This Small Beach Town Near Cancun Is One Of Mexico’s Most Stunning Destinations

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If your Cancun trip solely revolves around the Hotel Zone and downtown bars, we hate to break it to you— you've been missing out on one of Mexico's most stunning getaways.

Of course, Cancun is downright stunning in its own right; otherwise, it wouldn't be America's favorite vacation destination year after year.

However, not all Cancun trips are created equal, especially with new resorts popping up and the Maya Train finally getting its you-know-what together with far fewer hiccups than it first began chugging along some of Mexico's most fascinating destinations.

Day trips have long been common from Cancun, but they're becoming even more popular given the newfound hype of the surrounding area, largely driven by the train's easy connections.

Though there's one map-dot beach town sandwiched between Playa del Carmen and Tulum that's long been a Travel Off Path favorite, offering pristine beaches, up-close wildlife encounters, and a handful of posh resorts away from the clustered Hotel Zone.

Akumal: Size Doesn't Matter In This Map-Dot Town

Akumal is truly a real-life postcard; a place where photos don't do it justice.

You may see tour operators throughout Cancun advertising Akumal excursions, but that's where we say not all Cancun trips are created equal, as there's an endless list of things to do, see, and eat.

When it comes to Akumal, you can't let the old adage ‘size matters' deter you from visiting.

I mean, look at Isla Mujeres now — it's skyrocketed to new fame. Even though the same could be said for Akumal years ago, it's been lost in the sauce of trendier destinations as of late.

One reason Akumal has slightly fallen to the wayside is that it's inaccessible via the Maya Train — you would zoom right by down to Tulum.

Plus, Akumal's neighbors are more renowned. When you look across the bay and see glimpses of Cozumel, and have Playa del Carmen to the north and Tulum to the south, sometimes travelers are like moths to a flame.

Those unaware of Akumal's sheer beauty, laid-back resorts, and phenomenal excursions end up passing it by without realizing they’ve skipped one of the Riviera Maya’s most breathtaking beach escapes.

But one of it's most sought-after attraction is a bucket-list item.

In Akumal, You Are Turtley Enough For The Turtle Club

Akumal's claim to fame has long been its sea turtle encounters — with rules to follow, of course.

Throughout the paradisal Akumal Bay, you'll always find groups of snorkelers enjoying a nice swim with sea turtles.

Rich in seagrass, it's a draw for various turtle species to safely graze in the shallow waters (also family-friendly).

You'll find Green turtles (the most common), Loggerheads, and Hawksbills, but it's important to know some key rules before visiting:

• Must use a certified guide
• Rules are strictly enforced for no touching, chasing, or crowding turtles 
• Hourly tours are typically under $50, depending on operator
• Use reef-safe sunblock
• Bring cash for beach entry fee (approximately $6)

Turtles tend to make appearances year-round, but nesting season is May through November, so expect more activity then.

One thing tour guides won't tell you is not to take an Uber from Cancun. Most tourists book through an official guide with transit included, or they're coming from a nearby resort in Akumal.

If you do Uber down, prepare to have to grab a pricey taxi back (another reason to ensure you have cash).

An Underrated Resort Town: Find All-Inclusives & Adults-Only Stays

Look, there's nothing wrong with following the crowd to the same-o resorts with a gazillion reviews online.

We scour through reviews too to help us find a place to kick back and relax poolside with a cocktail in hand.

But not everyone wants Spring Breaker vibes with foam parties and “untz-untzing” in the background.

Akumal has a few resorts in mind for those seeking a more laid-back vacation away from Cancun's bustle:

• Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – a 5-star all-inclusive, adults-only resort with prime snorkeling access
• Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal – a beachfront all-inclusive set on calm turquoise water
• Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an – an adults-only, all-inclusive hideaway tucked in the jungle with easy shuttle access to Akumal’s beaches

For what it's worth, I've had the great pleasure of staying at 2 Secrets properties this year. You can read all about why I've fallen in love with this brand and would definitely choose them over others: here and here.