Snorkeling in Akumal: Swim with Turtles in a Reef Sanctuary

Four hours in the water with turtles, coral and multicolored fish

Snorkeling in Akumal's natural cove puts you in the water with sea turtles in their habitat, surrounded by coral reefs and schools of fish. A bilingual certified guide leads the activity, and transport from your hotel plus all snorkeling gear are included. After the underwater time, you relax on the beach or explore Akumal's shoreline at your own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel with turtles and relax beachside

• Arrive in Akumal natural paradise
• Swim alongside turtles in cove
• Explore vibrant coral reefs
• Relax on the beach
• Enjoy sun and sea breeze

The experience

The snorkeling happens in a protected cove where turtles live year-round. You enter calm, clear water and swim at the surface while the guide points out the reef structure, the species moving through it, and the turtles feeding or resting on the bottom. Multicolored fish move around you constantly. The coral itself is the architecture holding the whole ecosystem together. The guide stays with the group throughout, watching for safety and answering questions about what you're seeing.

Transport picks you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and brings you to Akumal. After you finish snorkeling, the afternoon is yours: some people stay on the beach, others walk the shoreline or sit in the shade. There's no fixed schedule for the second half of the day, so you set the pace. The whole outing runs about four hours from pickup to return.

Equipment is provided: mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit if you need one. The guide speaks both English and Spanish, so language isn't a barrier. Groups stay small, which means you're not jostling for position or competing for the guide's attention. Children from age four are welcome in the water.

What’s included

• Bilingual certified guide leading the snorkeling.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport from your hotel.
• snorkeling equipment including mask, fins and snorkel.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private TourGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Private tour, pickup is included

Swim with Turtles in AkumalGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 555

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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$ 25

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Ekinox Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the shared group option if you enjoy meeting other snorkelers and want a lower price. Book the private tour if you prefer the guide's full attention and flexibility to spend more or less time at particular spots on the reef.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 are the turtles like when you're snorkeling near them in Akumal?

Sea turtles in the Akumal cove are accustomed to snorkelers and feed on seagrass on the shallow bottom. You'll see them from above as you float at the surface. They move slowly and are used to people nearby, though the guide will remind you to observe from a respectful distance and not touch them.

Is the snorkeling suitable if I've never done it before?

Yes. The cove is shallow and calm, and the guide is with you the whole time. Equipment is provided and fitted to you before you enter the water. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health.

How long do you actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The full outing is four hours including transport, but most of that time is in or near the water. The guide leads the snorkeling portion and controls the pace based on the group's comfort and what's happening on the reef that day.

Do you have a choice between a shared group and a private snorkeling trip?

Yes. You can book the shared group snorkeling experience, or choose the private tour option if you want the guide and the cove to yourself or with only your own party.