How do I Exchange Money?
Within Tulum and around the Riviera Maya US Dollars are accepted at most businesses. You will find that VISA, MasterCard and American Express are also easily accepted in Cancun and by most hotels in Tulum. However several restaurants in Akumal and Tulum accept only Mexican Pesos and US Dollars.
A tip: If you would like to buy something that is priced in dollars it is best to pay with dollars.
You will probably find that you get the best deal if you exchange your US Dollars for Pesos at an ATM rather than at a Casa de Cambio or Exchange House. DO NOT CHANGE MONEY AT THE AIRPORT except on the domestic side, at the bank. The exchange rate at the airport is often one whole point below the bank exchange. There are Banks in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Akumal and in Tulum. If you are in Akumal and need to exchange money, the Casa de Cambio is located next door to The Original Akumal Dive Shop and is open 6 days a week, 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sundays until Noon.
But, the best exchange rate is usually found at the ATMs in Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Currently the exchange rate at local banks is stable right around 10.00 Pesos to $1.00 US. (Ranging from 10 to 13.4) Meaning that something that is priced at 100.00 Mexican Pesos will cost you more or less $10.00 US. The exchange rate at restaurants, grocery stores and boutiques is a bit higher.
The gas stations have a very low exchange rate. Try not to use US Dollars to pay for Gasoline.
Where to buy Groceries ?
Tulum has a large grocery store located on the right side of highway 307 as you enter town coming from Nah Alux. However if you turn left at the light you will find the Super Chomak.
Akumal has 1 Grocery Store located in the center of town. “Mini Super El Pueblo”, located just across the street is great for everyday standards. Their selection is limited but prices are very reasonable.
Fresh produce is available in Akumal Pueblo at the “Fruteria”, located on the main street or every Wednesday and Saturday at the fresh fruit and vegetable market in town near the basketball courts.
Costco and Wal-Mart have locations in Cancun and Sam’s Club is in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Costco and SAM’S both have USDA meat and a good selection of Cheeses and other staples. Cancun is about twenty minutes north of the airport and will add an extra hour to your drive time to Soliman Bay.
You can also swing by the grocery store, Chedraui on Hwy 307 just before Sam’s Club in Playa del Carmen on your way down. A good selection of staples, fruits and vegetables and a nice bakery but few good meats or on the right is the Soriaana Market.
Boutiques and Shopping?
Akumal has 6 boutiques. You can find antique furniture from the Haciendas of the Yucatan, hand woven wall hangings, pottery, Mexican handicrafts, beach wear and silver jewelry.
Each boutique is small and carries unique items that you won’t find at the arts and crafts stands along the highway. There is also great shopping along 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, a pedestrian walkway lined with musicians, small restaurants and boutiques. Tulum is also full of small boutiques.
Gym and Wellness Center?
If you are looking for a massage, pedicure, manicure or good work out, stop by Peak Gym and Wellness Center is located in Tulum. Peak Gym is very well equipped with brand new free weights and a large variety Medx equipment.
Community Organizations?
Akumal is a progressive community with a strong commitment to protecting the incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the area.
The CEA, Centro Ecologico de Akumal, Akumal’s Ecological Center is a driving force behind many of the conservation and preservation efforts throughout the region.
“Hekab Be”, Akumal’s Bilingual Library offers continuing adult education, Spanish, English and Mayan Language Classes and acts as a liaison between the tourist and foreign community and community schools.
When is the best time of year to visit ?
Well gosh, that really depends on what you’re looking for. High season begins on around the 20th of December each year. Christmas and New Year’s week are two of the busiest weeks of our year. It is also a great time to get away and enjoy the warm days and cool nights of the Mexican Caribbean. The water is usually very clear with temperatures in the high 70’s. The days are very nice and bright and the evenings cool.
Beginning in May the sea turtles will come out the sea to dig their nests and lay eggs on the Akumal and Soliman Bay beaches. This is incredible and very moving to see. May and June are great times of the year to be here. The water is warm, calm and clear. There are turtles everywhere and rental rates have all gone down for low season. Don’t forget to check out the summer solstice on June 21 from any of the Mayan ruins in the area. Each has its own unique display of sunlight designed by the ancients.
By July the turtle nests have begun hatching. Join our local turtle walk guides to see the baby turtles digging their way out of their nests and heading to the sea. A great time for families to be here. The water is incredible and you are almost guaranteed great weather. Autumn is also great because you can get great rates on accommodations and enjoy the quiet.
What about Restaurants?
Akumal and Tulum have many good restaurants, each unique and pleasing. Enjoy local specialties, warm baked goods, smoothies, fresh seafood and delicious Italian.
Should I rent a Car? A Bike?
If you choose to rent a car we recommend that you check out Travelocity.com. We have found that they have the best rental rates. There are rental car agencies in Akumal and Tulum. The rates are usually higher when you rent locally, but if you only need a car for one or two days this is a great option.
You can find bicycles for rent at several locations around Akumal. Bicycles are perfect for getting to and from town, the lagoon and local restuarants.
The local bus system is also very easy to use. Buses generally run every half hour between Tulum and Cancun. If you would like to visit Chichen Itza or Merida we recommend that you try one of the first class buses. The buses are very comfortable and will definitely take the stress out of trying to find your way around.
How do I see a Sea Turtle Nesting?
Sea Turtles have been returning to the beaches of Akumal and the Mexican Caribbean to nest for centuries. This is our legacy, to ensure their safe return to Akumal beaches for generations to come.
Begining in May and through September, female sea turtles will make their way out of the sea to the beaches where they will hopefully dig their nests and deposit eggs. A female sea turtle may come ashore many times before finally laying her eggs.
It is a very moving thing to see. The huge female lumbering ashore. She is completely exhausted after digging her nest and will have to take many rest breaks as she crawls back into the sea.
The eggs mature in 58 days Right around the begining of July we will see baby turtles dig their way out of their nests and begin the journey back to the sea.
The best way to see a sea turtle nesting or the baby turtles hatching is on the CEA turtle walk. Guided by a trained volunteer, these turtle walks patrol the beaches at night to watch for females and mark their nests. On occasion, when nests are in an area that places them at high risk, the volunteers will collect the eggs and bury them in a protected nesting area.
Submit your review | |
. My son enjoyed snorkeling there even more than Xel-Ha because the water wasn’t as deep and it was easier for him. One evening (our last) we were coming in from the bay and he said mom look at all these fish – we were almost to shore, so I put my goggles on and looked and we were right in the middle of a huge school of fish that were just swimming circles around us…it was awesome! We left a small life jacket there (and something else but I forgot what it was ha!) for future guests and we really appreciate all of the little details that you have… we really enjoyed playing uno in the evenings.