Name: Playa Realtors
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Parks and Nature in Akumal

Akumal’s natural attractions are mostly water based: a turtle refuge bay, a snorkeling lagoon, protected nesting beaches and some of the best known cenotes on the coast. Most are within a 5 to 20 minute drive along Highway 307. Reef-safe sunscreen is required or strongly requested at nearly all of them.

Each listing includes the location, a link and a map. Places change, so we review this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.

Akumal Bay (Bahía de Akumal)

Akumal Bay · Turtle refuge bay and beach
Akumal Bay, entrance through the Akumal arch, Carretera 307, Akumal, Q.R. 77776
View on map

Why we recommend it: Akumal Bay is a federally regulated refuge where green turtles feed on seagrass in shallow water year round. The beach is free to enter, while the deeper turtle zone requires a certified guide, a life vest and a group of no more than six people.

Laguna Yal-Ku

Half Moon Bay / Akumal Norte · Snorkeling lagoon
Calle Acceso Etapa H Lote 5, Akumal Norte, 77776 Akumal, Q.R.
Website | View on map

Why we recommend it: Yal-Ku is a sheltered inlet where fresh groundwater mixes with the Caribbean, creating calm, clear water for snorkeling among parrotfish and other reef fish. It sits at the north end of Half Moon Bay and has an entrance fee of roughly 250 to 300 MXN, with toilets, showers and parking on site.

Xcacel-Xcacelito

Between Akumal and Xel-Há (about 10 min) · Protected turtle nesting beach
Carretera Federal 307, Xcacel, Tulum, Q.R.
View on map

Why we recommend it: Xcacel-Xcacelito is a state protected natural area and one of the best known sea turtle nesting beaches in the Riviera Maya, with a small cenote a short walk from the sand. It has no restaurants or shops, a modest entrance fee and limited hours during the May to October nesting season.

Parque Dos Ojos

Jacinto Pat, about 15 min south · Cenote park
Tulum Federal Highway Km 124, Jacinto Pat, Q.R.
Website | View on map

Why we recommend it: Dos Ojos takes its name from two round cenotes joined by an underwater cavern, famous for very clear water and cave formations. It is popular for both snorkeling and certified cavern diving.

Xel-Há Park

Xel-Há, about 10 min south · Natural water park
Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km 240, Q.R.
Website | View on map

Why we recommend it: Xel-Há is a large natural inlet operated as an all-inclusive park with snorkeling, a river, cenotes, jungle trails and a lookout tower. In 2026 it opens 8:30 AM to 6 PM and is closed on Tuesdays.

Parque del Jaguar

Tulum, about 25 to 30 min south · National park
Calle Yalku entre Tahmul y Tulum s/n, Tulum, Q.R.
View on map

Why we recommend it: Parque del Jaguar is the federal park around the Tulum archaeological zone, with public beaches, bike paths and access to the clifftop ruins. As of July 2026 the park fee for international visitors is 100 MXN, separate from the archaeological zone ticket.

Living in Akumal

Thinking about buying in Akumal? Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage that has represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008, and we never represent developers.