Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Map (Most Up-To-Date)
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya runs in a jungle framed horseshoe around Akumal Bay, with oceanfront Preferred Club buildings facing the active Infinity Pool and beach, and quieter Unlimited Luxury buildings set deeper in the gardens near the Lagoon Pool and lobby. Key planning choices are building zone, proximity to pools versus lobby, and how far you want to walk to snorkeling access in the bay.
| Area / Zone | Best For | Key Tip | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanfront Preferred Club, Buildings 1 and 6 | Social guests who want surf sound, fast beach access, and views | Expect lively days near Infinity Pool, Barracuda Bar, and organized activities | Music, microphones, and pool games can carry into lower and mid floors |
| Mid Preferred Club band, Buildings 2 to 5 | Couples wanting upgraded perks but a softer noise profile | These sit between lobby path and beach, balancing quick access to lounge and restaurants | Some rooms see partial ocean only, foliage and other buildings can block sightlines |
| Central Quiet or Lagoon Pool zone, near Buildings 7 and 8 | Readers, low key couples, and spa focused stays | Anchor yourself near Lagoon Pool for shaded loungers, bar service, and easy spa reach | Longer walk to Infinity Pool and beach in heat, especially mid afternoon |
| Jungle lobby and spa plateau, Buildings 8 and 9 | Guests prioritizing lobby, theater, and evening bar access | Great base for late shows, quick lobby bar visits, and early excursions check in | Expect no ocean views, outlooks are dense tropical foliage and internal paths |
| Akumal beachfront, Infinity Pool and Barracuda strip | Beach walkers, snorkelers, and people watching | Use beachfront boardwalks to move between PC beach, water sports hut, and public section | Snorkel zones are regulated, you cannot freely swim everywhere to chase turtles |
| Akumal gate and off property running route toward Pueblo and Yal Ku | Runners and explorers wanting local flavor | From main gate, follow paved road toward Pueblo for a repeatable out and back | Heat, traffic, and uneven shoulders require morning starts and strong situational awareness |
2025 Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Map + Printable PDF (Official 2020 Edition)
The core layout remains a horseshoe of 11 buildings wrapped around three main pool zones, with the beach and Akumal Bay forming the open side. Preferred Club buildings still occupy the ocean forward arc, while Unlimited Luxury rooms anchor the garden and lobby side. Snorkeling access continues to be structured by buoyed federal zones, and transfers now reasonably consider both Cancun and the newer Tulum airport as arrival gateways.
2025 Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Map Guide
Use the map by thinking in three axes, ocean to jungle, quiet to social, and lobby to beach. Buildings 1 through 6 and the Infinity Pool define the active beachfront axis, while Buildings 7 through 9, the Lagoon Pool, spa, and lobby form the shaded jungle side. Walking paths link these bands in gentle curves, so trip types, from snorkel heavy, pool social, or spa centered, are mainly a question of which band you choose as home base.
How is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya laid out across buildings, pools, and beach zones?
Secrets Akumal forms a horseshoe of 11 buildings around three pools, opening onto Akumal Bay with active, mid, and quiet beachfront zones.
The estate sits as a jungle framed U that opens toward the Caribbean. Preferred Club buildings 1 and 6 sit closest to the sea beside the Infinity Pool and Barracuda beach bar, creating the loudest, most social beachfront band. Buildings 2 to 5 fill the mid belt, still ocean oriented but slightly set back for softer noise and fast access to the Preferred Club lounge, Seaside Grill, and Oceana.
Unlimited Luxury buildings 7, 8, and 9 close the horseshoe near the lobby, spa, theater, and the shaded Lagoon Quiet Pool. Curving paths link lobby plateau to beach in about 5 to 8 minutes, crossing the mid Social Pool zone before reaching the roped Preferred Club beach and public snorkeling entry along Akumal Bay.
Where are the restaurants and bars located within Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya?
Restaurants cluster in the interior near the pools while bars anchor the lobby, Infinity Pool deck, and Akumal beachfront.
Dining and drinking venues run in a band from the lobby plateau down toward the Infinity Pool and beach, with most restaurants just inland of the pools.
- Market Café, Bordeaux, Himitsu, Portofino, and El Patio sit in the main indoor restaurant core, reached off the central walkways between lobby area and pools.
- Oceana is an oceanfront open air restaurant along the beachfront band, ideal for sunsets overlooking Akumal Bay.
- Seaside Grill sits by the main pool and oceanfront, serving as a casual lunch spot by day and grill venue by night.
- Barefoot Grill is on or near the Infinity Pool deck, providing pizzas and snacks within a few steps of the water.
- Coco Café functions as the 24 hour coffee and snack hub in the interior circulation zone, convenient from multiple buildings.
- Manatees is the swim up bar in the Infinity Pool, serving guests directly in the water.
- Sugar Reef works as the primary pool deck bar, supplying loungers around the main beachfront pool zone.
- Barracuda sits directly on the sand with swing seats, anchoring the central beachfront bar scene.
- Rendezvous is the circular lobby bar on the upper plateau, acting as the pre dinner and post dinner social hub.
- Desires Lounge is positioned near the theater area, operating as the nighttime sports bar and late night club space.
What is the current activities and entertainment schedule at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya?
Schedules change by season, but expect rotating daily activities by the pools and bay, plus nightly theater shows and late night music at Desires.
The exact timing and line up vary, but the daily pattern is fairly consistent across stays.
- Daytime usually centers on pool and beach activities, with staff led games and organized options like kayak outings from the Akumal Bay waterfront.
- Low key activities such as archery or informal classes, including Spanish lessons, appear on many days for guests who want something structured.
- Evenings focus on theater shows, including rotating circus style productions, rock themed nights, and Mayan influenced performances.
- Once per week a fire show is typically staged on the beach, drawing guests toward the shoreline after dinner.
- Late night energy shifts to Desires Lounge, which works first as a sports bar, then as a small nightclub with dancing.
What notable attractions and places to visit are near Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya?
From Akumal you are minutes from Yal Ku and cenotes, with Tulum and Coba ruins close enough for easy half or full day trips.
Several high value nature and culture stops sit within a short drive of Secrets Akumal.
- Akumal Bay turtle zones, directly off the resort beach, provide regulated snorkeling circuits where guides help you see resident sea turtles.
- Public Akumal beachfront just along the bay serves as a staging point for independent turtle tours and small local operators.
- Akumal Pueblo across the highway connects you with the local community and the paved road runners use toward Yal Ku Lagoon.
- Yal Ku Lagoon sits within roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi, offering calm mixed fresh and saltwater snorkeling away from surf.
- Cenote Dos Ojos and nearby cenote corridors lie within about 15 minutes, giving access to clear underground river swimming.
- Tulum Ruins about 25 to 30 kilometers south work well as an early morning half day outing before tour buses arrive.
- Coba Ruins roughly 75 kilometers inland suit a longer cultural day, pairing jungle roads with time to climb ancient structures.
What transportation options are available from Cancun airport to Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya?
From Cancun you can reach Secrets Akumal by private van, slower shared shuttles included in packages, or bare bones colectivos along Highway 307.
From Cancun Airport there are three main workable ways to reach the resort.
- Private transfer: Pre booked vans run direct from CUN to the lobby in about 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 45, typically costing around 110 to 160 USD roundtrip per vehicle.
- Shared shuttle: Often bundled with tour operator packages, these wait to fill and make multiple resort stops, so Akumal transfers can stretch close to 3 hours.
- Colectivo van: Very cheap highway shuttles drop passengers near the Akumal entrance on 307, leaving you roadside with luggage and needing a final taxi or walk, so they are rarely suitable for luxury travelers.
Which buildings or room locations at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya offer the best ocean views?
Best ocean views come from Preferred Club buildings 1 and 6 on the beachfront arc, with limited partial views from some mid band PC buildings.
Ocean exposure at Secrets Akumal is concentrated in the ocean forward Preferred Club arc, with views dropping off as you move toward the lobby.
- Preferred Club buildings 1 and 6 sit closest to Akumal Bay, beside the Infinity Pool and beach bar, and provide the clearest, most direct ocean facing outlooks.
- Preferred Club buildings 2 to 5 run just behind this front line, so some suites hold angled or filtered ocean glimpses combined with quick access to PC lounge and dining.
- Unlimited Luxury buildings 7, 8, and 9 are set deep in the gardens near the lobby and Quiet Pool, delivering only tropical or internal views rather than ocean.
- Guests who see ocean views as essential typically book a Preferred Club category, since meaningful water outlooks are described as almost exclusively within these buildings.
Where are the Preferred Club lounges, pools, and beach areas located at Secrets Akumal?
Preferred Club hubs sit in the oceanfront buildings, with a central lounge, roped beach section, and easy access to Infinity and Quiet pools.
Preferred Club spaces cluster along the ocean facing arc of buildings 1 through 6 and the mid resort pool band.
- Preferred Club rooms occupy the ocean forward buildings, putting guests closest to the Infinity Pool deck and Akumal Bay.
- The Preferred Club Lounge sits centrally near the Seaside Grill area and mid buildings, convenient from both lobby side and beachfront.
- Seaside Grill on the ocean side serves as the exclusive à la carte breakfast spot for Preferred Club guests each morning.
- A roped Preferred Club beach section runs in front of the PC buildings, with upgraded loungers, Bali beds, and quicker drink service.
- Preferred Club guests use all pools, but most drift between the lively Infinity Pool and the quieter Lagoon Pool deeper in the gardens.
How walkable is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, including the walking distance from lobby to beach?
The resort is fully walkable, with a shaded 5 to 8 minute stroll from lobby plateau to Akumal beach for most able bodied guests.
Secrets Akumal is compact enough to cover on foot, but paths curve through dense gardens rather than running in straight lines. A direct line from lobby to beach might be about 400 meters, while the actual winding route can exceed 500 meters, translating to roughly 5 to 8 minutes each way. Shade from the jungle canopy keeps paths cooler, yet humidity and repeated trips can create distance fatigue, especially for guests with mobility limits.
For those using wheelchairs or walkers, everything is technically accessible, but the repeated lobby to beach traverse can feel long in the heat. Elevators and ramps keep routes step free, though occasional surface changes near decks and beach boardwalks require attention. Mobility limited guests often prefer centrally located buildings 4 or 5 to split the distance between lobby, restaurants, pools, and shoreline.
How do Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya and Secrets Maroma Beach compare in layout and on-site amenities?
Akumal is a jungle wrapped, snorkeling focused U shaped resort; Secrets Maroma is grand, manicured, and all about its wide powder soft beach.
Akumal and Maroma both run full scale adults only all inclusive operations, but their layouts and water use are very different.
| Aspect | Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya | Secrets Maroma Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall layout | Horseshoe of buildings around three pools, wrapped in dense jungle | More grand and manicured, oriented to wide open beachfront sightlines |
| Beach feel | Narrower, more natural bay with seagrass and ecological protection | Exceptionally wide, powder soft sand with postcard turquoise water |
| Water use | Bay is about turtles, rays, coral, and guided snorkeling circuits | Water is mostly open sand, ideal for straightforward swimming and wading |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, enclosed, discovery focused paths through thick foliage | Big resort feel, airy views and formal, highly groomed grounds |
| On site focus | Nature integration, snorkeling operations, and quiet jungle zones | Classic beach resort experience centered on walking and blue water swimming |
In practice, choose Akumal if you prioritize snorkeling and a jungle enclosed layout, and choose Maroma if you mainly want a spectacular, wide, swim friendly beach with grand open views.
Which offers better snorkeling, Secrets Akumal beach or nearby Akumal Bay?
For reliable turtle encounters, guided circuits from Akumal Bay’s public zones beat casual, unguided snorkeling directly off the Secrets beach.
The resort frontage and Akumal Bay are the same body of water, but regulations create two very different experiences.
| Spot | Access model | Typical wildlife experience | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secrets Akumal beachfront “free zone” | Walk in from resort, no guide required | Occasional turtles, reef fish, seagrass meadows, not guaranteed sightings | Casual dips between pool time and short independent snorkels | Federal rules limit how far you can roam, turtle encounters are hit or miss |
| Guided Akumal Bay turtle circuits (Zones 1 and 2) | Booked tour with certified guide from public beach | High chance of multiple turtles, rays, coral heads along set routes | Guests who want a focused turtle outing and photos | Life vests and group routes are enforced, less freedom to wander |
| Yal Ku and nearby lagoon style spots | Short taxi from resort, paid entrance, no boat traffic | Calm mixed fresh and saltwater, many fish, fewer turtles | Snorkeling without surf in a more controlled setting | Not directly walkable, feels more like a managed park than wild bay |
In practice, treat the Secrets beachfront as your convenient, low effort snorkel zone, and use guided Akumal Bay circuits or nearby lagoons when a dedicated, high probability turtle session is the priority.
How does Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya compare with other all-inclusive resorts in the Akumal area?
Compared with other Riviera Maya all inclusives, Secrets Akumal is mid sized, jungle wrapped, and snorkeling led rather than beach or pool led.
Secrets Akumal sits in a competitive set where each nearby luxury resort leans on a different map strength and water use pattern.
| Resort / Area | Map and setting vs Akumal | Best suited traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya | Horseshoe layout in dense jungle on a turtle bay, with three pools and structured snorkel zones | Guests who value turtles, reef life, and shaded paths more than big open resort vistas |
| Secrets Maroma Beach | Grander, more manicured grounds oriented to a wide, powder soft, swim friendly beach | Walkers and classic beach lovers who want long shoreline strolls and turquoise water swimming |
| Secrets Impression Moxché | Ultra modern, pool complex focused estate with cenote style pools and weaker, rockier beach | Pool people and food focused travelers who care more about on site design than natural bay use |
| Excellence Riviera Cancun | Classic colonial style near Puerto Morelos with lazy river feel and very short airport transfer | Short stay guests prioritizing quick transfers and a traditional, open resort layout over snorkeling |
In broad terms, pick Secrets Akumal for nature integration and a living bay, and look to its regional competitors if your priority is iconic sand, statement pools, or minimal travel time.
Where are the main snorkeling spots located around Akumal Bay near Secrets Akumal?
Key snorkeling spots cluster along the Secrets beachfront free zone, guided turtle circuits from the public beach, and the nearby Yal Ku Lagoon.
Most practical snorkel entries sit within a short walk or quick taxi of the resort.
- Secrets Akumal beachfront free zone lies directly in front of the resort’s roped beach, where you can wade in for independent snorkels over seagrass and reef fish.
- Guided turtle circuits in federal Zones 1 and 2 start from the public Akumal beach area just along the bay, reached by walking the shoreline or a short taxi.
- Independent operators on the public Akumal beachfront stage small group turtle tours that follow the same regulated buoyed routes through the prime feeding grounds.
- Yal Ku Lagoon, a brief taxi ride from the resort, sits just off the bay’s northern side and offers calm, mixed fresh and saltwater snorkeling in a managed setting.
Where is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya within the Riviera Maya relative to major resorts and cenotes?
Secrets Akumal sits mid corridor on Highway 307, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, close to cenote country and south of most big name resorts.
Secrets Akumal lies at roughly Kilometer 254 of Federal Highway 307, deep in the Riviera Maya corridor. It sits well south of Puerto Morelos and Excellence Riviera Cancun, and south of Secrets Maroma Beach and the Playa del Carmen cluster that includes Secrets Impression Moxché. From Akumal, Tulum Ruins are about 25 to 30 kilometers further down the coast, while Coba sits inland.
The immediate hinterland is cenote country, with Yal Ku Lagoon and cenotes such as Dos Ojos reachable in roughly a 10 to 15 minute driving radius.
What is the layout of Secrets Impression Moxché resort in the Riviera Maya?
Secrets Impression Moxché centers guest flow around elaborate cenote style pools and rooftop decks, with a secondary, narrower and rockier beach front.
Secrets Impression Moxché sits in the Playa del Carmen zone as a higher tier, design forward sibling to Secrets Akumal. The physical experience is pool led, not beach led. The main accommodation blocks frame a network of man made cenote style pools that function as the resort’s core circulation and relaxation zone. Rooftop decks sit above this interior water grid and act as premium viewpoints and social spaces, while the coastline itself is described as more eroded and rocky, so fewer guests treat the beach as their primary daily anchor.
Which pool areas at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya are typically the quietest and most suitable for couples?
The quietest couple friendly spots are the Lagoon Quiet Pool near buildings 7 and 8 and shaded corners of the mid Social Pool.
The best calm pool time comes from choosing your zone and timing.
- Lagoon Quiet Pool, deep in the gardens near buildings 7 and 8, enforces a no music, low noise vibe with bar service for readers and nappers.
- Garden side loungers at the Social Pool usually stay calmer than the oceanfront edge, especially outside midday activity times.
- Spa hydrotherapy pool provides the most secluded water time for couples, accessed through the Secrets Spa by Pevonia circuit rather than as a general resort pool.
How accessible is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya for wheelchair users, and what are the main step-free routes?
Secrets Akumal is broadly wheelchair friendly with elevators, ramps, and boardwalks, but winding paths make lobby to beach runs long and tiring.
Secrets Akumal meets modern accessibility standards, so every accommodation building has elevators and all major level changes use ramps instead of stairs. Primary paths are paved concrete or stone and form a main step free spine from lobby plateau through the central restaurant band, past the pools, and onto wooden boardwalks behind the sand. That route keeps you on smooth surfaces right down to the edge of the beach zone.
The challenge is distance fatigue. The shaded but curving lobby to beach route takes roughly 5 to 8 minutes each way and can feel long in humidity, especially in a manual chair. Near pool decks and beach access, surfaces shift to decking with small lips, and soft sand still separates boardwalks from the waterline. Guests with limited mobility often request centrally located buildings 4 or 5 and consider renting a scooter plus pre arranging beach wheelchair use with concierge.
What should I pack for a one-week stay at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya?
Pack light breathable outfits, two long pants for dinners, reef safe sun gear, snorkel kit, a rash guard, small tips cash, and a few room comforts.
For a week you want to cover dress codes, sun, and water time without overpacking.
- 2 pairs of lightweight long trousers for men to meet the evening restaurant dress requirements.
- Reef safe, biodegradable sunscreen plus a long sleeve rash guard for strong Caribbean sun.
- Your own mask and snorkel if you care about fit and want frequent Akumal Bay sessions.
- Flip flops or sandals plus one nicer pair of shoes for dinners and lobby evenings.
- Small Bluetooth speaker for low volume in room music and clear luggage tags for airport handling.
- A supply of small bills in USD or pesos for tipping standout service across the week.
What is a good suggested 5-day itinerary at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya and nearby areas?
A strong 5 day plan alternates bay snorkeling, ruins, cenotes, spa time, and quiet pool hours with varied dinners around the restaurant circuit.
Use 5 days to rotate nature, culture, and recovery without rushing.
- Day 1, Arrival: Check in, unpack, then settle at the Infinity Pool before sunset drinks at Barracuda on the sand and dinner at Oceana.
- Day 2, The Bay: Book early morning snorkeling to beat crowds, spend the afternoon around the main pool, and dress up for Bordeaux.
- Day 3, History: Leave around 8:00 for Tulum Ruins, return by midday, then use the hydrotherapy circuit before a Mexican dinner at El Patio.
- Day 4, Cenotes: Head to Yal Ku Lagoon or Cenote Dos Ojos in the morning, enjoy the Fire Show in the evening, and reserve Teppanyaki at Himitsu.
- Day 5, Wind down: Join morning yoga, read at the Lagoon Quiet Pool, then finish with a long brunch at Market Café before transfer.
What is the floor plan and room layout of the Preferred Club Junior Suite at Secrets Akumal?
Preferred Club Junior Suites are open plan rooms around 544 sq ft, with open vanity, separate WC and shower, and bedroom leading to a terrace tub.
The Preferred Club Junior Suite uses the same basic Junior Suite footprint, with the upgrade coming from location and service rather than a different internal layout. You enter into a corridor where the double vanity and open bathroom zone sit partially exposed to the bedroom. The toilet is in its own enclosed water closet and the rain shower is in a glass stall, but there is no full door separating the whole bathroom area from the rest of the room.
Beyond this, the sleeping and lounging area flows as one space toward sliding doors that open to the terrace or balcony. A two person hydro tub is either near the terrace doors or visually separated from the bed only by sliding wooden shutters, reinforcing the couple focused, open concept layout typical of these suites.
Where can guests run or jog at Secrets Akumal, and are there marked running paths?
Runners use the resort’s looping paths for short jogs and the Akumal Pueblo road toward Yal Ku for a longer, roughly 5 km out and back.
There is no formal marked running track, but several workable options exist.
- On property, follow the main concrete paths in loops between lobby, restaurant band, pools, and back, watching for pedestrians and electric carts.
- For a longer route, exit via the main drive to the gate and use the overpass toward Akumal Pueblo rather than trying to cross Highway 307 at grade.
- From Pueblo, continue along the paved road toward Yal Ku Lagoon for a repeatable out and back of roughly 5 km through light traffic and jungle edges.
- Run at first light or near sunset, carry water, and use high visibility clothing because humidity and passing vehicles increase risk and fatigue.
How do Secrets Akumal and Excellence Riviera Cancun compare in distance and travel time from Cancun airport?
Excellence Riviera Cancun is much closer to Cancun airport, while Secrets Akumal usually takes about three to four times longer by road.
| Resort | Approx distance from CUN | Typical private transfer time | Transfer profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellence Riviera Cancun | ~23 km / 14 mi | ~25 minutes in normal traffic | Very short hop, minimal highway time and fewer congestion points |
| Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya | ~92 km / 57 mi | ~80 to 105 minutes depending on conditions | Long corridor run past Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen |
For short stays or late arrivals, Excellence often feels far more convenient. For guests committed to Akumal’s bay and turtles, the longer highway run is simply the admission price to that micro destination.
What are the restaurant dress codes at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya?
Bordeaux, Himitsu, Portofino and El Patio require long pants for men, while other restaurants and daytime spots stay mostly casual.
Dress rules split into long pants venues and more relaxed casual spots.
- Bordeaux, Himitsu, Portofino, El Patio: Men must wear long pants such as jeans, chinos, or similar, and dress shorts are often turned away.
- Market Café buffet: Casual, so neat shorts and sandals are fine for breakfast, lunch, and most dinners.
- Oceana: Oceanfront with a slightly smarter feel, but no specific long pants rule is highlighted in operations.
- Seaside Grill and Barefoot Grill: Poolside and beachside lunch locations that operate on a casual, come from the pool standard.
- Coco Café and all bars: Casual at all times, suitable for resort wear and comfortable footwear.
Archive Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Map
Below is the official map version released for Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya 2020.
2020-2025 Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Map (Official 2020 Edition)
