Natural Paradise Turtle Swim

This tour spends an hour and a half in and around Akumal Bay, built around one thing: snorkeling over the reefs where sea turtles feed.

Overview

You start at an OXXO store in Akumal, walk about fifteen minutes to Tsuuk Akumal Natural Park, and get set up there. The park has restrooms, showers, changing rooms and lockers, so you can leave a bag and change before getting in the water.

Once you are ready, a certified guide takes you into the calm, clear water with snorkel gear and a life jacket, both provided. Expect tropical fish, coral, possibly stingrays, and the main event, sea turtles grazing or surfacing for air at close range. The guide sets the pace and the rules, since touching marine life is not allowed and vests are mandatory. After the swim you can stay in the park, use the beach, or go for another dip on your own.

It suits confident swimmers who want a short, focused water outing rather than a full-day trip. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point. One reviewer advised going early, before the bay fills up and the water turns cloudy.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet At The OXXOThe meeting point is the OXXO on Camino Acceso A Playas Akumal, in the Yodzonot, Chanchen Palmar area. Arrive ready to walk to the park.
2. Walk To The ParkThe transfer from the OXXO to Tsuuk Akumal Natural Park is on foot and takes 15 minutes. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably.
3. Snorkel At Tsuuk AkumalThe guided snorkel takes place in Akumal Bay with a certified guide. Gear and a life jacket are included, and the vest is mandatory.
4. Free Time On The BeachOptional. After the guided swim you can relax on the park's beach or swim again in the bay using the facilities.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how this tour goes for you.

• Go early. One reviewer advised arriving early, noting the place gets busy and the water tends to get cloudy with so many people visiting. An early slot may help you avoid the busiest stretch of the day. It is a useful tip to weigh when choosing your time.
• Be a swimmer. The listing states the tour is not recommended for people without basic swimming skills, even though a life jacket is provided and required. You will be floating and swimming in open bay water for the duration of the guided portion. Basic comfort in the water is a prerequisite here.
• Bring your own food. Food and drinks are not included, and souvenir photos cost extra. Bring cash if you want either. Eat beforehand or pack something for after the swim.
• Sun protection. The packing list calls for biodegradable sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Buy the biodegradable kind before you arrive, since that is what the listing asks for. A towel, change of clothes and a waterproof camera are also on the list.
• Gear quality. One reviewer noted receiving new masks opened in front of them, with jacket and snorkel included. You do not need to bring your own equipment. Lockers at the park hold your belongings while you are in the water.
• Turtles and seaweed. Reviewers mention lots of turtles and fish, but one also noted Sargassum seaweed in the water on their day, while still recommending the activity. What you see underwater depends on conditions on the day. The turtles themselves drew consistent praise.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup, and one reviewer reported that nobody showed up at their pickup point, leaving them to arrange another operator on the spot, so confirm your meeting arrangements carefully before you go. The tour is not suitable for people who cannot swim. One reviewer flagged heavy crowds that cloud the water at busy times, and another noted Sargassum seaweed in the bay. Remember that touching marine life is prohibited and vests are mandatory throughout the snorkel.

Common Questions