AKUMAL BAY

AKUMAL BAY –Akumal Bay is home to coral reefs, sea grasses, marine life and our famous sea turtles! Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore these spectacular ecosystems and species. Akumal is a public beach and snorkeling is free, do NOT need to hire a tour guide or pay an entry fee!  Enter through the Akumal Dive Shop. This is a public beach with public access and parking available (parking cost 50 pesos for the full day). Lol Ha Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a snack and take in the beautiful  views of the bay, or feel free to bring your own cooler with a picnic lunch and find a shady spot to call home for the day. There are restrooms available but if you are not using the Lol Ha Restaurant you need to pay 5 pesos for access.

The water in the bay is calm and shallow, perfect for children and senior citizens. However, the real attraction is what is under the water…bring your snorkels to meet the stars of Akumal Bay, the Sea Turtles! Akumal means “Place of the Turtles” in the Mayan language. Our beach and bay are a natural nesting ground and habitat for endangered Green Sea Turtle. The experience of swimming alongside these beautiful creatures is something to remember for a lifetime…and here in Akumal, we can do it everyday, for FREE. You can bring your own gear and if you are an experienced swimmer, you can do this on your own.

If you wish to rent snorkel equipment & life vests we can provide this for you. Our snorkel masks cover your entire face, which makes breathing easier and gives you a larger, clearer view. This is also a much more sanitary option then renting equipment on site.

The early morning (8:00 to 9:00) is a great time to go snorkel because you will have the beach to yourself! We encourage that you use life vests for adults as well as children. Please use biodegradable sunscreen, others contain ingredients toxic to sea creatures. Alternatively, you can pay for a guided tour, but be aware that no matter what they say, you DO NOT NEED to hire a guide. There are salespeople at the entrance of the bay trying to sell you guided tours and that is how they make a living.

If you plan correctly, and have a bit of luck, you might even be able to witness the sea turtle hatching and journey of the baby turtles to the sea (September & October) For more information about sea turtles, the conservation of our costal ecosystems and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, visit the Centro Ecologico Akumal, right here in Akumal Playa.

PLEASE NEVER TOUCH THE SEA TURTLES OR STAND ON THE REEF!

Below you will find guidelines for snorkeling in Akumal Bay.  Remember that you play an important role in helping to protect these fragile habitats and turtles in the bay.

  • Always stay inside the bay, snorkel between the red and yellow buoys.
  • Always stay horizontal – You don’t want to kick up the sand, or kick the reef or turtles.
  • Never stand on the reef – You can harm them and injure yourself.
  • Never touch or chase the turtles or other sea life.
  • Never dive down or swim underwater – You can damage the ecosystem.
  • Never crowd a turtle. Stay at least 3 meters away.
  • Wear a sun shirt or biodegradable sunscreen.
  • Know your limits! It is advisable for your safety to wear a lifejacket.
  • Know the beach warning flags. Pay attention to the flags, and lifeguards, on the beach.