Akumal Day Trip from Cancún, Playa del Carmen & Tulum

Akumal sits right on Highway 307, the main road of the Riviera Maya, between Playa del Carmen (north) and Tulum (south). There is one road and one exit, so you cannot get lost. These are typical figures from public travel guides; traffic, especially around Playa del Carmen and the airport, changes them.

• From Cancún airport: about 90–105 km, around 1 h to 1 h 30.
• From Playa del Carmen: about 30–40 km, around 25–35 minutes.
• From Tulum: about 22–28 km, around 20–30 minutes.

This guide is about planning the day. For the full trip details, routes and stops, read our how to get to Akumal guide. Here is only what matters for a day trip.

• Rental car or your own car: the most flexible option, and the only one that works for the cenote tours, because you follow the guide in your car.
• ADO bus + colectivo: there is no direct ADO bus to Akumal. People take ADO to Playa del Carmen or Tulum and continue by colectivo (shared van) along Highway 307. It is the cheapest way; fares change, so check the current price at the ticket office or with the driver.
• Taxi or private transfer: the most comfortable if you travel as a group or with kids. Agree the price before you get in.
• Private transfer through us: we arrange transfers only by WhatsApp (+52 1 984 278 1715). Message us before you book and we tell you what is possible for your date and hotel.

The best order is simple: turtles in the morning, the second activity after. The bay is calmer early, and you finish with time left for lunch and the road home.

• 8:45: arrive at the 7-Eleven Akumal (Calle 16) for the 9:00 turtles tour. We confirm your time by email after booking.
• 9:00–10:30: turtle snorkel in Akumal Bay, 1 hour in the water.
• Midday: lunch in Akumal, or go straight on to Yal-Kú lagoon (the combo does it for you) or to the cenotes by car.
• Afternoon: Yal-Kú lagoon closes at 17:00; Akumal facilities close at 17:30. Leave margin if you drive back to Cancún.

Prices below are the booking prices per adult, taken from our official sheets. Every tour starts at the 7-Eleven Akumal, Calle 16.

• Short on time (one morning): turtles snorkel. From $48 per person, departures every hour from 9:00 to 15:00. Works with a colectivo or taxi.
• Full day without a car: turtles + Yal-Kú combo. From $104 per person, departures from 9:00 to 13:00, includes the mototaxi between bay and lagoon.
• Lagoon only: Yal-Kú lagoon. From $67 per adult, 1 h 30 of guided snorkel; departures at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00.
• Turtles + cenote with a car: Turtles + Dos Ojos + Bat Cave. From $112 per person, departures at 9:00, 11:00 and 12:30. You need your own car or private transport.
• Cenote circuit with a car: 3 cenotes tour. From $79 per person, departures at 9:00, 11:00 and 12:30. Also needs a car.

There is parking next to the meeting point, open from 9:00 to 21:00 (access from 8:45). On the shared turtles tour the parking is $100 MXN in cash, paid there. On the private turtles tour it is included. Bathrooms, showers and lockers close at 17:30; a locker is $100 MXN, card only.

Private transfers are requested only by WhatsApp. Tell us your hotel, your date and how many of you are travelling, and we answer with what is possible. The tour itself you book and pay online, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.