How to Get From Tulum to Akumal (& What to Do There!)
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Turquoise water, powdered sugar sand, swaying palm trees, and vibrant reefs. Does this sound like your dream destination?
Tucked away in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is Akumal, a small Caribbean town with a teeming reef system just offshore, making it the perfect place to snorkel and scuba dive.
Akumal is just 25 minutes north, making it one of the best day trips from Tulum. It is easy to reach by collective (shuttle), taxi, or rental car.
While living in Tulum as a digital nomad, I wanted to visit Akumal to go scuba diving and complete my PADI training. However, when I searched for information on how to get from Tulum to Akumal, I came up short on practical info.
After figuring it out for myself, I knew I wanted to share my knowledge and make it easier for you to reach this scuba diving paradise!
In this guide, I share how to get from Tulum to Akumal and back, what you can do there, and why you should visit!
Guide to Getting From Tulum to Akumal
Where Is Akumal?
Akumal, meaning “Land of Turtles” in Mayan, is one of the most underrated coastal destinations in the Riviera Maya, a region in the diverse state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula.
For reference, Tulum is around 30 minutes south of Akumal, Playa del Carmen is 25 minutes north, and Cancun is about 2 hours north.
Akumal’s proximity to these Riviera Maya hotspots makes it ideal to visit this region, especially if you want to see magnificent green sea turtles in their natural habitat!
There are several ways to get from Akumal to Tulum, including by bus, rental car, taxi, and van. 🚌
The best way (i.e., the most convenient and affordable) is to take a colectivo, also known as a shared white van.
Taking a Shared Van (Colectivo) From Tulum to Akumal
Colectivos are shared white minivans transporting approximately 12-15 people between towns along the Riviera Maya’s coast.
While you can flag down colectivos along the main road or Highway 307 Tulum-Cancun to go just about anywhere, the main “pick-up point” in Tulum is located on Main Avenue at the small bus stops.
For example, you can head down Calle Centauro or Calle Satéllite Sur to where it meets with Main Avenue. You will see stopped white vans; you only need to ask the driver for Akumal.
Colectivos depart from Tulum’s Main Avenue about once every 10–15 minutes from 7 AM to 9 PM or later, so you shouldn’t have to wait long before snagging one.
The cost to get from Tulum to Akumal by colectivo is around $35 MXN pesos.
Pay the fare, hop in, and about 20 minutes later, you’ll hear the driver say, “Akumal.”
Make sure to gather your belongings and make a quick exit. You’ll be dropped off at a green bus stop along the side of the highway, just before the pedestrian bridge.
Backtrack a few steps to follow the paved road that veers off to the left behind you.
Walking down this road, you will see street art murals alongside the ramp on your right.
This sidewalk will connect you from the highway through Akumal town to the beach. Walking takes 10-12 minutes to get to the Akumal Dive Shop and beach area.
Should You Rent a Car to Get to Akumal?
Another option for getting from Tulum to Akumal (and surrounding areas) is to rent a car in Tulum and drive the 20 minutes to get there yourself.
🚗 I use Discover Cars to find my rentals in Mexico!
Renting a car is ideal, especially if your Tulum itinerary includes other day trips.
If you don’t like having to lug all of your stuff from the highway into Akumal town, this is your best option.
The cost of renting a car in Tulum varies, but you can plan for around $30-$40 a day and sometimes even as cheap as $18 a day!
If you do happen to rent a car for your trip to Akumal, I recommend stopping by Casa Cenote for a swim, snorkel, or dive—either on your way there or on your way back.
The cenote is amazing, tucked away in the mangroves, and is home to the show’s star—Pancho, the swimmer-friendly crocodile.
Renting a Scooter
You might also consider getting to Akumal by renting a scooter in Tulum and then driving there.
Scooters are generally the same price as renting a car (although sometimes more expensive), but you get the added benefit of a fun mode of transportation and a less expensive gas bill. The cost of insurance is also typically included in the rental price.
With a scooter, you can quickly zip between Tulum’s Hotel Zone, the Tulum Ruins, and the town without getting stuck in traffic.
Not to mention, having a scooter or even renting a bike is ideal for reaching some of the best cenotes near Tulum.
Taking a Mayab/ADO Bus
Alternatively, instead of taking a shared van or renting a car/scooter, you could also book a spot on the Mayab bus departing from the ADO bus terminal in Tulum.
However, this option requires a bit more planning as buses only leave Tulum in the direction of Playa del Carmen (stopping at Akumal) about once every 4 hours.
The price is also slightly more expensive, at $40-60 MXN pesos.
Note: The ADO buses run directly between major towns (e.g., Tulum-Cancun), whereas the Mayab buses drop you off at the smaller towns in between (e.g., Tulum-Akumal).
Taxis
Lastly, you could always fall back on taking a taxi from Tulum to Akumal, although it will be expensive.
This will not be the cheapest option, costing around $30 USD one-way, but it’s an option nonetheless.
Getting Around Akumal on Foot or Bike
Once in Akumal, there are a few ways to get around.
Walking is ideal, as the town isn’t huge.
For a bit more fun, you could also consider renting a bike or a golf cart to explore more quickly.
There are three main areas in Akumal to discover: the central Akumal Bay, Yalku Lagoon, and Half Moon Bay.
Beyond the bays, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to try, shops to browse, and colorful murals to spot around town.
Scuba diving in Akumal was one of my favorite experiences.
I trained in cenotes (Casa Cenote) and on the Tulum Reef before diving with sea turtles at the Cuevitas Reef in Akumal.
Things to Do in Akumal
Although it’s a relatively small city by Riviera Maya standards, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Akumal!
Akumal’s scuba diving is world-renowned, and as I mentioned previously, I came here to complete my PADI training.
There are a few great options for scuba shops in town, and you’ll find everything from beginner classes to Master Diver courses.
Akumal is also well known for its proximity to the second-largest reef in the world, the Meso-American Barrier Reef System.
That being said, snorkeling is also a popular activity, and there’s a high likelihood that you’ll spot sea turtles.
Aside from the beach lounging, browsing local shops, and discovering delicious seaside restaurants, Akumal is also an excellent destination for learning more about local conservation efforts and culture!
Getting Back to Tulum From Akumal
Once you’re ready to leave Akumal and head back to Tulum, you can walk back to the highway, cross the bridge, and flag down a white colectivo from the other side of Highway 307 at the bus stop.
From what I know, there aren’t colectivos that come inside the town and then exit back onto the highway, so you need to either take a taxi back to the highway or walk.
All in all, getting to Tulum from Akumal and back is pretty straightforward.
The inconvenience is simply walking, but considering it’s a pleasant 10-15 minutes, it’s not that bad and should be ok unless you have lots to carry.
I hope this brief guide helps you plan your trip to Akumal and Tulum!
Hello. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience in such clear detail. I am considering taking a trip solo to Akumal. I want to snorkel with the turtles. Would you know of/be willing to share about places to stay? Also, how far a swim is it from the beach to where turtles tend to be? Is a guide “required?”
With appreciation,
Laura Meagher
Hi Laura, many thanks for reading and reaching out! I would recommend visiting the dive shop in Akumal to inquire & gather info — they may have snorkel guides or, at least, the most up-to-date information about going and where the best spots are. I’m not sure where the turtles are off-shore, we took a boat out to the reef. I’d start there. As for accommodation, it all depends on your travel style. Casa Gatos is well-located and a bit more down to earth (apart/hotel) or if you’re looking for beachfront hotel experience then I’d suggest Club Akumal Caribe. I hope that helps and that you can see the turtles like I did! x