Private Swim, GoPro Photos

The setting is a protected natural area, and reviewers consistently report seeing multiple turtles along with stingrays, tropical fish and patches of coral.

Overview

This is a one hour private snorkeling session at Akumal Beach, run by Akumal Mayan VIP Tours, with a guide who swims alongside your group and shoots photos and video on a GoPro throughout. Because only your party is in the water with the guide, swimmers and non-swimmers alike can go at their own pace, and reviewers describe guides helping weak swimmers and children feel comfortable in the water.

The session covers the practical side too. Snorkel gear, a new snorkel, mask and lifejacket are provided, as is entry to Tsuuk Akumal Natural Park, showers, toilets, changing rooms, a personal certified guide and traveler's insurance. The GoPro photo session is part of the package. Hotel pickup and transport are not included; you make your own way to the meeting point outside the 7-Eleven by Akumal Beach.

It suits families with children, first time snorkelers and anyone who wants a slower, personal outing rather than a big group. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious heart conditions, and a moderate level of physical fitness is expected.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet At Akumal BeachMeet the team outside the 7-Eleven shop by Akumal Beach, at C. 16 100, Yodzonot, Akumal. Transport can be arranged directly with the agency at extra cost.
2. Check In And Get ReadySnorkel equipment is provided, and showers, toilets and dressing rooms are available. Reviews mention a small deposit for lockers and extra parking fees.
3. One Hour SnorkelingThe full session lasts one hour in the water with your private guide, who spots turtles, rays and fish and films with a GoPro.
4. Return And PhotosThe activity ends back at the meeting point. The GoPro photo session is included in the package.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews of this exact tour, and they are worth knowing before you book.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own taxi or drive to Akumal Beach and meet outside the 7-Eleven. One reviewer noted there are no signs at the meeting point, so allow extra time. Transport can be arranged directly with the agency for an added fee.
• Extra costs on site. Park entry, equipment and the photo session are included. Reviewers mention extra charges for parking and a small deposit for lockers, so bring some cash in pesos.
• Non-swimmers and kids. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides' patience with children and weak swimmers, describing help in the water and flotation aids. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour is wheelchair accessible according to the listing.
• Morning sessions. Early slots are popular with reviewers, several of whom booked morning start times.
• Sun protection. The bay sits inside a federal refuge where biodegradable sunscreen alone is allowed, so bring a sun shirt or a biodegradable product.
• Stay after. The wristband gives all day beach access, and reviewers describe staying on at the beach after the session.

Common issues. Transport is not included, and one reviewer noted there are no signs at the meeting spot outside the 7-Eleven, which made it harder to find. Parking, locker deposits and tips cost extra. Weather matters: the tour requires good conditions and will be rebooked or refunded if canceled for weather, and there is a minimum traveler number with the same rebook or refund terms. One reviewer felt their own GoPro might have captured better images than the included photos. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before start time are not refunded.

Common Questions