LA BUENA VIDA RESTAURANT & BAR
Right down the beach from your Akumal accommodations at Del Sol you will find excellent Caribbean, Mexican and international cuisine at La Buena Vida Restaurant and Bar.
Happy Hour nightly from 5-6.
The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner year round, seven days a week.
The bar is a vibrant and popular hang-out with friendly staff, sandy floor, swinging bar stools, a crow’s nest and laid back, unique tropical atmosphere. Learn more.
- Madeline P.“We stayed at these Akumal accommodations for a wedding, and all the guests enjoyed the fantastic location on the beach with its great proximity to snorkeling with the turtles, good food options, and groceries, etc. nearby!”
AKUMAL WEDDINGS
Beach celebrations, reception planning, parties, and Akumal accommodations on the waterfront.
Vow renewals and anniversaries too! Learn more.
SNORKELING
The snorkeling right out in front of your North Akumal accommodations is excellent. Marine species of coral and tropical fish are abundant in the bay.
Or take a walk to Yal-Ku Lagoon. Grab your snorkeling gear or rent it at the dive shop and head down the road – an easy 10 minute walk. A daily entry fee is charged to use this protected lagoon. Please only use eco-friendly sunscreen while swimming in the lagoon.
—Janet L.“It is perfect for easy swimming and has very few waves. Also there, you can swim a hundred yards out and see giant sea turtles anytime you want. A great experience.”
TOURS
TOUR AKUMAL BY BICYCLE
Take a leisurely ride around Akumal and explore the beaches, lagoon, restaurants, and gift shops in town. Single speed bikes are for rent by the hour, day and week at the Del Sol reception desk. There are also some longer rides not far from town. Cross the highway, continue on the main road up the hill past the town and out into the jungle. Don’t forget your bug spray! And stay hydrated.
—Callie“I love the ease of snorkeling off the beach, bike riding to town and the lagoon, and quality of service. Everyone we dealt with was wonderful, helpful and courteous. I keep coming back, year after year, because of the easy ways of this place.”
CENOTES & CAVES
The Yucatan Peninsula is made of limestone formations which have been eroded by the constant movement of water creating an extensive underground river and cave system. As a result, cenotes are the natural fresh and brackish water sinkholes that offer great snorkeling and cave/cavern diving. This unique hollow landscape has some of the most amazing dive sites in the world.
Aktun Chen
A large dry cave located 3 km south of Akumal has an excellent underground view of the cave system without having to get wet.
Dos Ojos
One of the most popular places for the cavern and cave diving. An exciting jungle ride takes you to its isolated location where you drop down into a bat cave. Please contact the front desk for more information on tours.
Other Cenotes
Inquire at the front desk or dive centers about snorkeling and diving tours to some of the less-traveled cenotes.
ECO-PARKS
Xcaret
The largest ecological/archaeological theme park along the coast. The lagoon and underground river are fun for a day’s outing offering all the food and amenities of an amusement park. Xcaret offers the opportunity to see great cultural dance shows. Also included are botanical gardens, aviary, aquarium, and archaeological museum.
Xel-Ha
This eco-park is smaller than Xcaret but just as fun filled. With its many inlets, a lazy river, cenotes, and lagoons thousands of fish take refuge in its waters making Xel-Ha a real snorkeler’s paradise.
Xpu-Ha
A beachfront hideaway offering a natural beach and snorkeling experience. There is a lagoon within walking distance from the beach, and the reef is close to the shore. 10 Kilometers north of Akumal, Xpu-Ha is a great day trip. Small entry fee for cars.
SURROUNDING TOWNS, RUINS & NATURE RESERVES
Tulum
This is a fast-growing town located 26 km south— the site of a large post-classic Maya site situated on coastal cliffs. Tulum is lined with businesses, including the bus station, auto repair, and quaint restaurants and loncherias in which to enjoy the local flavor.
Coba
Deep in the jungle, the Mayan ruins of Coba are located about an hour inland from Akumal. The lush environment offers a perfect opportunity to glimpse monkeys and a variety of birds. The site was built in the Mayan Classic period and includes the tallest pyramid, El Castillo. This structure stands 42 meters tall with spectacular views of the expansive jungle. Bring good walking shoes, water, and insect repellent.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
This beautiful natural reserve is located south of Tulum on Boca Paila Road. This expansive area includes mangroves, cenotes, savannas, and tropical forests and is home to hundreds of birds, mammals, and marine life. Guided tours are recommended to take you through the reserve by van and boat. This reserve is unpopulated and rustic with great fishing, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
Chichen Itza
Approximately four hours from Akumal, Chichen Itza is a wonderful day trip or overnight stay. These ruins are of the late Classical period and have been restored to provide an excellent example of the greatness of the Mayan Empire. Tour buses are available and guided tours are an excellent way to experience the ruins.
Playa del Carmen
The busy town of Playa is a great place for shopping and an exciting night life. Located 37 km north of Akumal. It is an excellent spot in which to shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and have a meal at one of the many cafes. As a day trip from Akumal, there is plenty of time to explore the town, as well as hang out on the beach.
Cozumel
This beautiful island is located 12 miles off the coast. A 45 minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen makes it an easy day trip from Akumal. Cozumel has great beaches, excellent snorkeling, a variety of water sports, Mayan ruins, and an exciting night life with many bars and discos in its sole town of San Miguel. Plan to see the island by rental car or hire a taxi to get around for a day.
LOCAL AKUMAL RESOURCES
Akumal Tours
Lots of exciting day tours provided by Travel Services of Akumal.
Coral Reefs
Learn more about coral reefs and why it is so important that they be preserved and saved.
Seaturtle.org
Founded out of a desire to support research and conservation efforts in the sea turtle community, this site includes the Marine Turtle Newsletter, and tons of links to other web sites with information about sea turtles and their protection.
REEF
The website of the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, which is an organization of divers committed to the preservation of marine environment.
