Akumal: Turtle Snorkeling Boat Tour & Reef Swim with Guide

Summary

Swim with turtles in Akumal’s reef lagoon on a guided boat tour

You’ll float through Akumal’s calm lagoon with a local guide pointing out hawksbill turtles and tropical fish among coral heads. Includes your snorkeling gear, a quick boat ride out and back, plus coffee and fruit before or after swimming. Expect gentle waters, patient guidance if you need help — and maybe that quiet thrill when you spot your first turtle gliding by.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a mask and snorkel before I’d even finished my coffee — I was still chewing pineapple when our guide, Luis, grinned and said, “Ready?” The boat ride out from Akumal was short enough that I barely had time to get nervous. Water was glassy and blue-green; you could already see patches of sand and those dark little clumps of algae below. Luis told us to watch for hawksbill turtles near the sea grass. I tried to remember what they looked like but honestly just hoped not to scare anything off.

We slid into the water (awkwardly, in my case) and floated above this gentle underwater world. I kept hearing my own breathing through the snorkel — weirdly loud at first — but then it faded as we drifted over the first area. Luis pointed out a turtle almost right away, munching on something invisible to me. There was a moment where everything felt slow: sunlight flickering through the surface, the soft sway of algae. Sometimes you forget how quiet it can be under there.

After that we swam closer to the reef crest where coral heads popped up like little cities for fish. Bright flashes everywhere — yellow tails darting around, someone (not me) spotted a parrotfish chewing on coral. Luis hung back with anyone who wanted to go slower or got tired; he didn’t rush us at all. I liked that about him. The whole thing lasted about an hour in the water but felt longer in a good way. My mask kept fogging up but honestly I didn’t mind much.

The ride back was quiet except for someone laughing about how salty their lips tasted. We ate more fruit and swapped stories about what we’d seen — apparently there were two turtles, not just one (I missed the second). Sun on my shoulders, salt drying on my skin… I still think about that feeling sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour to see turtles

• Boat ride to reef lagoon
• Snorkel in sand and algae area
• Observe hawksbill turtles
• Snorkel near reef crest
• See coral heads and tropical fish
• Return boat ride to shore

Top questions

How long is the Akumal turtle snorkeling tour?

The total tour is about 1.5 hours: 15 minutes by boat each way and 1 hour snorkeling in the water.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Can beginners join this turtle snorkel tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and guides are patient if you need help or want to go slower.

Are food or drinks provided?

Coffee and fruit snacks are included before or after your swim.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling happens inside Akumal’s reef lagoon with calm waters protected from open sea waves.

Will we see turtles every time?

Sightings can’t be guaranteed but guides know good spots for hawksbill turtles in Akumal lagoon.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to tour info.

What’s included

Your day includes a local snorkeling guide throughout the experience, use of all necessary snorkel equipment, a short boat ride out into Akumal’s calm reef lagoon for two different swim spots, plus coffee and fresh fruit snacks before or after your time in the water.