Turtles + Yal-Kú by Private Boat
Your own boat along the Akumal coast: snorkeling in Yal-Kú’s channels, then an hour with turtles in the bay.
What you’ll experience
- A boat just for your group, up to 6 people.
- Guided snorkeling at Yal-Kú, arriving by sea.
- 1 hour with turtles, with a sighting guarantee.
- Complimentary photos and videos when visibility allows.
- Water or soda and a cooler: bring your drinks.
You cruise along Akumal’s turquoise reefs and enter Yal-Kú’s channels from the sea. After an hour of snorkeling among colourful fish, you head back to the bay to swim with the turtles in their sanctuary.
The price is for the whole boat, so it’s ideal for families and groups of friends who want to go at their own pace.
Tour photos
Prices
Private boat · up to 6 guests
- Total price per boat$423 USD
Fixed price for the whole boat (up to 6 guests), not per person.
Check availabilityDeparture times
Departures at 9:00 (ends around 11:45) and 14:25 (around 17:10). We confirm your arrival time by email when you book. 30 minutes’ grace: any delay comes off the trip.
How the tour works
- 0:00Welcome and boarding
Wristbands ready, meet the captain and guide, safety briefing and on board.
- 0:10Cruise and snorkel at Yal-Kú
Along the coast to Yal-Kú’s channels to snorkel with your guide.
- 1:301 hour with turtles
Back to Akumal Bay to swim with turtles. No turtles yet? Up to 20 more minutes.
- 2:30End
Return the gear and use the restrooms and showers before they close at 17:30.
Included
- Private boat for up to 6 passengers
- Captain and certified guide in the water
- Guided snorkeling at Yal-Kú
- 1 hour of guided swimming with turtles
- Akumal entry and fees
- Life jacket, mask and new tube to keep
- Water or soda per person and cooler with ice
- Complimentary photos and videos*
- Restrooms and showers before 17:30
- Sighting guarantee: up to 20 extra min
Not included
- Hotel transport (optional, see below)
- Beach locker: $100 MXN, card only
- Food
- Alcohol (you can bring your own)
- Tips
- Fins: not allowed in the bay
Meeting point & getting there
7-Eleven AkumalCalle 16, Akumal, Quintana Roo, México Open in Google Maps →Drive straight to the 7-Eleven in Akumal. The most flexible option.
Ask to get off at the Akumal entrance on Highway 307. The return trip is on your own.
We pick you up and drop you off. Per vehicle, round trip, 2 to 7 passengers: from Playa del Carmen and hotels down to Akumal $212 USD; from Tulum and hotels up to Akumal $159 USD. Arranged on WhatsApp.
Request it on WhatsApp →Know before you book
*Complimentary when visibility and water conditions allow the cameras. Not guaranteed on every trip.
No minimum age. Everyone with an adult aged 18+ and a life jacket in their size; all count toward the 6 passengers.
You need basic swimming skills or to feel comfortable floating in a life jacket where you can’t touch the bottom.
Not suitable during pregnancy, after recent surgery or with heart conditions, serious breathing problems or serious back injuries.
None in the water, not even biodegradable. Rinse it off in the shower and wear a UV shirt.
30 minutes’ grace; any delay comes off the trip. After that the activity may be cancelled without refund.
If the Port Authority closes navigation, we reschedule or refund you.
Full refund 24 hours or more before. Less than 24 hours or a no-show: no refund.
Swimsuit on, towel, dry clothes, UV shirt, sunglasses, cap, cash or card, a card for the locker and your drinks for the cooler.
What our guests say
"We were visiting last week with an idea to see the sea turtles. We were met by an individual by the name of Ricardo that fronted the money for parking and beach access until our big group arrived. We were able to enjoy everything as we waited for the rest of the family to arrive without any worries. This company was patient and catered to our 13 person group. We went out during the rain with 2 guides that showed us several sea turtles, sting rays and several different species."
"Loved the experience. Ricardo was awesome helping us with every step. Definitely recommend using him for furture tours 💪"
"Great experience with the turtles 🐢🌴 Wonderful experience 🥰 next time again with akbay-tours 😍🤿"
"We had a verry good time last week, the tour was perfect the people how helped us where very good and we have enjoyd our day and we see a lot of turrtles. Thanks a lot!"
"Fantastic snorkeling experience 😍 We saw so many turtles, lots of colorful fish and much more. 🌊🐢👏 After the snorkeling trip we were able to spend the day on the beach. The beach visit is included in the snorkeling price so we didn't have to pay the beach entrance fee again. Just a wonderful day. Thank you Akbays Tours - next time we will book a tour again through Akbay Tours 🥰"
"Ricardo was a prompt and thorough communicator. He was waiting for us to arrive and was with us every step of the way. Raul was our guide for private snorkeling with the turtles and he was amazing, too! We saw so many turtles and he helped us swim right next to them! He also showed us a lobster, stingray, octopus, coral, and a bonefish. 6/5 stars!"
"Wonderful experience with the turtles 🐢 ❤️ thank akbay-Tours for this great experience 🥰"
"I had an incredible time in Akumal thanks to Ricardo. He's super kind, friendly, helpful, and trustworthy. He really helped to make Akumal one of the highlights of my holiday!"
Frequently asked questions
How do I book?
Tap “Check availability” and message us on WhatsApp with the date, the time you’d like and who’s coming. We confirm availability and the details, then you complete the booking here. This tour involves logistics, so it’s confirmed first.
Is the price per person?
No, per boat: up to 6 passengers including kids and babies. You don’t need to fill it.
Can babies come?
Yes, there’s no minimum age. Always with an adult and a life jacket in their size.
What’s the order?
Yal-Kú by sea first, then an hour with turtles in Akumal Bay.
Are photos included?
Yes, complimentary when visibility allows. Not guaranteed on every trip.
Can I bring drinks?
Yes, alcohol too: there’s a cooler with ice on board.
Your boat is waiting
Departures 9:00 · 14:25 · Up to 6 guests