Akumal: Swim with Turtles & GoPro Photos Private Tour

Swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay on a private snorkeling tour

You’ll swim side by side with wild sea turtles in Akumal Bay on this private snorkeling tour led by a certified guide. Enjoy included GoPro photos capturing your best moments underwater, all gear provided, plus access to showers and lockers after you finish exploring. Expect laughter, new sights, and that rare feeling of being part of something quietly beautiful.

Step-by-step itinerary

Swim with turtles in Akumal Bay

• Meet guide at shoreline
• Receive snorkeling gear
• Enter sea on foot
• Swim following official snorkeling circuit
• Observe turtles, fish, and rays
• Ask guide questions about marine life
• Guide takes photos during swim
• Receive photos after activity
• Relax in protected national park

The experience

We’d barely set our bags down when our guide, Luis, handed me a snorkel mask and grinned like he knew a secret. Akumal was quieter than I expected. Just the soft clatter of fins and kids laughing somewhere behind us. The sun felt heavy on my shoulders, but the water looked so clear I could see bits of seagrass waving from the shore. Luis checked our gear (he even swapped out my mask for a better fit, my nose is apparently “tricky,” his words) and then we waded in together, following his slow steps over smooth stones.

I’ll admit, I hesitated at first. Open water always gets my heart going, but Luis kept talking about the turtles’ favorite spots: how they come here because the bay’s protected and quiet most mornings. Within minutes, there they were: two green turtles gliding just below us, their shells kind of mossy up close. There was this moment where everything went still except for the sound of my own breath in the snorkel and some distant chatter from another group farther out. I tried to say “tortuga” underwater (don’t recommend), which made Luis laugh through his snorkel bubbles.

He snapped photos with his GoPro while we floated above rays and these tiny electric-blue fish darting around patches of coral. The current was gentle, almost rocking us along, and honestly. I forgot about the camera after a while. We saw maybe three turtles total? Hard to keep count when you’re busy staring at their slow-motion flippers or wondering if that shadow is actually a ray or just your own foot. Afterward, back on shore, Luis showed us some of the photos: my hair sticking everywhere but my grin was huge. We rinsed off in these open-air showers that smelled faintly like salt and sunscreen.

It’s funny how quickly an hour slips away when you’re watching sea turtles do their thing right under your nose. I still think about that quiet moment underwater, the light shifting over turtle shells, and how easy it was to forget everything else for a bit.

What’s included

Your day includes a certified personal guide from start to finish, all snorkeling equipment (mask, new snorkel tube, life jacket), traveler’s insurance for peace of mind, access to Akumal Bay with its protected waters plus use of showers, restrooms and lockers after swimming, and yes: high-quality GoPro photos taken during your turtle encounter are part of it too.

Information

Lasts 1h, runs Tuesday to Sunday, 10 start times, from US$ 49 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and French, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday10 departure times: 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30 and 13:30Another time? ›

GroupPrivate7 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and FrenchOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.8 with pickup ›

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Akumal Mayan Vip Tours

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the Akumal turtle tour?

Yes, your snorkeling gear (including mask, new snorkel tube, and life jacket) is provided as part of the tour.

Are GoPro photos included or extra?

The GoPro photo session is included. Your guide will take pictures during your swim and provide them afterward.

How long does the swimming with turtles activity last?

The guided portion lasts about an hour. Afterward you can use the park’s facilities as long as you like.

Is this Akumal turtle tour private?

Yes, this is a private activity: only your group participates with your personal certified guide.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No experience is necessary. Guides help beginners feel comfortable in open water.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If poor weather cancels your tour, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Are showers and lockers available after swimming?

Yes, access to showers, restrooms, and lockers is included after your swim.