Quick Guide to Akumal Area Beaches

Playa del Carmen

The beach that runs the length of Playa del Carmen is a very happening place. The main beach begins at the ferry dock and stretches northward. This is a nice, soft, sandy beach with restaurants, beach bars, dive shops and all kinds of water sports. The atmosphere is very “bohemian” with young and old travelers from all over the world enjoying the bright sun and blue water. It’s a great place to make new friends and enjoy a good meal. There are lifeguards along the beach that have rescue equipment available. The water is generally calm here but the surf can be rough on windy days and some currents are present. The sand is soft and there is very little coral, meaning not much snorkeling but easy to walk in and out of without protective footwear. The beach is wide and has a nice gradual, sandy slope into the water which means that the swimming can be very nice if there is not much water movement. There are many restaurants and beach bars where you can pick up a cold beer or margarita to go. The main beach in Playa is an active, exciting place and great fun.

Paamul

Located just north of Puerto Aventuras, Paamul is kind of secret haven for the RV crowd. Not a dingy trailer park, a nice community of somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 RVs. Most are there for extended stays and have constructed nice patios and sun/shade areas. It is actually kind of charming. The RV park owners also have basic/comfortable hotel rooms for $71 US per night, double occupancy, and allow camping. RV spaces with hookups are more or less $16 US per day. You can call or fax the RV Park and Hotel 984 876 2691. The beach of Paamul is soft white sand to the south, with increasing coral rock outcroppings as you head north. There is a reef barrier which helps keep the water calm. This is a nice swimming and snorkeling beach. We do recommend water socks or other protection. A small restaurant on the beach serves seafood and Mexican specialties. It is a nice alternative to the more expensive restaurants nearby Puerto Aventuras. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and provide to-go cups if you would like to take a cold beer or Margarita down the beach.

Xpu-Ha

If you are looking to enjoy a day on the beach outside of Akumal, here it is. The beach is wide and long and made up of fine white sand. So nice, that three all inclusive hotels are located on this bay. Not to worry though, there are still long stretches with barely any people and some great little casual restaurants where you can enjoy a cold beer and some fresh seafood. The atmosphere is very laid back, and if it matters, clothing optional, so don’t be surprised if you see a topless sunbather. One benefit of the large hotels on Xpu-Ha is that the beach is cleaned and raked everyday. The bay area is generally not as protected as some others but can still be a great swimming area if the water is relatively calm. The sand is soft and powdery. You really don’t need to be too concerned about stepping on something, but as always, use your best judgment. There are services for the public on Xpu-Ha that include a small dive shop, fishing guide, small hotels and restaurants. Al Cielo Restaurant is one of Xpu-Ha’s treasures. They offer lunch and dinner in an exceptionally nice setting. It is a great place to hang during the day and becomes a gorgeous elegant setting for a romantic dinner in the evening. Specializing in fresh seafood and whole grilled fish. The food is delicious and the presentation artful. Al Cielo also has a nice wine selection. For information see the Xpu-Ha Restaurant and Service Guide. (Link to Xpu-Ha Services)

While there really are no clear road markings for Xpu-Ha, three hotels will help you recognize the neighborhood. Club Maeva Tulum (formerly Robinson Club) is at the south end, The Copa Cabana in the center and marking the north the Xpu-Ha Palace. To access the public areas of Xpu-Ha beach from the highway take the roads leading to the water just to the left or right of the Copa Cabana.

Akumal Bay

Akumal Bay is the heart of the Riviera Maya.  It has a perfect white sand beach. Along Akumal Bay you will find dive shops, restaurants, a spa and boutiques. The beach here is soft and sandy with a nice gradual slope making it very easy to walk out into the water. The bay is also protected by an outer barrier reef that keeps the water calm and clear on most days.

This is a great beach for families with small children. The Kid's Club is also located on Akumal Bay. If you are not planning on renting a car accommodations on Akumal Bay can be very convenient for you. Everything is within a close walk. Grocery stores, the gym, restaurants and snorkeling. There are taxis easily available and it is a short walk to the highway to catch the bus.

Accommodations on Akumal include an all-inclusive hotel, private villas, moderate hotel and upscale condominiums. Something to consider: Akumal Bay is a public beach and can be very busy over holidays and weekends. As with all of our natural bays we recommend water socks if swimming or snorkeling.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay defines the center point of Akumal and is where you will find a great selection of condominiums and just a few reasonably priced villas. Yal-Ku Lagoon is an easy 15 minute walk to the north from most accommodations on Half Moon Bay. Akumal Bay and "Downtown" Akumal is a 15-20 minute walk from most points along the bay.

This is an important Turtle Nesting Ground and the snorkeling is great. You can see sea turtles, midnight blue parrot fish and many other species of tropical marine life in Half Moon Bay. The coral here is healthy and varied including a large stand of Elk Horn Coral that is home to schools of blue tang fish. Half Moon Bay has a nice white sandy beach which can get rocky as you reach the water line with some turtle grass as well. More coral means better snorkeling, more coral rock, so water socks or other protective footwear is recommended.

The beach of Half Moon Bay is generally very quiet with few people, even during peak times. There are great accommodations to be had along Half Moon Bay at a variety of price ranges. There are several restaurants within walking distance of accommodations along Half Moon Bay.

Jade Beach

Jade Beach is a quiet sandy beach located one and half miles south of Akumal Bay via the highway. The beach is generally soft and sandy, and like Half Moon Bay, this is an important turtle nesting ground. There are only a handful of luxury villas and one very nice condominium property located here. Properties along Jade Beach offer many amenities. There are very few people and the setting is serene.

A scenic 20 minute walk along the beach trail will take you from Jade Beach to Akumal Bay. It is a great walk in the morning but we would caution against using the path after dark. It can be rocky and uneven.

For restaurants, grocery stores and other services you must travel to Akumal (less than a 5 minute drive) or other points. It is a very short drive. If you are staying on Jade Beach we recommend that you have a rental car.

South Akumal

South Akumal is a gated community of beach front villas and one condominium property. This is a perfect beach. Long stretches of soft white sandy, a nice gradual slope and a protective outer reef to keep the water calm. The snorkeling and swimming are wonderful.

Like Jade Beach, South Akumal, offers a very tranquil setting. Each of the villas located along the beach have highlighted the gorgeous setting and the unbelievable blue of the water and sky. And again, while there are no services within a short walk, Akumal proper is less than a five minute drive away.

Aventuras Akumal

Aventuras Akumal is located just down the highway from Akumal, proper, about four miles. This is a long stretch of beach with soft white sand and incredible views. The bay here is semi-protected by a barrier reef so stays calm for the most part, but not quite as protected as Akumal Bay. Still, great snorkeling and an excellent opportunity to find beachfront properties at a very reasonable rate.

There are actually two entrances into Aventuras Akumal now. The first leads to the north end and is used exclusively by guests of the Oasis Akumal All-Inclusive Hotel. The second enters from the south and will lead you to one of the Riviera Maya's most uncrowded white sand beaches. There is a convenience store here and one little food service establishment at Villas de Rosa. The beach is never crowded and it is very enjoyable.

X'cacel

X’cacel beach is one of the only pristine and semi undeveloped public beach access point in between Akumal and Tulum.  This area is also a critical nesting ground for the green and loggerhead sea turtles.
 Traveling south from Akumal you will see  on your right a green sign on the highway after the Gran Bahia Principe mega hotel that states “Acceso Publico A La Playa”.   There will be no highway sign for the beach.  The access to X’cacel beach is directly on your left.  If you pass Xel-Ha Park you have traveled too far. 

 X’cacel is a marine reserve dedicated to the protection of the green and loggerhead sea turtles who have for a millennia depended on the deep, soft sandy nesting grounds of X’cacel and the southern bay X’cacelito.   It is the last strand of beach on the Riviera Maya that is not slated for development.  The entrance fee to the public beach is $1.00 

Soliman Bay

Midway between Akumal and Tulum is Soliman Bay. Soliman Bay offers a semi-private beach that is used mostly by guests of properties along the bay. Coconut palms and other seaside vegetation line the sandy beach. Tucked back into the greenery you will find a small number of beach bungalows and a luxury villas. This a great bay to snorkel, swim or sea kayak. An outer reef keeps the bay quiet on most days.

Most of vacation accommodations along the bay have brightly colored hammocks, shade palapas and sea kayaks for guests to use during their stay. The beach here is generally sandy (a little course) with and easy gradual slope into the water. The bottom of the bay has large areas of turtle grass and some coral heads.

We recommend that you bring your water socks so you don’t have to give a second thought about who lives in the grass. Lots of palm trees mean that it is easy to get out of the sun if you need to. This is a true getaway and a very special place.

To get here head south from Akumal approximately seven miles passing Xel Ha Park and Hidden Wolrd's Cenotes. Turn left where you see the sign for Oscar and Lalo’s Restaurante. Travel to the end of the gravel road, turn right to reach Soliman Bay.  There are several public access points on the beach.  Enjoy!

Tankah Tres

Just south of Solimon Bay is Tankah Bay. This is generally a wide sandy beach with fine to course sand. Very quiet and interesting place to hang out. The Manatee Cenote is located just behind Casa Cenote Restaurant. This is actually a  fresh water river that eventually crosses to the ocean underground. The water is cool and crystal clear and perfect for swim to cool off and refresh. There are also fish and other interesting marine life so if you have your snorkel gear be sure and spend some time looking around. There are two restaurants on Tankah. Casa Cenote, a local favorite for Sunday Texas Style Barbeque, and another Italian Restaurant at the Blue Sky Hotel. There is an outer reef to break up the surf so this is a nice beach for swimming and snorkeling. Protective foot wear, like water socks, is a good idea because of the coral, rock and grass. There are several villas and two hotels on Tankah Bay.

Tulum

Sian Ka'an

“Where the Sky is Born” This coastal biosphere reserve offers an opportunity to see the incredible natural beauty of Mexico’s Caribbean Coastline in its most natural state. The beaches here are undeveloped.  In general, this coastline is not protected by outer reef which means there is more surf coming ashore. In some places it is calmer, but expect to see waves and tidal action. Which also means, use your best judgment. Be cautious when swimming, surfing and snorkeling. Riptides and other currents can be present. The road to Sian Ka'an runs south just past the Tulum Ruins and is an old coconut road. You enter Sian Ka'an through stone archways. You will stop here and register with the reserve.  Entrance fee is 20 pesos. This road will also take you to Boca Paila’s famous fishing lodge and Punta Allen.  It is a dirt road and the condition of the road changes with the weather. Expect a slow and bumpy trip and you won’t be disappointed.  Also there are a few or no services here so take everything you will need including food and water. One other word of caution: Whenever visiting any remote place, leave your valuables behind. That way you just don’t have to worry about it.

One last thing. Sian Ka'an is home to many species of wildlife and an incredible wilderness area.  Please do not leave trash behind.

Sian Ka'an is a beautiful and unique place. To get the most out of your visit we recommend a guided tour. There are several guide services available. (For more information on guided tours of Sian Ka'an and other sites click here)