Swim with Turtles in Akumal + GoPro Photo Session

This was an absolute highlight to my trip! Unmissable! Really worth being in a small group and the included photos were fantastic! Firstly it's very easy to get to and from the location via colectivo - there is a pedestrian overpass which lets you cross safely if you're on the wrong side of the road, and the stop locations are signposted, with colectivos usually waiting to pick people up. I was almost dissuaded as I didn't want to figure out the transport but it was REALLY easy. From Playa del Carmen, go to "Colectivo mini buses to Tulum" on google maps and say "Akumal Playa" and you'll be dropped off within 5 minutes by walk of the meeting point. (The cost of this is 50mxn in cash one way. Much cheaper than a taxi.) I realised I would be getting there earlier and asked if I could join an earlier tour. This was not a problem which was amazing! Our fantastic tour guide took us to the beach where we had free locker access (deposit 100mxn) and access to changing rooms, bathrooms and showers. This was a big and clean facility used by many tour groups - the big ones and the small ones. We were then given lifejackets and snorkels and debriefed. The benefits of being in a small group (we were 3) are that you're not spending ages waiting for everyone and it's a much more relaxing experience if you're nervous or snorkelling for the first time. Our tour guide was very patient and informative. You then wade in from the shore and start swimming. Every group does this. The boats are pretty much only for the scuba divers as the turtles are located at very shallow near-shore levels. Sometimes there is seaweed. The guide clears a path and you follow into more open water. We saw SO much life! Firstly we went through the route where only small groups are allowed. We saw Carribean rays and stingrays and lobsters and fish (including angelfish and a mottled flounder by the coral!). The stingrays were so big! And as we were a small group we were all able to see what was going on. Then as the turtles were being elusive we swam the second route where the big groups are allowed and saw two turtles eating the seagrass! It was more busy here but our guide was amazing! We got photos without crowding the animal too. The photos were excellent too. It's really nice being able to tally up which species we saw afterwards! We also got photos and videos of us swimming with the turtles which was really cool. Basically, run don't walk to book this. 10/10 experience.

We arrived early to the meeting point just to ensure we got there on time, Fernando our guide was already there and suggested we start early as the turtles are move active in the morning, he wasn’t wrong. From start to finish he was the ultimate professional, talking us through facts about the area, what we can expect to see and how to maximise our experience. We were led through the ocean over “feeding fields”, coral and historic artifacts from the Spanish Armada… What were there to see: we saw four turtles and having paid for the photo / film package Fernando caught some amazing images and footage, capturing moments of a lifetime. Along with the turtles we saw many other fish, boxfish, pipefish, Some huge tuna like fish, shoals of smaller Colorful fish, Rays, and the most beautiful huge angel fish, along with some very angry looking Lobsters… With each meeting, Fernando filled us in on the species and any relevant points, again capturing images which were airdropped to my phone immediately after were ended our “tour”. We were then free to explore the beach area after, facilities for changing and showering etc were perfectly suitable and the lockers secure to stash your gear whilst out and about: Could not recommend enough this fantastic experience and we are both very grateful to Fernando for making the experience so special.

We arrived early to the meeting point just to ensure we got there on time, Fernando our guide was already there and suggested we start early as the turtles are move active in the morning, he wasn’t wrong. From start to finish he was the ultimate professional, talking us through facts about the area, what we can expect to see and how to maximise our experience. We were led through the ocean over “feeding fields”, coral and historic artifacts from the Spanish Armada… What were there to see: we saw four turtles and having paid for the photo / film package Fernando caught some amazing images and footage, capturing moments of a lifetime. Along with the turtles we saw many other fish, boxfish, pipefish, Some huge tuna like fish, shoals of smaller Colorful fish, Rays, and the most beautiful huge angel fish, along with some very angry looking Lobsters… With each meeting, Fernando filled us in on the species and any relevant points, again capturing images which were airdropped to my phone immediately after were ended our “tour”. We were then free to explore the beach area after, facilities for changing and showering etc were perfectly suitable and the lockers secure to stash your gear whilst out and about: Could not recommend enough this fantastic experience and we are both very grateful to Fernando for making the experience so special.

Amazing experience! Guide was amazing, 100% recommend!

The team was incredible. Gilo our guide was took extra care with our group. He really worked to find areas where we saw turtles, fish and a stingray. The weather conditions weren’t the best so he had a tough job but ensured our group had a wonderful day.

We did the swimming with the turtles excursion in Akumal back in 2023 and could not wait to come back and do it again! This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gave us so many amazing memories and incredible photos that we will treasure forever. The staff was absolutely fantastic from start to finish — friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable in the water. Seeing the sea turtles up close in their natural habitat was breathtaking, and the crystal-clear water and beautiful views made the entire experience unforgettable. If you are visiting the Riviera Maya area, this excursion is a MUST DO. We are already talking about coming back again in the future!

Excellent - our tour guide Alejandro prepared everything for us including private transportation (add-on), video footage, and private session. I brought my young daughter along, and it was her first time snorkeling. Alejandro was super friendly, and accomodating for us and we had a blast. Highly recommend.

Lovely private tour and the guides were so friendly and good with the kids. We have a 4 and 8 year old and we all loved it. The guide had a tube which he pulled the kids along on so we could enjoy the snorkel and not have to help them. We saw turtles lots of fish and sting rays. Was a great experience would definitely recommend. Tip: go for the first session 8:30 it’s a lot quieter.

We had a great time seeing the turtles, rays, starfish, and other fish. It was even better that we were in a private group just two of us, we booked for 8:30 and I’d recommend this since there weren’t as many people around and it was pretty clear water. Our guide was Alejandro and he made sure to take lots of pictures and videos of us and they look amazing, he was very friendly and made sure we had a great time, would definitely recommend this company for your snorkelling tour.

An exceptional experience for swimming with turtles, supervised by two very caring guides and attentive to the well-being of guests. One of them spoke French. The encounter with rays and turtles was simply magical. We leave with many beautiful photos and videos, made thanks to the GoPro. Thank you to our two companions for their great kindness!