Akumal, place of turtles

Akumal, or the “place of turtles,” is a small beach-front town between Playa del Carmen and Tulum in the state of Quintana Roo. Situated at the heart of the Riviera Maya, it was founded in 1958 by Mexican businessman, diver and archaeologist Pablo Bush Romero as a community for scuba divers. Since then, the town has grown and developed significantly while still managing to maintain its relaxed and serene atmosphere.

Akumal is home to three picturesque bays: the Half-Moon Bay, the greater Akumal Bay and the Aventuras Bay. The powder-white sand and crystal-clear blue waters of Half-Moon Bay and Akumal Bay are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Sea turtles, endangered animals that dwell in warm, tropical oceans can also be seen in Akumal, as the area is a major nesting site. Turtle nesting season in the Caribbean lasts from May to November, but sadly, in recent years the number of successful sea turtle nestings has been greatly reduced. During turtle nesting time, it is not unusual to find sea turtles laying their eggs on the beaches at night. The Centro Ecologico de Akumal (CEA), a non-profit organization working towards environmental conservation with a specific focus on the protection of sea turtles, has its headquarters in Akumal.

A day in Akumal is surely not enough to enjoy all the wonderful things that the place has to offer. Visit the Yal Ku Lagoon, go for a bike ride, go on a jungle walking tour, take a crack at sport fishing, watch daily cultural shows, go scuba diving or snorkeling, visit the famed archaelogical sites nearby, and much more! This place is a calmer and more laid-back alternative to the hustle and bustle of Cancun and other more commercialized beach destinations. Rest assured that your trip to this incredible destination will definitely be an experience that you will remember forever.