteer to help preserve and restore the 2nd largest coral reef in the world.

For many visitors sporting events and activities won't be at the top of their list of things to do in Akumal. But, there are many sporting activities that you can do to take a break from all the white sand beaches and the turquoise Caribbean ocean.

If you're a golfer, this will be on your list of things to do near Akumal. And with 15 top-class courses to choose from, it should be. From the Greg Norman designed Mayakoba to the Nick Price designed El Tinto, there are plenty of choices.

Wander the beaches here, and you'll often find a beach volleyball or soccer game underway. Ask if you can join in; most locals love having some visitors playing too.

This is a unique fishing experience. And another of the things to do in the Akumal. Combine plentiful fish with warm and clear waters, and you are set for a superb experience.

After all that great food and refreshing cocktails, you might want to get some exercise during your visit. That is if all the activities haven't tired you out too much. Below are a few things to do in Akumal that'll help keep you in shape.

If you're feeling energetic, plan your trip around entering a Triathlon! The Xel-Ha Triathlon is another of the unique things to do near Akumal. Held in November, there are many categories in which you can enter.

Yoga is popular in Akumal. There are many classes on or overlooking a beach. Usually done early morning to avoid the heat of the day.

How about taking a salsa dancing class to help you keep in shape and learn a new dance simultaneously.

Many large resorts have a fitness center or gym. You can often pay to use the facilities even if you're not staying at the resort. The nice thing is that as it's air-conditioned, you don't have to get up earlier to work out!

What better place to go for some exercise than a jog (or walk) along the beach? There are hundreds of kilometers of beach to choose from, and an early morning run can be just what the doctor ordered.

Perhaps surprisingly there are several artistic and cultural things to do in Akumal.  Below are a few you might want to consider.

Interested in authentic Mexican culture? Then one of the things to do in near Akumal is to go to the Mexican Folk Art Museum. Located within the Xcaret Eco-Park, the Mexican Folk Art Museum is an eye-opening look at indigenous Mexican art over the decades. You'll see all kinds of handcrafted artisanal pieces from all over Mexico. Each one is representative of a unique part of Mexican life and creativity.

The 3D Museum of Wonders is one of the best family fun things to do near Akumal. This museum, which opened in Jan 2016, is the largest 3D art museum in the world. This 3D art is the creation of international artist Kurt Wenner. This museum allows people of all ages to interact with it entertainingly! Highly recommended to people of all ages, including children.

This is a fun walking tour for all the family. Take a guided walking tour around Akumal Pueblo to view the fabulous street art created by artists during each year's Street Art Festival. See the great artwork and hear the inside stories beyond them.

There are several local art galleries in Akumal. These include Galeria Lamanai and Mexic-Arte. And you'll find many small local galleries and artisan shops all over the Mayan Riviera. Browsing the art and craft stores is a fun Akumal thing to do.

Temazcal is a unique traditional ceremony that involves a steam bath used in traditional medicine. These ceremonies were performed by the Aztecs and Mayans. A Temazcal is conducted by a Mayan priest who prepares the herbs and plants needed to release the steam inside the Temazcal. Doing a Temazcal ritual is one of the favorite cultural things to do in Akumal.

Why not take Spanish language classes while you are here? There are many formal classes available. And also, lots of individuals are happy to tutor and teach you Spanish during your stay.

Several options are available if you'd enjoy going shopping during your stay. From fancy international shopping malls to local tiendas and crafts stores to bring back a memorable gift from your trip.

Along the main street in Tulum (Centro), there are many souvenir and craft stores along a stretch that runs several blocks. And while shopping may be on your list of things to do near Akumal, there are also bars and cafés for those needing a rest from shopping!

5th Avenue in Playa Del Carmen is a mecca for shopping aficionados. You'll find stores selling anything you want and a few things you might not! With 22 blocks of shops and restaurants, it's either exhilarating or exhausting.

If you're looking for the basics in an environment that you are more familiar with, then look for a Chedraui Superstore. They're the Mexican version of a big box store (Walmart) in North America.

Many of the pueblos across the Riviera Maya have many local stores and markets. Wander around these, and you'll get some bargains (not the tourist prices) and will have an adventure too.

While there are many family-friendly things to do in Akumal, there are also many romantic things to do as well.

Have a relaxing massage at the local spa. Or have the massages on the beach or even better at your apartment or accommodation.

There's only one Rauxa. The only cabaret dinner and burlesque show in the Riviera Maya. Described by some as the Mexican version of Les Moulin Rouge.

Want to create spectacular memories that you can share with one another later on? Then one of the things to do in Akumal is to visually record your special memories. Hire a photographer to record those special moments so you can relive them later.

Experience a wonderful romantic dinner in a unique setting. Alux Restaurant offers a beautiful dinner experience featuring Mexican cuisine with Pre-hispanic and international touches. All in a 10,000-year-old cavern.

What says romance more than a ceremony to renew your wedding vows? As well as a traditional renewal ceremony, you can also have a Mayan ceremonial vow renewal. It's one of the little-known things to do in Akumal – contact us for more details.

Mark that special romantic moment by having your executive chef prepare a special meal in your apartment or vacation rental. What better way to start that romantic evening.

Want that special romantic memory? How about a sunset dinner cruise? It's one of the things to do in Akumal with our fabulous sunsets as the sun drops across the aquamarine Caribbean ocean.

As you are beginning to see, there are many things to do in Akumal and nearby. And these include a lot of the simple pleasures in life too.

How about settling into a jacuzzi hot tub around 5:30 – 6 pm, with a cool glass of wine. As you relax in the hot soothing bubbles, watch the sunset over the Mayan jungle.

Take some time to take a few leisurely strolls along the beaches. They're spectacular and often make for a long walk. And as the coast is a series of bays, walk around the rocky headlands and find the next bay and beach. It's excellent for looking at tidepools at low tide.

One of the most relaxing things to do in Akumal is to take a siesta in a hammock. The long Mexican hammocks are standard here, so find one in at least partial shade and take a load off.

Of all the things to do in Akumal, eating and drinking will definitely be one of them! Interested in sampling the Caribbean cocktails on la playa? Or eating fresh ceviche straight from the ocean? Or the many other culinary delights here on the coast.

While in Mexico, why not take a cooking class? It's a fun way to learn about Mexican cuisine. And a unique memory to bring back from your visit here.

Yes, wine is produced in Mexico! And some of them are really good. But, you'll want to get a recommendation or some expert advice. For example, Taverna Akumal (one of my favorite restaurants and always on my list of things to do in Akumal) has some fabulous Mexican wine on its menu. Of particular note is the Monte Xanic Calixa Cab-Merlot-Tempranillo Blend. Try it if you get a chance – exquisite.

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican staple breakfast. Strips of fried corn tortillas, simmered in salsa and served with cheese, eggs, and beans!

Any visit to Mexico conjures up images of sipping a classic margarita on the beach. Enjoy yours with your toes in the soft sand, listening to the waves rolling in.

Tacos are one of Mexico's favorite foods, and they come in all flavors. They are on every restaurant menu, but some of the best tacos are those served at the roadside taco stands. Try them – you won't regret it.

Akumal has some of the freshest fish and seafood anywhere. And ceviche is a specialty here. Take a break from the sun and relax in a beachside restaurant in the shade and sample the local ceviche.

Learn how to make a unique Mexican twist on the classic and iconic Margarita. Make your own here following these instructions.  Or go straight to the source and order one from Beto at Lol-Ha Restaurant and Snack Bar.

Interested in a fabulous breakfast? There's none better than that at the Turtle Bay Café and Bakery. This is definitely one of the things to do in Akumal.

Obviously a Margarita, surely? No – it's a Paloma. And it's more prevalent in Mexico than a margarita. It's tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. It's sweet, sour, a little bitter, and salty. Perfect over ice on a hot sunny day.

There are also many fantastic things to do in Akumal at night. Some are more apparent activities, but several are unique and ones you likely wouldn't have thought of.

Even in sleepy Akumal, you can visit several bars between those on the beachside and those in Akumal Pueblo. Make sure you have a taxi or a designated driver to take you home!

Interested in dinner and some evening entertainment? Then consider going to one of several dinner shows near Akumal. You can choose from Mexican fiestas to the Xcaret spectacular evening show with over 300 entertainers.

If you're a scuba diver, then a night dive will be on your list of things to do in Akumal. Explore the second largest coral reef at night – a completely different experience. For example, Octopus, Nurse Sharks, and Moray Eels are all more prevalent after dark! And you'll get to experience the wonderful glittering from the bioluminescent plankton.

All along the coast, between June and November, you're liable to see dozens of baby turtles. All hatching and scurrying off into the ocean. But, they only hatch at nighttime to reduce the chances of meeting predators. If you head down to the beach at night to look for baby turtles hatching, ensure you take precautions not to disturb them. And especially don't shine lights at them as this could inhibit their ability to quickly find the ocean.

Mexico is a North American nation with many Mayan Ruins and the most UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many of these ruins date back as far as 2600 BC. It makes a great break from the powder white sand beaches! Visiting Mayan Ruins during your stay has to be on your list of things to do near Akumal.

The Xelhá Mayan ruins near Akumal are next to the Xel-Ha water theme park. In Mayan, xel means piece or entry, and ha is water. Xelhá – Waters inlet. The water in question is the lagoon and inlet that are now part of the water park. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-track Akumal things to do, then this should be on your list.

Like Tulum, Xelhá was one of several ports of the Maya city of Coba. The site is small but has a fascinating history, including what was the first Spanish settlement on the peninsula. Yet, the expedition, led by conquistador Franciso de Montejo, failed after 18 months and was abandoned.

Also, the site has several important murals not found elsewhere. Magnificent examples of mural painting include the so-called "Building of the Birds," made between 200 and 600 AD. In the Jaguar Group, you can also see a feline that gives its name to the set. This was created between the Middle and Late Postclassic (1200 - 1550 AD).

Muyil was one of the earliest and longest inhabited ancient Maya settlements on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The artifacts date from 350 BC to 1500 AD. Interested in an off-the-beaten-path ruin? Or want to combine it with a visit to the Sian Kaan Biosphere, then this should be on your list of things to do near Akumal.

The Mayan ruins of Tulum are in a spectacular setting, making them one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico. They are one of the things to do near Akumal for millions of people each year. Located on a 12 m high cliff overlooking the Caribbean ocean and the rising sun. It is the only Mayan community on the beaches of the Caribbean and dates from before 564 AD.

Things to do near Akumal - Visit the spectacular Mayan ruins at Tulum

The Mayan Ruins at Coba are well worth a visit and should be on your list of things to do near Akumal. It is not as crowded as Tulum or Chichen Itza and has the tallest Mayan temple in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The ruins at Ek Balam are magnificent, and if you have a day to spare, they are definitely one of the best things to do near Akumal. They're the undiscovered jewel in the crown of Mayan ruins. And at Ek Balam, you won't have to compete with millions of other tourists like Tulum. In an authentic setting and with one of Mesoamerica's most significant pre-hispanic structures.

Cenotes are a natural phenomenon, and the Riviera Maya has most of the world's cenotes. And there are many in Akumal. A Cenote is a natural sinkhole created where a cave ceiling has collapsed. These caves were formed by coral limestone gradually dissolving.

As well as being a great place to swim in the warm freshwater, cenotes attract cave divers who explore the extensive labyrinth of the caves. Some have been explored for 340 km or more! And they are definitely one of the things to do in Akumal.

One of the best things to do in Akumal is a visit. At Casa Tortugas, there are 3 very different cenotes here that you are guided through. The water is crystal clear, and an open-air 'river style' cenote has underground caverns you are shown through. Here you can see stalagmites, stalactites, and many underwater cave formations. It's one of the cool things to do near Akumal.

Located on the way to Tulum, Nicte-Ha is a lesser-known cenote but one of the nicest things to do near Akumal. It has a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere and is a great place to swim, scuba dive, or relax.

Dos Ojos is one of the top 3 longest underwater cave systems in the world. Its deepest section at 391 feet is known as 'The Pit.' One of the things to do near Akumal for many is to scuba dive through this cenote. But it's also great for snorkeling with a year-round water temperature of 24-25 C (75-77 F).

If you like snorkeling, then this cenote is one of the things to do in Akumal. Jardin Del Eden is a large natural freshwater pool surrounded by a lush jungle. With its massive rock formations covered in green moss, its translucent green water and full of aquatic life.

Kantunchi is a series of 5 cenotes in one beautifully landscaped area. With lots of spaces to relax in. At some cenotes, you can paddle in a small kayak and order food at their restaurant. This is one of the Akumal things to do where you can spend a special relaxing day.

As you can imagine, there are many things to do in Akumal involving water activities. Here are a few of them.

Kite surfing is one of the most exciting things you can do in the Riviera Maya. A cross between windsurfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding, kiteboarding delivers a real thrill. If you're a novice, then take a lesson.

With the steady breeze coming off the ocean, windsurfing is one of the great things to do in Akumal. If you're a novice, don't worry, you can take lessons too.

One of the best diving things to do near Akumal is the wreck dive off the coast of Puerto Morelos. Located 90 ft deep just offshore is the C-56 Juan Escutia, a 120 ft US Navy ship.

Ever been parasailing before? Well, Akumal's things to do includes parasailing. Not only do you get to have great fun but the views are amazing! There are plenty of opportunities to try it here.

Yal-Kú lagoon is a wondrous tropical paradise and home to colorful fish. If you are looking at things to do in Akumal, consider Yal-Kú. Its crystal-clear waters are home to several fish species, and you can snorkel freely in a relaxing atmosphere.

One of the most magnificent things to do near Akumal is to take a day trip to snorkel with whale sharks. Whale sharks aren't whales, but they are sharks. And they are the largest fish in the ocean. The largest known whale shark was 61.7 feet in length. Whale sharks are filter-feeding sharks with giant mouths containing 300 rows of tiny teeth and 20 filter pads to filter their food. Between June and September, these fabulous creatures rest up while feeding on the krill in the area.

Akumal is one of the best places in the world for cavern and cave diving. With thousands of cenotes and some with hundreds of kilometers of caverns and caves, it's the mecca for cave and cavern divers. And if you're new to cavern or cave diving, there's no better place to get your specialty certification.

Things to do in Akumal - Scuba diving in cenotes, caverns and caves

One of the best things to do in the Mayan Riviera is scuba diving. It's breathtaking and from the end of November to February is Bull shark season. So, hook up with a reputable dive shop and hang out with these large, heavy sharks. A large female can weigh in at 290 lbs!

Don't have your PADI certification yet? Don't worry? Or perhaps you want to take a more advanced course? Experience the fantastic diving at Akumal Bay and excellent instruction from the area's oldest and most established dive center. One of the great things to do in Akumal is to complete your scuba diving certification – or upgrade your skills by taking some technical certifications. What better place to do it. Calm azure waters and white sand beaches. Many people stay with us who come because they want to get their Open Water Certification which can be completed in 4-5 days.

The popularity of Akumal is due to the vast number of activities, natural beauty, wildlife, and Mayan culture. But, the most popular things to do in Akumal are visits to the spectacular white-sand beaches. And the warm, crystal-clear Caribbean ocean. And there are many beaches to choose from.

If you want a quaint local beach, try Playa Xaac. It's only 4 minutes away from Akumal Bay and provides a rustic, natural charm. But, unless you are a Sirenis Community resident or a guest of accommodations such as Ocean Breeze Akumal, you won't be able to visit it or the Yalkuito Lagoon.

Described in Forbes Magazine as "A quintessential beach destination for travelers on the hunt for perfection." It ranked Playa Paraiso #7 in the top 50 beaches worldwide. It is located 500 m away from the Mayan Ruins at Tulum. So, it is definitely one of the Akumal things to do during your stay. Access to Playa Paraiso is free.

Ziggy's is popular a few minutes south near Tulum. Like other beaches in the area, it has remarkable marine life and is an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. It's one of the things to do in Akumal if you stay for a couple of weeks or more. Or, if you need a little pampering, look no further than Ziggy's Beach Club. It has luxurious beachfront amenities and a relaxing ambiance.

If you want a different beach vibe, you can't get any better than Xpu Há. It's one of the spectacular white sand beaches. And definitely is at the top of the list of the things to do in Akumal. It's a big hit with the locals but is only slowly becoming known by tourists and visitors. XpuHa is a hidden gem for most people visiting the area.

Things to do near Akumal - XpuHa Beach

The beach at Akumal is definitely one of the best things to do in Akumal. The white sand beach is located in a beautiful bay. There are quiet areas further along the coast, beach bars and restaurants, a diving center, and other shops and facilities nearby. It's an excellent place for a visit.

Things to do in Akumal - Hanging out at the beach