Akumal – Snorkelling with the turtles.

Is Akumal worth visiting?

The name “Akumal,” also known as “place of the turtles” from the Mayan word it’s based off of, has earned this town in Riviera Maya a reputation as one of Mexico‘s prime locations to observe and swim with sea turtles. If you seek serene white sand beaches and turquoise waters without the hoards tourists found in Cancun and Tulum, Akumal is the perfect destination.

Snorkelling with the turtles in Akumal in their natural habitat is an amazing sight. To see them swim so freely and peacefully in the open waters for the first time is something I’ll never forget. (Sorry, I don’t have a waterproof camera for turtle pics)

You only have to swim 50 meters offshore to get a glimpse. And there are loads of them. I just took my own snorkel and went into the water to search for a few. You can go for free on your own. You only need to go near the truckload of tour groups to find them. They are following them around and shouting out when they see one.

This brings me to my next point…

GET THERE EARLY BEFORE YOU ARE SNORKELING IN AKUMAL WITH 100’S OF OTHER PEOPLE!!

It was a schoolboy error by me. I’m normally a bit better with those things but was feeling a little lazy this morning. I got there by 11 am and it was already crowded. I’d suggest getting there by 9 am to have fewer people around.

Apart from that, seeing the turtles was well worth it and I recommend it if you’re in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

Doing a snorkeling tour in Akumal

On the short walk from the main road to Akumal beach, you’ll get approached by lots of people offering tours. Wait until you get to the beach to choose which tour to go with.

There is one main tour company for snorkelling in the big building/museum when you first get to Akumal beach. You can’t miss it. Here, the guides are trained and professional vs other companies which they aren’t. And they have tours leaving every 15 minutes so you won’t be left waiting for the next tour.

There is also a little hut on the beach (pic below) for tours and that’d be my second choice (300 pesos).

Both tour companies are about the same price and offer a guide, life vest, snorkel, flippers, lockers and showers. The tours will go for about 1 hour.

Remember you can always negotiate on prices in Mexico. When I was asking in the Museum, the first price was 400 pesos, then after a few questions and I told the man I was going to think about it, the price came down to 350 pesos… And that was without even trying to negotiate. So always try to get a better price.

If you’re interested in some Spanish, have a read of Quick Travel Spanish and How to learn Spanish.

How to get to Akumal from Tulum

Walk to the main street in Tulum and wait for a colectivo (minivan) to come past on the way to Playa del Carmen. You’ll only have to wait a couple of minutes, there are plenty. The ride will cost you 30 pesos and take 25 minutes. Tell the driver you’re going to Akumal, otherwise, he’ll drive straight past.

You’ll get dropped off on the side of the main road, where you have a very easy 7-8 minute walk to the beach.

All in all it was great to snorkel with the turtles in Akumal. And something I would do again. I just wish I had got there a little earlier.

JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

Have you been? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels!!