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3 Reasons Why This Stunning Destination South Of Cancun Is Among The Most Popular In Mexico

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Despite Cancun’s soaring popularity with travelers this year, a growing number of visitors are choosing to explore destinations outside of the resort hotspot.

One destination that has been trending with visitors lately is Akumal. This quaint resort destination south of Cancun is famous for its quiet beaches, stunning outdoor activities, and iconic turtles. 

a green sea turtle in akumal with swimmes

New statistics show that the coastal hotspot is currently one of the most popular in all of Mexico, as Akumal’s resorts and hotels fill with travelers despite the ongoing low season.

With a record number of travelers set to visit the Mexican Caribbean this year, here are three reasons why visitors are falling in love with Akumal

an empty beach in akumal with palm trees and blue water

Excellent All-Inclusive Resorts

One of the main reasons behind Akumal’s remarkable success in recent months has a lot to do with the destination’s unparalleled choice of luxurious all-inclusive resorts. 

Despite Akumal’s smaller size, the paradisiacal coastal hub is home to a handful of lavish 5-star properties that welcome guests year-round. 

@mexicoakumal VISIT AKUMAL 🤿✨ Snorkeling in Akumal is a well known activity across Mexico (and the world)🥽. It’s famous for being an amazing place to spot giant sea turtles and is home to an abundance of sea life🐢. El snorkel en Akumal es una actividad muy conocida en todo México (y el mundo)🥽. Es famoso por ser un lugar increíble para observar tortugas marinas gigantes y alberga una gran cantidad de vida marina🐢. #akumal #akumalbeach #seaturtle #visitmexico #summervibes ♬ Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Single Version – Tears For Fears

Hyatt’s Secrets Akumal is one of the top-rated resorts in all of the Mexican Caribbean. This AAA 5-diamond property is situated along the famous Akumal Beach, offering gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea. Perfect for outdoor activities – snorkeling and kayaking, just to name a few – the all-inclusive resort is a peaceful retreat. 

But Akumal offers much more than opulent resorts and splendid views. Many of the city’s resorts focus on unique experiences, including the 5-star Akumal Bay Resort. This upscale property is famous for its focus on cutting-edge wellness packages.

@mtinatravels This is truly one of my absolute favorite all-inclusive resorts! I can never get over how beautiful the water, and how the staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have an amazing stay! #traveladvisor #allinclusiveresort #secretsakumal #rivieramaya ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

Travelers can book a range of experiences, including a sound healing ceremony, reflexology massages, and a host of other treatments that take inspiration from the region’s rich Mayan culture & history. 

Fun For The Whole Family 

Akumal is trending as one of the most popular resort destinations in the Riviera Maya for families. In Akumal, there’s a little something for travelers of all ages. From unique outdoor activities by the beach to exploring nearby Mayan ruins, travelers can easily spend several days exploring everything the sunny hotspot has to offer. 

@epic.stays This villa in #Mexico is just steps away from Yal-ku Lagoon 📍Villa Josefina in #Akumal 🎥 @Pink Plankton #traveltiktok #airbnb #airbnbfinds #mexicotravel ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris

If you’re looking for unforgettable family experiences, start by booking at one of Akumal’s many family-friendly resorts, including the top-rated Grand Palladium White Sand Resorts & Spa. When it comes to fun outdoor activities, the Xel Ha ruins provide a fun historical experience for the whole family.

What makes Akumal truly stand out is its unparalleled snorkeling opportunities. Kids can spend hours exploring the destination’s calm – and shallow – azure waters, where they can spot exotic fish, beautiful turtles, and colorful reefs. 

@mexicoakumal A DAY IN AKUMAL🐢🪸. Spending a day in Akumal is a memorable experience! The water is clear, the reefs are full of life and the activities you can do are unforgettable🥽. Are you going to miss this experience? COME VISIT US 🙌. ¡Pasar un día en Akumal es una experiencia memorable! El agua es clara, los arrecifes están llenos de vida y las actividades que puedes realizar son inolvidables 🥽 ¿Te vas a perder esta experiencia? VEN A VISITARNOS 🙌. #akumal #coralreef #seaturtle #snorkeling #diving ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris

The Best Place To Witness Nature’s Beauty 

Akumal is famous for its growing population of sea turtles. More specifically, the Green Sea Turtle is known to inhabit the waters surrounding Akumal, making this hotspot one of the best places in the Mexican Caribbean to swim with these graceful creatures.

And new conservation efforts mean the population is thriving, allowing travelers a unique opportunity to witness nature in action. The largest hardshell turtle in the world, Green sea turtles can live up to 80 years and measure up to five feet in length.

@mexicoakumal THE LAND OF THE TURTLES 🐢 If you visit Akumal you will have the opportunity to know the best place to swim with turtles in Mexico while you enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean and its white sand beaches🌊. Three species of turtles come to feed in the bay: the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle, and the hawksbill turtle. 🐢 Si visitas Akumal tendrás la oportunidad de conocer el mejor lugar para nadar con tortugas en México mientras disfrutas de las cálidas aguas del Caribe y sus playas de arena blanca🌊. Tres especies de tortugas vienen a alimentarse a la bahía: la tortuga verde, la tortuga caguama y la tortuga carey. 🐢 #seaturtle #akumal #diving #snorkeling #mexicancaribbean ♬ sonido original – AkumalMexico

Travelers can book from an array of guided tours and excursions to swim with and observe Green sea turtles in Akumal.

This top-rated Viator tour costs just $45 per person and lasts for over an hour. During the private experience, travelers are provided snorkeling equipment to explore Akumal’s underwater beauty at a depth of just 6 feet.

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