Swimming with Turtles in Akumal, Mexico

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Before heading to Mexico, I had never even considered the possibility of swimming with turtles.

I had seen photos of people snorkeling alongside sea turtles and just assumed it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you might have if you lived somewhere like Hawaii. Not something you could casually do on a trip.

Boy, was I wrong.

When I started planning my trip to the Riviera Maya, I quickly discovered that swimming with turtles is not only possible, it is actually one of the most popular things to do in the area! And naturally, I became a little obsessed with the idea.

The thought of seeing wild sea turtles up close, in their natural habitat, felt equal parts magical and slightly unreal. So before going, I spent quite a bit of time researching how to do it properly. I wanted to make sure I did it in a way that was not only amazing for me, but also respectful to the turtles.

Because if there is one thing I care about when traveling, it is this: wildlife should always come first.

And that is exactly what makes Akumal so special.

Here, you are not visiting an attraction or an animal experience. You are simply stepping into the ocean, into the turtles’ natural habitat, and quietly observing them as they go about their day.

The first time I saw one glide past me underwater, completely unbothered, I genuinely had to pause for a moment. It felt surreal in the best possible way.

It was one of those travel experiences that stays with you.

However (and this is important): things in Akumal have changed a bit over the years.

Regulations are now stricter, and there are a few things you should know before you go.

So in this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to swim with turtles in Akumal today, what the current rules are, and how to have the best (and most respectful) experience possible.

Swimming with turtles in Akumal: Where is it?

First things first. Where can I find the Akumal turtles?

There are many different places where you can swim with sea turtles in Mexico, but Akumal Beach is the most popular (and famous).

You will find it right in between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, just a 30-minute drive from either destination. It is a popular day trip from Cancun, and a must for anyone visiting the area.

If you are travelling from Cancun, it’s about a 1,5-hour drive. Alternatively, you can get a tour that will pick you up straight from the Cancun Hotel Zone and your hotel there (here is my hotel review of the Grand Coral Beach Resort).

Fun fact: Akumal is actually Mayan for ‘Place of the Turtle’. Appropriate, right?

Getting there is easiest with a car or a taxi, and you’ll find that there is a multitude of taxis waiting near the beach for when you finish for the day. Alternatively, you can rent a car, which is also a great way of exploring the area, such as the Xel-Há park nearby.

The area where you can swim with the wild sea turtles is also known as Akumal Bay, and there are several hotels in the area if you want to stay near the turtle action. Popular ones include Secrets Akumal (all-inclusive and adults only) and Las Villas Akumal.

The beach itself is located in the northern corner of the bay, and is called Playa Akumal on Google maps.

Side note: after our Mexican adventure I actually bought my friend Ida her first set of snorkels, and she was absolutely ecstatic – especially considering that she learned to snorkel on this trip! I have a long list of travel-themed gift ideas for you if you’re currently looking for presents for someone who loves to travel!

About the Akumal Beach Turtles

My first question upon hearing about Akumal Beach and the turtles was a simple ‘but why?‘. Why do these turtles stay so close to the beach that you can see them just by walking out into the water, and more importantly; why do they stick around with such a large number of tourists flocking the area?

If there is constantly a crowd of travellers swimming out to look at them, why would they not leave?

It has now been years since my first visit to Akumal Beach and the turtles there, and it is still possible to swim with them. They had been there for years before as well, so it seems that they aren’t leaving.

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t opposed to swimming with turtles at all, I’m just a very curious person. Also, as a diver I am very weary of potential tourist traps involving animals, and would never join a tour or go somewhere if I was worried that the animals would get bothered.

In general, I avoid animal tourism like the plague, and try to only interact with animals if they are wild or in their natural habitat. And by “interact” I mean take photos of them. I wouldn’t ever touch or try to bother them.

Side note: There weren’t that many people there. Akumal Beach is nowhere near the number of tourists that crowd Maya Bay in Thailand or Surfer’s Paradise in Australia. Being in the water, I did not feel as if we were crowding the turtles either, as we stayed still and let the turtles roam around us. But still, there were constantly people out there, which is why I didn’t understand how the turtles could be bothered staying put.

However, the answer to my question is simple: seagrass and nesting. When you are in the water you’ll notice plenty of seagrass along the bottom, and see that the turtles continuously dive down to eat it.

If you are visiting the Riviera Maya and the Cancun area, you may be wondering about the seaweed situation (as it pertains to turtles visiting and staying near the beaches).

Here’s a great update on the seaweed conditions on the Riviera Maya.

The reef in the area is highly damaged, and if you go on any boat tours or excursions (read my Cancun Sailing Catamaran Review here), you will have to follow strict rules regarding the sun screen you use, for example.

The Akumal Beach Turtle Season

The turtles nest in the Akumal area for several months of the year (May to November), and there are many programs in place to ensure a safe nesting time for them. Both species of sea turtle that nest in Akumal (green turtle and the loggerhead turtle) are endangered, so these programs are vital.

Therefore, it is so important that you stay respectful of the animals when you visit Akumal, and never do anything that can put them in harms way.

Please visit the Centro Ecológico Akumal website for more information before your trip, and remember that there are a couple of simple things you can do to help:

• Never touch the turtles. Make sure you give them their space when you are near, and remember that these are wild animals and that you’re the one entering their habitat.
• Help keep the beaches clean. Human waste not only pollutes the ocean but can seriously injure a turtle if they get caught in it or eat it.
• Use bio-degradable sun screen. Make sure your sunscreen isn’t emitting nasty toxins into the ocean, damaging the reefs and (in turn) the animals. This one is great.
• Don’t stand up on the seagrass. As mentioned, this is the very reason the turtles are there, and by standing up in the bay you are damaging their main resource for food.

Side note: if you want to snorkel here with your family, it’s often easier to bring your own kids’ snorkel gear to ensure a good fit, as the rentals are often standard size. This also goes if you want full-coverage for your face, like this one my friend uses.

Is Swimming with Turtles in Akumal Ethical?

This was something I personally thought a lot about before visiting.

The turtles in Akumal are completely wild, and they are there because of the seagrass they feed on. They are not fed or controlled by humans.

That said, it is a very popular activity, and that comes with responsibility.

As long as you:

• Keep your distance
• Do not touch the turtles
• Avoid standing on seagrass
• Use reef-safe sunscreen

Then it can be a respectful and low-impact experience.

If you are unsure, going with a certified guide can also help ensure that you are following best practices.

Do you Need a Guide to Swim with Turtles in Akumal?

This is one of the most confusing parts of visiting Akumal, and it has changed over the years.

When I first visited, it was possible to simply walk into the water and snorkel with turtles on your own. However, regulations have become stricter in recent years to help protect the turtles and their habitat.

Today, parts of Akumal Bay are designated as protected areas where you are only allowed to enter with a licensed guide. There are also zones closer to shore where independent snorkeling is still allowed.

In practice, this means you have two options:

• Join a guided tour (this gives you access to more areas)
• Snorkel on your own in designated zones near the shore

Personally, I still love the experience of entering the water from the beach and floating quietly while waiting for turtles to pass by. But it is important to respect the current rules, which may vary slightly depending on when you visit.

Akumal Snorkeling Guide: How to Swim with Turtles

Swimming with turtles in Akumal is actually quite simple, but there are a few things you need to know before you get in the water.

Once you arrive at Akumal Beach, your goal is to enter the water calmly, respect the designated zones, and give the turtles space to move freely.

Here is exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Accessing the beach

Akumal Beach is public, but access is not always completely straightforward.

Most people enter through a beach club, dive shop, or designated entrance area, which usually involves a small fee. In return, you often get access to facilities like bathrooms, lockers, and sometimes shaded areas.

If you are bringing your own snorkeling gear, you can simply pay for access and walk through. If not, renting gear at one of the dive shops is often the easiest option.

Step 2: Decide if you want a guide or not

This is where things have changed in recent years since my first visit.

Parts of Akumal Bay are now protected, and access to those areas requires a licensed guide. However, there are still designated zones closer to shore where you can snorkel independently.

So you have two options:

• Go on a guided tour: You will be taken to the main turtle areas and guided safely through the experience
• Snorkel on your own: You can stay in the allowed zones and still have a very good chance of seeing turtles

Both options can be great, and it really comes down to your comfort level and how much structure you want.

Below are some recommended (and highly rated) tours for snorkeling with the turtles.

Step 3: Get your gear ready

You will need:

• A mask and snorkel
• A life vest (often required in certain zones and highly recommended)

Fins are generally discouraged, as they can damage seagrass and disturb the turtles.

Even if you are a confident swimmer, I recommend using a life vest. It helps you float calmly without kicking, which makes the experience more relaxing and less intrusive for the turtles.

Life jackets are often required in certain zones of Akumal Bay, particularly in protected areas. Even where they are not strictly enforced, I highly recommend wearing one. It helps you stay calm and float without kicking, which is better for both you and the turtles.

Step 4: Enter the water slowly

Once you are ready, walk into the water from the beach.

You do not need to swim far at all. The turtles are often found relatively close to shore, especially in areas with seagrass.

When you reach waist-deep water, start floating and snorkeling slowly. Try to keep your movements minimal and relaxed.

Step 5: Find the turtles (and let them come to you)

This is the most important part.

Instead of chasing turtles or following crowds, try to stay calm and observe your surroundings.

Look for darker patches on the ocean floor. This is seagrass, and where turtles feed.

Then simply float and wait.

When I visited, we saw turtles within about 10 minutes, and ended up spotting several during our time in the water.

Of course, they are wild animals, so nothing is guaranteed (but sightings here are very common).

Step 6: Respect the turtles and their space

This cannot be stressed enough.

To keep the experience safe and sustainable:

• Do not touch the turtles
• Keep a respectful distance
• Do not block their path to the surface
• Avoid standing on seagrass
• Move slowly and avoid splashing

If you treat the experience as quiet observation rather than interaction, it becomes much more special.

Step 7: Stay within the allowed zones

You will notice ropes and marked areas in the water.

These indicate:

• Protected zones (guide-only access)
• Areas where independent snorkeling is allowed

Make sure you respect these boundaries, as they are there to protect both the turtles and the ecosystem.

My honest experience

When I first did this, I expected it to feel a bit chaotic because of how popular it is.

But once I was in the water, floating quietly and watching turtles glide past me, everything felt surprisingly calm.

It did not feel like an “activity” – it felt like being a guest in their environment.

And that is really the mindset to have going into it.

Tips for Swimming with Turtles in Akumal

Below are my best tips for snorkeling with turtles in Akumal. These are based on my own experience, along with what I would do differently if I went back today.

Start early (this makes a huge difference)

If you can, get to the beach early in the morning.

Not only will you avoid the crowds, but the water is usually calmer and clearer, which makes spotting turtles much easier. It also feels like a much more peaceful experience overall.

If this is high on your list, I would honestly consider staying nearby for a night so you can be there first thing in the morning.

Understand how access works

Akumal Beach is public, but most access points go through businesses or managed entrances.

This usually means paying a small fee, which often includes access to facilities like lockers, bathrooms, or shaded areas.

Personally, I think it is worth it for the convenience, especially if you are renting gear anyway.

Choose your approach (guided vs independent)

You will likely be approached by guides offering tours, and it can feel a bit overwhelming.

The reality is (I know I’m repeating myself here):

• Some areas require a licensed guide
• Other areas are open for independent snorkeling

If you prefer structure and want help spotting turtles, a guide can be a good option. If you are comfortable in the water and happy to explore at your own pace, snorkeling independently can be just as rewarding.

Stay away from the crowds

If you see a large group of snorkelers gathered in one place, it usually means a turtle has been spotted.

However, this is often not the best place to be.

In my experience, you are more likely to have a calm and memorable encounter by staying slightly away from the crowds and letting the turtles come to you.

Look for seagrass

This is the easiest way to find turtles.

Where the ocean floor looks darker or slightly murky, there is usually seagrass. This is what the turtles feed on, so it is where they spend most of their time.

If you stay near these areas and float patiently, your chances of seeing turtles are very high.

Move slowly and avoid kicking

Try to stay as calm and still as possible in the water.

Avoid kicking up sand or silt, as it reduces visibility and can disturb the environment. This is also why I recommend using a life vest, as it helps you float without needing to move much.

Keep your distance (always)

The turtles in Akumal are used to people, but that does not mean they should be approached.

Give them space, avoid blocking their path, and never attempt to touch them.

If you simply float and observe, you will often find that they come surprisingly close on their own.

A note on rules and regulations

There is a lot of mixed information around what is allowed in Akumal, and it can be confusing when you arrive.

Here are the most important things to know:

• Parts of the bay are protected and require a guide
• Other areas allow independent snorkeling
• Life vests are often required in certain zones and strongly recommended everywhere
• Fins are generally discouraged to protect the seagrass and turtles

Regulations can change over time, so it is always a good idea to follow the latest local guidance when you arrive.

Akumal Turtles FAQ

Got questions? You’re not the only one! Here are some frequently asked questions about the Akumal turtles and swimming with turtles. Have a question that I didn’t answer? Leave it in the comments below!

Recommended Akumal Turtle Tours

Below are some of the highest rated snorkelling tours that let you swim with turtles Akumal.

Of course, as I mentioned above, it is not necessary to join a tour – but if you prefer being in a group and having a guide with you, you can browse the ones below.

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