Akumal
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Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal
Akumal, Mexico
5.0
Just 25km north of Tulum and 39km south of Playa del Carmen lies Akumal Bay. Despite its proximity to the big vacation destinations and massive resorts, Akumal remains relatively quiet. There are several ways to get there, the easiest being by rental car which are insanely cheap in Mexico. Parking is 70 pesos if that's the route you choose. The second, and possibly the best option is by collect...
Snorkel in Yal Ku Lagoon
20.409432,-87.305422, Mexico
4.0
Charts display the numerous species of fish which may be seen in the lagoon, and the area's rocky underwater canyonlike terrain mixed with mangrove roots providing shelter for the fish offer an interesting landscape to snorkel through.
There are two businesses that provide access to Yal Ku Lagoon - visitors can follow signs from the town of Akumal to the lagoon area. At reaching a T-intersectio...
Swim in Cenote Jaguar
20.325521,-87.370088, Mexico
The cenote lies at surface level, with cool blue waters surrounded by mangroves and jungle. There are three different jumping platforms, ranging from 2 meters to 6 in height. Otherwise, a wooden deck lets swimmers and snorkelers enter and exit the water. While the cenote is lengthy, much of the banks are covered in mangrove roots, so most of the activity sticks to the area just beneath the jump...
Explore Xel-Ha Archaeological Site
20.319784,-87.365017, Mexico
The site (also spelled Xelha or Xelhá) lies 18km north of central Tulum, and sits on the opposite side of the highway from the commercial outdoor adventure park that shares its name.
There are three main groupings of structures inside the site. The Palace Site contains stelae and two large buildings, both dating from around 1200AD. The next group includes the Pyramid of the Birds, and has the s...
Swim Cenote Tajma-Ha
Xelhá, Mexico
This cenote is popular with divers, owing to its access to a complex underground cave system reaching a depth of about 15 meters, entering into multiple rooms. While popular amongst divers, swimmers will likely find no one else on the water's surface, so it makes for a quiet and relaxing stop.
The cenote lies in a limestone depression, with the water filling the perimeter while an island in the...
Swim in Cenote Nicte-Ha
20.322604,-87.379947, Mexico
With the shallow depth and the clarity of the water, this cenote is popular for snorkeling and is a location for easy dives, with the depth extending to about 8 meters.
There is a jumping platform at the edge of the limestone shelf, along with benches and chairs set out on the terraces that surround the cenote.
Life jackets are available at no cost at the cenote. Snorkel equipment is available ...
Swim in Cenote Dos Palmas
20.323308,-87.383869, Mexico
The cenote is set in a limestone cave depression, with the water surrounding a central island 'eye'. The water is clear blue, and as this cenote tends not to be crowded, you'll have a chance of seeing and swimming with the freshwater turtles that make their home here. The rounded limstone cave takes on a 'subway' like feel, as it's possible to swim along the rounded walls.
Hammocks and tables ...
Explore Cenote Dos Ojos
Tulum, Mexico
5.0
This Cenote will be the first recommendation from a local, if you’re looking for the grandeur of the famous Grand Cenote, but minus the crowds. The name comes from the two large underground caves connected by a very large, complex cavern, complete with the deepest known cave passage in Quintana Roo at 396 feet.
You can reach it by rental car, bus, collectivo, or guided tour. We recommend doing...
Swim in Cenote Azul
Chacalal, Mexico
The cenote is large with one main open swimming area, and several smaller more hidden areas. It is a favorite amongst local families, and tends to generally have a small crowd, although it is also spacious enough that it doesn't feel cramped. With clear emerald blue water, it's a great spot for bringing a snorkel to or renting one onsite.
Visitors can jump from a 4 meter tall ledge into the wat...
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Akumal
- The best backpacking in Akumal
- The best camping in Akumal
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