Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal
Float beside wild sea turtles in their natural sanctuary. Groups of max 6, a certified guide and all gear included.
What you’ll experience
- Wild green sea turtles — their home, not an aquarium.
- Max 6 guests per guide: closer to the turtles, and safer.
- Entry, official CONANP wristband and gear included.
- A brand-new snorkel tube that’s yours to keep.
- Stay on the beach as long as you like after the tour.
Akumal Bay is one of the few places in the Caribbean where green sea turtles live all year round. You don’t watch them from a distance — you swim beside them while they graze on the seagrass.
Your guide knows where they are each morning and shows you how to get close without disturbing them. All you have to do is float and enjoy.
Tour photos
Prices
Private tour
- Adult$67 USD
- Kids 3–11$42 USD
- Under 2Free
A guide just for your group, at your pace. Minimum 2 people.
Book private tourDeparture times
Arrive 10 minutes early. Maximum wait time: 20 minutes.
How the tour works
- 0:00Meet at the 7-Eleven
Check-in and your official wristband.
- 0:10Beach prep
Gear, changing rooms and the sanctuary rules in 5 minutes.
- 0:301 hour snorkeling with turtles
Guided swim through their feeding areas.
- 1:30Free time
Stay on the beach with your wristband for the rest of the day.
Included
- Guided snorkel (group of max 6 or private)
- Beach entry and facilities
- Official CONANP conservation wristband
- Life jacket and mask
- New snorkel tube to keep
- Restrooms and showers
Not included
- Locker: $100 MXN, card only
- Fins: not allowed in the bay
- Transport (optional, see below)
- Food, drinks and towel
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. It’s arranged separately: tell us your hotel, date and group size, and we’ll confirm the price and pickup time.
Request it on WhatsApp →Know before you book
You don’t need to be an expert, but you should feel comfortable floating with a life jacket where you can’t touch the bottom.
Not recommended during pregnancy or with recent surgery, heart or chronic breathing conditions, or serious back injuries.
None before getting in the water — not even biodegradable. Protect yourself with a UV shirt.
Free up to 24 hours before your tour.
We wait up to 20 minutes. After that the tour counts as a no-show and isn’t refunded.
If the Port Authority closes the bay, we reschedule your tour or refund you.
Swimsuit on, towel, UV shirt, cap, sunglasses and a card or cash.
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
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Being able to float is enough: you wear a life jacket the whole time and your guide stays with you. You just need to feel comfortable in water where you can’t touch the bottom.
Can kids join?
Yes. From age 6 they pay the regular rate, ages 3–5 pay $36 USD, and under 2 go free — always in the water with a parent.
Will I definitely see turtles?
They live in the bay year-round and appear on the vast majority of tours. They’re wild animals, so no one can guarantee it 100%.
Shared or private — what’s the difference?
On the shared tour you join others (max 6 per guide). On the private tour the guide is only for your group and you go at your own pace, from 2 people.
Can I bring fins?
No. Fins aren’t allowed in Akumal Bay to protect the seagrass the turtles feed on.
What if the weather is bad?
If the authorities close the bay due to waves or wind, we offer you another date or a refund.
Ready to swim with turtles?
Departures every hour · Max 6 guests per guide