An hour south of Cancun, Mexico lies the still-sleepy
village of Akumal. Here is a map
of the Yucatan Peninsula showing where to find Akumal. While a far cry from
its humble beginnings as a mecca for scuba divers, the area has mostly avoided the
massive growth of all-inclusive resorts that has plagued the areas closer to Cancun.
While there are a few, smaller all-inclusive resorts on the bays of Akumal, most
of the construction has been in the form of small hotels, condos, and villas.
We came here first in 1998 to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Since that time,
we have come to love Akumal and the Mayan Riviera, and plan to keep returning as
often as possible.
The native Mayans named this "the place of the turtle" because its broad sandy
beach was and continues to be a perfect nesting site for green and loggerhead sea
turtles. The development of the area has created some problems for the nesting
turtles, but the Centro Ecologico de Akumal, or CEA, has a program to provide
education to tourists and locals about the sea turtles and their needs, as well
as an ongoing support program for the turtles themselves. In addition, the CEA
has joined forces with a number of ecological groups studying and protecting the
great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-longest such reef in the world. Other
ecological programs are underway from this valuable agency. We are CEA members
and plan to continue as members for years to come.
The crystal clear, warm, placid waters of Akumal Bay host a variety of marine
life. Some of what we've seen while snorkeling the bay includes parrotfish, angelfish,
sargent majors, groupers, barracuda, and even a flounder, in addition to various
types of sea turtles. Alert snorkelers may also see moray eels and the occasional
ray. Nearby Half Moon Bay is filled with a large colony of live coral.
The aspect that we most love about Akumal is its closeness to the people and
history of the area. You aren't insulated from the native population as you would
be at one of the huge all-inclusive resorts. Just across the highway is Akumal
Pueblo, home to many of the people who work in the area. Just outside the arches
at the entrance to Akumal's beach area is the Hekab Be library, where many local
children spend hours eagerly supplementing their education. The ruins of the ancient
Mayan city of Tulum are within 25 km, with many other archeological sites within
another half hour by car.
Always, though, there is the incredible blue of the Caribbean Sea beckoning you
to relax and enjoy one of life's most precious paradises.
Feel free to browse through the following pages of photos and trip descriptions
that we have compiled over the past few years.
Akumal and Tulum, first trip, July 1998
Approximate time until our next arrival in Akumal:
Email us at akumal@frontiernet.net
© September 28, 2012 by Craig and Kathy Carlson
www.frontiernet.net/~ckcarlso
April, 2002
March, 2003 July, 2003
March, 2004
January, 2005 July, 2005
February, 2006 March, 2006 July, 2006
February, 2007 July, 2007
March, 2008 July, 2008
March, 2009 July, 2009
Related Content:
Cozumel, February, 2000
Puerto Peñasco, October, 2004