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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPlaya Akumal – The Best Place to Snorkel with Turtles in Tulum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want the best chances of snorkeling and swimming with turtles, you\u2019ll find Playa Akumal as the best area to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playa Akumal, also known as Turtle Bay, is a small beach town between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, meaning it\u2019s not precisely in Tulum (only near it). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Akumal is a Mayan word that means \u201cplace of turtles,\u201d It is precisely here that hundreds of turtles lay their eggs every summer. Additionally, Playa Akumal is well known for its coral reef surrounding Akumal bay, which makes snorkeling and diving here unique and enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Go to Playa Akumal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to snorkel with turtles in Playa Akumal, it\u2019s around 17.4 miles (28.1 kilometers) away from Tulum Pueblo. It\u2019s a bit far, unlike other nearby tourist spots. However, it\u2019s a convenient place to reach with several modes of transportation available. Here are your options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re driving a car in Tulum, getting to Playa Akumal is a short drive, around 28-30 minutes away. Whether you own or rent a rental car, it\u2019s the fastest way to reach Playa Akumal. You can even visit other attractions near the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parking in Playa Akumal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve reached the area, you can find parking lots along the beach road. Unfortunately, most of these spaces require fees of around 20 pesos per hour or 50 pesos per day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, it\u2019s best to have local currency as they don\u2019t likely accept dollars. If you have no idea where to exchange, check out the Best Places to Exchange Money in Tulum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re coming from Tulum, you\u2019ll find a few taxis. You can tell the driver that you\u2019re going to Playa Akumal, and they\u2019ll take you there. However, agree on the fare before hopping in to ensure you don\u2019t get overcharged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To know more about the taxi fares in Tulum, read: How Much are Taxis in Tulum?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re visiting Playa Akumal with minimal things, you can take a colectivo to save some money. This one is a cheap option to reach the area and snorkel with turtles, but it\u2019s so tiny that you won\u2019t get to bring luggage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also not air-conditioned, so that the trip can be pretty hot, especially during midday. If you can tolerate these things and want to stay within budget, a colectivo is a friendly option. It will only cost around 35 pesos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are some frequently asked questions about Playa Akumal and snorkeling with turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are areas in Playa Akumal that require a guide, which means you must avail of a tour package or stay at a nearby hotel that includes complimentary snorkeling with a turtle experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, if you want to save some expenses from these tours and guides, you can check out Half Moon Bay, a neighboring beach area. Here, you\u2019ll find no restrictions, but you\u2019ll also have lesser chances of spotting some turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It costs around 35 USD to snorkel with turtles at Playa Akumal. This fee includes a short boat ride to a spot where you can find turtles. The tour takes around 45 minutes and includes a guide, complimentary snorkeling gear, lockers to store your items, and showers after the snorkeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Akumal beach is free, just like all beaches in Mexico, but the local businesses have made it difficult to access. Or further on, you may find an entry door besides the dive shop. You will find another beach entrance gate right before the parking lot and after the dive shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turtles are unavailable all year round, so it\u2019s best to consider the month in your plan to maximize your chances of snorkeling with turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best months are from June to November since these months are the nesting season for turtles. However, if you want the best, September is the peak of nesting season, and it\u2019s the best month to spot some turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since these months are the peak of snorkeling with turtles, you\u2019ll find plenty of people giving it a shot. Now, if you want to do it in Playa Akumal, it\u2019s best to get there early, as only 200 people are allowed per day because it\u2019s a protected zone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another thing to note is that it\u2019s worth hiring a guide since they are knowledgeable about the area and can direct you to the best spots where you can see turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, if you plan on staying at Playa Akumal after snorkeling with turtles, you may want to do so between September and November, as there won\u2019t be many tourists in the area. It\u2019s also a great time to find deals and discounts on rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan on enjoying a day of snorkeling and swimming with turtles in Tulum, you\u2019ll need a few things. Most of these items are available for rent, but you will save some rental fees if you bring your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are some tips we recommend you do for a more enjoyable snorkeling experience with turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must start early in the morning if you plan to snorkel with turtles at Playa Akumal. This small beach area has a protected turtle zone and only allows 200 people to swim daily. Thus, it would be best to start early to reserve a slot and visit the protected zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re a hobbyist or an expert snorkeler, you\u2019ll have better chances of spotting some turtles and swimming with them with a local who knows the way around the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, a guide is now required for travelers who want to snorkel and swim with turtles. But, of course, you can always avoid the guided tour by swimming a bit farther from the marked area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The chances of seeing turtles are slimmer, but since these animals can swim wherever they want, you may also find them nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you visit Playa Akumal, you\u2019ll find plenty of dive shops offering snorkeling gear for rent. While you can opt for such, it will save you some rental fees if you already have your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s prohibited in the area to touch the turtles, as you can easily hurt or scare them away. Also, it\u2019s a rule that needs to be respected, as Playa Akumal is a place for turtles to nest and swim safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tulum\u2019s diverse and rich marine life makes it a perfect place for snorkelers, and the beach town Playa Akumal offers a unique place where you can snorkel and swim with turtles. With this complete guide to snorkeling with turtles, you now have an overview of the necessary things to do and bring for this experience. Thus, we hope you enjoy some time snorkeling with turtles in Tulum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to know more activities to do in Tulum and also other places to visit, read 24 Things to Do in Tulum<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tulum offers many things to its guests, and besides picturesque beaches, cenotes, Mayan ruins, and lush jungles, this town is … <\/p>\nBy Taxi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By a Colectivo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions About Playa Akumal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can You Swim With Turtles in Playa Akumal Without a Tour?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does It Cost to Snorkel With Turtles at Akumal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you have to pay to use Akumal Beach?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When Is the Best Time to Snorkel With Turtles in Tulum?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Things to Pack When Snorkeling With Turtles in Tulum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Tips When Snorkeling With Turtles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Start Early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Hire a Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Bring your gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Don\u2019t touch the turtles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n