Swim with turtles in Akumal, archaeological zone of Tulum and Yal-kú cove in Akumal Bay, on excursion or free? The best information to travel in Riviera Maya.

Aquatic excursion that in a few kilometers allows you to know the archaeological zone of Tulum, enjoy the Caribbean bathing with turtles in their natural space and surprise yourself in Yal-kú cove. A simple excursion from Riviera Maya that you can do by car or public transport. The aquatic ones are going to enjoy it.

Excursion by car to Tulum, swim with turtles in Akumal and Yalkú creek:

Proposal so that you know by free in rental car the archaeological zone of Tulumbathe with turtles in Akumal and swim in the pretty caleta Yal-kú, a very aquatic combo. The distances by car are short between the places to visit so it is a relaxed day where you can take your time for the activities.

Places to visit: Tulum-Akumal-YalKú:

  • TULUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAIt has an enviable location on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, here is an unforgettable postcard. Tulum has a special charm, airs of a refined city. The first colonizers arrived in Tulum and were left surrendered to the beauty of this Mayan city. Many take advantage of the visit to bathe on the beautiful beach within the archaeological site.
Tulum Castle Tulum Beach Riviera Maya Mexico.
  • AKUMAL BAY It's the Riviera Maya beaches most beautiful. Half moon cove, white sand, palm trees, turquoise sea ... and you can also bathe with turtles, who gives more? A tremendous opportunity to swim with them in a natural space. This activity can be done with a guide or without a guide, you decide. Of course, remember to take your mask or rent one in Akumal.
Swim with sea turtle. Caribbean Sea. Mexico.
  • CALETA YALKÚ: throughout the Riviera Maya coast we find different landscapes such as Yal-kú: fresh water making its way to the sea, artistically eroding the limestone. Here fresh and salty waters meet, in a surprising ecosystem to discover swimming.
Caribbean Sea.

What road to take from Riviera Maya?

  • Section from your hotel to Tulum: la federal highway 307 It is the one that runs through the Riviera Maya. All-inclusive hotels are located on this road. Leaving your hotel by car you must go address Tulum. The entrance to the archaeological zone is well signposted. Duration: about 30 minutes. 60 kilometers
  • Section from Tulum to Akumal: just 20 kilometers away is Tulum de Akumal, the main entrance to the beach well signposted. Duration: 15 minutes. 20 kilometers
  • Section from Akumal to caleta Yalkú: the cove is in Akumal, 3 km from the entrance to the beach. Duration: in 10 minutes you are, you have to 3 kilometers.
  • Section from Caleta Yalkú (Akumal) to your hotel: come back again for the federal 307 but also your hotel. Duration: less than one hour back.

Hours and cost of the places to visit:

Tulum open daily 8 to 17 hours, daily. The best time to visit because of the heat and the least number of tourists is to enter the 8. Tulum has a price from 59 mxn. Sundays are free for nationals and residents with official identification. The tour for groups of 10 about 500 mxn. Have parking of payment (24 mxn).

The Bay of Akumal It is a beach with public access where you do NOT have to pay to enter. Swimming at the beach should not be a paid activity either, but they offer guide services to swim with the turtles. On the beach you find restaurant and services. At the entrance to Akumal there is parking of payment (about 50 mxn the day).

The Yalkú cove has a cost of 150 mxn. Discount for Quintana Roo, bring your ID. Schedule: Open diary from 8 to 17 hours. Parking Spaces free.

Where is lunch in Akumal?

In Akumal you can have lunch in different places. On the very beach where you bathe with the turtles there is a restaurant on the beach. In the parking area there are also places to eat. On the way to Caleta Yalkú is the La Buena Vida restaurant, overlooking the sea, I love this place, with excellent flavored margaritas. Lunch cost: about 180 mxn per person in La Buena Vida.

Estimated time of visits:

  • Tulum one hour and a half approximately. If you go to bathe, calculate more time in the place.
  • Bathe with turtles in Akumal: The day is relaxed, so take your time to enjoy this wonder. An easy hour and a half is flies in this paradise.
  • Caleta Yulká: calculates hour and a half minimum in the Yalkú cove.

When is the sun in the Riviera Maya?

As you do not know the road is better than Arrive with daylight at your hotel. In addition, the roads are poorly lit and driving is complicated.

  • In winter time (November to May). During these months the sun sets between 6 and 7 in the afternoon.

  • In summer time (April to October). During these months the sun sets between 7 and 9 p.m. I hope you enjoy and organize your excursion with this information.

This is one of the many excursions by car what can you do from Riviera Maya. Drive in a prudent manner and respect the signs.

Other proposals for routes by car from Riviera Maya.

Good way,

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Sandra Salvadó Training photographer, traveler by vocation and certified tourism guide by the Government of Mexico. We promote natural wonders and contemporary Mayan culture. Great fan of pre-Hispanic history. Author of the blog and co-founder of The Shortest Path Travel, agency that guides you through alternative paths in Mayan lands. Social and sustainable tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas.
I am at your disposal for whatever you need. Let's talk.

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