Akumal Bay, Akumal | Top 150 Bikini Destinations
AKUMAL, QUINTANA ROO / MEXICO
A day at
Akumal Bay.
Palms, pale sand, and a protected bay where wildlife sets the pace.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 150 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / QUINTANA ROO
Meet the Caribbean,
with room for the turtles.
Akumal Bay lies on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The seaside settlement and Akumal Pueblo sit on opposite sides of the federal highway.
Begin on the sand and ask the beach staff where swimming is permitted that day. If you want to observe turtles, choose an authorized operator and follow the marked circuit; the seagrass is feeding habitat, rather than a place to stand.
ON THE WORLD MAP
On Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Akumal Bay, Akumal, Quintana Roo
01 / GETTING THERE
Arrive through Tulum or Cancún.
Arriving at the bay
Small boats rest in shallow blue water beside the rocky edge of Akumal Bay.
Photo: Stacy Hall · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display cropGet around the Akumal coast
Use a licensed taxi for separate bays and regional outings. Ask your accommodation about parking and a safe pedestrian route; do not treat the federal highway as a casual walking route.
On the beach
The bay is a marine wildlife refuge. Book turtle observations with an authorized provider, use the required equipment, and follow staff instructions on permitted swimming areas. Lifeguard coverage is not verified along the entire shoreline. Akumal wildlife-refuge rules ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A developed beach entrance leads to a natural shore. Plan around the protected areas and the facilities you are actually entitled to use.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
From Akumal to the sand
Arrange a drop-off at the main bay entrance or your booked venue. From Pueblo, use a locally advised route across the highway; ask about parking and the last stretch before departure.
Secretaría de Turismo / regional transport ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Ask about the current entrance
Beach businesses and managed access points have their own conditions. Soft sand and limestone edges can limit wheelchairs and strollers; confirm a suitable route with your host.
03 / THE SAND
Pale sand with rocky edges
Expect pale sand, limestone patches, and seagrass in parts of the shallows. Wear sandals on the approach, watch your footing, and keep off coral and seagrass.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Bring water; choose a proper meal stop
The central bay has restaurants, with more options around Half Moon Bay and inland. Carry drinking water and confirm payment methods; do not depend on a particular vendor being present.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Shade is usually tied to a venue
Palm shade changes through the day. Chairs and umbrellas belong to beach businesses or accommodations; confirm nonresident access and any minimum spend before settling in.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Use the facilities at your venue
Toilets and changing facilities are available through beach businesses and accommodations, with access conditions. Do not assume a public shower block or a lifeguard at every stretch of sand.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Akumal Bay.
A day beside the palms
Visitors gather on the palm-lined sand beside Akumal Bay.
Photo: Alfonzo Buscemi · CC BY 3.0 · Display crop01 / ARRIVE
Ask before entering the water
Check the flags, posted rules, weather, and permitted swimming area.
02 / WALK
Follow the open sand
Keep clear of turtle nests, boats, marked circuits, and private property.
03 / OBSERVE
Let wildlife keep its distance
Use an authorized turtle-observation operator; never touch, feed, chase, or crowd animals.
04 / PAUSE
Make time out of the sun
Take a meal break and refill your drinking water before deciding on another swim.
Give the main bay an unhurried morning, with a wildlife outing only if conditions and availability suit you. Leave a proper break for lunch and shade. Keep Tulum, Cobá, or a different beach for a separate outing instead of fitting several long transfers into one beach day.
AKUMAL NASTURTIUM
Nasturtiums by the bay.
An orange nasturtium print and a high waist for a day by the water.
Shop Akumal Nasturtium ↗NEARBY BEACHES
Three neighboring shores.
Half Moon Bay is close to the north; Xcacel lies south and Xpu-Ha farther north. Distances below are approximate straight-line distances from the Akumal Bay marker, with longer road journeys.
Half Moon Bay
A separate rocky-edged bay north of central Akumal, with waterfront accommodations. Conditions differ from the main bay; inspect the entry before choosing a swim.
- Best for
- A shoreline change and a north-Akumal meal
- Facilities
- Services through waterfront venues; confirm access to toilets and parking
- Good to know
- Wear suitable footwear on rocky approaches and ask about current swimming conditions.
Xcacel Beach
A protected turtle-nesting shore with pale sand and fewer commercial services. Follow the reserve staff’s current access rules and keep away from nesting areas.
- Best for
- A separate nature-focused beach outing
- Facilities
- Limited services; bring water, shade, and a bag for litter
- Good to know
- Check opening and conservation restrictions before travel; do not assume food stalls or a lifeguard.
Xpu-Ha Beach
A northern beach outing reached through managed entrances and beach venues. The photograph shows a palm at Xpu-Ha, rather than a view of the shoreline.
- Best for
- A beach-club day and coastal scenery
- Facilities
- Venue-based food, toilets, chairs, and parking; confirm conditions
- Good to know
- Check the current entry arrangement and choose a swimming area clear of boats.
Distances are straight-line from Akumal Bay. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
04 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three outings beyond the main bay.
01 / NORTH AKUMAL
Yal-Kú Lagoon
Visit the inlet where freshwater meets the Caribbean, with a separate admission and its own equipment rules. Use the provided flotation, confirm rental inclusions, and avoid disturbing fish or vegetation.
Yal-Kú Park / admission ↗02 / TULUM
Tulum archaeological site
Make a separate outing for Maya stone buildings above the Caribbean. Wear proper walking shoes and check INAH’s current entrance arrangements and visitor rules before departure.
INAH / Tulum ↗03 / COBÁ
Cobá archaeological site
Set aside a separate inland day for forest paths and Maya architecture. Follow the site’s current routes and monument-access instructions; old photographs do not establish what you may climb today.
INAH / Cobá ↗
AKUMAL NASTURTIUM
A look from behind.
The back view shows the fit and the striped waistband.
Shop Akumal Nasturtium ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Akumal Bay and the Riviera Maya.
The pin is on the main Akumal Bay shoreline. Half Moon Bay and Yal-Kú lie to the north, Xcacel to the southwest, and Xpu-Ha farther northeast. Tulum and Cobá are separate regional trips.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Forest paths and life below the surface.
These photographs show regional forest and architecture at Cobá alongside Akumal’s underwater habitat. Keep a separate day for the inland trip and follow the refuge’s rules when observing marine life.
Cobá in the forest
A rounded stone structure and steps surrounded by trees at Cobá.
Photo: eugene_o · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop
Stonework at Cobá
A stone arch and stepped masonry among the trees at Cobá.
Photo: Gennaro Conte · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop
Forest around Cobá
A broad green forest canopy stretches across the landscape around Cobá.
Photo: Sylvain Kalache from San Francisco, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop
Fish in Akumal Bay
A school of permit swims underwater off Turtle Beach in Akumal.
Photo: (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop
Coral below the surface
Lobed star coral photographed underwater in Akumal Bay.
Photo: Jmr002 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop05 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
AKUMAL PUEBLO / JUNGLE
Akumal Natura Glamping
$ Budget · $ · About MXN 1,800–2,200 per cabin night for two, room only; quoted taxes included (checked 2026-11)
An inland jungle base with private-bath cabins and a cenote. The band converts direct fan and air-conditioned cabin quotes for a short stay; arrange transport to the main bay.
Akumal Natura Glamping official site ↗HALF MOON BAY
Del Sol Beachfront
$ Budget · $ · About MXN 1,900–2,240 per queen-room night for two; confirm taxes and total (checked 2026-11)
A beachfront hotel and condo property north of the main bay. This band converts the owner’s discounted and standard queen-room quotes, rather than the larger condos; room facilities vary.
Del Sol Beachfront official site ↗CENTRAL AKUMAL BAY
Hotel Akumal Caribe
$$ Mid-Range · $$ · About MXN 2,790–3,910 per bungalow night for two, plus 21% tax (checked 2026-11)
Choose a garden bungalow near the main bay. The owner’s seasonal USD band includes the stated municipal environmental levy but excludes the hotel tax; kitchenettes and extra guests cost more.
Hotel Akumal Caribe official site ↗AVENTURAS AKUMAL SUR
U Nah Kin
$$ Mid-Range · $$ · About MXN 3,130–3,630 per two-bedroom condo night for two, plus 25% local taxes; holidays higher (checked 2026-11)
An oceanfront, self-catering condo base in a separate southern bay. The band converts regular seasonal rates for two guests; confirm minimum stay, additional guests, and the return trip to central Akumal.
U Nah Kin official site ↗SOUTH AKUMAL / JADE BAY
Las Villas Akumal
$$$ Upscale · $$$ · About MXN 4,510–5,810 per sea-view villa night for two, plus 21% tax and the local sanitation levy (checked 2026-11)
A separate southern-shore property with kitchens and a pool. This band converts direct two- and three-bedroom sea-view quotes on a nonrefundable promotion; it is for the whole villa for two guests, with other dates and occupancy priced separately.
Las Villas Akumal official site ↗KANTENAH
UNICO 20°87°
$$$$ Luxury · $$$$ · From about MXN 11,000 per room night for two, all-inclusive; selected dates and terms apply (checked 2026-11)
An adults-only resort farther north in Kantenah. The estimate doubles the owner’s promotional USD 295 per-person starting rate; confirm eligible dates, taxes, room category, and inclusions before booking.
UNICO 20°87° official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
Northern winter and spring often suit a beach-focused trip, though wind, rain, and sea conditions still change. The warmer, wetter part of the year needs flexible plans. Sargassum can vary from one bay and day to the next; check local conditions and official weather bulletins. Official weather bulletins ↗
AKUMAL NASTURTIUM
On the dock.
A seated view shows the fit of the high-waisted bottoms.
Shop Akumal Nasturtium ↗06 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Akumal Bay by the dive shop
Small boats moored beside the rocky edge of Akumal Bay.
Photo: Serge Melki · CC BY 2.0 · Display cropWhat to order
Look for Yucatecan dishes such as cochinita pibil, lime soup, and fish cooked with achiote, alongside everyday tacos and seafood. Ask about the catch and any weight-based pricing. The directory includes clearly identified regional meal stops in Puerto Aventuras, Soliman Bay, and Tulum; arrange transport for them.
Local habits
Greet people in Spanish, ask before taking someone’s photograph, and cover swimwear in Pueblo, shops, and sit-down restaurants. Respect fishing activity and turtle nests.
A LITTLE SPANISH
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Buenos días
- Good morning
- Por favor
- Please
- Gracias
- Thank you
- La cuenta, por favor
- The bill, please
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
LA VELETA / TULUM
Burrito Amor
$ Budget · $ · About MXN 100–200 per person for a burrito, drinks extra (checked 2026-11)
A casual regional stop at the owner’s La Veleta location in Tulum. Choose an egg, chicken, or fish burrito from the published menu, and plan the road journey back to Akumal.
Burrito Amor official site ↗PUERTO AVENTURAS
Chez Waffle
$ Budget · $ · About MXN 210–280 per person for a savory waffle, drinks extra (checked 2026-11)
The Puerto Aventuras branch on Punta Matzoma offers a separate northern breakfast or lunch outing. The current owner menu lists egg, chicken, and other savory waffles; confirm the branch’s current menu before going.
Chez Waffle official site ↗HALF MOON BAY
La Buena Vida
$$ Mid-Range · $$ · About MXN 190–395 per person for a main, drinks extra; menu taxes included (checked 2026-11)
An open-air meal stop on the north Akumal waterfront. Look for tacos, burgers, or the seafood mains on the owner’s menu, and arrange a road transfer if you are staying at another bay.
La Buena Vida official site ↗MAIN AKUMAL BAY
Lol-Ha
$$ Mid-Range · $$ · About MXN 350–445 per person for a seafood main, drinks and tips extra (checked 2026-11)
A central-bay dining option at Hotel Akumal Caribe. The dinner menu includes shrimp tacos, octopus, and grouper; confirm service location and reserve if you want veranda dining.
Lol-Ha official site ↗SOLIMAN BAY
Pandano
$$$ Upscale · $$$ · About MXN 740–1,040 per person for a starter and chicken or seafood main, drinks extra (checked 2026-11)
A regional beachfront meal at Jashita Hotel, combining Italian and Mexican dishes. Reserve ahead; restaurant dining does not automatically include the hotel’s beach and pool facilities.
Pandano official site ↗SOUTH TULUM BEACH
ARCA
$$$$ Luxury · $$$$ · About MXN 4,500 per person for the tasting menu, drinks and service extra (checked 2026-11)
Book a separate evening for this wood-fire kitchen on Tulum’s beach road. The tasting menu is for the whole table and subject to the owner’s party-size rules; arrange a return car before dinner.
ARCA official site ↗QUINTANA ROO AFTER DARK
Three bars.
Ziggy Beach Club & Restaurant
A separate regional evening for cocktails and the owner’s changing live-music program on Tulum’s beach road. Check the current program and access conditions, then arrange a licensed taxi or designated driver back to Akumal. Ziggy Beach Club & Restaurant ↗
La Playa Xpu-Ha
A beach-club bar for a daytime stop north of Akumal. Check closing time, access conditions, and any minimum spend; this is an afternoon option rather than a late-night venue. La Playa Xpu-Ha ↗
La Zebra Beach Bar
A regional beach-bar outing on Tulum’s southern hotel-zone shore. The owner publishes a beach menu; confirm nonresident access and arrange the separate road journey back. La Zebra Beach Bar ↗
Some beach bars operate mainly by day. Confirm current hours and entry conditions, choose a designated driver or a licensed taxi, and arrange the ride back before setting out. Both Tulum venues are separate regional journeys.
09 / SHOPPING
Pick up something local.
LOCAL MARKET · YODZONOT, AKUMAL BAY ENTRANCE
Super Market Chomak
Pick up fresh produce, picnic snacks and water at this local grocery market before heading to the bay.
Hours Daily, 8 am–10 pm, per the current business listing. Check before an early or late visit.
Super Market Chomak on Google Maps ↗CRAFT BOUTIQUE · AKUMAL BAY ENTRANCE
Boutique MexicArte
Browse Mexican pottery, jewelry and folk art at the shop by the beach entrance arch.
Hours Daily, 9 am–9 pm, per Hotel Akumal Caribe.
Official property shop listing ↗BEACH GEAR · AKUMAL BAY, NEXT TO LOL-HA
Akumal Dive Center
Rent snorkeling equipment or book a guided bay outing with gear included.
Hours Daily, 8 am–5 pm.
Official dive center ↗Carry small peso notes for produce stalls. Ask before bargaining, and expect marked prices at boutiques and the dive shop. Check card acceptance before ordering. A small ceramic piece or a textile packs more easily than beach finds.
AKUMAL & THE RIVIERA MAYA EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba
Northern spring / A professional women’s golf tournament at El Camaleón in Mayakoba, north of Playa del Carmen. Check the organizer for the next edition and spectator arrangements; plan it as a separate regional outing.
Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba official site ↗Festival of Life and Death Traditions
Northern fall / Xcaret’s Day of the Dead program combines regional food, performances, altars, and workshops. Check the organizer’s next program and ticket conditions, with a return transfer arranged for the evening.
Festival of Life and Death Traditions ↗Currency / Mexican peso
Mexico uses the peso (MXN). Ask about card acceptance and any service charge before ordering. Hotel peso estimates convert the owner’s USD prices using Banco de México’s FIX of 18.6297 on November 6, 2026; your card or booking exchange rate may differ.
Banco de México / FIX exchange rate ↗
AKUMAL NASTURTIUM
From sand to town.
A closer look at the print with a lightweight beach layer.
Shop Akumal Nasturtium ↗07 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for a protected bay and a town stop.
CARIBBEAN KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Akumal Nasturtium bikini with a UV shirt, a sun hat, and sandals. Bring drinking water and follow the operator’s equipment rules.
Leaving the sand
Dry off and cover swimwear before entering shops or taking a taxi. Keep a dry change of clothes in your bag.
In town
A light shirt with shorts, a skirt, or trousers works for a casual meal. Bring sturdier shoes for archaeological sites and a light layer for air-conditioned transport.
SIZE GUIDE
Check your measurements.
Use the garment-specific chart below to compare your measurements before choosing a size.
Inches
| CHEST (inches) | WAIST (inches) | HIPS (inches) | |
| XS | 33 ⅛ | 25 ¼ | 35 ⅜ |
| S | 34 ⅝ | 26 ¾ | 37 |
| M | 36 ¼ | 28 ⅜ | 38 ⅝ |
| L | 39 ⅜ | 31 ½ | 41 ¾ |
| XL | 42 ½ | 34 ⅝ | 44 ⅞ |
| 2XL | 45 ⅝ | 37 ¾ | 48 |
Centimeters
| CHEST (cm) | WAIST (cm) | HIPS (cm) | |
| XS | 84 | 64 | 90 |
| S | 88 | 68 | 94 |
| M | 92 | 72 | 98 |
| L | 100 | 80 | 106 |
| XL | 108 | 88 | 114 |
| 2XL | 116 | 96 | 122 |
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport should I use?
Tulum International Airport (TQO) is the nearer main commercial gateway; Cancún (CUN) is another option. Compare flights and the full onward transfer to your exact Akumal address.
Can I snorkel with turtles independently?
Protected turtle-observation circuits require an authorized provider and the prescribed equipment. Ask staff about the current boundaries and rules before entering; do not follow animals outside a permitted route.
Are chairs and toilets public?
Most facilities belong to accommodations or beach businesses, with their own access conditions. Ask before using them and bring your own drinking water and sun protection.
Can I walk from Pueblo to every beach?
The highway and the separate bays make distances less simple than they look. Use a locally advised pedestrian route where appropriate, or arrange a licensed taxi for your exact destination.
Is a clear-water beach day guaranteed?
No. Wind, seaweed, rain, and water conditions vary. Check the weather and local staff’s advice, and keep a land-based alternative in your plans.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Nasturtium color for your beach bag.
An orange floral pattern and striped detailing on a high-waisted set.
Explore the Akumal Nasturtium bikini ↗
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