Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal
Get up close and personal with Sea Turtles in Akumal
Are you looking for an unforgettable experience near Cancun for the whole family?
Visit Akumal.
It’s an easy day trip, where you can enjoy some beach time, good local food, and incredible underwater experiences.
A day trip to Akumal from Playa del Carmen, Tulum or even Cancun offers a great combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and convenience. It’s easy to get to, making it an ideal destination for a self-organized family trip.
Akumal is a popular spot for snorkelling, a fun activity for families to do together. Kids will love seeing the colourful fish, sea turtles and even stingrays – all in their natural habitat. Akumal has several beautiful beaches that are perfect for families to enjoy. The soft sand and calm waters make it a safe and enjoyable place for kids to play and swim and they’ll never forget the experience of swimming with sea turtles.
Why you should go: Akumal is a popular spot for snorkelling because of the sheer number of turtles in the area. This is an important breeding area, and local organizations and volunteers work to ensure the safety of turtle nests. Because turtles return to the same spot to lay their eggs, this beach is frequented by large numbers of turtles. The calm, clear water, and the docile nature of these turtles make it a very accessible way for young kids to get an up-close, personal view of these magnificent marine animals.
A word of caution: While you’re out there, slightly distracted by the fact that you’re swimming with sea turtles, be aware of the boat traffic. The water is very calm, but it’s still best to put on a life jacket to increase your visibility.
Be respectful. Finally, encourage your kids to practice responsible behaviour while swimming with sea turtles. Turtles are wild animals and should not be touched, held or teased. Model respectful behaviour and keep a safe distance. Ensuring they are not stressed out by human behaviour is crucial to ensuring they return to this important breeding area, and that others can continue to engage with nature in this way.
Getting to Akumal
There are several ways to get to Akumal from Cancun, or Tulum depending on your preferences and budget.
If you’re into travelling like a local, you can definitely jump on a colectivo, but if you are bringing any type of gear, especially bulky lifejackets, this might not be the right choice. Colectivos can be busy at times.
Our preference is to rent a car. It’s an easy drive from Cancun to Akumal. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic, and the route is fairly straightforward. On our last trip we rented from Hertz and had an excellent experience. (There are some important things to know when renting a car in Mexico, so do read our Pro tips for renting a car in Mexico.) You’ll need to pay for parking, but there is a parking lot with reasonable hourly rates on the left as you pass Hotel Akumal Caribe.
You can also opt to get to Akumal using a ride share.
Arriving by car
You’ll be coming from Cancun on the 307
Shortly after you pass the marker for km255 you’ll see signs for Akumal Pueblo and Akumal Playa. You want the left lane so you can use the Retorno (U-turn). Take the u-turn and follow the exit for Akumal Playa. As you follow the road you may pass parking touts and security staff. Tell them you are going to a restaurant and they’ll leave you be.
Pass under the arch for the Hotel Akumal Caribe. Watch for a parking lot on your left. You’ll need to pass it and turn around to get in as there’s usually a chain across the first entrance. This lot has hourly parking.
Here’s where you’ll need to be a little wily. There are lots of opportunistic touts looking to charge you a fee. You can access the beach for free, but you’ll need to stand your ground and be confident. Access is beyond the dive shop across from the parking lot. Once you get to the beach, there is no need for a tour. Put on your mask and snorkel, and wade out into the water.
Eating near Akumal
No Akumal day trip is complete without some time spent enjoying the local food and drinks. There are a few places to eat in town but our favourite is La Buena Vide Grill, which if you’re driving, is a short 5 minute drive. It’s an easy 15 minute walk if you don’t have access to a car, and is just long enough to work up an appetite. It’s a great little spot with good local food, a well stocked bar and friendly staff. Highly recommended.
More awesome day trips from Cancun, Mexico
Explore the sea floor in a submarine
Want to experience the excitement of diving without actually scuba diving? Try a submarine excursion! Great for children who are too young to scuba dive.
Go for a swim in a Cenote
A cenote is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. There are hundreds throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, and whichever you decide to visit, they make an amazing day trip.
Explore Coba Ruins on a Bicycle
A cenote is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. There are hundreds throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, and whichever you decide to visit, they make an amazing day trip.
Tips, tricks and ideas to help your family travel better
