A DAY IN AKUMAL
Situated just 20 minutes down the highway from Playa del Carmen, the town of Akumal sits on two breathtaking bays, each with its own unique characteristics. Akumal Bay has crystal clear, shallow waters and a white sand floor, creating a picturesque setting for relaxing in the water or a bit of snorkeling alongside resident sea turtles. Just north, Half Moon Bay is known for its rocky terrain and incredible views lined with upscale beach houses and laid-back condos.
Once you pull into Akumal in the morning, make your way past Half Moon Bay until you reach the nearby Yal Ku Lagoon. This postcard-perfect location rents out snorkeling equipment so visitors can explore all the coves and rocks of the lagoon to discover turtles and all kinds of brightly colored tropical fish. Make sure to bring along some mid-morning snacks to enjoy in the seating areas set along the edge.
All that swimming will have you starving for lunch, and what better place to recharge than right by the ocean? Drive back to Akumal Bay for a bite at Lol-Ha, an open air restaurant set right on the sand. You can sit here for hours savoring seafood, pizza, burgers and more while enjoying incredible views of the Caribbean Sea in the laid-back heart of Akumal.
You won't have to look far to relax all afternoon; the extensive stretch of beach at Akumal Bay is lined with swaying palm trees that provide so much shade, you won't need an umbrella! Spend a few hours lying on the sand and wading into the cool clear waters of the bay, or drop by the Akumal Dive Shop to rent some snorkel gear and search for the town's famous sea turtles. Akumal Bay is a heavenly place to spend a few hours under the sun while you disconnect and give in to the Caribbean lifestyle.
When darkness starts to fall, Half Moon Bay has a great little restaurant for dinner and drinks called La Buena Vida. With charming palapas and a fun bar set on a stretch of sand overlooking the bay, La Buena Vida has a casual beach vibe that's perfect for relaxing with family and friends. Don't miss out on some of the more creative cocktails on their drink menu.
Akumal is one of the more popular destinations for a day trip in the Riviera Maya; after just a few hours in this jaw-dropping beach town, it's easy to see why!