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How do I Exchange Money?

Within Akumal 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 Akumal.  However most restaurants in Akumal accept only Mexican Pesos, US Dollars, or travelers checks. 

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 or Travelers Checks for Pesos at a Casa de Cambio or Exchange House.  DO NOT CHANGE MONEY AT THE AIRPORT.  The exchange rate at the airport is often one whole point below the bank exchange.  There are Casas de Cambio in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and here in Akumal.  In Akumal 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.

The best exchange rate is usually found at the banks in Playa del Carmen and Tulum  

Currently the exchange rate at local banks is stable right around 9.00 Pesos to $1.00 US.  (Ranging from 9 to 9.2) Meaning that something that is priced at 90.00 Mexican Pesos will cost you more or less $10.00 US.  The exchange rate at restaurants, grocery stores and boutiques is right around 8.5 pesos to the dollar.  

The gas stations have a very low exchange rate.  Try not to use US Dollars to pay for Gasoline.

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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 or Luna Azul.

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.

SAM'S Club, Costco and Wal-Mart all have locations in 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 Akumal.  

You can also swing by the grocery store (Super San Francisco) in Playa del Carmen on your way down.  A good selection of staples, fruits and vegetables and a nice bakery but few good meats.

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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.

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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 near the basketball courts in the center of Akumal. Peak Gym is very well equipped with brand new free weights and a large variety Medx equipment.  Usage fees are $8.00 US per day or $42.00 US per week.  Monthly memberships are also available for $50.00 US.  

You can find personal trainer, Susan Reagan, at the gym or at Turtle Bay Cafe to assist and inform you.  The Wellness Center offers a variety of service including massage, manicures and pedicures.  For more information see Roccio at Peak Gym.  If you would like to work out with Susan (we highly recommend her) you can make arrangements by e-mailing her directly.

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 Akumal ?

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 Akumal's 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.  It's hot though.  We recommend that you choose accommodations with air conditioning.

Autumn is great because you can get great rates on accommodations and enjoy the quiet.  Locals spend all day at Turtle Bay drinking coffee and enjoying the downtime.  

What about Restaurants?

Click here for more information on dining out or planning a special event. Akumal has 7 restaurants, each unique and pleasing.  Enjoy local specialties, warm baked goods, smoothies, fresh seafood and delicious Italian. 

Should I rent a Car? A Bike? A Golf Car?

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.  The rates are usually higher (around $65 US per day for VW Bug) when you rent locally, but if you only need a car for one or two days this is a great option.  

There are also golf carts available for rent in Akumal.  A golf cart is the perfect way to get around town and you get to avoid getting in and out of a hot car.  Golf Carts rent for $150.00 US per week and can be found at the offices of Akumal Direct Reservations and Luna Azul Condominiums, both located on Half Moon Bay.  Golf Carts are available for rent to adults 21 years and older with a valid drivers license.  A credit card is required as deposit.

There are some properties that include use of the golf cart with the rental.  This is great if you have a large family or group doing different activities.  One group can take the car and head out to explore ruins, the other can use the golf cart to go for a snorkel in the lagoon.

You can also find bicycles for rent at several locations around Akumal.  Bicycles are perfect for getting to and from town, the lagoon and local restuarants.  Bicycles rent for around $35 US per week.

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.  It costs about $160 Pesos each ($18 US) per person.  The buses are very comfortable and will definitely take the stress out of trying to find your way around.

What's the best way to get to Akumal from the Airport?

From the airport you can also catch the new "Riviera" Shuttle Bus whcih operates everyday between the Airport and Playa del Carmen.  The Shuttle Buses are air conditioned, have reclining seats, video and TV and bathrooms.  The cost of the Shuttle is 65.00 Pesos ($7.50) each way.  From Playa del Carmen you can easily catch a cab for another $25.00 US or grab a bus for another $2 or $3 US.  If you bring a bus into Akumal you will probably have to walk the half mile or so from the highway into town so you may want to think about a cab that can take right to your hotel, villa or condo. 

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 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.

Along Half Moon Bay, Elio of Lol-Kanab Condominiums and Hector of Luna Azul Condominiums will be happy to come and wake you up so that you can see either a female nesting or the babies hatching.  Just let them know and then expect a knock at your door.