Swimming with Turtles in Akumal, Mexico
Last Updated on Mar 19, 2021
Did you know that you could swim with green sea turtles in their natural habitat in Mexico? Amazing, isn’t it? Do you know what’s even more incredible? This activity is totally free and this is why I’ve done it three times already while living in Playa del Carmen as the turtles are only 20 minutes away!
If you’re staying in Tulum, take advantage of this amazing opportunity. There are parks that offer a similar opportunity like Xcaret, but it’s not entirely their natural habitat, it costs money to enter and it’s slightly a cheese place since most visitors are groups from resorts in the area. Swimming with turtles in Akumal is a much more authentic experience.
How to Swim with Turtles in Akumal, Mexico
(Click to watch Swimming with turtles in Akumal, Mexico with Anna Everywhere on YouTube)
How to Get to Akumal?
Getting to Akumal from Playa del Carmen is easy. You can hop on a colectivo (minibus) from the colectivo stand located on Calle 2 Norte between Avenida 15 and 20 (search for Correos Mexico on Google Maps).
Tell the driver you’re going to ‘Akumal Puente’ and he’ll drop you off on the other side of the road that you can cross using the bridge. Colectivo will cost only 35 pesos (approx. $1.60) each way.
If you’re coming with children or want to have more privacy you can obviously get a taxi to Akumal, but colectivos are equally safe so don’t be afraid of them!
While in Akumal check out Yal-Ku lagoon. It’s a natural aquarium for snorkeling and swimming and not as well known as Cenote Azul or Cenote Jardin del Eden.
Tips for Visiting Akumal
A few years back Akumal Bay was free for all and you could swim with the turtles whenever you wanted. Unfortunately, due to the rising amount of ignorant tourists touching and grabbing poor turtles, causing damage to the marine ecosystems, now there are limits to 300 people per day and the activity is supervised.
They also limited the number of tour agencies who could bring tourists in on guided tours, so it requires slightly more organization from you. The beach is open from 9am to 5pm, but my recommendation is to be there right when they open.
You DO NOT need a tour to swim with turtles. Don’t pre-book a turtle tour, as they’re a big tourist trap and charge $50 for taking you to the water as you can just walk in and swim on your own.
I actually recommend you bringing your own snorkel equipment to avoid paying huge rental prices ($20+). If you don’t have your own you can easily purchase a set at some stores in Playa del Carmen.
You can follow the people to get to the beach or simply continue straight and see some signs for the beach. You will be approached by various tour guides asking if you want to do a tour to swim with turtles, feel free to ignore them and keep walking.
You can rent a lifejacket from any dive store for 95 Pesos (approx. $4.5). If you need snorkeling equipment you’ll need to pay an extra 85 Pesos (approx. $4).
IMPORTANT:
- The beach is closed during the months of September and February.
- The beach is also closed on Mondays.
- Fins are banned.
- Life jackets are technically mandatory these days (they weren’t before), but it’s not an official rule. If someone yells at you, rent one.
Rules of Swimming with Sea Turtles
There’s one important rule when visiting Akumal: DON’T touch the turtles! As cute as they may look to you hugging them may harm them, so please don’t do this.
Swim with turtles, leaving a decent distance as they need their personal space, the same way as humans do.
Even more important… be careful with stingrays (yes, these guys that killed Steve Irwin)! When I visited Akumal for the first time I was convinced they were manta rays and I swam quite close to them which was a big mistake.
If you have any other questions regarding visiting Akumal please comment below and I’ll try to help you as much as I can!
We went to Akumal when we road tripped around the Yucatan Peninsula last year, and it was our favourite thing we did during the trip! Such an amazing experience.
We brought our own snorkel gear but rented life jackets so that we could get access to a locker for our valuables.
Yep, that’s the best way to do it! 🙂
Great post Anna! Swimming with the turtles in Akumal was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Mexico.
Come back and we’ll go again 😀
Looks like an amazing one in a lifetime experience. My girls would love this actually so would i . Great to read you encourage the activity done in a way that does not interfere with the animals. Even better that you can do this activity for free just wander done the beach. the beaches always look amazing in Mexico
Great photos Anna! I’ve swum with sharks in Belize and want to swim with those turtles in Akumal 🙂 Thanks for the tip, I probably would have paid the $50
Yay, don’t pay – turtles are free 🙂
Just one of the many things I love about Akumal! I really enjoyed our swim with the turtles as well. Good tip about bringing your own gear. The rentals can add up if you go more than once.
Wow, thanks for this secret! How about from Cancun or Cozumel? We have time shares there. Would it be easy to go to Akumai Puente too? Would love to take my grandkids there!
From Cozumel it’s easy – just get a ferry to Playa del Carmen and then colectivo 🙂 Ithink there’s a direct colectivo from Cancun as well actually, but not 100% sure !
Wow, those turtles are huge! I’d love to visit and great recommendation to bring your own equipment. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also more sanitary!
Love this! I am definitely going to have to check it out!
Planning on roadtripping from cancun to tulum with stop at akumal for the turtles! Do you recommend a certain time to see the turtles (less crowds of people/more turtles to see?) Also, as a solo female traveler – what are your thoughts of renting a car and driving around the Yucatan? places on my list are Akumal, Coba, Valladolid, Panderosa Cenote … maybe Punta Allen. Id like to rent my own car so I can hit the road as early as I like, but am worried about quality of car, ease of directions and safety. Thanks so much!!! 🙂
The earlier you go the better! I’d defintiely suggest renting a car – it’s super cheap and easier. Cars are high quality and roads are fine, driving might be a bit more exteme as Mexican drivers drive a bit fast hehe. But I’m sure you’ll be fine 🙂
Can you still swim with the turtles there? We were told by a tour company that this was now closed to swimming?
I wouldn’t use any tour operators to do this honestly. I know that there was a fight between some people who wanted to close access to the beach, but when I did it a few months ago you definitely could. Just like I said in the post: ignore all the vendors who’ll try to charge you for something that’s completely free to do.
Is it possible to swim with turtles currently, February 23, 2017? We are in Quinta Roo and were told Akumal is closed and protected by the army.
They’ve been saying this more or less every three months for at least two years. I don’t think it’s true.
I had so much fun doing this last July. However I forgot my iphone and had to use a disposable film camera and I also got the worst motion sickness that I’ve ever had in my entire life. I seriously couldn’t walk for at least a half hour after i got out of the water. Have you ever heard of anyone getting sick like this after snorkeling? I’m thinking it has something to do with my Multiple Sclerosis. I saw lots of great turtles though so I’d probably do it again even with the motion sickness.
Hmm… never to be honest. I herd of divers getting sick, but not snorkelers.
Hmm… never to be honest. I heard of divers getting sick, but not snorkelers.
I got sea sick while snorkeling once too! The water was rough, my mask didn’t fit right, so I was constantly looking up out of the water and down again, until I suddenly felt terrible!!! I wanted to die.
I got sick while snorkeling once. Turns out, there were tiny jellyfish in the water and I had an allergic reaction. You couldn’t see the jellyfish well enough to tell what they wre.
I have a Destination Wedding that I’m bringing everyone to see the turtles. So we can bring our own masks and snorkels, and we have to rent a life jacket now? No more swimming freely without one correct?
Thanks for this info!
Hi Rachel,
Yes, you need to rent life jackets now unfortunately. We recently brought our own snorkel gear and it was fine, but when my friend went he said he was having hard time getting just a life jacket. However, if you’re bringing a group I’m sure they’ll be happy and let you do that.
Hello!
We just got back from Akumal (hoping to swim with the sea turtles) and there is a giant red sign that reads:
There is federal protection of natural resources. All activities of swimming with the turtles are suspended to prevent deterioration and further damage to the marine ecosystems which include various species of marine turtles.
There were armed Marines (with huuuuuge guns) guarding the area and we were asked to snorkel with life jackets and swim with our hands behind our backs within a designated swim area. There weren’t any sea turtles in that area at all. The reef was still beautiful and we had a great time.
That’s really sad to hear 🙁 But thanks for letting me know.
I looks like they have now reopened it, but with more strict rules according to this article:
https://www.riviera-maya-news.com/federal-officials-reopen-akumal-bay-turtle-snorkeling/2017.html
I literally received an information today that it all depends of the day you go.
Hello Anna, I’m enjoying reading your blog. I was reading about swimming with the turtles in Kuma & read an article in your local paper, which was attached by a commenter above. Am I confused in my reading, or are people now required to use tour companies to access swimming with the turtles? The article link is below. Any help is appreciated, we will be there in July 2017 & this opportunity sounds amazing, but I’d rather not get my family shot! ????
https://www.riviera-maya-news.com/federal-officials-reopen-akumal-bay-turtle-snorkeling/2017.html
Things change every week to be honest, sometimes it even depends of the day you go. Last time I checked you need to use a guide from one of the dive centers there to go snorkeling I’d suggest you to get to the beach and see how things are.
Have fun in Mexico, Melissa Bahre.
Ooooh how did that work out for you and your family Melissa Bahre?
Your close up photos of the turtles are so stinking cute! Aw, I would love to do this! (sans stingray lolol)
We just left the bay and I was pretty upset at the site of TONS of people on the beach. I really hope something is done to protect these ENDANGER species. I see a lot of comments on the cheap way to do this and tho I see this angle I feel this isn’t the best idea to spread. This is an ENDANGERED Species. Once they are gone they are GONE. BTW the pictures in your post are illegal interactions in my book. All for a selfie? What an EGO driven mentality. My heart breaks seeing this… WE are our environment, if we do not take as stand and promote with GRACE and not a FREE FOR ALL, then we are doomed!
Its bad enough that the coral ( SECOND LARGEST CORAL REFF IN THE WORLD) is disappearing! All of these MEGA parks and septic systems along with greed….Man, so crazy…. This whole area will be GONE at the rate thats happening now! I feel more needs to be done and Im personally buying a house in the area to help spread and protect.
Just like in the US where we have the grand canyon its all regulated as to how many people can go a year. This must be done!
I agree with you that many people do illegal things. However, none of the things or photos show any illegal actions. Turtles were left untouched.
Also, this is Latin America – many things aren’t regulated. the “guides” aren’t always guiding the group, but they charge money. They’re not marine biologists, but mostly just locals blocking the beach to protest and make money.
I’m not sure if you’ve been to the Galapagos for instance, but many “guides” there encourage tourists to ‘ride’ the turtles (hole their shells and ride on them underwater). People think since these are the GUIDES it’s something normal to do.
We were in Akumal in January, 2018. Unfortunately, we got impression that taking a tour was compulsory, life jackets and locker were included. The only thing I can recommend is to avoid all offers from many ‘guides’ on your way to the beach and take the guide on the beach from the lockers location. Please confirm if nothing still changed.
It varies day by day unfortunately.
I think that paying one of the guides on the beach is actually the best way to do it cause then he or she can tell you stories and info about their beautiful country during the tour. All of the local guides I met in Akumal and the other towns I visited in Yucatan were so friendly and so full of interesting information that they were so happy to share with a visitor. Plus you’re putting money directly into locals’ pockets so they can afford to support their families doing what they love.
At present there is only one entrance to Akumal Beach at the Centro Ecologico Akumal, if not going via a hotel. The entry fee for foreigners is 100 pesos, but a hired guide can get you in for 50. The guide, lifejacket, and snorkel equipment for one hour costs 350 pesos per person. However, if you rent only the equipment (75 for life jacket plus 75 for snorkel gear) you can keep it for the entire day. Listening to many of the recommendations on this blog, we decided not to pay a guide, especially because we did not want to feel restrained by time. This paid off because we saw turtles only after our second hour of snorkeling. We still learn a lot about the local flora, fauna, and culture simply by speaking to locals whenever we can.
Thank you for your comment. Me and my friend are going to riviera maya in two weeks and akumal is def on the list.
Is this still true that it’s free to enter the public beach and why is it closed in February. I can’t find anything else online that says this is true. Can you point me to a reference?
Thanks a million!
It’s Mexico – there’s no reference, it’s whatever the person guarding it that day decides 😉
Hi Anna,
nice report.
Is the Yal-Ku lagoon completely closed to tourists from September?
Where did you see that? It normally doesn’t close (it was closed on Tuesdays usually).
@Anna Karsten, Giventhat we are in January 2023 can you tell me if this information that I’m seeing still correct? Is the turtle area closed in February? Is it still a good idea to not pay and go on your own?
Read a comment by @Karina – she just went over Christmas.
We just went at Christmas, 2022. It’s $6USD to get entry to the beach, by the dive shop, unless through a hotel. If you want to bring your own gear, you can no longer rent only a life jacket at the beach (must get a guide + lifejacket). We didn’t notice it until after, but you pull into town, there was a little shop (maybe a convenience store?) nearer the highway that appeared to be renting them (it was on the side of the road that is heading OUT of town).
A guide spoke to us at the entry, explained the different tour options, and the option to swim without a guide, outside of the buoys. Despite my hesitation about getting a guide without knowing who he was, my husband said “yes”. He did have an “Akumal” something shirt on, and a badge that beeped him past the folks going through the turn-style. He was connected with a little hut on the beach, just past the dive shop/lockers area. They had guides and gear rentals, and gave us our lifejackets. He told us everything was the same, as far as the costs for the shops (but who really knows). The afternoon before, when just visiting the beach, we did go into the dive shop and asked about the prices, and were told similar prices, and that was where we were told that you cannot rent just a lifejacket without a snorkel guide. We paid about $35USD each (which included our entry) to snorkel along the buoy circuit from the beach. It was like $50USD to take the boat out further, with bigger reefs and more diversity. There was another man we met on the beach the afternoon before, he gave us his number, as we told him we were interested in snorkeling in the AM. He was nice, unsure if he was connected with the other folks. After we snorkeled, we have several folks approach us on the beach about tours, too.
The guide we did get was very nice. My husband and I were on the guided tour with a mother & teenage son. He kept us moving quickly, pointed out several turtles and made sure we all saw them, kept close watch of us, and even pulled me on a life saver out against the current, haha, as I was struggling to keep up while adjusting to my snorkel equipment. It went well for us beginners (my husband has never snorkeled, and I only did once in a bay in Oahu, Hawaii many many years ago, very casually). It was only somewhat busy around 9:30ish when we arrived, getting very busy around 11:00ish, when we wrapped up. We saw at least 5 turtles (I lost count, maybe 7 or 8?), including some very large ones, probably 4 feet long, a puffer fish and a small sting ray, and other colorful fish. The guide was helpful when, as I was viewing a large turtle, I started floating over the top of it and looked up at him worriedly, knowing you are not supposed to swim over the turtles… he said it’s okay, just to stay still. He regularly reminded us to keep our feet up, to protect the animals. We did not wear flippers, and were not offered them. The guide did wear them. I don’t remember if I saw signage about flippers, but a sign did say that lifejackets were recommended.
While I am sure you can get lucky and see turtles on your own, much of the area has buoys, sectioning off where one is not supposed to enter unless on snorkeling guide (not sure who is watching, or how they can tell, but I’ve read stories about people being chased away by folks in kayaks, so I wouldn’t push it). We moved fairly quickly along a circuit within the buoys, pausing to observe the turtles, and at a small area of coral reef.
We had planned to go snorkeling on our own, but wanted life jackets. We did not notice the life jacket rental place near the highway until our way out, after we paid for the guide. But… I think, being amateur snorkelers, we got to see way more, thanks to the guide, and the area we were able to access.
As we learned on our five days there… always be prepared to adjust in the moment, have a plan B, and maybe a plan C, haha.
Where does a person rent snorkeling gear and is there a specific location to see the turtles? Is there parking anywhere if you arrive by vehicle and is there a fee to enter the beach or a specific entrance the public
It keeps changing, but parking is available by the beach and you can also rent snorkeling gear there. There are multiple dive shops 🙂