Exploring the vibrant waters of Akumal Bay in Mexico offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside majestic sea turtles. This protected area is renowned for its diverse marine life, providing an unforgettable experience for snorkelers and nature enthusiasts. Guided tours ensure a safe and informative adventure, allowing participants to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. With the right preparation and a sense of wonder, swimmers can enjoy the captivating world beneath the surface, creating memories that will leave a lasting impression. But the true wonder of this encounter lies in the chance to witness the grace and beauty of these ancient mariners up close.
Key Points
- Swim with sea turtles in the natural habitat of Akumal Bay, Mexico, with the guidance of professional eco-conscious guides.
- Enjoy an intimate experience with a private tour format, snorkeling gear, and access to beach amenities.
- Expect to see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays, and diverse fish, during the tour.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and maximize your time in the water, and bring small bills for parking and locker fees.
- This tour is ideal for confident swimmers, with flotation devices available for assistance, and is not wheelchair accessible.
Overview and Experience
The tour allows visitors to swim with sea turtles in the stunning waters of Akumal, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
With 376 reviews and a 90% recommendation rate, the experience is highly regarded, earning a 4.5-star overall rating on Viator and Tripadvisor.
The tour has also received the Badge of Excellence from the Akumal Ecological Guides, ensuring a professional and eco-conscious approach.
As a private tour, only your group will participate, providing an intimate and personalized encounter with the majestic sea turtles.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Playa del Carmen.
Tour Details and Inclusions
For a swim with sea turtles, the price starts from €43.43 per person.
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, all fees and taxes, snorkeling activity insurance, beach entrance, bathrooms, showers, lockers, and photography.
The meeting point is at 9MXM+94 Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
There’s a parking fee of 100 pesos for the day, and a locker deposit also costs 100 pesos.
The tour is wheelchair-inaccessible, but strollers and infant seats are available.
It’s near public transportation, and most travelers can participate without serious medical conditions.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.
What to Expect
Upon booking, participants receive confirmation.
The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and infant seats are available. The tour’s location is near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, as no serious medical conditions are required.
Should plans change, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, fees, taxes, insurance, beach access, bathrooms, showers, and lockers.
Guests should arrive early for a less crowded experience. Confident swimmers will enjoy the best experience, though guides offer flotation devices for those needing assistance.
Participant Reviews and Feedback
Guides are professional and helpful, ensuring a great experience for participants.
Common sightings during the tour include sea turtles, stingrays, and various fish, delighting visitors.
Reviewers highlight the positive aspects of the swim, such as the generous duration, quality of equipment, and the guides’ support.
However, some note a feeling of being rushed or limited time in the water.
Recommendations and Tips
Sunscreen application is crucial before arrival, as it cannot be used once at the site. Confident swimmers will find this tour ideal, as guides provide flotation devices for those needing assistance. Consider staying at the beach after the tour for food and snacks.
Recommendations | Tips |
---|---|
Apply sunscreen before arrival | Early arrival recommended for a less crowded experience |
Ideal for confident swimmers | Guides provide flotation devices for those needing assistance |
Stay at the beach for food and snacks after the tour | – |
Swimming With Sea Turtles
Visitors eager to swim alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat often flock to the picturesque Akumal Bay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This guided experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures up close.
The tour includes:
- Snorkeling equipment and all necessary gear
- Snorkeling activity insurance and beach amenities
- Professional guides ensuring a safe and enriching experience
- Sightings of sea turtles, stingrays, and diverse marine life
- Recommendations to arrive early for a less crowded setting
Swimmers of all skill levels can participate, with flotation devices available for those needing assistance.
Applying sunscreen before arrival and staying for post-tour refreshments are also suggested tips for an enjoyable and memorable swim with sea turtles.
Exploring the Akumal Bay
Nestled along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Akumal Bay beckons visitors with its turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. This protected bay is a prime spot for swimming with sea turtles, as they feed on the abundant seagrass beds.
Participants can expect to see these gentle giants gliding effortlessly through the water, often surfacing for air. The tour includes all necessary snorkeling gear, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.
With a team of knowledgeable guides, guests can learn about the sea turtles’ behaviors and the ecosystem they inhabit. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned snorkeler, this encounter with Akumal’s marine wonders is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Preparing for the Tour
Before embarking on the captivating swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, it’s essential to properly prepare. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but visitors should bring their own swimsuit, towel, and water-resistant sunscreen.
Parking and locker fees are additional costs, so having small bills on hand is recommended. Participants should also be aware that sunscreen is prohibited once at the site to protect the delicate ecosystem.
While the tour is suitable for most travelers, confident swimming skills are advised. To make the most of the experience, an early arrival is suggested to avoid crowds and enjoy more time in the water with the majestic sea turtles.
- Bring swimsuit, towel, and water-resistant sunscreen
- Have small bills for parking and locker fees
- Sunscreen is prohibited at the site
- Swimming skills recommended for optimal experience
- Arrive early to beat the crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Expected Group Size for the Tour?
The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating. This means the group size is flexible and tailored to your needs, providing an intimate and personalized encounter with the sea turtles.
Are Professional Underwater Cameras Available for Rent?
The tour doesn’t offer professional underwater camera rentals. However, guests can bring their own underwater camera equipment to capture photos and videos during the snorkeling activity.
Can Children Under 6 Years Old Participate in the Tour?
Children under 6 can participate in the tour, but their safety and experience may be limited. The guides provide flotation devices, but very young kids may not be able to snorkel comfortably. It’s best to check with the tour operator first.
Is There an Option to Extend the Swimming Duration?
There’s no explicit option to extend the standard swimming duration on this tour. However, guests can inquire about additional time in the water with the guides upon arrival, subject to availability and group size.
Are There Any Restrictions on What We Can Bring to the Beach?
There are some restrictions on what visitors can bring to the beach. Sunscreen and personal items may not be allowed past the entry point. Guests should leave valuables at home and pack only essential items for the tour.
The Sum Up
Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal’s protected bay offers a truly captivating experience. Guided by professionals, visitors can enjoy the vibrant marine ecosystem while ensuring safety and gaining insights. Early arrival and thorough preparation are recommended to make the most of this unforgettable opportunity amidst the stunning turquoise waters. With the right precautions, swimmers can create lasting memories of their encounter with these magnificent creatures.
More Tour Reviews in Playa del Carmen
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Playa del Carmen we have reviewed
- Bike and Buggy Excursion to Cenote Maya With Atypical Meal
- Akumal ,turtles and Gopro
- Chichen Itza Tour Options With Cenote Swim From Playa Del Carmen
- 4 to 7 Day Beach Cruiser Rental (Up to 7 Days, Includes Ulock)
- Cenotes Casa Tortugas Tour
- Shared ATV, Zipline, and Cenote Adventure From Playa Del Carmen
- Coba & Zipline, Rappel and Cenote Snorkeling
- Chichen Itza
- Try Dive in Cozumel Island
- Cancun Airport Departure Transfer From Playa Paraiso, Playa Del Carmen, Playacar
- Private or Small-Group Temazcal Maya Ritual From Playa Del Carmen
- Tulum & Jungle Adventure Private Tour