Playa Del Carmen: Swim & Snorkel W/ Turtles at Akumal Beach

Exploring the vibrant beaches of Playa Del Carmen offers a wealth of opportunities to connect with the region’s captivating marine life. One such experience that stands out is the chance to swim and snorkel alongside wild sea turtles at the renowned Akumal Beach. This activity, lasting 5-6 hours, provides a seamless and enjoyable way for visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of the area. From convenient transportation to knowledgeable guides and complimentary amenities, the journey promises an unforgettable encounter with these fascinating creatures. However, the true allure of this experience extends beyond the underwater adventure, inviting travelers to discover…

Key Points

• This 5-6 hour activity includes swimming and snorkeling with wild sea turtles at Akumal Beach, led by an English and Spanish-speaking guide.
• Round-trip transportation from Vidanta Resort to Tulum and free time to relax on Akumal Beach with complimentary snacks and drinks are provided.
• Pricing ranges from $64.99 to $72.22 per person, with an additional 240 MXN marine tax per person, and a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option is available.
• The activity is suitable for adults, children, and infants, and recommended items include sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Customer reviews are mixed, with some praising the unique opportunity to interact with sea turtles and the knowledgeable guide, while others raised concerns about value for money and limited visibility during snorkeling.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The activity offers visitors a chance to swim and snorkel alongside wild sea turtles at Akumal Beach.

This 5-6 hour experience is led by a live tour guide who provides information in both English and Spanish. Participants can expect round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van, with hotel pickup available from Vidanta Resort to Tulum.

The tour includes free time to relax on Akumal Beach after the swimming and snorkeling. Snacks and drinks are provided on the beach.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for full refunds.

Pricing and Booking

While the price for the Swim & Snorkel W/ Turtles activity in Playa Del Carmen ranges from $72.22 to $64.99 per person, customers can save up to 10% on the cost.

The activity also offers a reserve now and pay later option, which provides flexibility for booking. However, there’s an additional marine tax of 240 MXN per person that must be paid upon boarding the van.

Transportation and Meeting Points

Providing round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van, the activity includes hotel pickup available from Vidanta Resort to Tulum, though this service is unavailable for the Cancun area.

Participants will meet at the following location:

• Hotel Andreas in Tulum at 9:30 AM

After the activity, drop-off will be provided via public transportation in Tulum.

The transportation and meeting points are designed to make the experience convenient and accessible for guests.

With the included van service and designated meeting spot, participants can easily get to and from the Akumal Beach location to enjoy swimming and snorkeling with the turtles.

Experience Highlights

Encountering wild sea turtles in their natural habitat is the highlight of this activity. Under the guidance of a local expert, guests will learn about the local wildlife and history of the region. After swimming and snorkeling with the turtles, visitors can relax on the beautiful Akumal Beach and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.

Experience Highlights
Encounter wild sea turtles in their natural habitat
Learn about local wildlife and history from a local guide
Free time to relax on Akumal Beach after swimming and snorkeling
Snacks and drinks provided on the beach

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Participant Information

The activity caters to a range of participants, from adults aged 10 to 99 years old, children aged 4 to 9, and even infants 3 years and younger.

To make the most of the experience, visitors are encouraged to bring:

• Sunglasses to protect their eyes from the bright sun
• A sun hat to shield their face and neck
• Their swimwear for the snorkeling and swimming activities
• A towel to dry off after the water-based fun
• Biodegradable sunscreen to safeguard their skin from the UV rays

Participants should also note that there’s a marine tax of 240 MXN per person to be paid upon boarding the van.

Recommendations

Typically, visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and proper footwear suitable for the outdoor activities.

Sunglasses, a sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen are also recommended to protect against the sun’s rays.

For the water portion of the tour, participants should bring their swimwear and a towel.

It’s advised to pack snacks and water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Participants should be prepared to get in and out of the water, as they’ll be swimming and snorkeling with the sea turtles.

Customer Reviews

Based on the limited customer reviews available, participants have provided mixed feedback on their overall experience with this tour.

While some highlight the unique opportunity to swim and snorkel with sea turtles, others express concerns about the tour’s value for money and efficient use of time:

• Some reviewers noted that the advertised duration of 5-6 hours wasn’t fully utilized, with less time spent in the water than expected.

• A few customers felt the tour was overpriced, considering the limited amenities and transportation provided.

• On a positive note, several participants praised the knowledgeable local guide and the chance to observe turtles in their natural habitat.

• However, a minority of reviewers reported issues with crowding and limited visibility during the snorkeling portion of the activity.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking and reserving this Swim & Snorkel with Turtles tour can be done through the provided online platform, with a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option available.

Prices range from $64.99 to $72.22 per person, with an opportunity to save up to 10%. Plus, a marine tax of 240 MXN per person must be paid upon boarding the van.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Deep Is the Water at Akumal Beach?

The water depth at Akumal Beach varies, but typically ranges from knee-deep to about waist-deep near the shore, making it suitable for both swimming and snorkeling to observe the resident sea turtles in their natural habitat.

What Types of Turtles Can We Expect to See?

Visitors can expect to see green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles at Akumal Beach. These two turtle species are commonly spotted in the shallow, clear waters as they feed on the abundant sea grass and algae.

Is Photography Allowed During the Snorkeling Activity?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the snorkeling activity to capture their encounters with the turtles. However, it’s important to avoid disturbing the wildlife and follow any instructions from the tour guide.

Are There Any Age or Swimming Ability Restrictions?

There are no age restrictions, but children under 4 are not permitted to participate. All swimming abilities are welcome, as a live tour guide is included to assist participants during the snorkeling activity.

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling gear. However, the activity also provides snorkeling equipment for those who don’t have their own. Bringing your own gear may provide a more comfortable and personalized experience.

Recap

Akumal Beach offers an unparalleled opportunity to swim and snorkel with wild sea turtles. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and ample time to relax on the beautiful beach, it’s a must-do activity for anyone visiting Playa del Carmen. Complimentary snacks and drinks complete the experience, ensuring a memorable day of connecting with nature and marine life.

You can check if your dates are available here: