Where can I snorkel with sea turtles in Mexico?

Akumal is located 100km (62 miles) south of Cancun in the heart of the Riviera Maya. In the natural protected area you get the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy the amazing Sea Turtles and the very colorful fish at the second largest reef in the world.



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Yucatan Peninsula: Known for the tourism hotspot of Cancun, this spectacular coast, which also goes by the name of the Mexican Riviera, has a number of important nesting beaches for green turtles and loggerheads. Good spots to see sea turtles are in Akumal Bay, X'Cacel Beach, and Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

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There's one important rule when visiting Akumal: DON'T touch the turtles! As cute as they may look to you hugging them may harm them, so please don't do this. Swim with turtles, leaving a decent distance as they need their personal space, the same way as humans do. Swim nearby but never touch the turtle.

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The best time to see a turtle while Akumal snorkeling is May through November, (great lodging options then too) during their nesting season. But, there are usually turtles all year-round.

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Below, you'll find a list of 13 amazing places in the world to dive and swim with sea turtles in their natural habitats.
  1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. ...
  2. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia. ...
  3. Ari Atoll, Maldives. ...
  4. Maui Island, Hawaii. ...
  5. Marsa Alam, Egypt. ...
  6. Sipadan, Malaysia. ...
  7. Cook Island Marine Reserve, Australia.


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The largest green turtle nesting population is found at Tortuguero, on the coast of Costa Rica where about 22,500 green turtle females nest annually. Raine Island, on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has the second largest nesting population of about 18,000 females per season.

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If you want to witness this amazing nesting and hatching season, the best time to go to Mexico is in late August, September and early October, although the season can sometimes stretch as far as November. Dusk is usually the best moment for turtles hatching but it can also happen during the day.

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Embark on a half-day guided trip exploring ancient cenotes and enjoy the rare opportunity to swim with turtles at Akumal Beach. Enjoy round-trip hotel or meeting point transfers from Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya and Tulum. Arrive at Akumal Beach and enjoy the opportunity to swim with wild turtles.

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Don't Touch Coral While Snorkeling
Whenever someone touches the corals with their hands, they unintentionally disrupt the protective mucous layer that contains its microbiome, similar to the one we have in our gut. Inflicting damage or removing the coral's mucous layer can severely hamper its health and well-being.

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When you see a turtle coming up the beach, keep your distance, turn off any lights you are using and crouch down low. Do NOT walk closer! Always approach turtles from the side. This gives them a clear view of you and a clear path ahead of them if they want to swim away.

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Xcacel, 5 miles south of Akumal, and Xpuha, near Puerto Aventuras, are some of the best reef snorkeling options. Both are accessible from the beach. It is also possible to get into the water at Tankah Bay, at Bahia Principe, or at Tulum Reef (which can only be reached by boat).

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