Area Attractions
Akumal and the surrounding region is known as the Mayan Riviera.Translated from Ancient Mayan, Akumal itself means “Place of the Turtle” Every year, during the nesting season, dozens of sea turtles come on land in South Akumal and the surrounding areas, in the middle of the night to lay their eggs. But these magnificent creatures are far from being the only spectacle of nature. The diverse selection of native birds (as incredible in number as they are in color) and interesting trees and plants make this a nature-lover’s dream come true.
Not here for nature? No problem! There’s no end to activities under the Akumal sun. Ka Kuxta offers three kayaks (2 doubles, 1 single) that allow you to explore the area and even adventure all the way to Akumal (1 mile away). Scuba-diving is one of Akumal’s specialties. The reef here is beyond incredible and is sure to be a delight for any diver. Experienced divers will enjoy the marine life and colorful reef, while new divers will be comfortable in more shallow waters, learning the ropes and still seeing an impressive array of unique sea life. Snorkelers can swim out to the reef which is only about 100 yards from the shore. You can charter a small fishing boat for deep sea fishing right from Akumal. The boats will take you out for about three hours (morning or afternoon), trawling or bottom fishing, on the glassy Caribbean water.
Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen both offer beautiful golf courses and there is a mini-golf course in the area. A new golf course directly across from South Akumal is currently under construction. It is expected to be a golfer’s dream come true.
Horseback riding is also quite an experience here, traveling along soft beaches and beautiful jungle paths. Don’t want to give up your workout? The Peak Gym is just a mile away in Akumal. A small dirt road adjacent to the main road is an ideal track if you want to put on those running shoes and jog your way to a workout. If you are into just relaxing, a massage therapist can come to the house (we keep a massage table in the house) or you can enjoy one at Buddha Gardens on the beach in Akumal.
A gourmet dining experience is easy to come by with a variety of cuisines: Mexican, Italian, French, American, etc. With restaurants all along the coastline between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, it’s all but a certainty that you’ll be eating out more than a few times. Shopping is also a favorite pastime here in the Akumal region. Playa del Carmen, 25 minutes away, is the most popular site, with many shops along Fifth Avenue. There are also small boutiques in Akumal, Tulum and Puerto Aventuras.
While many of the above activities can be done in other parts of the world, here are some things that are unique to the Mayan Riviera.
The Mayan ruins, in Tulum, Coba, and Xel-Ha are within easy driving distance. For those that have a serious interest in the Mayan history, Chichen Itza and Ek Balam are two stellar sites within a three-hour drive. The Akumal region plays host to the most extensive underground water system in the world. These underground rivers are clear, cool and usually made up entirely of rain water. These will often lead into a large pool, referred to as an “open cenote”. Open cenotes are ideal for having a relaxing swim in the almost entirely transparent fresh water. Be sure to bring snorkel masks so you can see the fish and flora which inhabit these beautiful spectacles of the Mayan Riviera. Some cenotes are not often visited, making it easy to be by yourself or with your group in some of the most serene places in the entire region.