Centro Ecológico Akumal — Attraction in Quintana Roo

My wife, our children and I have been coming to Akumal for 30 years. My kids were all scuba certified here. We’ve been absolutely in LOVE with Akumal from our very first trip. Akumal meant so much to our family that my mother requested and was approved to have her ashes laid here after her passing. We’ve helped turtles (building nest blockades), we’ve financially supported post hurricane clean up, and we’ve always taken advantage of the fine local art in Pueblo Akumal for our souvenirs. When I brought my Granddaughter today for a quick dip in the ocean to see her very first turtle (she’s 2 years old and has been in swim lessons since she was 6 months old for this “someday” trip to Akumal) we were turned away and told to get in line with a massive mob of tourists waiting to pay their money and swim with their tour guide. I’ve never felt like this here, and never expected that Akumal would ever let us down. After watching some 15 tour groups crowd the beach and the water, we decided that our first “dive” would simply have to happen elsewhere. I already know what (if any) the response will be… “people were not respecting the bay or the reefs that are the turtles home.” and I’m 100% in agreement that something should be done that might avoid that for future generations. However, cramming MORE people into the bay simply because they’ll PAY to destroy the reef, is not the answer. In fact, I’d happily pay for an eco certification (beyond that of our PADI certs), and would gladly accept FEWER visitors allowed at the bay per day, but to watch Akumal be lumped into yet another “theme park” disguised as a “sanctuary” just doesn’t cut it. To Akumal, our family will miss you, and we thank you for the decades of amazing memories. To those left in charge, shame on you and the lengths you’ll go for the...

Good thing they protect turtles…BUT! You have to pay 150 pesos for entry (which i thougt is ok, since it is for the turtles) but when we were leaving, there is sign, that ONLY 20%, goes to help turtles… also, when you have to pay, i would expect the beach will be clean…no trash or sargassum…

Second thing which pissed me, we arrived at 16:30. The guy (one of many, who will hunt you to buy tickets) told us, we can use showers and everything, but didnt tell us, that they closing soon. So at 17:30, when we were leaving, the showers were already closed…

I think they could do much better job at this place, but on the other hand, it was nice…we saw some fishes...

Please read: it is a beautiful place but people do not visit it as the ecological nature reserve it is. Organizers, pls tell people to not put on sunscreen because it kills the turtles and fish in the long run and to not use fins as it destroys their food banks. 🐠🐢🐠🐢If you go there enjoy it but be aware that you are visiting a national park underwater and to respect the rules on the sign. The sign is not there to annoy you but for the well-being of the turtles which are as old as dinosaurs but are about to be extinct....