• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

How to Get From Tulum to Akumal Beach

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 · Mexico, Riviera Maya

A few months ago, I was living in Tulum as a digital nomad and wanted to get to Akumal from Tulum to go scuba diving to complete my PADI training. I searched for how to get from Tulum to Akumal but came up short on practical info.

Akumal is a great choice as a day trip from Tulum. There, you can swim and snorkel with turtles, go scuba diving (as I did), or just relax on the beach.

Luckily, Tulum and Akumal are not so far apart from each other (takes 25 minutes driving). But instead of taking an expensive taxi to get there, the best way to get to Akumal from Tulum is by colectivo (shared minivan).

In this guide, I share how to get from Tulum to Akumal and back, what you can do there, and why you should visit!

ALSO READ: 9 Awesome Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico

Table of Contents show
Getting From Tulum to Akumal
Where Is Akumal?
Taking a Shared Van (Colectivo) From Tulum to Akumal
Renting a Car
Renting a Scooter
Taking a Mayab/ADO Bus
Taxis
Getting Around Akumal
Getting Back to Tulum From Akumal

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 in the diverse and lovely state of Quintana Roo. It is located about 2 hours south of Cancun and 25 minutes north of Tulum and about 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

That said, it is an ideal place to visit on any vacation, especially if you want to see magnificent green sea turtles in their natural habitat.

There are a few ways you could technically get to Akumal from Tulum: bus, rental car, taxi, van. But the best way (i.e. the most convenient and affordable) is by taking a colectivo, also known as a shared white van.

 

Taking a Shared Van (Colectivo) From Tulum to Akumal

Colectivos are shared white minivans that can haul approximately 12-15 people between the towns along the Riviera Maya 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 the Main Ave at the small bus stops.

For example, you can head down Calle Centauro or Calle Satéllite Sur to where it meets with the Main Avenue. You will see stopped white vans and all you need to do is ask for Akumal.

Colectivos depart from Tulum’s Main Ave about once every 10 minutes from virtually 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, when you hear the driver say “Akumal” make sure to gather your belongings to make a quick exit.

You will get dropped off at the green bus stop along the side of the highway, just before the pedestrian bridge.

getting from tulum to akumal bus stop

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

parked bikes on sidewalk from highway to akumal town

Backtrack a few steps to follow the paved road that veers off to the left behind you. You will see street art murals alongside the ramp on your right, as you walk down this road.

This sidewalk will connect you from the highway all the way through Akumal town to the beach. It takes about 10-12 minutes walking to get to the Akumal Dive Shop and beach.

Renting a Car

Another option to get from Tulum to Akumal (and surrounding areas) is by simply renting a car in Tulum and then driving the 20 minutes to get there yourself. I usually use DiscoverCars.com to find my rentals in Mexico for rates as little as $10-15/day.

Renting a car, depending on what’s included in your Tulum itinerary, would be ideal especially if you don’t like the idea of having to walk from the highway into Akumal town (it’s safe, it’s just not as convenient if you’re carrying a lot of stuff for a beach or dive day).

If you have a car to go to Akumal, I would also recommend – either on your way there or your way back – that you stop by for a swim, snorkel, or dive at Casa Cenote.

Getting there in a car is so much easier since this road is bumpy and not ideal for getting there via public transport. The cenote is amazing, tucked away in the mangroves, and also is home to the star of the show – Pancho the swimmer-friendly crocodile.

Renting a Scooter

You may also consider getting to Akumal by renting a scooter in Tulum and then driving there. Scooters cost a bit more or the same as a car rental in Tulum. But you get the added benefit that it’s a tad more fun and the cost of insurance is usually included.

With a scooter, you can easily zip between Tulum’s hotel zone, the Tulum Ruins, and the town with ease (and 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.

This option requires a bit more planning, however, as buses only leave Tulum direction Playa del Carmen (stopping at Akumal) about once every 4 hours. The price is also a little bit more expensive, at $40-60 MXN pesos.

Note: The ADO buses run directly between major towns (i.e. Tulum-Cancun), whereas the Mayab buses can drop you off at the smaller towns in between (Tulum-Akumal).

Taxis

Lastly, you could always fall back on the option of taking a taxi. This will be the most expensive option, setting you back around $30 USD one-way, but it’s an option nevertheless.

Getting Around Akumal

beach and palm trees on akumal bay mexico
scuba diving gear at akumal dive shop in akumal mexico

Once in Akumal, there are a few ways to get around. Walking is ideal, as the town is not very big. But for a bit more fun, you could also consider renting a bike or a golf cart to explore around with a bit more speed.

There are three main areas in Akumal to discover, including the main Akumal Bay, Yalku Lagoon, and the 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 is one of my favorite experiences of living in nearby Tulum. I trained in cenotes first (Casa Cenote) and on the Tulum reef before coming to dive at the Cuevitas reef in Akumal with all the sea turtles.

Getting Back to Tulum From Akumal

Once you’re ready to leave Akumal and head back to Tulum, you can do so by walking back to the highway, crossing the bridge, and flagging 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 fairly straightforward. The only inconvenience might be having to walk, but considering it’s a pleasant 10-15 minutes, it’s not that bad and should be ok unless if you have lots to carry.

I hope this brief guide helps plan your trip to Akumal and Tulum! If you have any questions about traveling in and around Tulum, feel free to comment below!

Pin this guide to Pinterest!

  • photos of Akumal Bay in Mexico with text overlay
  • photo of parked bikes near Akumal from Tulum with text overlay
  • Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
  • Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
  • Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
  • Share via EmailShare via Email

By: Bri · In: Mexico, Riviera Maya

you’ll also love

12+ Best Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta
15 Unique Things To Do in Cancun, Mexico (Cancun Bucket List + 5 Day Itinerary) | Bucketlist Bri www.bucketlistbri.com #cancun #mexico #travel #bucketlist15 Unique Things to Do in Cancun (+ 5 Day Itinerary)
quinceañera waterfall at Cascadas El Chiflón in Chiapas, MexicoHow to Visit the Incredible Cascadas El Chiflón Waterfalls in Chiapas

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura Meagher says

    February 1, 2022 at 8:43 am

    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

    Reply
    • Bri says

      February 2, 2022 at 4:35 am

      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

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

23 Natural Wonders in Mexico to Add to Your Bucket List

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

Bucketlist Bri travel blogger overlooking lava flow from Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala

Hiking Guide: Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala (Lava Flow)

colorful street and hotels in san cristóbal de las casas (chiapas, mexico)

10 Amazing Hotels in San Cristóbal de Las Casas

digital nomad working on laptop

The Perfect Packing List for Digital Nomads

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • Blog Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

13 shares