I usually stay in a condo on Half Moon Bay in north end of Akumal.
Tulum is nice along the beach road but the hotels are getting so expensive down there. Plus you need a car to stay on the beach, otherwise you will pay 100-150 pesos each way just to go into the Pueblo, let alone elsewhere.
Many many people like Playa del Carmen, and when we first visited in 1999 it was charming. But today it has gotten too big for my personal taste. However you may well love it.

I like Tulum a lot, but yes, it is getting very expensive to stay on the beach. I love the small hotels, the come-as-you-are atmosphere, waking up and being able to walk right out onto the beach, wandering along the beach for miles popping into restaurants and bars for a snack or beverage as as I want to, etc. It it just a really nice, relaxing place. I don't have much experience with Akumal, so I can't really do a comparison though.

I'd go with Akumal as a base, it's more centrally located and a lot less crowded, especially if you're on Half Moon Bay. Better snorkeling too--sea turtles off the beach at the main Akumal beach, Yal-Ku lagoon is also great.

At night you can walk to any number of restaurants.

Daniel, What's your nightly budget? How important is it to be able to walk into town? Snorkeling/diving? excursions? Will you be taking day trips from Tulum/Akumel?

I'd say ~200 USD for nightly budget, and wouldn't mind if directly on the beach or slightly further as we'll be renting a car. Day trips will definitely be included.

For 200.+ you can definitely stay directly on the beach in Akumal in a very decent place. You'll find that you'll pay much more in Tulum.


This place occasionally has deals, is nice and quiet and on a nice part of the beach. We didn't stay here but visited friends while they were staying here.
http://www.lascasitasakumal.com/rooms.html

Forget about the above mentioned. I just noticed that their rates went way up for 2017.
I haven't seen this place but a friend recommended this place to us.
The jr suites look to be within your price range.
http://www.akumalmexico.com/villasakumalinterior.html

We always go off season and find decent rates for apartments or studios from airbnb or VRBO.
Check the photos and ask about the beach as many of them are rocky - good for snorkeling but not great for lounging on the sand.
I prefer Akumal Beach over the northern beaches as I find the swimming easier - fewer waves and chop.
Also pay attention to some of the condos as many of them share pools. I haven't stayed in any of them that do this because I worry that they'd be too many people. I like people but not that much ;)

For what it's worth, we love Akumal. We often go ( for the day only) to our favorite restaurant called Buena Vida, which is right on the bay, You can even have a drink in one of the 2 private tree houses only accessible by a ladder. (at your own risk). Obviously, the main reason, for many people to go there is to get to swim with turtles and rays and tropical fish and all in their natural environment. Prices have actually doubled in the last few years as the popularity has just exploded. As far as making it your base... not sure, as Akumal is appreciated for it's laid back atmosphere and therefore nor many services are offered except taxi service and restaurants. It must also be said that it's popularity may soon be it's downfall as the crowds are now in record numbers...