Rating8.2Adults OnlyRating8.3Adults OnlyNon-motorized water sports, fitness classes, and daytime pool activities are all included. Motorized water sports and off-site excursions like cenote tours, deep-sea fishing, and the private sea turtle snorkel tour carry additional fees. The turtle snorkel from the beach is free with the resort's complimentary gear — the paid guided tour adds a naturalist and closer encounter. Scuba diving is available at extra cost with certified instruction; certification courses can be arranged.
The largest pool, positioned closest to the beach with an infinity edge facing the Caribbean. This is the social hub — swim-up bar, animation activities, and the highest traffic throughout the day. Best early morning or evening if you want a lane to yourself. Gets crowded by 10 a.m. in high season.
Designated adult relaxation pool away from the main activity area. Fountain features, no music or organized activities. The right choice if you want to read poolside without noise. Loungers here are easier to secure than at the main infinity pool.
A third pool option that provides overflow capacity. Less distinctive than the infinity pool or quiet pool — more of a practical alternative when the others are at capacity.
A protected cove with calm, shallow, clear water — notably different from the open-surf beaches at Cancún or Playa del Carmen. The bay is part of Akumal's well-documented sea turtle habitat; green turtles feed on seagrass in the shallows and are present on most mornings year-round. Sand is white and coarse rather than powdery — typical for this section of Riviera Maya. The beach is not large — a single crescent cove — which means it fills up in high season. No seaweed (sargassum) intrusion has been documented here at the level seen at northern Riviera Maya beaches, though seasonal variation occurs.
Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear (masks, fins, life vests), and boogie boards are included and available from the beach. The snorkel gear is the standout item — Akumal Bay's calm shallow water and active turtle population make this genuinely worth doing.
Daytime animation program runs at the main pool — water aerobics, pool games, and organized activities. Lighter and more relaxed than typical Mexican all-inclusive resorts. Easy to avoid if you want a quiet pool day.
Tennis courts available on property. Equipment rental available. Courts are lit for evening play. Not a major tennis resort — one or two courts, not a full academy setup.
Organized volleyball at both the beach and pool areas. Included in daily animation schedule. Good for guests who want some structured activity without signing up for anything formal.
Included daytime activities. Pickleball has grown in popularity on property — courts may be in demand during peak hours.
Scheduled archery sessions run by the activities team. Included. Brief sessions rather than extended range time — accessible for beginners.
Yoga, stretching, and aqua aerobics classes scheduled throughout the week. Included. Schedule posted in the app daily.
Full gym with cardio machines and free weights. Open daily, 24-hour access. Included. Standard resort fitness center — functional but not large.
Live shows at the theater most evenings — theme nights, cover bands, cultural performances. Quality is solid for an all-inclusive. Shows start around 9:30 p.m.; arrive early for good seats.
The on-property late-night option. Opens after the main show (around 10:30 p.m.). More of a lounge with a DJ than a full nightclub. Fine for a couple of hours post-dinner.
Daytime bingo sessions — a staple of the Secrets activities program. Low-key, social, included.
Hands-on cooking demonstrations and classes scheduled during the week. Includes a Mayan cacao ceremony (see below). Good options for guests who want something more educational.
Group lessons included in the daily schedule. Salsa and merengue sessions are typical. Casual and social rather than serious instruction.
Periodic market-style event on property with local artisans and vendors. Schedule varies — check the app.
Available at extra cost through the resort's dive operation. Akumal Bay is adjacent to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — one of the better shore-accessible dive sites in Riviera Maya. PADI certification courses available. Book in advance as dive slots fill.
Off-site charters available at additional cost. Half-day and full-day trips to open water. Arrange through the concierge.
Shooting range experience available on property at extra cost. Niche activity — clay shooting or target range depending on scheduling.
No on-site golf course. Several courses accessible within 20-45 minutes — Gran Coyote Golf, Mayakoba, and El Camaleón. Arrange transfers and tee times through the concierge.
The outdoor hydrotherapy circuit includes sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and cold plunge. Available at extra cost unless included in your Preferred Club package. Worth the add-on for a half-day spa visit.
A program allowing Secrets Akumal guests to dine at neighboring Secrets, Dreams, and Breathless properties in the area. Check specific terms and conditions at check-in — not all neighboring properties participate at all times.
A guided ceremonial experience exploring the Mayan use of cacao. Approximately 60-90 minutes. Unique to the region and more substantive than a typical resort cultural demonstration.
Guided bike tours to the nearby village of Akumal — about 1 km from the resort. Good for exploring local shops, cenotes near town, and the community. Check the schedule at activities desk.
A paid upgrade from the free beach snorkel — includes a naturalist guide, better access to turtle feeding areas, and smaller group sizes. Worth it for guests who want a focused wildlife encounter rather than independent snorkeling.
The Riviera Maya cenote network is accessible within 15-45 minutes of the resort. Popular options include Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, and Casa Cenote near Tulum. The concierge can arrange transfers and entry tickets — plan a half-day.