Where is the best place to snorkel with turtles in Riviera Maya?

Next, head to Akumal Bay, a perfect place for swimming with sea turtles that feed on the seagrass in the bay near you. Put on your provided snorkeling gear — or your own, if you prefer — and enjoy a snorkeling tour of these amazing creatures.



People Also Ask

Dive into the natural habitat of sea turtles with a once in a lifetime adventure in Akumal. This calm bay in the Riviera Maya is home to sea turtles who come to graze on the seagrass giving you an opportunity to snorkel alongside them in an extraordinary natural encounter.

MORE DETAILS

Arrive at Akumal Beach and enjoy the opportunity to swim with wild turtles. Put on a snorkeling mask and marvel at marine life as you float above the vibrant reef. Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch of tacos or pizza.

MORE DETAILS

And the green area around the coastline marks the free swimming area. As the turtles are largely concentrated in the deeper red areas, it is very difficult to see turtles independently. Of course, as they are wild animals and can go where they like, it's possible you'll see a turtle while swimming in the green zone.

MORE DETAILS

From this small paradise beach in the Riviera Maya Snorkeling experience, you can go snorkeling off shore and see some coral formations and fishes that are not actually part of the coral reef barrier.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Akumal beach's turtle season is the same as along the rest of the coast. Nesting takes place from April-October, while the majority of the hatching takes place in the latter three months of August, September and early October.

MORE DETAILS

May to November is the nesting season for the sea turtles in Akumal, Mexico, and when you are most likely to see them near the beach.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Akumal attracts people worldwide with its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant sea life. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can swim in the bay with the famous giant turtles and explore the shipwrecks. However, it is forbidden to touch marine animals and corals.

MORE DETAILS

Sea turtle nesting season in the Riviera Maya happens between the months of June and November.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Is it usual (or how rare is it) to see turtles or hatchlings on the beach? Both are usually active at night and most of our volunteers have yet to see a turtle lay a nest or a nest to boil (hatch). So consider yourself very lucky if you happen to encounter sea turtles.

MORE DETAILS

Don't forget, the turtles are wild animals in their natural environment. They are very comfortable around people and will swim alongside snorkelers but don't touch them or try to feed them, it is important not alter their natural behavior.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, and there's no need to spend a whole day to swim with turtles in Cancun! There are some other few places to snorkel with turtles in Cancun and Riviera Maya. For example, it's usual to swim with turtles in Akumal, however, you spend more time in transportation than actually swimming with them.

MORE DETAILS