Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal
One hour swimming next to free-swimming sea turtles, walking in from the sand. If you don’t see one, your guide keeps looking for up to 20 more minutes.
What you’ll experience
- Sighting guarantee: no turtles yet? Up to 20 more minutes in the water.
- A full hour of guided swimming, walking in from the beach (no boat).
- Max 6 people per guide, or a guide just for your group.
- Beach entry, CONANP wristband, life jacket and mask included.
- A brand-new, sealed snorkel tube that’s yours to keep.
Akumal Bay is one of the few places in the Caribbean where green sea turtles feed all year round. You walk into the sea from the sand and for one hour follow your guide through their grazing areas, along with whatever marine life shows up that day.
Your guide fits your gear, shows you how to watch them without disturbing them and stays with you the whole time. You just float and enjoy.
Tour photos
Prices
Group tour
- Adults & kids 6+$45 USD
- Kids 3–5$36 USD
- Babies 0–2Free
You share the tour with other guests, max 6 per guide. Book from 1 person.
Book nowPrivate tour
- Adults & kids 6+$67 USD
- Kids 3–5$42 USD
- Babies 0–2Free
A guide just for your group, no other guests. Minimum 2 participants (an adult and a baby count). Parking included. Hotel transport not included.
Book private tourDeparture times
Arrive 15 minutes before your time (8:45 for the 9:00 tour). We wait up to 20 minutes; after that the tour counts as a no-show with no refund. You leave the water by 17:30 at the latest.
How the tour works
- 0:00Welcome and check-in
Your guide meets you at the 7-Eleven, confirms your booking and sorts out access and your CONANP wristband.
- 0:10Gear and briefing
Sanitized mask and life jacket, your new snorkel tube, safety rules and how to watch turtles without disturbing them.
- 0:301 hour of guided swimming
You walk in from the sand and follow your guide through the turtles’ feeding areas.
- 1:30Back to the beach
Restrooms and showers. You can stay on the beach on your own until 17:30.
Included
- 1 hour of guided swimming with turtles
- Assigned guide (group of max 6 or private)
- Official beach entry
- Federal CONANP wristband
- Life jacket and sanitized mask
- New snorkel tube to keep
- Restrooms and showers
- Sighting guarantee: up to 20 extra min
- Parking (private tour only)
Not included
- Parking on the group tour: $100 MXN cash
- Locker: $100 MXN, card only
- Photos (optional: ask the guide for the price)
- Hotel transport (optional, see below)
- Food, drinks and towel
- Fins: not allowed in the bay
Meeting point & getting there
7-Eleven AkumalC. 16, Yodzonot, Akumal, Quintana Roo, México Open in Google Maps →Drive straight to the 7-Eleven in Akumal. Parking next to the meeting point: $100 MXN cash on the group tour, included on the private tour.
Take the colectivo to the 7-Eleven on your own. Fares there and back are not included.
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
You need basic swimming skills or to feel comfortable floating in a life jacket where you can’t touch the bottom. The life jacket is mandatory.
All minors go with an adult aged 18+. Babies 0–2 go free: just tell us when you book.
If you haven’t seen a turtle by the end of the hour, your guide keeps looking for up to 20 more minutes.
None in the water — not even biodegradable — and no tanning oil or repellent. If you’re wearing some, rinse it off in the shower. A UV shirt is the way to go.
Don’t touch, chase or feed the turtles. Always follow your guide. Fins are not allowed.
Not suitable after recent surgery or with heart conditions, serious breathing problems or serious back injuries.
Next to the meeting point, 9:00–21:00 (open from 8:45). Restrooms, showers and lockers close at 17:30.
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 for parking and a card if you want a locker.
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
Will I definitely see turtles?
They live in the bay all year and show up on the vast majority of tours. As they swim free, nobody can promise it 100%, which is why you get a guarantee: if you haven’t seen one by the end of the hour, your guide keeps looking for up to 20 more minutes.
Do I need to be able to swim?
You need basic skills or to feel comfortable floating in a life jacket where you can’t touch the bottom. The life jacket is mandatory and your guide stays with you.
Can kids and babies join?
Yes. From age 6 the regular rate applies, kids 3–5 have a child rate and babies 0–2 go free, always with an adult.
Group or private — what’s the difference?
On the group tour you share a guide with other guests (max 6). On the private tour the guide is just for your group, parking is included and you book from 2 participants.
Is it a boat tour?
No. You walk into the sea from the beach.
Can I bring fins?
No. They’re not allowed, to protect the seagrass the turtles feed on.
Are photos included?
No. If you’re interested, the guide tells you the price and conditions before you decide. It’s optional.
What if the weather is bad?
A boating closure doesn’t automatically close swimming in the bay. If conditions don’t allow the tour, we offer you another date or a refund.
Ready to swim with turtles?
Every hour from 9:00 to 15:00 · Sighting guarantee