Akumal Turtles Snorkeling and GoPro pictures

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside green turtles in their natural habitat, the Akumal Turtles Snorkeling Tour might catch your eye. This guided experience in Playa del Carmen offers a chance to see marine life up close, with the added benefit of free GoPro photos to remember your adventure. Based on many traveler reviews and official details, I’ll share what you can expect, the pros and cons, and who this tour suits best.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its local guides, who know the waters well, and the full access to protected areas that respect the environment. Plus, the complimentary photos are a real bonus, making it easier to relive the moment without the hassle of taking your own pics.

On the flip side, a key consideration is that snorkeling in open water can be physically demanding—fighting currents and swimming in the ocean isn’t for everyone. If you’re unsure about swimming or aren’t comfortable in open water, this might be a bit exhausting or intimidating. That said, it’s a fantastic fit for travelers who love marine life, don’t mind a bit of an active swim, and are eager to see turtles in their natural surroundings.

All in all, this tour works best for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and those looking for a family-friendly yet active marine experience. Let’s dig into the details so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

Key Points

• Accessible to most travelers: About most can participate, with special support for those who can’t swim.
• Environmentally respectful: Strict adherence to marine conservation rules means no touching or damaging marine life.
• Photographs included: The GoPro photos are a thoughtful addition, capturing your experience in the water.
• Group size is limited: Max 12 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded.
• Cost includes essentials: Snorkeling gear, lockers, showers, and photos—at a reasonable price.
• Potential physical challenge: Open water swimming and currents require a good level of comfort in the water.

An In-Depth Look at What the Tour Offers

When you book this snorkeling experience in Akumal, you’re signing up for a pretty well-organized adventure that takes you into the protected marine circuits designated by Mexican authorities, SEMARNAT and CONANP. The goal here isn’t just to see turtles—though you’re almost guaranteed to see quite a few—but also to enjoy the overall marine ecosystem, including corals and a variety of fish. If luck’s on your side, manta rays may make an appearance, adding a special touch to your underwater memories.

The meeting point is at a 7-Eleven in Akumal, which is straightforward enough for most travelers familiar with the area. The tour lasts about an hour, and the maximum group size is 12, which helps keep things intimate and guided.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $36.80 per person, the tour includes all the essentials: snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, and snorkel—bathrooms, showers, lockers, and most importantly, the GoPro photos. These photos are taken during the activity and provided to you at no extra charge, which many reviews highlight as a major plus.

However, there are some costs not included—primarily the admission fee of about $7 USD (or 140 pesos), payable at the site, and private transportation if you’re not already in the area. This fee supports access to the protected marine area, which is a crucial part of maintaining this fragile ecosystem.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once you’re at the meeting point, your guide will provide a brief overview, gear up the group, and head into the water. Expect to swim around in open water—so a reasonable level of swim comfort is helpful. As one reviewer mentioned, it can be exhausting fighting currents or boat wakes, especially if the water visibility isn’t ideal.

The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude. One reviewer highlighted Fernando as a very nice and funny guide, which can make the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. They also help those who may not be confident swimmers, pulling them along on floatation devices if needed.

Once in the water, you’ll be looking out for the green turtles, which are often close and seemingly unbothered by snorkelers. Many travelers describe the experience as breathtaking, with turtles swimming just a few feet from them. Besides turtles, you may see vibrant fish, corals, and possibly manta rays—though, as with any wildlife, sightings aren’t guaranteed.

The Photography Experience

The courtesy GoPro photos are a thoughtful touch—your guide will try to capture moments during your swim, but the quality and quantity depend on water visibility and conditions. As one review pointed out, sometimes the photos aren’t received immediately due to busy days, but they’re generally sent within a few hours to a couple of days.

This free photo service is appreciated because it means you don’t have to worry about taking your own pictures or risking dropping your phone in the water. Many travelers love reliving their marine encounters through these snaps, making the tour feel more memorable.

Real Traveler Feedback

Reviewers have been quite positive, with an average rating of 4.5/5 from 38 reviews. Several highlight how many turtles they saw—often multiple—plus the knowledge and friendliness of guides. One noted, “Our guide was Fernando, he was very nice and funny,” emphasizing the importance of good leadership.

A common theme is the exhaustion after the swim—fighting currents or swimming in open water takes effort, even for experienced swimmers. But many also describe it as worth every ounce of energy because of the incredible marine life.

Some reviewers mention organizational hiccups, especially at the beach, such as delays or confusion about photos. While these aren’t deal-breakers, it’s good to keep expectations flexible.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling trip is best suited for adventurous, ocean-loving travelers comfortable in open water. If you’re worried about swimming or have mobility issues, the guide’s support with floatation devices helps—yet it’s still physically active.

Families with children who can swim might enjoy this experience, especially since the guides are attentive and helpful. However, those with younger or non-swimmers should assess their comfort level in open water, as fighting currents can be tiring.

It’s also ideal for photo enthusiasts who want professional pictures of their marine encounters without the hassle of managing their camera underwater. And if you’re keen on seeing turtles in the wild, this tour is generally considered a reliable and rewarding choice.

Cancellation and Practical Details

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is flexible enough for travel plans. If the weather isn’t suitable, the activity can be canceled with a full refund or rescheduled. Keep in mind that bad weather or rough seas could impact visibility and safety, so it’s wise to check the forecast.

The tour starts at 7 a.m., ideal for avoiding larger crowds and getting the best water conditions. Remember, the admission fee of around $7 USD is paid on-site—an unavoidable cost to access the marine protected area.

Final Thoughts

This Akumal snorkeling tour offers a front-row seat to marine wildlife, especially turtles, in their natural environment. The guides’ knowledge and the inclusion of free photos make it a value-rich experience for those who enjoy active adventures and wildlife encounters.

While the physical challenge of open water swimming might not be for everyone, many reviewers found it absolutely worth it, describing the experience as a highlight of their trip. The small group size and respectful approach to marine conservation add to the overall appeal.

If you’re looking for an authentic, guided snorkeling trip with opportunities to see turtles, this tour deserves serious consideration. Just remember to prepare for some exertion and to bring your waterproof camera or phone in a case for those unforgettable underwater moments.

FAQs

Is private transportation included in the tour?
No, private transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point in Akumal.

What is the cost of the access fee?
The access fee is about 140 pesos, or approximately $7 USD, payable at the site.

How long does the tour last?
The snorkeling experience lasts around 1 hour, making it a quick but impactful activity.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, with a full refund.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, though the activity is more suitable for those comfortable in open water.

What should I bring?
Bring your waterproof case for photos, swimwear, towel, and sun protection (note: sunblock isn’t allowed in the water).

Will I see manta rays or other marine animals?
While it’s possible to see manta rays, sightings depend on marine conditions; turtles are the most commonly seen species.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Support is available for those who can’t swim, such as floating devices, but open water swimming can be tiring. Evaluate your comfort level accordingly.

This tour can truly offer an unforgettable glimpse into marine life, especially if you’re eager to see turtles in their natural home. Just keep in mind the physical and weather considerations, and you’re set for a memorable day in Akumal.