Akumal, MexicoThe Mayan Riviera is the place people dream about while contemplating a Caribbean Coast vacation. Akumal is a resort town built around the beautiful lagoon for which it is named. Akumal means "place of turtles" in the Mayan language, an appropriate name given the large number of Green and Hawksbill turtles that crawl up on the beaches during the summer months. Originally a small Mayan settlement, Akumal exploded into a tourism haven when CEDAM, a marine archeology research and conservation organization, set up base camp in Akumal Bay.The long, curving, shell-covered beach surrounding Akumal Lagoon is perfect for a nice swim or for hunting an Akumal souvenir. If you want to get active, there are plenty of places in the area that rent equipment for snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and parasailing. Not far off shore, the water yields wrecks of 16th and 17th century ships that faltered on the reefs. Anglers can charter deep sea fishing boats to catch sailfish, marlin, tuna, and barracuda. The rainforest park at Aktun Chen, Mayan for "cave with underground river (cenote)," is just a few miles from Akumal. The Mayans believed that cenotes were the homes of spirits and gods. Knowledgeable guides give bilingual tours through the main cave with thousands of stalactites, stalagmites, and a 40-foot cenote with crystal clear water. Also nearby are the eco-parks and archeological sites of Xel Ha and Xcaret, where visitors can enjoy spectacular snorkeling and diving, swimming with dolphins, jungle hikes, and horseback riding. Tankah, nestled between Akumal and Tulum, offers vacationers convenience and solitude. Soft white sand and azure blue water provide a beautiful venue for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing, sailing, hiking, and horseback riding. | Akumal Vacation Rentals | Return to Vacation Guides Home |