Updated November 2026 · By Terry Barkhuizen, NOM-08 certified tour guide (credential N012608). Rules and fees at Akumal change; follow on-site instructions.
Part of our Wildlife & Nature guide.
Akumal Bay, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is one of the few places in the world where you can reliably snorkel beside wild green sea turtles feeding on seagrass in calm, shallow water. Its popularity nearly loved the bay to death, so visits are now controlled. Following the rules isn’t optional – it’s what keeps the turtles coming back. For the destination as a whole, see the Akumal guide.
The turtle-zone rules
- Swim in the buoyed turtle areas only with an authorised guide.
- Small groups – no more than six people per guide.
- Life jacket in the turtle zone.
- No touching, chasing, feeding or blocking turtles, especially when they come up to breathe.
- Keep your distance and stay horizontal – don’t stand on the seagrass.
- Use biodegradable or mineral sunscreen, or better, a rash guard.
Costs
- Beach facilities (lockers, showers, toilets): roughly 120–140 MXN
- Parking near the bay: about 100 MXN
- Guided turtle snorkel: commonly 350–900 MXN, depending on group size and inclusions
Buy from official operators at the beach entrance, not from people on the road.
Best time to go
Go early – around 8:00–9:30 am – before tour buses arrive. The water is calmer, the turtles are feeding, and the bay is quieter. Turtles live in the bay all year.
How to get there
Akumal is about 35 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and 25 minutes north of Tulum on Highway 307. Take a colectivo and ask for “Akumal”, or drive (see renting a car).
What to bring
- Rash guard and mineral sunscreen
- Your own mask and snorkel if you have them
- Cash in pesos
- Water shoes and a towel
Make a day of it
- Yal-Ku lagoon, a cenote-fed inlet with lots of fish, a few minutes north.
- A nearby cenote – see the best cenotes near Tulum and near Playa del Carmen.
- Turtle nesting season on the beaches (May–October) – see our turtle nesting guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I snorkel in Akumal without a guide?
Outside the turtle zones, yes. Inside the buoyed turtle areas, you need an authorised guide.
Is it good for children?
Yes – the bay is calm and shallow. Children must wear life jackets and stay close to an adult.