Playa Akun: A Beautiful Hidden Beach Near Tulum

Playa Akun is a hidden public beach 10-15 minutes south of Tulum's main beach zone, same stunning turquoise water and white sand but with far fewer crowds, no beach club fees, and good shore snorkeling near Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. This is what Tulum beaches felt like before the influencers arrived. Limited facilities (basic restaurants, some palapas), so bring snacks and shade if needed. Access via unpaved road off the coastal highway.

What is Playa Akun?

Playa Akun is a public beach located south of Tulum's hotel zone, near the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. It offers the same stunning turquoise Caribbean water and white sand that Tulum is famous for, but with a fraction of the crowds.

The beach is relatively undeveloped compared to the main Tulum beach strip. There are no massive beach clubs here, no pounding music, and no crowds fighting for lounge chairs. It's the Tulum beach experience that existed before the influencers arrived.

Why Visit Playa Akun

• Fewer crowds - Even in high season, it's quieter than the main beaches
• Natural setting - Less development means more natural beauty
• Good snorkeling - The reef is accessible from shore in places
• Public access - No need to pay beach club fees
• Authentic atmosphere - What Tulum used to feel like

Getting There

Playa Akun is located about 10-15 minutes south of Tulum's main beach zone, heading toward Sian Ka'an. You'll need transportation to get there—rental car, taxi, or bicycle if you're ambitious.

The access road is off the main coastal road. Look for signs to Playa Akun or ask locals for directions. The road is unpaved in places, so take it slow.

From Tulum centro: About 20-25 minutes
From Playa del Carmen: About 1 hour
From Tulum beach zone: About 10-15 minutes

What to Expect

Playa Akun is a more rustic beach experience:

• Facilities: Limited—some small restaurants/palapas, basic restrooms
• Food and drinks: Available at beachfront spots, but bring snacks if you want options
• Shade: Some palapa umbrellas; bring your own if you want guaranteed shade
• Chairs and loungers: Available at restaurants if you're buying food/drinks

Beach Conditions

The beach at Akun is beautiful:

• Sand: Fine, white Caribbean sand
• Water: Clear turquoise, good for swimming
• Waves: Generally calm, though can be rougher on windy days
• Seaweed: Present seasonally like all Riviera Maya beaches

Activities

• Swimming - The main attraction
• Snorkeling - Bring your own gear; reef accessible in areas
• Beach walking - Long stretches of sand to explore
• Photography - Beautiful natural backdrop
• Relaxing - The whole point of being here

Tips for Visiting

• Bring cash - Small establishments may not accept cards
• Pack essentials - Sunscreen, water, snacks, towels
• Arrive early - Best parking and spot selection
• Respect the environment - Pack out your trash
• Check conditions - Seaweed varies seasonally

Nearby Attractions

Since you're in the area, consider combining Playa Akun with:

• Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve - Just to the south
• Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido - Nearby freshwater swimming
• Tulum ruins - On your way back north

The Bottom Line

Playa Akun offers what many people come to Tulum seeking but don't find at the main beaches: peace, natural beauty, and that "undiscovered" feeling. It's not completely off the grid—there are some facilities and other visitors—but it's a world away from the scene at the trendy beach clubs. If you want a more authentic Caribbean beach day, make the trip south to Playa Akun.

Related Tulum Guides

• Explore Tulum - Directory of local services
• Activities in Tulum
• Nearby Playa del Carmen

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