Akumal Reef

Protected Area

Playa Tortuguera X'cacel-X'cacelito

Why dive here

With 417+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Akumal Reef offers some of Yucatán Cenotes's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBarracuda, Bull Sharks, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Hammerhead Sharks · 417+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Akumal Reef, just a stone's throw from the Akumal Bay crowds, often gets overlooked for the cenotes. That’s a mistake, we think. This isn't a deep dive, peaking at about 17 metres, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in sheer visibility and that classic Caribbean vibe. We love the feeling of drifting over the sandy patches, knowing a green sea turtle or a hawksbill is probably just around the corner, munching on seagrass. The reef itself is a pretty healthy example of the Mesoamerican system. You’ll find some respectable brain corals and those big, plate-like starlet corals. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we've spotted some brilliant Roughhead Triplefins tucked into crevices and the occasional Shy Brotula peeking out. Current here is usually mild, making it a very relaxed dive. It’s perfect for divers who want easy entry, predictable conditions, and a strong chance of hanging out with some very chill turtles.