Within the blue-green haze, a black silhouette emerges within the distance. Swimming nearer, the clear type of a inexperienced sea turtle begins to take form. The aim of our self-guided Akumal snorkeling journey was to come across these sleek creatures within the wild. The turtles didn’t disappoint and it was the spotlight of our journey to Mexico.
Whereas planning our journey to Mexico, we’d heard about swimming with turtles in Akumal and that it may very well be finished within the wild for FREE! However we additionally noticed numerous dear excursions being supplied. And there was numerous conflicting details about what was truly taking place in Akumal Bay.
All the time up for an journey, we got down to do the snorkel journey our personal and can share our secrets and techniques with you. Whereas it’s attainable to do your individual self-guided tour tour cheaply and simply, the scenario is definitely a lot, way more sophisticated. Sure, you’ll be able to nonetheless snorkel with the turtles by yourself (we element precisely how under), however you could be extra snug with a tour or a information.
Observe: This text is up to date and present as of June 2024. The scenario modifications steadily, so verify again for updates.
We set out from Playa del Carmen a bit later than we had anticipated, arriving round 10:45am. Looking back, we should always have gotten there earlier. The structure was fairly apparent, apart from determining the place to entry the seaside (see detailed directions under, however the dive store and CEA Middle are good choices).
Snorkeling with turtles in Akumal is simple. The small bay is protected by a reef. Massive waves can’t penetrate the bay, so it’s excellent for snorkeling.
The Akumal sea turtles are plentiful they usually’re used to the presence of people. You may get near the turtles (whereas nonetheless respecting their area!). As they get used to you, you’ll be able to respect their robust entrance fins that propel them by way of the water. As they arrive up for air, you’ll be able to look them within the eye and see the power and beauty they venture. It’s actually fairly wonderful.
After a few hours of snorkeling, we parked ourselves within the Lol-Ha restaurant to benefit from the shade, the view of the ocean, and a few wonderful lunch delights: chilaquiles and a cochinita pibil torta. There’s one thing refreshing about food and drinks after spending a number of hours within the salt water.
Our go to to Akumal was a beautiful day within the solar and sea from our base in Playa del Carmen. Of our complete journey in Mexico, snorkeling in Akumal with the ocean turtles was the spotlight of the journey.
Planning your Snorkeling Journey
As you make your plan, that is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW: The small bay has a sandy backside comprised very superb silt and sand. It will get stirred up very simply because the day goes on, slicing down visibility considerably. When the tour teams begin arriving within the mid-morning (usually with inexperienced snorkelers), the underside can get stirred up very, in a short time.
Due to this fact, we advocate arriving as early within the morning as you’ll be able to, ideally no later than 9:30am. If you’re going with a tour operator they usually can’t get you there by 10:30 or 11:00 am, search for another person.
The right way to get to Akumal
Akumal is positioned 23 miles (38 km) south of the lodge zones in Playa del Carmen and 65 miles (104 km) south of Cancun.
It’s about half-way between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (nonetheless, we do NOT advocate the snorkeling and Tulum in the identical day).
There are a number of methods to get to Akumal, however there are actually solely three good methods–rental automotive, a colectivo (the shared native mini-vans), or a non-public tour.
The best and greatest means is by automotive. When you’re spending any time within the Yucatan, think about getting a rental automotive. If you’re going to numerous totally different locations (Tulum, the cenotes, Xcaret, and so forth.), you’ll in the end lower your expenses with a rental automotive versus reserving excursions, and also you’ll save time over the colectivos. Rental automobiles in Mexico are very cheap and top quality (we had a model new Volkswagen Jetta).
If going by rental automotive, head south and observe the indicators for Akumal. The highway to the city and seaside is in your left (you’ll go previous it about 200 yards, take the “returno” again after which make a proper down the highway to the seaside. It’s solely a couple of half-mile to parking. You gained’t go very far earlier than folks will begin aggressively waving you down providing excursions, parking, and “info.”
Verify costs for the most effective offers on rental automobiles within the space.
There are two parking tons on the best (sure, you’ll be able to park there). Nonetheless, we recommend passing these by, going an additional 50 ft and turning into the primary car parking zone in your left (marked by a small guard shack and a heavy metallic gate, which shall be open). The costs are the identical for all of the parking tons (now 100 pesos; lower than $6 for the complete day), however the parking on the left has the bonus of getting spots within the shade if you happen to head in the direction of the again.
Professional tip: When you resolve to rent one of many on-site “guides,” they might give you free parking (extra on the “information” scenario under). The Akumal Dive Middle offers free parking to those that pay for his or her leases and information companies.
The second method to get to Akumal is the colectivo. Principally, you’re on the native bus. The colectivos depart Playa del Carmen from Calle 2 Norte at Avenue 15. Search for the white vans heading within the route of Tulum. The fee is meant to be 35-45 pesos per particular person (lower than $3), however some drivers might quote a barely increased worth. Inform the motive force the place you’re going (“Akumal, por favor”).
The motive force will depart you on the aspect of the highway on the base of footbridge. Head up the footbridge and cross over to the opposite aspect of the highway. Stroll down the highway roughly a half-mile. You’ll know you’re in the best place since you’ll quickly be accosted with provides for guided excursions and life jackets. Simply preserve strolling.
The third and remaining means is by going with a non-public tour. Throughout Cancun and Playa del Carmen, you’ll be approached by folks providing you excursions to Akumal. You’ll pay a premium for the comfort, however you’ll skip a lot of being hassled by the guides in Akumal. Below Mexican legislation, the variety of excursions is meant to be restricted, however we haven’t seen any proof that’s truly the case.
If you wish to go the non-public tour route, you’ll avoid wasting money by pre-booking your half-day snorkeling journey.
When you get to Akumal city, orient your self so that you’re trying on the giant white gate welcoming you to the village. When you want any sundries and drinks, the Oxxo retailer on the best aspect is the place you need to cease.
Alongside this avenue, you may be approached continually being supplied guided turtle excursions of Akumal. You probably have not employed a information elsewhere or not come on a guided tour, that is the place you’ll be able to rent a “licensed information”. Assuming you rent a “information,” they provide you speech about snorkeling with the turtles, outfit you with life jackets, and lead you the seaside. [Note: Is a guide necessary? The answer is complicated and answered below, but in short, a guide is not required, but it may be necessary to actually have a good experience.]
Head by way of the white gate. You’re on the lookout for the Akumal Dive Store. The highway will nearly instantly fork. To the best is the Lol-Ha restaurant. Observe the primary highway because it goes barely to the left. You’ll see a parking lot on the left. The parking right here is pay-by-the-hour. We don’t advocate parking right here. Simply previous the car parking zone in your proper aspect, you’ll discover the Akumal Dive Store.
Stroll up the steps of the dive store on the left aspect (see photograph under) and head out to the seaside. There at the moment are gates on the left aspect of the dive store and a 120 pesos/$6 admission cost to entry the seaside by way of the dive store.
There are another factors of entry for the seaside. This consists of the CEA Middle constructing, which fees 120 pesos/$6 USD (word: $12 minimal for bank card fees) for the usage of restrooms, lockers (carry your individual padlock), and different amenities. Below Mexican legislation (the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone), the seaside is free to make use of, nonetheless, the companies have organized to denationalise (or shut) almost all public entry factors to the seaside.
We advocate leaving your gear/towels within the rental automotive or within the lockers on the dive store or CEA Middle. As a final resort, you’ll be able to depart them on the rocks on the left exterior the dive store. Don’t carry any valuables with you! When you didn’t carry your individual snorkel gear and also you didn’t rent a information who outfitted you, you’ll be able to lease it on the dive store, which may even guarantee quick access to the seaside. Previously, quite a few distributors would lease gear straight on the seaside, however these days at the moment are over.
We advocate bringing your individual snorkel gear. There’s one thing about placing your mouth on a snorkel that 1000’s of others have used that we don’t love. That is our favourite snorkel and masks set.
When you get hungry, head to the Lol-Ha restaurant, the place you’ll be able to sit in comfortable plastic chairs and drink the beverage of your selection whereas having fun with some fairly respectable meals. When you want a rest room, Lol-Ha has a pay bathroom (10 pesos).
Guidelines and Scams
In March 2016, Akumal Bay was declared a marine protected space. Over the subsequent few years, numerous pointers had been put in place ostensibly to assist “defend” the turtles, however they’ve induced numerous confusion. The Akumal scammers took this as a chance to push their agenda, threaten folks, and generate profits. The foundations are clearer (largely), however there can nonetheless be issues.
Until a person produces a sound photograph ID from PROFEPA (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente, the Mexican Federal Lawyer for Environmental Safety) they’ve NO authorized standing. Interval. They’ll put on any shade vest they need or act as threatening as they presumably can, however they don’t have any official or authorized authority.
After all, in case you are approached by precise cops in uniform, adjust to their instructions. That is essential to notice, as a result of there was a rash of individuals impersonating authorities officers, demanding on-the-spot-payment of supposed fines, demanding funds for simply strolling on the seaside, and so-called “unlawful acts.” The self-appointed Akumal Bay Vigilance Committee was nothing wanting a vigilante committee that spent a number of years terrorizing vacationers making an attempt to swim within the ocean. Fortunately these days are over.
New pointers had been put in place to make clear years of complicated guidelines and quite a few issues. It is very important know the next:
- It doesn’t matter what you’re advised on the seaside by these making an attempt to generate profits, snorkeling by yourself continues to be allowed totally free—you don’t have to be a part of a guided tour. HOWEVER, impartial snorkelers are restricted to the primary 150 ft of the shore. Past that, it’s required to go together with a “licensed information.” And as we not too long ago found, EVERYONE claims to be a “licensed information.”
- The “licensed guides” are there to point out you the turtles, but in addition to guard the turtles from you doing one thing silly. HOWEVER, the guides are steadily prepared to look the opposite means if it will get them a giant tip. So that is primarily ineffective.
- The going price for these “licensed guides” is $50 for a household of 4/group, though some “licensed guides” at the moment are claiming that the federal government has set a price of 400 pesos per particular person (about $22 per particular person).
- Below Mexcian legislation, use of Akumal public seaside is free. HOWEVER, getting precise entry to the seaside might incur charges.
- You don’t have to put on a life jacket within the swimming zone (the primary 150 ft from shore). You’re required to put on a life jacket whereas within the Akumal snorkeling circuit. And, carrying a life jacket will make it simpler to snorkel with the turtles, so you might have considered trying one. Chances are you’ll be required to pay a deposit for the rental.
- Skip the fins. Fins aren’t obligatory, you will have the potential to injure the turtles, they usually kick up the silt that ruins visibility.
- Individuals report having higher luck (i.e., a smoother go to) in the event that they arrive earlier than 9:00am.
The place to swim with turtles
If you’re snorkeling independently, you’ll be required to remain inside the first 150 ft of shore. To seek out the turtles, search for the place the ocean seems darker to seek out the ocean grass on the underside of the ocean ground. That is the place the ocean turtles feed and the place you need to head for the most effective probability of discovering them.
The best method to discover turtles is to search for the small teams of different snorkelers. The place you discover a group, you’ll discover turtles. When you’re going into the Akumal snorkel zone with a “licensed information,” they SHOULD be main you, though some guests report being deserted by their guides as soon as they pay the payment.
On the dive store and at a number of different locations on the seaside, you’ll see an indication with guidelines and a map of the seaside. It’s price your time to review the map for a couple of minutes earlier than you head out.
Respect the ocean turtles
We’re licensed scuba divers, and the very very first thing you be taught in diving is that you’re a visitor within the ocean. Don’t take this as a right. Lots of the turtles are endangered, and that is their their feeding space. This needs to be sacred for all those that love wildlife.
What does this imply? Initially, preserve your distance. It’s best to remain not less than 10 ft away, and don’t hover instantly above a turtle whereas it’s feeding. When you take note of the turtle’s actions, you’ll have little question about its conduct when it’s feeling threatened or harassed. Reply accordingly.
Secondly, be very aware of your ft. Fins aren’t obligatory, however be sure you know what’s close by so that you’re not kicking sea grass, turtles, or different snorkelers. Additionally, don’t stand within the sea grass, as that destroys the very purpose these beautiful animals go to Akumal.
When you plan to snorkel for a very long time and really feel that you could be want a break, use the buoyancy of your life jacket that will help you keep afloat. Thirdly, simply use widespread sense. All of this may make sure the well being of the turtles and that folks can proceed to snorkel right here for years to return.
Leaving
You’ll be accosted with provides for different excursions (Xcaret, Tulum, and so forth.). Chances are you’ll even be supplied particular memento pictures, t-shirts and even turtle shells (which are literally plastic, fortunately!). We advocate avoiding these often-overpriced provides.
To depart by rental automotive, reclaim your car and head again out to the freeway. Flip proper for Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Cross over the freeway make a left for Tulum.
To depart by colectivo, stroll again up the highway (it’s a mild uphill) and flag any colectivo heading your route. The return worth is identical as what you paid to get right here.
Ecology and sustainable tourism
When you go to Akumal, it gained’t be lengthy earlier than the “guides” who problem you for enterprise will rapidly start lecturing you on conservation and ecology. That is the brand new mantra. It’s a rigorously ready speech about defending the turtles and why a “licensed information” (a “information” identical to him) is completely obligatory.
Sadly, that is greenwashing. Moral vacationers and people looking for sustainable tourism will rapidly see by way of this. The really unlucky actuality is {that a} nationwide treasure (the bay) was sacrificed within the title of revenue.
The 2016 designation as a marine protected space was the authorized pretense to start privatizing a lot of the bay. Entry to the seaside, protected by Mexican legislation, has been considerably impaired, usually illegally. Company companies have taken over institutions within the bay. And vacationers are left caught between the competing factions of “licensed guides.” A phrase involves thoughts: cartel.
By all means, go and revel in it – both independently or with a information. However don’t be fooled for a minute that any of the modifications in had been made for the good thing about the turtles. And that’s what actually saddens us about what is occurring right here.
A remaining word about Tulum: Many package deal excursions supply snorkeling in addition to visiting the ruins in Tulum on the identical day. The issue with that is one among timing. Visibility within the bay is compromised because the sandy backside is stirred up throughout the morning and makes it very tough to see the turtles in any respect later within the day.
Theoretically, you would go to Tulum after Akumal, however there’s only one drawback: warmth. Tulum could be very uncovered. There’s nearly no shade on the archaeological website and this can be very scorching. Each websites needs to be visited very first thing within the morning to have the most effective expertise.
When you completely should go to Akumal and Tulum on the identical day, we advocate visiting the turtles Akumal first (so you’ll be able to see them) after which struggling by way of the warmth at Tulum (carry numerous water!).
When you would favor to take a tour to Tulum, try this full-day tour that features Tulum, Cobá, and a cenote go to or this half-day categorical tour of Tulum.
The place to Keep ( (When you e-book by way of these affiliate hyperlinks, we might earn a small fee (at no further price to you).
The largest city within the area is Cancun and there are a ton of locations to remain within the Cancun lodge zone. Nonetheless, staying nearer to Akumal Bay might make for a extra pleasant expertise if snorkeling with the ocean turtles is on the high of your checklist. Listed below are some choices to contemplate.
Akumal Bay Seashore & Wellness Resort — That is the top-rated lodge on the seaside because of its location, high quality of service, and wonderful meals.
Secrets and techniques Riviera Maya — With a beautiful beachfront and top-notch service, Secrets and techniques Riviera Maya is a superb choice.
Resort Akumal Caribe — With oceanfront rooms and spa companies, Resort Caribe is the proper place to flee and chill out.
Occidental at Xcaret Vacation spot — The Occidental at Xcaret Vacation spot has been our lodge of selection. It’s in simple attain of the bay and inside minutes of Playa del Carmen on the Xcaret and Xlpor parks. See our in-depth lodge evaluation.
Lance Longwell is a journey author and photographer who has printed Journey Addicts since 2008, making it one of many oldest journey blogs. He’s a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of america by the point he graduated highschool. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 nations on 5 continents – all in the hunt for the world’s excellent sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys scorching springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not touring (or writing about journey), you’ll discover him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.
