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!

Check out this Akumal Bay Turtle Tour
From Riviera Maya: Tulum, Cenote, & Akumal Turtle Swim Trip

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 aTulum 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.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Luxury: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya Adults Only All-Inclusive
Mid-Range: Pelicano Inn Playa del Carmen – Beachfront Hotel
Budget: Soul Beach Boutique Hotel & Spa

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!

Mexico Helpful Links

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
Luxury: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya Adults Only All-Inclusive
Mid-Range: Pelicano Inn Playa del Carmen – Beachfront Hotel
Budget: Soul Beach Boutique Hotel & Spa

Top Tours from Playa del Carmen
– From Riviera Maya: Tulum, Cenote, & Akumal Turtle Swim Trip
– Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Cenote & Buffet
– Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim
– Playa del Carmen: Isla Mujeres Catamaran, Drink & Beach Club
– From Playa del Carmen: Xplor Park Admission, Full Day
– Playa Del Carmen: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel

How to Get Around Playa del Carmen
One of the best things about Playa del Carmen is how easy it is to get around. The town itself is super walkable – especially if you’re staying near Fifth Avenue (La Quinta Avenida) or the beach. Most restaurants, shops, and bars are just a short stroll away.

For day trips or longer distances, you’ve got plenty of options: taxis are everywhere (just be sure to agree on the price before hopping in), colectivos (shared minibuses) are an affordable way to reach nearby spots like Tulum or cenotes, busbud or taking an ADO bus is a great option is great for booking buses between cities and rental cars are handy if you want more freedom to explore at your own pace. If you’re booking tours, transport is usually included, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics.

Mexico SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Mexico is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best tacos near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Vietnam data plan before you even land.

There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.

👉 Get your Mexico eSIM with Airalo here

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.