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Additional fee may apply. Home North America Mexico How to Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal, Mexico.
This includes the CEA Center building, which charges $5 USD for the use of restrooms, lockers, and other facilities. We booked last minute for a Tulum/snorkel with turtles tour.
That email is your ticket, there is your reservation number and everything you need to identify yourself. Also we received a lot of photos taken by our guide during our tour which are amazing.
One of the most common questions we get are for hotel recommendations.
We were picked up exactly on time at our hotel lobby and arrived at the ruins early which was great because it got hotas in super hot quickly!
Theoretically, you could visit Tulum after Akumal, but theres just one problem: heat.
Youll be accosted with offers for other tours (Xcaret, Tulum, etc.).
07:00am: Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum Always up for an adventure, we set out to do the snorkel trip our own and will share our secrets with you.
), Comfortable shoes and light clothes to visit the ruins, Flip flops or water shoes for swimming activities.
Email: contact@absolute-adventure-mexico.com. Our tour guide had a lot of interesting facts to share with us.
8.- Can I show my confirmation number using my cell phone or tablet?
Head through the white gate. Prices for guides varies just like the price of trinkets in Mexico we were told anywhere from 300 -500 pesos to swim in the turtle area.
Thank you so much for this amazing experience and fun day with the two of you. Europe
Look no further, you have reached the best place, Once the deposit has been made, you will be sent all the necessary information about the pickup place, telephone numbers, photo of the guides and everything else you need to know in case you need assistance, Depending on where your hotel is located, if it is Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but it lasts approximately 6-7 hours since 2 fantastic places are visited. 7.- Can I transfer my ticket to another person?
If you would prefer to take a tour to Tulum, check out this full-day tour that includes Tulum, Cob, and a cenote visit or this half-day express tour of Tulum.
They can wear any color vest they want or act as threatening as they possibly can, but they have no official or legal authority.
Charges will incur for no shows, but each case is analyzed separately in case of exceptions, We have all the means available, you can call, send a text message, by WhatsApp, email which is the most recommended, or you can come in person to our offices located in Playa del Carmen, Yes, just send us your number and a time to call and one of our operators will gladly contact you. Well provide all of the equipment you need, and a professional certified guide will accompany you to ensure that everyone has a fun, safe time while snorkeling with these majestic creatures. Learn how your comment data is processed. Well start the day by visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, a key trading post that was used by the famous civilization during their Post Classic period.
And there were always so many turtles in the water and people for the most part were very respectful and watching them and now there is so many more people and I agree its a moneymaking operation. We invite you to check our competition and you will realize that we are your best option, You can pay in any currency at the day of the excursion without any problem, Children who are taller than 5ft 4 inches, but under 7 years old will require an ID that proves their age in order to apply the child prices, We are always asking our guests ways to improve and make our activities more comfortable and something they like a lot is the comfort of the meeting place, We know and understand that comfort is one of the main reasons for booking with us, we will almost never make you go to another place to board our transportation. Many of the Akumal turtles are endangered, and the area they swim in is their feeding area.
Its really pretty amazing. And, wearing a life jacket will make it easier to snorkel with the turtles. HOWEVER, independent snorkelers are limited to the first 150 feet of the shore.
We were provided all the equipment needed and were able to keep our valuables in the van which was great!
If you pay attention to the turtles actions, youll have no doubt about its behavior when its feeling threatened or harassed. Fins arent necessary, but make sure you know whats nearby so youre not kicking sea grass, turtles, or other snorkelers.
A little bit, you don't have to be an expert swimmer as long as you know how to float and are calm in the water is more than enough.
We recommend avoiding these offers. Use of facemasks are mandatory in public areas, Guide are required to use facemasks during the excursion, Temperatures will be taken before entrance into Tulum, All personnel will have their temperature taken before when they arrive to work, Over the age of 7 years old will be charged adult prices of $75 USD or $1,500 pesos mxn per person, Ages 3-7 will be charges child prices of $70 USD or $1,400 pesos mxn per person, Under the age of 3 is considered an infant and will be free of charge, please note that they will not be assigned a seat on the transportation and must travel on your lap, Over the age of 7 years old will be charged adult prices of $85 USD or $1,700 pesos mxn per person, Ages 3-7 will be charges child prices of $80 USD or $1,600 pesos mxn per person, The meeting place is the the lobby of your hotel (hotels located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya), The time that we will pass for you depends on the location of your hotel, If we know the address and are allowed to pass we will pick you up otherwise we will designate a nearby pickup area, Round-trip transportation to hotels located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya, Comfortable vehicles with air conditioning, Early departures to take advantage of the entire day, Access to the archeological zone of Tulum, Guided visit with a guide certified by the archeological zone of Tulum, Free time at Tulum (you can swim at the beach), Snorkeling equipment (masks, life vests, fins), Snorkeling guide who are experts at finding the turtles, Use of umbrellas and beach chairs at the beach, Train from the parking lot to the entrance of Tulum, In the ruins if you bring in a video camera there is an extra charge, In the restaurant on the beach in Akumal neither food nor drinks are included we have a snack and drinks included on the van, If it is not specified on the included list, it is not included, Light comfortable clothing we will be walking in temperatures that can reach the high 80s, Comfortable shoes (tennis shoes, or sandals), A backpack or bag for bottled water (inside the archeological zone there might not be any available, or it could be expensive), Swimming suit (you can swim at the beach in Tulum and Akumal) if you want you can wear underneath your clothing, If you are apprehensive you can pay the total cost of the tour the day of, Entrance into the archeological zone of Tulum, Guided visit with a certified guide in Tulum, Archeological zone of Tulum, guided visit, free time in the zone, Visit the beach of Akumal where you will swim with the turtles, For the complicated terrain in the ruins it is not advisable for people in wheelchairs, Need to have the ability to walk in rough terrain including hills and gravel, There is a a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the entrance of Tulum, Under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, Tripods, and special video equipment are prohibited in the ruins, It is strictly prohibited to climb the ruins in Tulum, If you are going to swim out far from shore you should know how to swim otherwise you should stay where you can stand, No charge for cancellations with at least a 12 hour notice, If there are very heavy rains you have the option to cancel without any type of penalty, Health problems apply to the individual and not the entire group. We saw about 6 or so which was totally rad.
If you wish to pay using another type of currency please contact us to see if we accept that currency, Yes, without problem as this is the most common form of payment. And tourists are left stuck between the competing factions of licensed guides.
Head up the footbridge and cross over to the other side of the road. You will pay a premium for the convenience, but youll skip much of being hassled by the guides in Akumal.
Yes, contact us to find a package tailored to your needs, and see what promotions are in force.
Mexico
Where you find a group, youll find turtles.
Privacy Policy
9.- If I reserve a date, but I want to change the day, is it possible to do so? For more info check this link.
After a morning packed with exploring ruins on foot and swimming with turtles, youll undoubtedly be a bit hungry.
While planning our trip to Mexico, wed heard about swimming with turtles in Akumal and that it could be done in the wild for FREE! Since we do not have middlemen, we are in charge of managing our excursions, which is a great advantage, since it allows us to provide the most competitive prices on the market.
PRIVATE TOUR: Early access private tour! To leave by colectivo, walk back up the road (its a gentle uphill) and flag any colectivo heading your direction. High quality snorkeling gear
The road to the town and beach is on your left (youll go past it about 200 yards, take the returno back and then make a right down the road to the beach.
The problem with visiting Akumal and Tulum on the same day is one of timing. And there was a lot of conflicting information about what was actually happening in Akumal Bay. If you have questions send us an email we are here to serve you.
Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda, beer)
Tulum was beautiful and we were there before it was too busy.
Check prices for the best deals on rental cars in the area.
01:30pm 02:00pm: Transportation to your hotel. Note: This article is updated and current as of January 2022.
He was in a good mood for the whole morning and we felt very comfortable travelling along with him and his driver Ervin, who was the first driver we had we felt save with.
All of this will ensure the health of the turtles and that people can continue to snorkel Akumal Bay for years to come. Itinerary is based on a departure from Playa del Carmen. You may even be offered special souvenir photos. But dont be fooled for a minute that any of the changes in were made for the benefit of the turtles. About
Its a carefully prepared speech about protecting the turtles and why a guide (a guide just like him) is absolutely necessary.
HOWEVER, the guides are frequently willing to look the other way if it gets them a big tip. 3.- Do I need to reserve for a specific date? The colectivos depart Playa del Carmen from Calle 2 Norte at Avenue 15. We got to see them in the Bahamas in 2006 and again last year in the Galpagos Islands.
Were Lance and Laura, two busy professionals who love photography and travel the world as much as our real world vacation schedules allow. 10:30am 11:30pm: Swim with turtles
Lunch with one main course a la carte and one drink (water, soda or beer).
Yes, we are flexible with our payment methods, however all we ask is that you show our online advisors that you are really going to show up at the time of the excursion ( restrictions apply) but if we have this option. They also have guides for the reef area which is a separate guide/cost from swimming near the turtles.
We can leave later if you want to.
It was fantastic! 1.- What is the price of the excursion Tulum and swimming with the turtles?
Fins arent necessary, you have the potential to injure the turtles, and they kick up the silt that ruins visibility.
The goal of our self-guided Akumal snorkeling adventure was to encounter these graceful creatures in the wild. Thankfully those days are over.
Thank you for your clarity in describing access to the turtles. Over the next few years, various guidelines were put in place ostensibly to help protect the turtles, but they have caused a lot of confusion.
All we ask is that you notify us as soon as possible to avoid losing money and causing some discomfort to third parties.
Check prices or Book selecting date, number of people and hotel.
There is almost no shade at the archaeological site and it is extremely hot.
There are some other points of entry for the beach.
Were certified scuba divers, and the very first thing you learn in diving is that you are a guest in the ocean. Juan was knowledgable and fun.
The snorkel guy carries a life buoy in case anyone gets tired from the swimming.
Children under 3 years old are considered infants and are free.
To avoid misunderstandings, we try to be as upfront as possible about what is included and what's NOT included on the excursion, The simple answer is NO, THERE IS NO TRICK, if you have any questions please contact us. We will see turtles for sure, how many, it will be a matter of luck, as well as size, there are turtles from small to large, but luck plays a very important role. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
As a last resort, you can leave them on the rocks on the left outside the dive shop.
The rules are clearer (mostly), but there can still be problems. We have no problems in this regard, only that, restrictions apply.
4.- I am not a local do the same prices apply?
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes).
If you get hungry, head to the Lol-Ha restaurant, where you can sit in comfy plastic chairs and drink the beverage of your choice while enjoying some pretty decent food. However, staying closer to Akumal may make for a more enjoyable, convenient experience if snorkeling with the sea turtles is at the top of your Mexico to do list.
In the archeological area of Tulum you are only allowed to bring in water, Yes, in Tulum and Akumal we will have free time that you can use to swim, we will also be swimming with the turtles, YES, we are aware that babies eat on different schedules. If you want to speak to the central offices in Playa del Carmen dial (+52 1) 987 112 9491. 2.- If I purchase online how do I get my tickets? Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation And who would want to? Ruins: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 50 pesos (less than 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden. Walk down the road approximately a half-mile. One of the best adventures every! Swimming closer, the clear form of a green sea turtle begins to take shape. To find the turtles, look for where the ocean appears darker to find the sea grass on the bottom of the ocean floor.
Better still, this private tour is ideal for families and those who are new to snorkeling! Between 3 and 7 years old is considered a child and the price is $70 USD or $1,400 Mexican pesos per person.
Important: Children over 5ft 4 inches and under 7 years old must show identification to prove their age. This all-inclusive package, which combines a guided tour of Tulum with the chance to go snorkeling with sea turtles, will check both of those activities off your list.
We put all the information of what is included and what is not included on our excursions to avoid uncomfortable surprises or misunderstandings. 4.- How many minutes will you wait for me when picking me up? This is where the sea turtles feed and where you should head for the best chance of finding them.
We have tried to stay in the "free swim" areas outside the 150 ft line and have been chased away. Thirdly, just use common sense. Theres something about putting your mouth on a snorkel that thousands of others have used that we dont love.
When it comes to making the most of your trip to the Riviera Maya, there are two things you should definitely do: visit a Mayan archaeological site and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea while snorkeling.
See our in-depth hotel review (Check prices and book | Read reviews).
Pick up time is recommended time to avoid the crowds.
We were here 10 years ago and things have changed dramatically. Here are some options to consider. Of our entire trip in Mexico, snorkeling in Akumal with the sea turtles was the highlight of the trip.
I'm not familiar with the one you mention, but there are several terminals.
You are required to wear a life jacket while in the Akumal snorkeling circuit.
We went at out own pace and took a lot of pictures. You can get close to the turtles (while still respecting their space!). Walk up the steps of the dive shop on the left side (see photo below) and head out to the beach.
We have also seen several groups in the "protected" area. Texas Snorkeling with turtles in Akumal is easy.
There are two parking lots on the right (yes, you can park there).
Skip the fins. We recommend bringing your own snorkel gear.
Just visited the bay and I'd recommend just paying the ~$30/person for an hour excursion through the dive shop all of the turtles were further past the "free area" in the bay. When we confirm your deposit, an email will be sent to you with all the information about the meeting place, schedules, photos of the guide, etc. If you need any sundries and beverages, the Oxxo store on the right side is where you should stop.>, Along this street, you will be approached constantly being offered guided turtle tours of Akumal.
The third and final way is by going with a private tour. Consult, Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation, Experienced certified private guide all day long, Akumal bay cooperative fee and CONAP fee (mandatory), High quality snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life jackets), Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda, beer), Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte and one drink (water, soda or beer) per person.
The guide will carry a buoy and can help tow you to the area where the turtles are,it varies, but they are usually found at less than 100 meters from the shore, you will also have a life jacket, All snorkeling equipment, life vests, mask, fins, in addition to the beach club facilities and the guided tour of the reef by an expert guide to look for turtles.
The truly unfortunate reality is that a national treasure was sacrificed in the name of profit.
The licensed guides are there to show you the turtles, but also to protect the turtles from you doing something stupid. 2.- Can you guarantee that we will see turtles? I will point out, the snorkeling with turtles is off the bay where there is sea grass that the turles like to eat is, you do not get on a boatyou swim from the beach.
Everything was well timed and organised by our guide Juan. 3.- How many turtles and what sizes will we see?
I agree they needed to do something to protect the reef but this situation now is simply the exploitation of a beautiful area.
We also have a bad weather policy, if it is raining very hard and you consider that it will be like this all day, you can cancel with a 100% refund.
Times are approximate and depend on many factors, however, we can give you an average itinerary based on our previous experiences, Send an email, call or WhatsApp to the numbers that are on the screen, indicating the day and the number of adults and children.
We decided to do this private tour to Tulum and Akumal bay.
Tell the driver where you are going (Akumal, por favor). Only Tulum Mayan ruins.
Tulum and Akumal.
Tel/iSms/Whatsapp: +52 984 806 7432 So sad.
Do not take this for granted. Check our blog for more information, In the Tulum Turtles Tour we try to be as detailed as possible to avoid misunderstandings, below we have a list as to what we have included in this excursion.
There is no other company that offers you all these flexible options.
Destinations
Your guide will show you where to take the best pictures and will be happy to help to take you in photo with your camera or phone! We had to pay ~$6 to get a wristband to enter the beach.
When you arrive to swim with the turles they hand you off to a snorkel person who is actually the one you go snorkeling with.
Visibility in the bay is compromised as the sandy bottom is stirred up during the morning and makes it very difficult to see the turtles at all later in the day.
Safe, professional and most of all FUN!!!
In the blue-green haze, a black silhouette emerges in the distance.
We do not recommend parking here.
It was a private tour and well worth it!
USA
We will be in hot places and it is always better to come prepared so that you feel comfortable and can enjoy the day with your loved ones. The small bay is protected by a reef. We are in Akumal now.
Under Mexican law (the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone), the beach is free to use, however, the businesses have organized to privatize (or close) nearly all public access points to the beach.
Thankfully, new guidelines were put in place to clarify years of confusing rules and numerous problems.
Corporate businesses have taken over establishments in the bay.
Some visitors have also reported problems with the dive shop, so you might consider other options.
All entrance fees
Do not remain in doubt, if you have any questions, do not worry, we are here to serve you, Sometimes we have everything planned for our vacations, however, luck and causes beyond our control change plans in an untimely way.
While you are visiting or snorkeling you can leave the things you dont need in the van. 15.- What are your cancellation and refund policies?
As they get used to you, you can appreciate their strong front fins that propel them through the water.
As long as you notify us that there will be a change or cancellation 12 hours in advance, no charges apply. 6.- What hours are customer service agents available?
Snorkeling with the sea turtles was so cool. Your email address will not be published.
Additional fee may apply. Home North America Mexico How to Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal, Mexico.
This includes the CEA Center building, which charges $5 USD for the use of restrooms, lockers, and other facilities. We booked last minute for a Tulum/snorkel with turtles tour.
That email is your ticket, there is your reservation number and everything you need to identify yourself. Also we received a lot of photos taken by our guide during our tour which are amazing.
One of the most common questions we get are for hotel recommendations.
We were picked up exactly on time at our hotel lobby and arrived at the ruins early which was great because it got hotas in super hot quickly! Theoretically, you could visit Tulum after Akumal, but theres just one problem: heat.
Youll be accosted with offers for other tours (Xcaret, Tulum, etc.).
07:00am: Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum Always up for an adventure, we set out to do the snorkel trip our own and will share our secrets with you.
), Comfortable shoes and light clothes to visit the ruins, Flip flops or water shoes for swimming activities.
Email: contact@absolute-adventure-mexico.com. Our tour guide had a lot of interesting facts to share with us.
8.- Can I show my confirmation number using my cell phone or tablet?
Head through the white gate. Prices for guides varies just like the price of trinkets in Mexico we were told anywhere from 300 -500 pesos to swim in the turtle area.
Thank you so much for this amazing experience and fun day with the two of you. Europe
Look no further, you have reached the best place, Once the deposit has been made, you will be sent all the necessary information about the pickup place, telephone numbers, photo of the guides and everything else you need to know in case you need assistance, Depending on where your hotel is located, if it is Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but it lasts approximately 6-7 hours since 2 fantastic places are visited. 7.- Can I transfer my ticket to another person?
If you would prefer to take a tour to Tulum, check out this full-day tour that includes Tulum, Cob, and a cenote visit or this half-day express tour of Tulum.
They can wear any color vest they want or act as threatening as they possibly can, but they have no official or legal authority.
Charges will incur for no shows, but each case is analyzed separately in case of exceptions, We have all the means available, you can call, send a text message, by WhatsApp, email which is the most recommended, or you can come in person to our offices located in Playa del Carmen, Yes, just send us your number and a time to call and one of our operators will gladly contact you. Well provide all of the equipment you need, and a professional certified guide will accompany you to ensure that everyone has a fun, safe time while snorkeling with these majestic creatures. Learn how your comment data is processed. Well start the day by visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, a key trading post that was used by the famous civilization during their Post Classic period.
And there were always so many turtles in the water and people for the most part were very respectful and watching them and now there is so many more people and I agree its a moneymaking operation. We invite you to check our competition and you will realize that we are your best option, You can pay in any currency at the day of the excursion without any problem, Children who are taller than 5ft 4 inches, but under 7 years old will require an ID that proves their age in order to apply the child prices, We are always asking our guests ways to improve and make our activities more comfortable and something they like a lot is the comfort of the meeting place, We know and understand that comfort is one of the main reasons for booking with us, we will almost never make you go to another place to board our transportation. Many of the Akumal turtles are endangered, and the area they swim in is their feeding area.
Its really pretty amazing. And, wearing a life jacket will make it easier to snorkel with the turtles. HOWEVER, independent snorkelers are limited to the first 150 feet of the shore.
We were provided all the equipment needed and were able to keep our valuables in the van which was great!
If you pay attention to the turtles actions, youll have no doubt about its behavior when its feeling threatened or harassed. Fins arent necessary, but make sure you know whats nearby so youre not kicking sea grass, turtles, or other snorkelers.
A little bit, you don't have to be an expert swimmer as long as you know how to float and are calm in the water is more than enough.
We recommend avoiding these offers. Use of facemasks are mandatory in public areas, Guide are required to use facemasks during the excursion, Temperatures will be taken before entrance into Tulum, All personnel will have their temperature taken before when they arrive to work, Over the age of 7 years old will be charged adult prices of $75 USD or $1,500 pesos mxn per person, Ages 3-7 will be charges child prices of $70 USD or $1,400 pesos mxn per person, Under the age of 3 is considered an infant and will be free of charge, please note that they will not be assigned a seat on the transportation and must travel on your lap, Over the age of 7 years old will be charged adult prices of $85 USD or $1,700 pesos mxn per person, Ages 3-7 will be charges child prices of $80 USD or $1,600 pesos mxn per person, The meeting place is the the lobby of your hotel (hotels located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya), The time that we will pass for you depends on the location of your hotel, If we know the address and are allowed to pass we will pick you up otherwise we will designate a nearby pickup area, Round-trip transportation to hotels located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya, Comfortable vehicles with air conditioning, Early departures to take advantage of the entire day, Access to the archeological zone of Tulum, Guided visit with a guide certified by the archeological zone of Tulum, Free time at Tulum (you can swim at the beach), Snorkeling equipment (masks, life vests, fins), Snorkeling guide who are experts at finding the turtles, Use of umbrellas and beach chairs at the beach, Train from the parking lot to the entrance of Tulum, In the ruins if you bring in a video camera there is an extra charge, In the restaurant on the beach in Akumal neither food nor drinks are included we have a snack and drinks included on the van, If it is not specified on the included list, it is not included, Light comfortable clothing we will be walking in temperatures that can reach the high 80s, Comfortable shoes (tennis shoes, or sandals), A backpack or bag for bottled water (inside the archeological zone there might not be any available, or it could be expensive), Swimming suit (you can swim at the beach in Tulum and Akumal) if you want you can wear underneath your clothing, If you are apprehensive you can pay the total cost of the tour the day of, Entrance into the archeological zone of Tulum, Guided visit with a certified guide in Tulum, Archeological zone of Tulum, guided visit, free time in the zone, Visit the beach of Akumal where you will swim with the turtles, For the complicated terrain in the ruins it is not advisable for people in wheelchairs, Need to have the ability to walk in rough terrain including hills and gravel, There is a a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the entrance of Tulum, Under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, Tripods, and special video equipment are prohibited in the ruins, It is strictly prohibited to climb the ruins in Tulum, If you are going to swim out far from shore you should know how to swim otherwise you should stay where you can stand, No charge for cancellations with at least a 12 hour notice, If there are very heavy rains you have the option to cancel without any type of penalty, Health problems apply to the individual and not the entire group. We saw about 6 or so which was totally rad.
If you wish to pay using another type of currency please contact us to see if we accept that currency, Yes, without problem as this is the most common form of payment. And tourists are left stuck between the competing factions of licensed guides.
Head up the footbridge and cross over to the other side of the road. You will pay a premium for the convenience, but youll skip much of being hassled by the guides in Akumal.
Yes, contact us to find a package tailored to your needs, and see what promotions are in force.
Mexico
Where you find a group, youll find turtles.
Privacy Policy
9.- If I reserve a date, but I want to change the day, is it possible to do so? For more info check this link. After a morning packed with exploring ruins on foot and swimming with turtles, youll undoubtedly be a bit hungry.
While planning our trip to Mexico, wed heard about swimming with turtles in Akumal and that it could be done in the wild for FREE! Since we do not have middlemen, we are in charge of managing our excursions, which is a great advantage, since it allows us to provide the most competitive prices on the market.
PRIVATE TOUR: Early access private tour! To leave by colectivo, walk back up the road (its a gentle uphill) and flag any colectivo heading your direction. High quality snorkeling gear
The road to the town and beach is on your left (youll go past it about 200 yards, take the returno back and then make a right down the road to the beach.
The problem with visiting Akumal and Tulum on the same day is one of timing. And there was a lot of conflicting information about what was actually happening in Akumal Bay. If you have questions send us an email we are here to serve you.
Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda, beer)
Tulum was beautiful and we were there before it was too busy.
Check prices for the best deals on rental cars in the area.
01:30pm 02:00pm: Transportation to your hotel. Note: This article is updated and current as of January 2022.
He was in a good mood for the whole morning and we felt very comfortable travelling along with him and his driver Ervin, who was the first driver we had we felt save with.
All of this will ensure the health of the turtles and that people can continue to snorkel Akumal Bay for years to come. Itinerary is based on a departure from Playa del Carmen. You may even be offered special souvenir photos. But dont be fooled for a minute that any of the changes in were made for the benefit of the turtles. About
Its a carefully prepared speech about protecting the turtles and why a guide (a guide just like him) is absolutely necessary.
HOWEVER, the guides are frequently willing to look the other way if it gets them a big tip. 3.- Do I need to reserve for a specific date? The colectivos depart Playa del Carmen from Calle 2 Norte at Avenue 15. We got to see them in the Bahamas in 2006 and again last year in the Galpagos Islands.
Were Lance and Laura, two busy professionals who love photography and travel the world as much as our real world vacation schedules allow. 10:30am 11:30pm: Swim with turtles
Lunch with one main course a la carte and one drink (water, soda or beer).
Yes, we are flexible with our payment methods, however all we ask is that you show our online advisors that you are really going to show up at the time of the excursion ( restrictions apply) but if we have this option. They also have guides for the reef area which is a separate guide/cost from swimming near the turtles.
We can leave later if you want to.
It was fantastic! 1.- What is the price of the excursion Tulum and swimming with the turtles?
Fins arent necessary, you have the potential to injure the turtles, and they kick up the silt that ruins visibility.
The goal of our self-guided Akumal snorkeling adventure was to encounter these graceful creatures in the wild. Thankfully those days are over.
Thank you for your clarity in describing access to the turtles. Over the next few years, various guidelines were put in place ostensibly to help protect the turtles, but they have caused a lot of confusion.
All we ask is that you notify us as soon as possible to avoid losing money and causing some discomfort to third parties.
Check prices or Book selecting date, number of people and hotel.
There is almost no shade at the archaeological site and it is extremely hot.
There are some other points of entry for the beach.
Were certified scuba divers, and the very first thing you learn in diving is that you are a guest in the ocean. Juan was knowledgable and fun.
The snorkel guy carries a life buoy in case anyone gets tired from the swimming.
Children under 3 years old are considered infants and are free.
To avoid misunderstandings, we try to be as upfront as possible about what is included and what's NOT included on the excursion, The simple answer is NO, THERE IS NO TRICK, if you have any questions please contact us. We will see turtles for sure, how many, it will be a matter of luck, as well as size, there are turtles from small to large, but luck plays a very important role. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
As a last resort, you can leave them on the rocks on the left outside the dive shop.
The rules are clearer (mostly), but there can still be problems. We have no problems in this regard, only that, restrictions apply.
4.- I am not a local do the same prices apply?
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes).
If you get hungry, head to the Lol-Ha restaurant, where you can sit in comfy plastic chairs and drink the beverage of your choice while enjoying some pretty decent food. However, staying closer to Akumal may make for a more enjoyable, convenient experience if snorkeling with the sea turtles is at the top of your Mexico to do list.
In the archeological area of Tulum you are only allowed to bring in water, Yes, in Tulum and Akumal we will have free time that you can use to swim, we will also be swimming with the turtles, YES, we are aware that babies eat on different schedules. If you want to speak to the central offices in Playa del Carmen dial (+52 1) 987 112 9491. 2.- If I purchase online how do I get my tickets? Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation And who would want to? Ruins: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 50 pesos (less than 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden. Walk down the road approximately a half-mile. One of the best adventures every! Swimming closer, the clear form of a green sea turtle begins to take shape. To find the turtles, look for where the ocean appears darker to find the sea grass on the bottom of the ocean floor.
Better still, this private tour is ideal for families and those who are new to snorkeling! Between 3 and 7 years old is considered a child and the price is $70 USD or $1,400 Mexican pesos per person.
Important: Children over 5ft 4 inches and under 7 years old must show identification to prove their age. This all-inclusive package, which combines a guided tour of Tulum with the chance to go snorkeling with sea turtles, will check both of those activities off your list.
We put all the information of what is included and what is not included on our excursions to avoid uncomfortable surprises or misunderstandings. 4.- How many minutes will you wait for me when picking me up? This is where the sea turtles feed and where you should head for the best chance of finding them.
We have tried to stay in the "free swim" areas outside the 150 ft line and have been chased away. Thirdly, just use common sense. Theres something about putting your mouth on a snorkel that thousands of others have used that we dont love.
When it comes to making the most of your trip to the Riviera Maya, there are two things you should definitely do: visit a Mayan archaeological site and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea while snorkeling.
See our in-depth hotel review (Check prices and book | Read reviews).
Pick up time is recommended time to avoid the crowds.
We were here 10 years ago and things have changed dramatically. Here are some options to consider. Of our entire trip in Mexico, snorkeling in Akumal with the sea turtles was the highlight of the trip.
I'm not familiar with the one you mention, but there are several terminals.
You are required to wear a life jacket while in the Akumal snorkeling circuit.
We went at out own pace and took a lot of pictures. You can get close to the turtles (while still respecting their space!). Walk up the steps of the dive shop on the left side (see photo below) and head out to the beach.
We have also seen several groups in the "protected" area. Texas Snorkeling with turtles in Akumal is easy.
There are two parking lots on the right (yes, you can park there).
Skip the fins. We recommend bringing your own snorkel gear.
Just visited the bay and I'd recommend just paying the ~$30/person for an hour excursion through the dive shop all of the turtles were further past the "free area" in the bay. When we confirm your deposit, an email will be sent to you with all the information about the meeting place, schedules, photos of the guide, etc. If you need any sundries and beverages, the Oxxo store on the right side is where you should stop.>, Along this street, you will be approached constantly being offered guided turtle tours of Akumal.
The third and final way is by going with a private tour. Consult, Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation, Experienced certified private guide all day long, Akumal bay cooperative fee and CONAP fee (mandatory), High quality snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life jackets), Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda, beer), Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte and one drink (water, soda or beer) per person.
The guide will carry a buoy and can help tow you to the area where the turtles are,it varies, but they are usually found at less than 100 meters from the shore, you will also have a life jacket, All snorkeling equipment, life vests, mask, fins, in addition to the beach club facilities and the guided tour of the reef by an expert guide to look for turtles.
The truly unfortunate reality is that a national treasure was sacrificed in the name of profit.
The licensed guides are there to show you the turtles, but also to protect the turtles from you doing something stupid. 2.- Can you guarantee that we will see turtles? I will point out, the snorkeling with turtles is off the bay where there is sea grass that the turles like to eat is, you do not get on a boatyou swim from the beach.
Everything was well timed and organised by our guide Juan. 3.- How many turtles and what sizes will we see?
I agree they needed to do something to protect the reef but this situation now is simply the exploitation of a beautiful area.
We also have a bad weather policy, if it is raining very hard and you consider that it will be like this all day, you can cancel with a 100% refund.
Times are approximate and depend on many factors, however, we can give you an average itinerary based on our previous experiences, Send an email, call or WhatsApp to the numbers that are on the screen, indicating the day and the number of adults and children.
We decided to do this private tour to Tulum and Akumal bay.
Tell the driver where you are going (Akumal, por favor). Only Tulum Mayan ruins.
Tulum and Akumal.
Tel/iSms/Whatsapp: +52 984 806 7432 So sad.
Do not take this for granted. Check our blog for more information, In the Tulum Turtles Tour we try to be as detailed as possible to avoid misunderstandings, below we have a list as to what we have included in this excursion.
There is no other company that offers you all these flexible options.
Destinations
Your guide will show you where to take the best pictures and will be happy to help to take you in photo with your camera or phone! We had to pay ~$6 to get a wristband to enter the beach.
When you arrive to swim with the turles they hand you off to a snorkel person who is actually the one you go snorkeling with.
Visibility in the bay is compromised as the sandy bottom is stirred up during the morning and makes it very difficult to see the turtles at all later in the day.
Safe, professional and most of all FUN!!!
In the blue-green haze, a black silhouette emerges in the distance.
We do not recommend parking here.
It was a private tour and well worth it!
USA
We will be in hot places and it is always better to come prepared so that you feel comfortable and can enjoy the day with your loved ones. The small bay is protected by a reef. We are in Akumal now.
Under Mexican law (the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone), the beach is free to use, however, the businesses have organized to privatize (or close) nearly all public access points to the beach.
Thankfully, new guidelines were put in place to clarify years of confusing rules and numerous problems.
Corporate businesses have taken over establishments in the bay.
Some visitors have also reported problems with the dive shop, so you might consider other options.
All entrance fees
Do not remain in doubt, if you have any questions, do not worry, we are here to serve you, Sometimes we have everything planned for our vacations, however, luck and causes beyond our control change plans in an untimely way.
While you are visiting or snorkeling you can leave the things you dont need in the van. 15.- What are your cancellation and refund policies?
As they get used to you, you can appreciate their strong front fins that propel them through the water.
As long as you notify us that there will be a change or cancellation 12 hours in advance, no charges apply. 6.- What hours are customer service agents available?
Snorkeling with the sea turtles was so cool. Your email address will not be published.