Swimming with turtles in Akumal with kids was one of our most unforgettable family experiences in Mexico.
We were so close.
I reached out my hand towards him, then quickly decided not to touch. He poked his tiny, beady eyes above the surface, glanced around and, finding absolutely nothing remotely interesting, ducked beneath the water again.
He swam straight back to the bottom of Akumal Bay and continued munching on the gently swaying seagrass as though we weren’t there.
I had seen turtles before. I had seen them in zoos. I had seen them in sanctuaries. But I had never seen a sea turtle swimming freely in the wild.
And there I was, floating above one in the clear Caribbean water.
Swimming with wild sea turtles in Akumal remains one of the most memorable wildlife experiences I have had in Mexico alongside swimming with whale sharks. It is also one of the most incredible things to do in Akumal with kids, especially when you combine the turtles with calm water, soft sand, shady palm trees and plenty of time for sandcastle construction.
Here is our experience swimming with turtles in Akumal with kids, along with the updated information families need before visiting Akumal Bay today.
Our Akumal experience: I visited Akumal Bay with my children, Mia and Caius, in 2013. We travelled independently from Playa del Carmen and swam with wild green sea turtles before the current protected snorkelling rules were introduced.
Quick Akumal Family Guide
Location: Akumal Bay, Riviera Maya, Mexico, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Best for: Families who enjoy beaches, wildlife and snorkelling
Time needed: Allow at least half a day, or spend a full day enjoying the beach and restaurants
Recommended age: Best for confident young swimmers, although age restrictions vary between tour operators
Guide required: An authorised guide is generally required to enter the regulated turtle snorkelling zones
Swimming ability: Children should be comfortable floating in open water and wearing a snorkel mask and flotation vest
Best time to visit: Early morning for fewer crowds and potentially calmer water
What to bring: Swimsuits, rash shirts, towels, hats, drinking water, small Mexican peso notes, a waterproof phone pouch and buckets and spades
Good to know: Never touch, follow or crowd the turtles, and always leave them a clear path to the surface
I would allow at least three to four hours for a family visit to Akumal Bay. This gives you time to arrange your guide, complete the snorkelling experience, relax on the beach and find something to eat without turning the day into a military operation.
Of course, how long you stay may depend entirely on whether your children discover the turtles or become emotionally attached to a particularly magnificent sandcastle.
Why We Wanted to Swim With Turtles in Akumal
Mexico is home to several species of sea turtle, and Akumal is one of the best-known places in the Riviera Maya to see them feeding in their natural environment.
We visited Akumal Bay in 2013, when access to the turtles was very different from what families will experience today. At the time, we could walk onto the beach and swim out independently without booking a guide or paying for a turtle snorkelling tour.
When the Barefoot Nomads asked whether we wanted to visit Akumal with them, we were beyond excited.
Akumal was already on my list. You know the list. The constantly expanding travel list that gets longer every time I read another travel blog.
I had created my Playa del Carmen list using a load of helpful information from the Barefoot Nomads’ blog. Not only could I finally cross swimming with turtles in Akumal off that list, but we would also get to meet the wonderful travelling family who had helped us plan so much of our time in Playa del Carmen.
It was a win for the turtles, a win for the travel list, and a win for meeting internet friends in real life.
Meeting the Barefoot Nomads in Playa del Carmen
We met at a playground in town.
Calling it a playground might have been generous. It was a harsh little site with gravel covering the ground, no rails along the high ship plank, and exactly zero shade.
A child’s dream.
A parent’s nightmare.
Micki and Chuck were another travelling family like us, and we immediately fell into easy conversation while Mia, Caius and the other children played on the equipment.
Eventually, the beating Mexican sun got the better of us. We crossed the road and jumped aboard a colectivo heading towards Akumal.
Once the vehicle was full, funnily enough with plenty of other Australians, we were off on the relatively quick journey south.
Where Is Akumal Bay?
Akumal is a small coastal community in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, positioned between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
The name Akumal is commonly translated from Mayan as “place of the turtle”, which feels fairly appropriate when you discover green sea turtles casually eating lunch beneath the water.
Akumal Bay is protected by an offshore reef, helping create calmer, shallower conditions than many other beaches along the Caribbean coast. Those conditions can make Akumal snorkelling with kids more approachable, although currents, visibility and sea conditions can vary from day to day.
The signage along the Mexican highway was reasonably good, and the Akumal stop was easy to recognise by the pedestrian overpass.
When we visited, we paid 35 Mexican pesos for each colectivo seat, and we used two seats. After getting out, we crossed the bridge and began the approximately 15-minute walk towards Akumal Beach.
It was fairly straightforward. We simply followed the road towards the water.
Today, colectivo fares can vary depending on where you board, the driver and changes in local pricing. Recent traveller information generally places a Playa del Carmen to Akumal colectivo at approximately 30 to 50 Mexican pesos per passenger each way, but bring small notes and confirm the price before getting in.
Arriving at Beautiful Akumal Beach
On the way to the beach, we passed a supermarket and stopped to grab a cold drink.
Then we stepped onto one of the most beautiful beaches I had ever seen.
Restaurants lined the shore, with only a short stretch of sand between the tables and the water. Palm trees were scattered across the beach, creating patches of premium natural shade.
For a fair, freckled face like mine, it was the best of both worlds. I could sit on a tropical beach while hiding safely under a palm tree like the sun-avoiding creature I was born to be.
The beach had clear water, soft sand and plenty of room for the children to settle in with their buckets and spades.
Mia and Caius immediately began working on their sand creations while we established our little base beneath a palm tree.
Our Family Day at Akumal Bay
The men decided to head into the water first in search of turtles while Micki and I stayed on the beach chatting.
Soon, another travelling family joined us.
They did not have a blog and requested that I refer to them using their ultra-cool family acronym, SP5.5. The 0.5 was for the baby living in Mrs SP’s belly.
Eventually, the men returned from the water and it was the ladies’ turn to go swimming.
Micki and I put on our snorkelling gear and headed into Akumal Bay.
We barely had to swim far at all before Micki began pointing excitedly beneath us.
There they were.
Swimming With Green Sea Turtles in Akumal
Two young wild sea turtles were resting on the sandy ocean floor, eating the gently swaying seagrass.
They looked just like Crush from Finding Nemo.
One of the turtles eventually made his way towards the surface for a breath of air. He lifted his little head from the water, glanced around with his dark, beady eyes, and, clearly finding no humans of any interest whatsoever, swam back towards the ocean floor.
The turtles we saw were green sea turtles, or Chelonia mydas. Akumal Bay is known for green turtles that visit its shallow seagrass beds to feed. Green sea turtles are internationally classified as endangered, making respectful wildlife viewing particularly important.
We watched the turtles without touching, chasing or interfering with them.
That matters even more today. Visitors should remain at least three metres away, avoid swimming directly above turtles when they need to surface, and never touch, chase or attempt to feed them.
The two young turtles eventually moved away, so we continued swimming in search of larger ones.
We soon spotted another turtle near a group of snorkellers.
It turns out the quickest and easiest way to find a turtle is to look for the huddle of humans.
What Else Did We See While Snorkelling at Akumal?
During our swim, we saw several different coloured fish and even a stingray, manatee or manta ray.
I am still not entirely sure what it was.
What I do know is that the brief news headline about Steve Irwin flashed through my mind, and I decided one quick glance at this mysterious sea creature was more than enough.
Wildlife expert, I am not.
Back on the shore, everyone was hungry. We stopped at one of the seaside restaurants for a Mexican bite, and before I knew it, the afternoon had disappeared.
SP5.5 had their own transport, so we made plans to meet them again. The Barefoot Nomads and our family then began making our way towards the colectivo.
Several colectivos were waiting along the beach road, making the return walk much shorter than the walk we had taken when we first arrived.
Can You Still Swim With Turtles in Akumal for Free?
When we visited Akumal, this was an incredible free experience.
We could walk onto the beach, swim into the bay and see wild turtles independently. The turtles appeared completely uninterested in the people swimming around them, and most of the swimmers I saw were respectful.
However, Akumal’s access and turtle snorkelling regulations have changed since our family visited.
Akumal Bay is now part of a federally protected marine refuge. Access to the regulated turtle feeding zones generally requires an authorised guide, and swimmers must follow established routes and conservation rules. Flotation vests are usually compulsory during guided turtle snorkelling sessions.
You may still be able to swim or snorkel in a designated general-use area, but access to the main protected turtle zones is more restricted.
So while my personal story reflects exactly what happened during our visit, families planning to swim with turtles in Akumal today should not arrive expecting the same completely free and independent experience.
Do You Need a Guide to Swim With Turtles in Akumal?
To enter the regulated Akumal turtle snorkelling zones, visitors should expect to join a certified guide.
Guided groups follow designated routes through the seagrass feeding areas. The regulations are intended to reduce crowding, prevent swimmers from chasing turtles and protect the fragile seagrass habitat.
Some areas close to shore may be available for general swimming, but seeing a turtle from those areas is never guaranteed. A certified Akumal turtle tour generally provides access to a larger regulated snorkelling area, which improves your chances of seeing turtles while ensuring you follow the current rules.
Do not feel pressured to book with the first person who approaches you near the road or beach entrance. Confirm that your guide is authorised, ask exactly what the price includes and check whether the environmental or beach access fee, snorkel equipment, flotation vest and locker are included.
| Guided tour | Independent visit |
|---|---|
| Access to regulated turtle zones | Limited to general-use areas |
| Equipment often included | Bring or hire your own |
| Better chance of seeing turtles | Sightings less likely |
| More expensive | Lower cost |
| Easier for first-time visitors | More flexible |
How Much Does Swimming With Turtles in Akumal Cost?
Prices in Akumal vary considerably depending on whether you book at the beach, reserve online or join a larger tour that includes transport from Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Cancún.
As a general guide, families may encounter:
- A separate beach or environmental access charge
- Guided snorkelling packages beginning at approximately US$35 to US$50 per person
- Higher prices for private tours, professional photographs or hotel transfers
- Full-day Riviera Maya tours that combine Akumal with cenotes, Tulum or another attraction
Prices change frequently, and different operators bundle their fees differently. Some advertise a low tour price before adding entrance, equipment, transport or conservation charges.
Before booking, ask for the total cost in Mexican pesos and clarify exactly what is included.
| Expense | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Guided turtle snorkelling | US$35 to US$50+ per person |
| Colectivo from Playa del Carmen | Around 30 to 50 MXN each way |
| Beach or environmental fee | Varies |
| Equipment hire | May be included |
| Food and drinks | Depends on restaurant |
Is Akumal Turtle Snorkelling Safe for Kids?
Many children can swim with turtles in Akumal, but whether it is right for your child depends on their age, swimming confidence and comfort wearing a snorkel mask and flotation vest.
The bay is often relatively calm because it is protected by a reef, but it is still the ocean. Waves, currents and visibility can change.
For Akumal turtle snorkelling with kids, I recommend considering:
- Whether your child can remain calm while floating
- Whether they are comfortable breathing through a snorkel
- Whether they can follow the guide’s instructions
- Whether they understand that turtles cannot be touched or chased
- Whether the day’s water conditions suit their ability
Children do not necessarily need to be expert snorkellers, especially when wearing a flotation vest, but they should feel comfortable in open water.
When we visited, Mia and Caius were far more interested in their sandcastles than meeting Crush. Sometimes children travel halfway around the world to experience a natural wonder and decide the bucket is the real attraction.
That is family travel.
I could not pry them away from the sand during our visit, but Akumal Beach itself was still a lovely place for them to play while the adults took turns snorkelling.
What Age Is Best for Akumal Turtle Snorkelling?
There is no single perfect age for swimming with turtles in Akumal.
A confident five-year-old who regularly snorkels may enjoy the experience more than an anxious ten-year-old who dislikes getting water in their mask.
Before paying for a family tour, ask the operator:
- Whether they have a minimum age
- Whether children must know how to swim
- Whether child-sized masks and flotation vests are available
- Whether a guide can provide extra assistance
- How long the group will be in the water
- Whether a nervous child can return to shore early
A short practice session in a swimming pool before your trip can make a huge difference.
Akumal Turtle Snorkelling Rules Families Need to Know
The exact instructions given by your guide should always take priority, but current Akumal turtle snorkelling rules generally include:
- Wear the required flotation vest
- Stay with your authorised guide
- Remain within the designated snorkelling route
- Keep at least three metres away from turtles
- Never touch, chase or feed marine life
- Do not dive down towards a turtle
- Do not block a turtle from reaching the surface
- Avoid standing on seagrass or coral
- Keep fins raised so they do not disturb the seabed
- Follow limits on group size and time in the protected area
Swimming horizontally helps prevent fins from striking seagrass or stirring up sand. Visitors should also avoid crowding a turtle, particularly when it is trying to surface for air.
What to Bring to Akumal Beach With Kids
For a family day at Akumal Bay, I would pack all these adorable turtle items:
- Swimsuits
- Towels (sand proof)
- Rash shirts (like this cool Turtle one)
- Hats (these are too cute!)
- Drinking water bottle
- Small Mexican peso notes
- A waterproof phone pouch
- A dry bag
- Child-sized snorkel equipment, when preferred
- Water shoes
- A change of clothes
- Buckets and spades
- Plenty of patience
Ask your tour operator about sunscreen restrictions before entering the protected area. Even products labelled reef-safe may be discouraged or prohibited immediately before snorkelling. Wearing a long-sleeved rash shirt provides sun protection without putting more products into the water.
And, of course, do not underestimate the bucket and spade. It may be more exciting to your children than an endangered sea turtle.
Best Time to See Turtles in Akumal
Green sea turtles feed in Akumal Bay throughout the year, so there is no single turtle-viewing season that guarantees a sighting.
Early morning is generally the best time to visit. The beach is usually quieter, the water may be calmer and fewer tour groups have entered the snorkelling routes.
Wild animals do not operate according to a tourism timetable, so sightings can never be promised. You may see several turtles, one turtle or none at all.
That unpredictability is part of seeing animals in the wild.
How to Get From Playa del Carmen to Akumal
Akumal is approximately halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum and can be reached by colectivo, taxi, rental car or organised tour.
Getting to Akumal by colectivo
From Playa del Carmen, take a colectivo travelling south towards Tulum and tell the driver you are getting off at Akumal.
The colectivo will usually leave you near the highway. From there, use the pedestrian bridge or designated crossing and follow the road towards Akumal Bay.
Allow around 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the highway to the beach, depending on your pace and where the vehicle stops.
Colectivos are inexpensive, but they can be crowded and may not be ideal for families carrying child seats, prams, large beach bags and enough equipment to establish a small civilisation beside the water.
Driving to Akumal
Driving offers more flexibility, particularly when visiting Akumal with younger children.
Check parking prices before entering a private car park and do not assume that someone waving you into a parking area represents the official beach entrance.
Visiting Akumal on a tour
A tour may be easier for families who want transport, equipment and an authorised turtle guide arranged in advance.
Before booking, check how much time the tour actually spends at Akumal Bay. Some full-day excursions combine several attractions, leaving only a short window for snorkelling.
Where to Stay Near Akumal With Kids
Staying near Akumal can make the turtle experience much easier, particularly when travelling with younger children. You can visit the beach early, avoid a long transfer before snorkelling and return to your room when someone inevitably decides they are wet, sandy, hungry and completely finished with family adventure.
Accommodation around Akumal ranges from beachfront all-inclusive resorts to family apartments, villas and smaller hotels. The right choice depends on whether you want everything included or prefer more space and the freedom to prepare your own meals.
Akumal Bay Beach & Spa Resort
Akumal Bay Beach & Spa Resort is one of the most convenient options for families who want to stay directly on Akumal Bay.
The all-inclusive resort has beachfront access, pools, restaurants and organised activities. Its children’s club offers supervised activities, crafts and games for children aged four to twelve.
Its location is the biggest advantage. Families can enjoy the beach without arranging a separate day trip, although staying at the resort does not mean you can ignore the protected-area snorkelling rules. Ask the hotel what is included and whether an authorised turtle guide needs to be booked separately.
This is a good choice for families who want:
- Direct access to Akumal Bay
- An all-inclusive holiday
- Children’s activities
- Restaurants and facilities on-site
- Less driving and fewer daily logistics
Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa
Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa is a large all-inclusive resort located in the Akumal area.
The resort has spacious accommodation, multiple swimming pools, a private beach area and a range of water activities. Its official information promotes the property for family holidays and highlights snorkelling and other water-based experiences.
Because it is a large resort, there can be plenty to keep children entertained beyond the turtle experience. However, it is not directly on the main public section of Akumal Bay, so families should confirm transport arrangements before planning their turtle snorkelling visit.
This is a good choice for families who want:
- A large resort with plenty of facilities
- Several pools and activities
- An all-inclusive stay
- On-site entertainment
- A base near Akumal rather than directly beside the turtle area
Hotel Akumal Caribe
Hotel Akumal Caribe is a smaller beachfront option close to Akumal Bay.
It can suit families who want to remain close to the beach without staying in a much larger resort complex. Its central Akumal location makes it convenient for accessing restaurants, local services and the bay.
Before booking, check the maximum occupancy of each room and whether the room configuration works for your family. Some smaller hotels in the area may have fewer connecting-room or large-family options than the all-inclusive resorts.
This is a good choice for families who want:
- A smaller hotel atmosphere
- A location close to Akumal Bay
- Easy access to nearby restaurants
- A more independent holiday
Family Apartments and Condos in Akumal
A self-contained apartment or condo may be the most practical option for families staying several nights.
Having separate bedrooms, a kitchen and a living area can make an enormous difference when travelling with children. Breakfast can happen without everyone getting dressed, snacks can live permanently within reach and parents do not have to sit silently in a dark hotel room because the children have fallen asleep at 7:30 pm.
Current Akumal accommodation listings include family condos with multiple bedrooms, kitchens and access to swimming pools.
This is a good choice for families who want:
- More space
- Separate bedrooms
- Kitchen and laundry facilities
- Flexibility with meals
- A longer stay in the Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen
Families do not need to stay in Akumal to visit the turtles.
Playa del Carmen has a much wider choice of accommodation, restaurants and shops. It is also a convenient base for visiting Akumal, cenotes, eco-parks and other Riviera Maya attractions.
This may be the better option when Akumal is only one stop on a larger family itinerary. You can reach Akumal by colectivo, taxi, rental car or organised tour.
This is a good choice for families who want:
- More restaurants and evening activity
- A larger selection of hotels and apartments
- Easy access to several Riviera Maya attractions
- A central base for a longer holiday
Tulum
Tulum is another possible base for visiting Akumal, particularly if your itinerary includes the Tulum ruins, beaches and nearby cenotes.
Accommodation in Tulum is spread across the town, beach zone and surrounding developments, so check the exact location carefully. A hotel described as being in Tulum may still require taxis or a rental car for most activities.
This is a good choice for families who want:
- To combine Akumal with Tulum attractions
- Boutique hotels or private villas
- Access to cenotes and archaeological sites
- A base south of Akumal
Choosing Family Accommodation Near Akumal
Before booking somewhere to stay near Akumal with kids, check:
- The distance from Akumal Bay
- Whether beach access is included
- Room capacity and bedding arrangements
- Availability of cots or connecting rooms
- Children’s club age restrictions
- Whether meals are included
- Pool fencing and supervision requirements
- Parking or transfer costs
- Whether a car is recommended
- The hotel’s current turtle snorkelling arrangements
I would choose accommodation directly in Akumal for a slower beach holiday centred around snorkelling and swimming. For a busier Riviera Maya itinerary with several day trips, Playa del Carmen may provide more flexibility.
One important warning for families is that Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is an adults-only resort. Despite its excellent beachfront location, it is not an accommodation option when travelling with children.
Is Swimming With Turtles in Akumal Worth It?
For me, absolutely.
The beach was gorgeous. The water was as clear as glass. The turtles were wild, peaceful and seemingly unconcerned by the strange humans floating above them.
Seeing a green sea turtle feeding in its natural environment was completely different from seeing one in a zoo or sanctuary.
My experience also reminded me why wildlife encounters need to be carefully managed. Akumal became famous because its shallow seagrass beds made turtles relatively easy to find, but that popularity brought crowds into a fragile marine habitat.
The newer restrictions make the experience less spontaneous and more expensive than it was when we visited, but responsible limits help give the turtles space to feed, breathe and behave naturally.
I highly recommend visiting Akumal to see the turtles, provided you choose an authorised operator and respect every conservation rule.
And perhaps next time I will finally pry Mia and Caius away from their sandcastles long enough to meet Crush, the green sea turtle.
Although, knowing my children, I would not bet against the sandcastle winning again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming With Turtles in Akumal With Kids
Can children swim with turtles in Akumal?
Yes, many children can join guided Akumal turtle snorkelling tours. Their suitability will depend on the operator’s minimum age, the child’s swimming confidence and the water conditions on the day.
Do you need a guide to swim with turtles in Akumal?
Visitors generally need a certified guide to enter the regulated turtle feeding and snorkelling zones. General swimming may be permitted in designated areas outside the protected routes.
Can you swim with turtles in Akumal without booking a tour?
You may be able to swim in a public or general-use section of the bay, but access to the main regulated turtle areas normally requires an authorised guide. Seeing turtles outside the guided zones is not guaranteed.
Are life jackets required in Akumal Bay?
Flotation vests are generally required within the regulated turtle snorkelling zones. They help keep swimmers horizontal and reduce diving, seabed contact and disturbance to the turtles.
Is Akumal Beach good for children?
Akumal Beach can be enjoyable for families because it has sand, shade, restaurants and often-calm water. Parents should still supervise children closely because conditions can change and sections of the beach may become busy.
How long does an Akumal turtle snorkelling tour take?
The regulated portion in the water is often around 45 minutes, although the complete experience may take longer once registration, equipment fitting and safety instructions are included.
What turtles can you see at Akumal Bay?
Akumal is especially known for green sea turtles feeding on its seagrass beds. Loggerhead turtles may also be found in the wider area, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Can non-swimmers see turtles in Akumal?
A non-swimmer may struggle with the guided experience even when wearing a flotation vest. Speak directly with the operator about swimming requirements and assistance before paying.
What is the best time of day to swim with turtles in Akumal?
Early morning is generally best for fewer crowds and potentially calmer water. Arrive near opening time and follow the instructions of the authorised guides.
Can you touch the turtles in Akumal?
No. Never touch, chase, feed or block a turtle. Maintain the required distance and allow the animal clear access to the surface when it needs to breathe.
