Swim and Snorkel with Turtles from Tulum: Akumal Beach

Snorkel alongside turtles in shallow Akumal waters, then claim the beach for yourself

This half-day snorkel activity from Tulum takes you to Akumal Beach with a local guide, snorkeling gear and hotel pickup included. You swim in shallow water among sea turtles in their natural environment, then get two hours of free time to rest on the beach or explore on your own. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Akumal Beach swim and snorkel

• Travel from hotel to Akumal Beach
• Snorkel with turtles with guide
• Enjoy snacks and drinks on beach
• Relax or explore Akumal for two hours

The Experience

Five hours total, with the snorkel portion guided and the rest your own. The morning or afternoon starts at your hotel or a meeting point in Tulum, then an air-conditioned vehicle takes you north to Akumal Beach. Once there, your guide gears you up with a mask, fins and snorkel—all provided—and leads you into the shallows where sea turtles graze and drift. The water is calm and clear enough that you can watch them feed on seagrass without chasing or crowding them. After the guided snorkel, you get snacks and drinks on the beach, then two full hours to do nothing, swim again on your own, or walk the shoreline.

The guide stays with you during the water time and points out where the turtles are, but this is not a boat tour or a confined experience—you're in the sea itself, moving at your own pace alongside them. Bring a towel, swimsuit and flip-flops; sunscreen is not allowed in the water during the snorkel activity, so plan accordingly. Cash is needed on the day for the marine tax (a turtle protection program fee), which is separate from the tour price.

What’s included

• Hotel or meeting point pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling mask, fins and snorkel.
• expert local guide in English or Spanish.
• snacks and drinks on the beach.
• two hours of free time to relax or swim independently.
• bottled water on board.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by NS Vacations Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want guided snorkeling with a group and time to relax on the beach afterward—the tour includes hotel pickup and all gear, then leaves two hours free to swim or rest on sand.

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Top questions

Can I bring my 5-year-old on the snorkel with turtles from Tulum?

Children are welcome from age 4, so your 5-year-old can join. The guide will help with gear and stay close during the snorkel in the shallow water at Akumal Beach.

What's included in the Akumal snorkel tour from Tulum?

The tour includes hotel or meeting point pickup, air-conditioned transport, all snorkeling equipment, a guide in English or Spanish, snacks and drinks on the beach, and two hours of free time. Bottled water is provided on board.

Is sunscreen okay to wear during the snorkel at Akumal?

Sunscreen is not allowed in the water during the snorkel activity to protect the turtles and the reef. Apply it before you enter the water or after the guided snorkel ends.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling with the turtles?

The guided snorkel portion is part of the five-hour experience, though the exact duration in the water depends on conditions and the group. After snorkeling, you get two hours of free time on the beach to swim, rest or explore on your own.