Getting Around
62 miles separate Akumal from the Cancun airport. The distance can be covered by rental car, taxi, shuttle, bus, colectivo, or hop on our party bus!
Once in Akumal, golf carts and bikes can be rented to get
around town. From
the highway, it's a quarter mile stroll into Akumal, and from there,
it's a 20-minute walk to the Vista del Mar. Gas per gallon is a few tenths of a dollar less
than its cost in the United States.
Rental cars are available at the Cancun airport, in Playa del Carmen, or in Akumal. If you rent at the airport, you've got your ride to and from Akumal.
Loco Gringo
has a list of car rental agencies in Cancun. Heidi, our wedding
coordinator and Vista del Mar manager, recommends Easy Way Car Rental (please mention she referred you). Our browsing turned up the lowest rates at
Cancun Car Rental.
We contacted them about a wedding discount, and they offered
a 5% discount if we rent at least two vans for the week. Full coverage, zero deductible insurance is
highly recommended.
TAXIS
The cab fare from the Cancun airport to Akumal is
a steep $80-$90. Akumal to Playa del Carmen: $20 - $25. Akumal to
Tulum: $15 - $20. Central Akumal to Vista del Mar: $3. Needless to say,
relying on taxis is expensive. But if that's your preference, there's
usually a taxi waiting at the main entrance to Akumal. It's advised to
first agree on a price with the driver.
SHUTTLE
Shuttle services take reservations for transfer between the airport and Akumal. Akumal Transfer advertises a per person cost of $21, but that's likely assuming a full load as other agencies quote $100-$150/van.
BUSES & COLECTIVOS
"First-class" buses with assigned seating are a great deal at $4 - $7,
but they only operate between terminals in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and
Tulum. "Second-class" buses, or colectivos, cost even less (for short trips) and make frequent stops. Colectivos run through Akumal about every hour. There seems to be some overlap between colectivos and shuttles, so know your cost before you start.
There are perks to having your own rental car, but consider renting a van with other guests. Sharing a van conserves gas, saves money, requires fewer designated drivers and let's face it, it's way more fun.
At Cancun Car Rental, with full coverage and after a 5% discount (with rental of two vans), a weekly van rental costs $840. Shared between the maximum capacity of 11 people, that's a cost of $76/person, or between 8 people, that's $105/person.
If interested in a "party bus," let us know by email or the RSVP
form. We will confirm costs with you and review flight times to assure
airport transfer before making a reservation.
A party bus is a great option for travelers on the Seattle group flight.
GOLF CARTS & BIKES
Cars are allowed on roads in Akumal, but distances
are short enough that golf carts and bikes are a fun alternative. (It's
5 miles from Yal-Ku Lagoon to Akumal Bay, with Vista del Mar in the
middle.)
Electric golf carts are available for $210/week and bikes for $35/week from Akumal Guide. No, silly, golf carts are not allowed on the highway.