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Swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach is one of the best things to do on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The beach itself is beautiful, and you get to see so many turtles swimming around in the wild. I mean, how often do you get to swim right next to these peaceful creatures?! Plus, you can easily visit Akumal Beach from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun.
However, you do have to pay to swim with the turtles, so you might be wondering whether or not it’s worth it. Luckily, that’s the question we’re here to answer!
In short: yes, it is. We love it – in fact, we have swam with the turtles at Akumal multiple times because it’s such a fantastic experience. You do have to pay to do it, but it’s not expensive. Getting there is fairly easy, and there are some very affordable tours if you don’t have a rental car in Mexico.
If you want to know more, keep reading. We’ll share why swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach is a bucket list experience in Mexico, along with our top tour recommendations. Trust us, you definitely shouldn’t miss this opportunity!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Know that swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach is definitely worth it! The beach is beautiful, and you’re guaranteed to see turtles here. However, you have to go with a guide, which is why we recommend this private snorkeling tour, which covers the entrance fee, snorkeling gear, and your knowledgeable guide.
About Akumal Beach
Akumal Beach is one of the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s absolutely gorgeous, but its real claim to fame is its sea turtles.
Believe me, there’s no shortage of turtles in these waters! “Akumal” actually means “place of turtles” in the Maya language! These turtles come here because lots of seagrass grows on the bottom of the bay, and its protected waters are perfect for young turtles who aren’t yet strong enough to navigate choppy waters.
Unfortunately, tourists caught wind that this was an ideal spot to swim with turtles, and about 10 years ago, it began to suffer from over-tourism. The turtles at Akumal were suffering from water contamination from things like sunscreen and human urine (gross, but true). And perhaps even worse was the fact that they were developing tumors from chronic stress because so many tourists were reaching out and grabbing them.
Fortunately, the Mexican authorities put rules and regulations in place to protect the turtles. There are specific swimming zones in the bay, and there’s a limit to how many people can be inside each zone at any one time so that the turtles don’t get too stressed out. You also have to go in with a certified guide to make sure that you’re respecting the rules. So basically, you can swim with turtles here with a clear conscience!
You don’t just see turtles here, either. We didn’t realize that we would see so much other marine life at Akumal Beach, including starfish, stingrays, and lots of colorful tropical fish. It really was incredible!
This place is obviously amazing, and swimming with turtles here was one of our favorite experiences in Mexico. So by now, you’re probably wondering how to get here!
Akumal Beach is located in the northeastern portion of the Yucatan. It’s part of the Riviera Maya, which means it’s close to many popular tourist areas like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
This beach is just 27.5 kilometers (17 miles) from Tulum. We visited Akumal Beach on a day trip from Tulum, and it only took us about 30 minutes to get there. Meanwhile, Playa del Carmen is only 38.4 km (23.8 mi) away, and Cancun is 104 km (64 mi) away.
But as mentioned, in order to swim with turtles here, you need a guide. An easy way to arrange this is by booking a tour, which is why we’ve listed our top choices for guided tours below. So keep reading to find the right one for you.
Is it safe to swim with sea turtles at Akumal Beach?
Yes, it’s safe.
It’s natural to worry about safety in Mexico, especially if you’re trying new activities. But when it comes to swimming with sea turtles at Akumal Beach, you’re in the clear!
You’re given a life jacket before you enter the water. The ocean here is not very deep, and it’s super calm thanks to a reef that protects the entire inlet. There are no waves at all, so it doesn’t matter if you’re not a strong swimmer.
As for the turtles themselves, they are used to people and do not hurt humans. You’re also not allowed to touch them. As long as you follow this rule, there is no danger of them biting you.
You also have to go into the water at Akumal with a guide. They’ll give you clear safety instructions and make sure that you’re sticking to the rules. So, all in all, it’s a super safe experience as long as you’re sensible.
Related Read: If you’re exploring Cancun for the first time, taking guided tours can help you feel safe while getting a lay of the land. Click here to read about the best tours in Cancun.
Will you see turtles every time?
It’s pretty much guaranteed. The turtles are always there at Akumal Beach, and lots of them live in a very small area. I’ve never heard of anyone going and not spotting a single turtle. On our last visit, we saw at least five.
What is swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach like?
It’s a guided experience. In fact, you’re not allowed into the area where the turtles are without a guide, and there’s no way to sneak around this. You meet your guide on the shore, put on your life jacket and snorkel mask, enter the water, and swim out to where the turtles are together.
The water is not very deep, but it’s super calm and usually very clear. You’re almost guaranteed to see the turtles as they are almost always there. Plus, the area itself is pretty small, so there’s a dense population of turtles. It shouldn’t be long before you see one!
We spent about an hour in the water with our guide. As well as spotting turtles, we got to snorkel around the reef and spot tropical fish. You should see multiple turtles during your swim – in fact, you can spot as many as ten different turtles in the space of an hour! We saw about five last time.
Can you touch the turtles?
No, you can’t, and this rule is strictly enforced. You’re also not allowed to swim right up next to the turtles. The guides ask you to keep a distance of 6 feet (1.8 meters) away unless the turtle swims up to you. This is close enough to get an amazing view of them without any risk of accidental contact.
A turtle may approach you, and in this instance, you can end up very close to one. However, if this does happen, your guide will ask you to move out of the way.
It’s definitely a good thing that tourists are not allowed to touch the turtles. Without it, the experience would not be ethical, as touching the turtles causes them chronic stress. In fact, Akumal Beach got a bad reputation about a decade ago because tourists were grabbing turtles. Thankfully, the Mexican authorities clamped down and put strict rules in place.
What are the best tours to Akumal Beach?
Swim with sea turtles Akumal
If you want to drive yourself to Akumal Beach, you can book this private snorkeling tour. You’ll have the undivided attention of a professional guide who can teach you all about the turtles, as well as the other marine life here.
After reading all of the glowing reviews of this tour (see some of the 250+ positive reviews here!), we opted to do it, and we had an amazing time – which is why it’s one of our favorite tours to see turtles in Tulum! We learned so much about the turtles and the beautiful bay in which they live. Plus, having such a passionate and friendly guide really made it a wonderful experience. And since it was a private tour, we were able to ask as many questions as we wanted.
To be honest, some of the guides at Akumal are pretty bad and just do the bare minimum. As such, booking this tour in advance ensures that you get a great experience.
We also like this tour because it includes your snorkeling equipment and entry to the beach. You don’t need to worry about negotiating or haggling for these on the day. I love being able to just show up and have everything ready to go!
The whole thing lasted just over an hour, which felt like the perfect amount of time to swim with sea turtles. Although, let’s be honest, I could probably snorkel here all day long!
The tour costs $45 USD per person, which also gives you access to bathrooms, showers, and lockers. Just make sure to bring your own swimsuit and towel. Since this tour doesn’t cover transport, you can meet your guides at the Akumal Beach entrance.
Tours are available every day of the week, and there are multiple time slots to choose from. However, we recommend booking the 9 am slot if you can because Akumal Beach gets super crowded around lunchtime. It’s definitely better to go early!
Book your private snorkeling tour right here!
Sea Turtle and Cenote Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum
This half-day tour not only allows you to go swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach, but you’ll also venture deep into the rainforest where you can snorkel in a beautiful cenote. Plus, transport from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum is included, which makes everything super easy, and means you don’t need a rental car.
You visit Akumal Beach first, which we think is a good thing since it’s less crowded in the morning. That way, you’ll get to swim with the turtles before the beach gets super busy.
Then, the cenote you’ll visit is Yax Muul, which is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Tulum. This is one of our favorites because the water is a beautiful bright blue. When we went, we entered the cave, where we marveled at the stalagmites and stalactites. Then, we jumped in the cenote for a swim!
The tour also includes some light snacks and refreshments to keep you energized and hydrated. They usually serve pastries, but they’re happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions if you let them know when you book your tour.
We love how this 5-hour tour allows you to experience the beauty of the Yucatan peninsula and still be back at your hotel by mid-afternoon to chill by the pool! Although after all that swimming and snorkeling, I sometimes enjoy a little siesta instead.
The tour itself begins at 9 am. However, if you’re staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, expect to be picked up 1-3 hours before that.
The price of the tour varies a little depending on where you want to be picked up from. It’s $109 USD per person from Tulum or Cancun and $99 USD to make this a sea turtle tour from Playa del Carmen. The price of the tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff, all your snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. However, you’ll also need to pay a $15 USD fee to enter the Yax-Muul cenote park on the day.
Book this half-day adventure online!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Hidden Cenote Swim and Snorkeling With Sea Turtles from Playa del Carmen/Cancun
What we love about this hidden cenote and turtle tour is how comprehensive it is. In addition to swimming with turtles at Akumal Bay, you’ll also visit a cenote and enjoy lunch at a gorgeous beach club. After a fun-filled morning, there’s nothing quite like a tasty meal with stunning views.
You can be picked up in either Playa del Carmen or Cancun in the morning. Then the first stop of the day is Tulum, where you’ll visit a hidden cenote. Here, you can swim, explore the cenote’s cavernous chambers, and check out the crazy rock formations inside.
After that, you’ll head to Akumal Beach to enjoy an hour-long swimming session with the turtles – not to mention the starfish, stingrays, seahorses, and other tropical fish that call these waters home. All snorkeling equipment is included, which will help you spot all the cool underwater creatures.
Finally, you’ll finish this half-day tour at Punta Venado Beach Club. Here you can enjoy a gorgeous Caribbean beach minus the crowds. You’ll get an hour or so to relax and savor a delicious lunch on the sand. Then it’s back to your hotel! It’s no wonder this tour has HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews – read the reviews here!
This tour starts at 9 am and lasts about 4.5 hours. Again, that doesn’t include driving time. You’ll be picked up between 2-3 hours earlier if you’re coming from Playa del Carmen or Cancun. But don’t worry, the drive comes with AC!
The tour costs $159 USD per person, which includes hotel pickup and drop off, the cenote visit, a guided snorkeling session at Akumal Beach, entry to the beach club, and lunch. All in all, we think it’s worth it because you get to pack in a lot of fun activities without worrying about planning or driving yourself.
Book this popular tour in advance as it often sells out!
Related Read: Can’t get enough marine life? Well, sea turtles aren’t the only animals you can swim with! Read our guide all about swimming with whale sharks in Playa del Carmen.
Is swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach worth it?
Yes! It’s the best way to see turtles in Mexico because there are so many of them here that sightings are pretty much guaranteed. The water is clear and calm, so it’s really easy to snorkel here, and you get great visibility. We also loved the tour that we did because we got to learn so much along the way!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with sea turtles, here’s your chance! There are plenty of turtles at Akumal Beach, and the whole experience is safe for both you and the animals. However, you’ll need a guide to access the beach, which is why we recommended our favorite tour options. We hope you find one you like so you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Looking for more travel info? Check out our other blogs about Mexico. We write about everything from where to stay to the best tours and activities in each location. To learn more, click on one of the links below!
15 Things to Know BEFORE Going to Coco Bongo in Cancun
10 BEST Tours in Playa del Carmen that You Don’t Want to Miss!
15 BEST Restaurants in Tulum, Mexico that you HAVE to Try