How to Swim with Sea Turtles and Experience Nesting Season in Akumal

Local UpDate: Massive Half Moon Bay Cleanup Underway This October

ZOFEMAT crews arrive the week of October 15 for a large-scale beach cleanup in North Akumal, clearing seaweed and debris ahead of the new sargassum barrier installation. Cleaner shores mean better nesting conditions for turtles this season. See Full Post →

Looking for the best place to swim with sea turtles in Mexico? Welcome to Akumal—one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat and witness their nesting and hatching season right on the beach.

If you’re already here, you’re in luck. If not… what are you waiting for? Contact us at hola@akumalmx.com and we’ll help you plan your turtle-friendly adventure.

Why Guidelines Matter When Swimming with Sea Turtles

Akumal Bay is home to a protected population of green and loggerhead sea turtles. With the rise in eco-tourism, including beachfront rentals and snorkeling tours, new measures have been put in place to safeguard the coral reef, marine life, and snorkelers alike:

White buoys mark the designated swim zones.
Orange buoys show the boat entry/exit lanes.
The north end of the bay is restricted to boats and authorized tours (Las Casitas guests have their own beach).
Some zones are strictly off-limits to protect marine life year-round.

These regulations help preserve the natural beauty of Akumal while allowing visitors to enjoy safe, respectful marine encounters.

Two Ways to Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal

1. Guided Tour (Highly Recommended)
Take the guesswork out of your experience and support local eco-certified providers. We recommend:

The Akumal Dive Shop
Akumal Dive Center

Their knowledgeable staff ensure you stay safe while learning about the ecosystem. Need help booking? Email us at hola@akumalmx.com and we’ll connect you.

2. Independent Snorkeling
You’re welcome to snorkel on your own in the designated public swim area. Enter through the public beach path just beyond the Akumal arch. Head toward the white buoys past Club Akumal Caribe Hotel to enter the bay. Be aware: freelance guides may approach you—simply smile and say “No, gracias.”

Good to Know Before You Go

Swimming in Akumal Bay is free, but bring pesos for gear rentals, restrooms, and parking.
Life vests are required, even for strong swimmers. They reduce coral damage and keep everyone safe.
Do not touch or chase turtles. Observing from a distance is essential to avoid stress or injury to marine life.
Do not stand on coral formations. What looks like a rock is actually a living structure.
Leave no trace. Please collect all trash and respect the marine environment.

Sea Turtle Nesting & Hatchling Season in Akumal (July–November)

Right now, sea turtles are nesting on Akumal’s beaches, and hatchlings are expected to emerge between late September and early November.

Watching a mama turtle lay eggs under the moonlight or witnessing baby turtles scramble toward the sea is truly unforgettable—but it comes with serious responsibility.

✅ Do:

Join a guided turtle walk with local experts when available.
Keep a respectful distance from nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Use red lights if walking the beach at night—white lights can disorient turtles.
Stay quiet and move slowly if you happen upon a turtle or nest.

❌ Don’t:

Leave trash, chairs, or beach gear overnight—they can obstruct turtle paths.
Touch turtles, hatchlings, or nests.
Use flash photography or white lights at night.
Crowd around nesting turtles.

For more info on sea turtle conservation or to volunteer, visit Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) or stop by their center across from the arch. You can also reach them at:
📞 +52 (984) 875 9095
📧 info@ceakumal.org

Have Questions or Want Help Planning?

Contact our team at hola@akumalmx.com for updates on turtle snorkeling, nesting season activities, and eco-conscious accommodations. Whether you’re swimming, exploring, or just relaxing on the sand, we’ll help you make the most of this magical time in Akumal.

Akumal is home to the turtles—let’s protect it like our own.