Caribbean Coast Places

Akumal

In Mayan, Akumal (pronounced ah-koo-maal) means "place of the turtle," and for hundreds of years this beach has been a nesting ground for turtles. The season is June through August, and the best place to see them is on Half Moon Bay. Akumal first attracted international attention in 1926, when explorers discovered the Mantanceros, a Spanish galleon that sank there in 1741.

Today Akumal is probably the most Americanized community on the coast. It consists of three areas: Half Moon Bay, with its pretty beaches, terrific snorkeling, and large number of rentals; Akumal proper, a large resort with a market, grocery stores, laundry facilities, and a pharmacy; and Akumal Aventuras, to the south, with more condos and homes. The original Mayan community has been moved to a planned location across the highway.