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Snorkel Above a Rich Fabric of Marine Life at Mexico's Akumal Bay
Published by Steve Johnson, Writer
Country: Mexico 
The Experience
Akumal is a wonderfully laid back, quiet village 60 miles south of Cancún, along Quintana Roo’s Mayan Riviera coast in Mexico. A world away from the turbulent goings-on farther north, Akumal has held onto its rich history and Mayan roots, which is very evident when mingling with the residents on a walk along the town’s narrow avenues.
One of the former residents is celebrated just inside the town arch, where a statue of Gonzalo Guerrero and his family stand. Guerrero was a Spanish conquistador, who, after being shipwrecked at Akumal, made the very best of his situation by becoming a respected warrior and marrying a Mayan princess to start the first known Euro-American family.
Re-discovered in the early 1950s, Akumal’s sugar sand beaches, coconut palms and warm emerald waters captivated world explorer Pablo Bush Romero so much that he purchased land from a plantation owner and set about establishing a small resort community for scuba divers. Romero was a pioneer in underwater exploration who saw the vision of a unique underwater museum in Akumal Bay where tropical sea critters make their home among massive anchors and cannons from ancient shipwrecks.
With just one addictive peek beneath the surface at the remarkable diversity of life in this shallow-water reef, you'll be hooked on Akumal snorkeling. The coral is busy with dozens of species of underwater flora and fauna, and it’s in relatively good health considering the rising water temperatures and a host of other environmental concerns. While snorkeling Akumal, I rounded a craggy blob of coral and met the business end of a lime-green moray eel showing off a smile of tiny razor teeth. I floated right on by, checking to be sure I wasn’t followed, and chased a brilliant blue angel fish into the midst of a liquid light show. Tiny quarter-sized fish in iridescent yellow and orange darted into coral crevices, and striped clownfish stayed true to their name, generally goofing about the neighborhood. There were floating purples and reds and whites and blues—it looked like all the colours from my crayon box at school were swimming around—and only my burning lungs broke my trance to head back up for air.
Venturing a bit deeper while snorkeling Akumal, several large shadows drifted into my direction, and a foursome of giant, battleship-grey groupers moved slowly past, bulbous mouths pursed in an eternal smirk. Near the surface, a long, hovering straight line caught my eye. The silvery scales of a barracuda reflected the afternoon sunlight, and he kept a wary eye on the pale-skinned intruder in his part of Akumal Bay. An immense school of small, gray-brown fish, easily numbering in the thousands, hovered very near the “‘cuda,” drifting slowly back and forth at the whims of the currents. They seemed to have no destination that day, and were content to float next to the larger fish in suspended motion like a giant shadow forever swaying with the wind.
Waning daylight forced a reluctant exit from snorkeling Akumal bay, but the sunset view on the beach conjured plans for my next trip to this getaway location.
One of the former residents is celebrated just inside the town arch, where a statue of Gonzalo Guerrero and his family stand. Guerrero was a Spanish conquistador, who, after being shipwrecked at Akumal, made the very best of his situation by becoming a respected warrior and marrying a Mayan princess to start the first known Euro-American family.
Re-discovered in the early 1950s, Akumal’s sugar sand beaches, coconut palms and warm emerald waters captivated world explorer Pablo Bush Romero so much that he purchased land from a plantation owner and set about establishing a small resort community for scuba divers. Romero was a pioneer in underwater exploration who saw the vision of a unique underwater museum in Akumal Bay where tropical sea critters make their home among massive anchors and cannons from ancient shipwrecks.
With just one addictive peek beneath the surface at the remarkable diversity of life in this shallow-water reef, you'll be hooked on Akumal snorkeling. The coral is busy with dozens of species of underwater flora and fauna, and it’s in relatively good health considering the rising water temperatures and a host of other environmental concerns. While snorkeling Akumal, I rounded a craggy blob of coral and met the business end of a lime-green moray eel showing off a smile of tiny razor teeth. I floated right on by, checking to be sure I wasn’t followed, and chased a brilliant blue angel fish into the midst of a liquid light show. Tiny quarter-sized fish in iridescent yellow and orange darted into coral crevices, and striped clownfish stayed true to their name, generally goofing about the neighborhood. There were floating purples and reds and whites and blues—it looked like all the colours from my crayon box at school were swimming around—and only my burning lungs broke my trance to head back up for air.
Venturing a bit deeper while snorkeling Akumal, several large shadows drifted into my direction, and a foursome of giant, battleship-grey groupers moved slowly past, bulbous mouths pursed in an eternal smirk. Near the surface, a long, hovering straight line caught my eye. The silvery scales of a barracuda reflected the afternoon sunlight, and he kept a wary eye on the pale-skinned intruder in his part of Akumal Bay. An immense school of small, gray-brown fish, easily numbering in the thousands, hovered very near the “‘cuda,” drifting slowly back and forth at the whims of the currents. They seemed to have no destination that day, and were content to float next to the larger fish in suspended motion like a giant shadow forever swaying with the wind.
Waning daylight forced a reluctant exit from snorkeling Akumal bay, but the sunset view on the beach conjured plans for my next trip to this getaway location.
When to Go to Snorkeling Akumal
In the Mayan language, “akumal” means “place of the turtle,” and for centuries these bays have been nesting grounds for green and loggerhead sea turtles. Almost any time of the year is perfect for snorkeling Akumal, and mid-October allows the chance to take part in the town's annual Sea Turtle Festival (Festival de la Tortuga Marina), sponsored by Centro Ecologico Akumal, an environmental research and education organization. Take part in the release of hatchlings from under a brilliant Caribbean sunset.
Off-peak summer months are best for bargain hunters, with flights and lodging rates appealingly slashed; but Akumal is affordable year-round for the savvy shopper. Keep an eye on the stormy winter season (typically October to mid-January) to avoid timing your trip with the arrival of a hurricane. Late January through April is a postcard-perfect time, and Akumal is even quiet during March's spring break madness.
Whenever you visit, plan an extra couple of days to really experience Akumal. Take a long walk on the narrow avenues north of town, mingle with the locals and hear their stories, explore the nooks and crannies, and feel the rich Mayan history of this friendly village.
Off-peak summer months are best for bargain hunters, with flights and lodging rates appealingly slashed; but Akumal is affordable year-round for the savvy shopper. Keep an eye on the stormy winter season (typically October to mid-January) to avoid timing your trip with the arrival of a hurricane. Late January through April is a postcard-perfect time, and Akumal is even quiet during March's spring break madness.
Whenever you visit, plan an extra couple of days to really experience Akumal. Take a long walk on the narrow avenues north of town, mingle with the locals and hear their stories, explore the nooks and crannies, and feel the rich Mayan history of this friendly village.
Odds n' Ends
Even if you've never tried it, don't miss trying the diving or snorkeling at Akumal. A mask, fins and snorkel are easy to pack; or you can rent everything (including full dive gear) at the Akumal Dive Shop just off the main beach.
The walk-in snorkeling is unforgettable, and the Dive Shop can secretly whisk you away to the best sites to see turtles and a galaxy of other marine life. In addition to water-related gear, don't forget a jug of sunscreen, sunglasses, and sandals for strolling the beach and byways.
The Mexican peso-U.S. dollar exchange rate remains favorable (usual 10-1), and negotiating purchases is still a common way to get great deals. Stay alert for travel sales for airfare discounts from your city; they are available throughout the year.
The walk-in snorkeling is unforgettable, and the Dive Shop can secretly whisk you away to the best sites to see turtles and a galaxy of other marine life. In addition to water-related gear, don't forget a jug of sunscreen, sunglasses, and sandals for strolling the beach and byways.
The Mexican peso-U.S. dollar exchange rate remains favorable (usual 10-1), and negotiating purchases is still a common way to get great deals. Stay alert for travel sales for airfare discounts from your city; they are available throughout the year.
Places to Eat
- La Buena Vida
- A relaxing, open-air restaurant with sand floors, sea creature skeletons hanging from the ceiling, and delectable fare. Great snorkeling in Half Moon Bay, and shaded palapas on the beach.
- Turtle Bay Bakery & Cafe
- A local favorite, baking its own bread, cookies, pastries, and other scrumptious food. In the heart of Akumal, across from Akumal Bay.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Casita Sombra
- A quiet, cozy, one-bedroom guest house on Aventuras Akumal beach. 100 meters from the water. Available to rent along with main house, as well.
- Casa Maleno
- Three-bedroom, three-bath villa on Akumal's main beach, close to everything. Walk to the water, Lol-ha beach bar, restaurants, and more. Pool and outdoor kitchen, too.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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The Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach Hotel And Spa is located in Akumal making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town.All ... 1 miles away
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