Akumal Beach, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

5Claire J 5:00 PM Sep 8, 2022

Great to see the turtles
We travelled hear from playa del Carmen by taxi, with a 6 and 8 year old, looking for a chance to swim with turtles. We arrived early, before 9am expecting to be swamped with offers from guides. However only one approached us to start with and he was helpful and polite. Yes, there is a fee at this point to enter the beach for tourists. But there are good changing facilities, showers and toilets provided. We agreed a price with the first guide who approached us which was considerably cheaper than the dive shop and in a private group, The guide, Darwin, did an excellent job - especially with towing the children around! He spoke good English and gave us some interesting information about turtles and other marine life. We found 3 turtles and really enjoyed our snorkel. After the guided tour we headed further down the beach in front of a resort and did some independent snorkelling which was generally very good around various patches of coral. Hardly any sargasso but the sand on the beach was very hard! We hadn’t been before so can’t compare to how it was but if you go knowing what you might expect I think this is a great experience.

5elisams29 5:00 PM Dec 2, 2020

Beautiful and fewer people right now
As someone who dislikes touristy and commercialized activities but loves turtles, I read lots of reviews and did some serious consideration before going to this beach to snorkel and see turtles. But we went and are so glad we did! Here is the scoop: Yes, it costs $5 or $100 pesos to get in. Pay it. It's just 5 bucks and it gets you a free locker and very clean restrooms. Those cost money to maintain and you are supporting the locals who have jobs doing the cleaning etc. I understand beaches should be free but I am happy to support the local economy. I also recommend waiting until you get to the admission booth and selecting a local guide to do the snorkeling. If you are arriving from outside Akumal, you will find tour operators flagging you down as you drive in. Skip them. Some of the local guides hang out by the admission booth or just pay the admission and talk to them once you get in. The cost is $25 each for 45-60 minute snorkel with the turtles and the reef, including equipment. Snorkels are brand new. Our guide was awesome! We are experienced snorkelers; he realized that and gave us a very thorough, great experience. We tipped him generously. With the snorkeling tour, they give you a palapa and chairs to use all day for free. Who can beat that? The beach is beautiful and the turtles are spectacular. Right now, I am guessing there are far less people than usual due to COVID; that makes it a great time to go. All staff wear masks all the time. We had no concerns.