Swimming with Turtles in Akumal Bay: An Amazing Day Trip from Playa del Carmen or Tulum

If you’re dreaming of swimming with sea turtles in Mexico, Akumal Bay is the place to do it. This calm stretch of turquoise water on the Riviera Maya is world-famous for its resident turtles that graze on the sea grass just offshore. No giant crowds, no long boat rides – just you, the ocean, and these gentle creatures gliding gracefully beneath the surface. Honestly, it felt like stepping into a National Geographic documentary! This is a must-do on any Riviera Maya Itinerary!

Close up of turtle at Akumal Beach in Mexico

Girl with lifejacket snorkelling at Akumal Beach in Mexico

How to Get to Akumal Bay

I visited Akumal Bay as part of a Tulum day trip tour from Playa del Carmen (you can also do this tour from Tulum), and it couldn’t have been easier. We were picked up from the hotel, and within about 30 minutes we arrived at this dreamy little bay.

If you’re traveling independently by rental car, Akumal sits right between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, making it a quick stop from either city. That said, I’d highly recommend booking a guided Akumal turtle tour. With transport, snorkel gear, and a knowledgeable guide all included, it made the day stress-free and way more enjoyable.

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles at Akumal Bay 🐢

After a turtle briefing about keeping the turtles safe while we were in the water, we were taken out to the deeper part of the bay so we could swim to the shore while spotting turtles. The second I was in the water, I understood why Akumal Bay is such a hotspot. The sandy bottom is covered in sea grass – basically a buffet for the turtles. Within minutes, our guide pointed out a few, from tiny babies to massive turtles that looked decades old – as Crush from Finding Nemo would say, “150 dude… and still young!”

Watching them slowly rise for air, then gracefully dive back down, was pure magic. There were so many turtles and the water was so clear!! It was a truly magical experience.

Turtle tour group snorkelling at Akumal Beach in Mexico

Swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach in Mexico

Why Book an Akumal Snorkeling Tour?

You can bring your own snorkel gear and swim at Akumal Bay, but regulations often change, and without a guide you’re limited on where you can go. On my Akumal day tour, everything was taken care of:

Snorkel gear & life vest included
Transport from Playa del Carmen so I didn’t need to worry about taxis or colectivos
Expert guide who knew exactly where the turtles were and shared eco-friendly tips

Girl in orange life jacket taking a selfie at Akumal Beach in Mexico

Palm trees and beach at Akumal Beach in Mexico

What to Pack for Akumal Bay

Whether you join a tour or visit independently, here are a few essentials you’ll want to bring:

Reef-safe sunscreen or rash guard (regular sunscreen can harm the turtles and coral)
Towel & change of clothes
Waterproof camera/GoPro for those epic turtle shots
Cash for snacks, drinks, or tips for your guide

My Experience at Akumal Bay

Swimming with turtles at Akumal Bay was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Mexico. Floating alongside these beautiful creatures felt humbling, peaceful, and surreal all at once. After snorkeling, we had some time to relax on the beach, sip a cold drink, and just enjoy the turquoise views.

If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum, a day trip to Akumal Bay is an absolute must. Whether you book a full-day tour or just spend a few hours snorkeling, it’s one of the most magical things to do in the Riviera Maya 🐢💙

Check out my full 1-Week Playa del Carmen Itinerary here!

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