Akumal private tour: Snorkel with sea turtles from the beach

How close can you get to a sea turtle in shallow water?

You get a private snorkel in Akumal Bay with a local certified guide who knows the turtles and the reef. Equipment, insurance, and beach facilities are included. You choose your time slot. The shallow water and small-group format mean you actually see what you came for without the chaos of larger tours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel with turtles at Akumal Bay

• Meet local certified guide
• Receive snorkeling equipment
• Get briefing on turtle protection
• Enter shallow Akumal Bay from beach
• Snorkel near sea grass and coral barrier
• Observe white, green, and Carey turtles
• Spot tropical fish, rays, and barracudas
• Use lockers, bathrooms, and showers
• Optional beach relaxation after activity

The experience

Our guide Marco met us at the beach entrance and right away started talking about the turtles, which ones we'd probably see, how to keep distance, why the shallow grassland matters. He wasn't performing. He was just sharing what he knows about the place. That's the thing about a local guide here: they're not reading from a script. The whole activity starts with that five-minute talk about turtle protection before you even get in the water, which sounds like it could be boring but actually changes how you look at what you're about to do.

Akumal Bay is shallow, which is exactly why the turtles are there and why you can actually see them without diving deep. You start in the grassland area (that's where the white and green turtles hang out mostly), and then move toward the coral barrier where the fish are. The guide stays with your group the whole time, pointing out details you'd miss alone: a ray gliding past, a barracuda in the distance, the way the light hits the coral. It's not a cattle-call snorkel. They keep groups small and avoid the wholesale tour operators, so you're not jostling for position with fifty other people.

The logistics are straightforward. Snorkel equipment is included, so you just bring a towel and swimsuit. There are lockers, bathrooms and showers right there in the service area, which matters more than it sounds when you're dripping salt water and want to rinse off before heading back. Insurance is covered too, which takes one thing off your mental checklist. They offer different time slots so you can pick what fits your day. You're not locked into a departure that doesn't work. And if you want to stay on the beach after the snorkel part ends, you can. The activity doesn't eat up your whole afternoon.

What’s included

Your experience includes all entrance fees, a certified local guide for the entire activity, snorkel equipment, use of lockers and shower facilities, and snorkel insurance. You'll have flexible time slots to choose from, and the option to stay on the beach afterward if you'd like.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5.42

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Nado con tortugas akumal guías locales

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in Playa del Carmen who want to see turtles without joining a large group tour. The shallow water and small-group format mean you actually see what you came for, and the flexible time slots fit around the rest of your day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of turtles will I see?

Mostly white and green turtles in the grassland area. Occasionally hawksbill turtles. You may also see rays and barracudas near the coral barrier.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkel gear is included. You only need to bring a towel and swimsuit.

How deep is the water?

Akumal Bay is shallow, which is why turtles gather there. You'll start in the grassland area and move toward the coral barrier.

Are there facilities at the beach?

Yes. Lockers, bathrooms and showers are available in the service area.

How many people are in a typical group?

Groups are kept small. The operator avoids large wholesale tours to give you a more personal experience.

Can I choose what time to go?

Yes. Different time slots are available so you can pick the one that suits your schedule.

What's included in the price?

Beach entrance, snorkel equipment, guide, bathrooms and showers, and snorkel activity insurance.