Among the things that captivated me the most when I came to live in the Mexican Caribbean was knowing of a beach where we could swim with turtles almost on the beach. Does that exist in Riviera Maya? I could'nt believe it.
Akumal Bay is a magnificent half-moon beach, with coconut palms, crystal clear turquoise waters and a nearby reef that whitewashes it, the Caribbean postcard. Swimming with turtles in Akumal It must be the worst kept secret in the entire Mexican Caribbean, because when something is incredible, it is difficult for it to not reach travelers.
The ability to swimming with turtles in Akumal In the middle of nature, 100 meters from the coast, it is undoubtedly amazing, which few will want to miss on this Riviera Maya coast.
Updated information, we are guides certificates area
HOW MUCH DOES THE ENTRANCE TO AKUMAL COST 2020 PRICE
Akumal beach is one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, and you can also swim with turtles, who gives more? Access to Akumal beach is through a booth where you must pay. At the entrance they offer changing facilities, lockers, toilets and showers, very comfortable and practical.
The entrance to Akumal beach is 100 pesos per person. Quintanarroenses with credentials do not pay
Very well, we already entered Akumal beach paying 100 pesos. Now we are going to see the rules of the place to enjoy this turtle sanctuary without problems.
RULES FOR SWIMMING WITH TURTLES IN AKUMAL
Once you have paid the entrance to the beach you can enjoy it quietly and spend the whole day here. There is a restaurant and several palm trees that give you shade to spend the day. CAUTION that a coconut does not fall on your head, if you do not have a habit you do not think, but a coconut can do a lot of damage.
On Akumal beach you will observe an area delimited by buoys. Turtles are usually found there. To access this area delimited by buoys to observe these beautiful sea turtles you must comply with a regulation.
Since April of 2017 swim with turtles marinas within these buoys, it is mandatory to enter with an instructor authorized by SEMARNAT, in groups of no more than 6 people and only from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Two authorized circuits were delimited, which are the only areas allowed by Mexican law for swim with sea turtles. This is in order not to affect the ecosystems of this beautiful beach; in circuit 1 you cannot stay more than 55 minutes and in circuit 2 not more than 65 minutes.
What else to do in Akumal
SWIM WITH TURTLES IN AKUMAL PRICE 2020
In this area of buoys and circuits for swimming with turtles you must enter with a guide and with the necessary snorkeling equipment: life jacket, goggles, tube and short fins. The rules are: each group with its instructor must be at a distance of 10 meters within the circuits.
Once sea turtles are observed, tourists must maintain a distance of at least 3 meters and cannot observe the turtles for more than 5 minutes. All this is explained to you by the instructor before entering the sea.
These instructor tours cost 500 pesos per person
In this buoy area it is easier to see the turtles for a simple reason: in the coral reef there is a gap through which the turtles enter Akumal Bay. It is in that area that they stay, and where it is easier to observe them. It is practically safe to see them if you enter this area to swim with turtles.
ATTENTION: During the months of February and September they give rest to the turtle areas delimited by buoys. That means that tours do not come out at that time, so the turtles take a break from humans. You can also visit Akumal and swim to see turtles, but not in this area where you see them 100% safe.
WHERE TO HIRE THE TURTLES TOUR IN AKUMAL
There are two basic ways to do the turtle tour in Akumal:
- CONTRACT TOUR FROM YOUR HOTEL: almost all agencies in Riviera Maya sell the turtles tour in Akumal. This gives you the comfort that they pick you up from your hotel and you don't have to take care of anything else. Everything is made easy for you.
- HIRE TOUR FROM THE BEACH: If you come to the beach for free you can hire the turtle tour in Akumal right there. Arriving at the parking area you will see different authorized guides that sell you their turtle tour. We have already seen that the price is over 500 pesos per person. The price includes the complete snorkeling equipment.
From your hotel you can hire this Akumal turtle tour
SWIM WITH TURTLES IN AKUMAL FOR FREE
Akumal Beach has the unique charm of power swimming with turtles for freeYou don't need any excursions as long as you are outside the buoy area. If in the buoy area it is almost 100% sure that you see them, in this area the possibilities are 60%. It is an authentic gift for everyone, it is one of the irresistible activities to do in Riviera Maya.
It is possible that arriving in Akumal they tell you that it is mandatory to go with a guide or rent a vest. Not so, that's only in the buoy area. You can enter freely to swim without a vest and without a guide.
WHERE TO ENTER THE WATER TO SWIM WITH TURTLES FREE?
On the beach you will see a diving center. It is a Dive Center that you locate about 150 meters from the entrance. Through that channel that you see just in front of the diving center you can enter, it is a free area for the visitor.
Personally I have had to see them at various points on the beach. This is the place where most people gather, but the beach is long and you can move freely. Not only do you see turtles, it is a good place to snorkel, connect with nature and enjoy the beach.
SNORKEL EQUIPMENT FOR SWIMMING WITH TURTLES IN AKUMAL
You can bring your own snorkeling equipment to the beach or rent the complete equipment at Akumal beach. For about 100 pesos you have a mask, vest and fins. TO SUMMARIZE: if you take your equipment and swim for free you ONLY have to pay 100 pesos which is the payment corresponding to the entrance.
WHAT ELSE WILDLIFE TO SEE AT AKUMAL BEACH
In the waters of Akumal beach there is a lot of marine life. In addition to swimming with turtles in Akumal You can do it with manta rays, rays, as well as observe corals and coral fish. It is a place where there is enough grass, the food of the turtles. That is the reason why they come, Akumal beach is a turtle feeding place.
It is a luxury and enjoy going with your mask and enjoying swimming with turtles and other marine animals. The spectacular Akumal beach is a magnificent plan. Swim with turtles In this environment it is simply amazing, those who enjoy the safe nature will be one of the beautiful experiences to treasure. Time flies by these reptiles, it is easy to get out of the water like a wrinkled raisin without finding out.
Instructions to follow in turtle nesting season
HOW TO GO TO AKUMAL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Akumal Beach is 24 kilometers from Tulum and 40 from Playa del Carmen. The entrance is well signposted from Federal 307, just under a bridge. If you go by your own car, at the entrance to Akumal you will see several parking lots. The price for leaving the car is 50 pesos.
Public transport drops you off on Federal Highway 307, at the bridge at the entrance to town.) From here you walk less than 1 km to the beach. The ADO (big bus) does not stop in Akumal, you must go in combi.
HOW TO GO TO AKUMAL FROM TULUM BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
From Tulum the combis leave from the main street, in front of the ADO bus station. The price per person is about 20 pesos. The driver tells you where to get off in Akumal.
HOW TO GO TO AKUMAL FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
In Playa del Carmen the bus stop is located on Calle 2, between avenues 15 and 20. There are two bus companies, almost one in front of the other. The cost is about 30 pesos per person. The driver will tell you where to get off if you ask.
HOW TO GO TO AKUMAL FROM CANCÚN BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you go from Cancun, the buses leave near the ADO terminal. There is no direct route to Akumal, so you must get off at the last stop in Playa del Carmen and from here take another bus to Akumal.
Well you already know the secret of Riviera Maya, whenever you want this corner of the Caribbean awaits you. Swimming with turtles in Akumal is a real candy at the door of a school.
Swimming with turtles in Akumal
LOCATION: Akumal Bay is located at 24 kilometers from Tulum and 40 from Playa del Carmen. The entrance is well indicated from the federal 307.HOW TO GET IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Buses leave from Tulum on the main street. If you go from Cancun, the buses leave near the ADO terminal) you must get off at the last stop in Playa del Carmen and from here take another bus to Akumal (from calle 2 between avenida 15 y 20). Public transport leaves you on federal highway 307, on the bridge at the entrance to the town (tell the driver, he knows). From here you walk 1 km to the beach. The ADO (large bus) does not stop in Akumal, you must go by combi.
DO I BRING SNORKELING EQUIPMENT? If you do not have snorkeling equipment rent in Akumal.
TIPS: One of the animals that inhabit the Caribbean are small rays, it is best to enter the water shuffling to avoid stepping on them, which is when they bite us.
SEASON DESOVE TURTLES: from mid-May to mid-September, they are usually seen more at night (it has red light, never white). Where and when to see turtles in Riviera Maya
Good way,
- Offers on flights international and national ..
- Find the accommodation with the best offers from Booking.com.
- Stay with airbnb and get 25 € discount.
- Contract activities, tours and excursions organized.
- Rent a car with the indispensable and necessary best discounts.
- Secure your transfers of arrival or departure to the airport.
- Travel safely with IATI and take advantage of 5% off.
If you prefer, you tell us your idea of the trip and together we organize it.
What a joy to bathe in those waters with that color, but is not it scary with those big turtles?
A hug
Go, I never thought about that ... They are very tame, like the cows that you find grazing in the field, if you get too close they make you look "no hassles!" And pass by. Greetings Pilar!
I knew about the existence of this beach looking for vacations for this year ... I got a desire! ... and now they come back to me ...
Gorgeous post !!
I'm glad! 🙂 Around here there are incredible natural corners, and if you move well in the area you save the tourists ... anything you tell me and I help you plan if you need it. Regards!
An authentic joy, thank you for sharing paradise
Simply wonderful post. It is how well you say a luxury to be able to swim among the turtles, which I have not yet been able to experience; but I share your comment of what since they give us such immense pleasure, not to disturb them, it must be that it must be born from intelligence, which unfortunately is missing from some human beings.
The animals give us the chance to see them in their habitat, and they should never leave there to be locked in zoos, depriving them of something as fundamental as their FREEDOM.
Thank you for sharing photos as refreshing as beautiful, Sandra!
regards
I'm glad you liked Rosa! As you say, surely the animals in freedom are happier, no doubt. And the happiness they give you, another of the things that are priceless! Petons!
You already have a new follower of the blog! 😀
Thank you very much for all the information.
It is very useful!! I share the 100% that must be observed and not interfere in the life of the animals.
A pleasure to help Tony, thanks for the comment, thanks. You do not know about people who throw themselves to touch the turtles, go martyrdom for them. Best regards,
Hi, I have read many of your posts and they are really engaging and inspiring.
I travel to Riviera in less than 1 month with my girlfriend because she dreams of swimming with turtles in akumal. I wanted to ask you if in the area where the turtles are in the buoys, is it very deep? are there places to rest? or stand? It is necessary to be a very good swimmer. Let's say I'm average hehehe. I'm measuring 1.79 just in case. Thank you very much for your help, and my most sincere congratulations for your Blog.
Hi Eduardo, how nice to be able to help you, and thanks for your comments.
The depth is not much, but you do not touch foot. More than 3 meters there are in some places. If you are going to feel more comfortable you can hire a guide service on the beach, where they offer you swimming vests. The bay is calm water, the space is natural and open, but like a pool. The same buoy ropes are used to hold and rest.
From here nothing, dream realized! 🙂
Good way guys! 🙂
Hello Sandra, I found your blog because of the search for itineraries and activities in Riviera Maya since I'm leaving in a month and a half. I am very fond of beaches and nature, and I really want to go to Akumal to see the turtles in their natural habitat. I have been looking at blogs and also recommended many people to go to Xcacel. In your opinion, what are the beaches that you can not miss if you travel to the Riviera? I will stay in the Palladium, since its location is very practical between Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the different pyramids. Greetings and many thanks for sharing so much information!
Uf Lucia, you're going to enjoy it a lot if you're a shirt 🙂
Yes, Xcacel It is a wonderful beach, the most virgin. I would recommend you too Soliman, at the end of the road there is an entrance that leads to a great little restaurant, you will like it. Maroma Beach It is beautiful, and Paamul as well. I give you an entry that can complete the information: https://www.elcaminomascorto.es/mejores-playas-riviera-maya/
I hope you enjoy it a lot, any questions you ask me.
Regards,
Hello Sandra, I have been told by a taxi driver in the area that they no longer allow free swimming in the turtle zone and it is necessary to hire a guide. Is that true or is it a way to earn pesos?
Thank you
Hello Javi, they have been with this controversy for years trying to get money. To save me quarrels I say that I go to the restaurant on the beach, nobody can forbid you to go to the restaurant, once there I drink a beer and go to the sea. And I have always entered without a guide, it is the sea, to date it is not a natural park cataloged by quota, so I enter the sea because it is public. Of course, we should respect the turtles and follow the rules.
Greetings, enjoy the swim!
Hello Sandra, I saw that ne is spawning season but turtles are seen at this time? My son travels next week, can you help me?
Surely you will go from Playa in public transport and when you get there, how do you locate the place? Are there any recommended hours to go?
who will see apart from turtles ??
thanks for your help!
Hello Patricia, as you say now is not spawning season. This beach in Akumal is very easy to get from Playa, I explain it in the article: just get to the beach, walk about 500 meters from the bus stop and ready. There are small blankets, fish, rays, in addition to the turtles. Turtles are seen at any time of the day.
It is safe and quiet, they will enjoy the place a lot, you will see it 🙂
Best regards,
Hola!
Ten years ago I went to Akumal and swam with the turtles. We went with a group from the hotel who had a car. I remember a not very big beach with boats anchored on the beach. It is not what I see in the photos that is a great beach. Do you know where it is? Because there we saw them without problems.
Thank you
Hello Montse, you are going to hallucinate with what the coast has changed in 10 years. Honestly I do not know which one you say, in fact there are beaches like Soliman or Paamul where I have seen them swimming, even in Cancun (Puerto Juarez). This beach of Akumal has the great advantage of being very close to the coast and you see practically sure, that is why it is the most sought after, the others are a matter of luck. Akumal has several entrances and there are other beaches where you can swim, maybe you remember one of those little girls, like the one in front of Buena Vida, a restaurant in Akumal facing the sea.
I hope the information helps you 🙂