Akumal from Tulum: Swimming with Turtles Responsibly
How to visit the bay, the rules that protect its sea turtles, when to go and what else is nearby.
In this guide
Akumal is a small coastal community north of Tulum known for one thing above all: sea turtles grazing on the seagrass in its shallow bay. Seeing them can be unforgettable, but the bay is also a protected habitat under pressure from visitors. A good visit follows the rules, respects the animals and usually starts early. Visiting Akumal from Tulum is a short, easy trip.
Getting to Akumal from Tulum
Akumal lies on Federal Highway 307, roughly 28 kilometers north of Tulum and around 40 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. From Tulum town, it is a short drive; from the northern bays of Soliman and Tankah, it is closer still.
A protected bay
Akumal Bay was designated a marine species protection refuge in March 2016 and is administered by CONANP, Mexico’s protected-areas commission. The rules exist to protect the turtles and the seagrass they feed on. The decree, published in the Diario Oficial on 7 March 2016, covers about 1,653 hectares from San Miguel through Akumal to Xcacel-Xcacelito and protects green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles as well as corals, mangroves and seagrass, according to reporting at the time.
Visitors must not touch, feed, chase or harass turtles, must stay at least three meters away, and must avoid damaging the seagrass. Chemical sunscreens are not permitted; use a rash guard and hat instead. Operators and staff may require life jackets and may limit the areas where swimming is allowed. Follow their instructions and any posted signs.
Guided or independent?
Many visitors go with a licensed local guide, who knows the permitted zones and helps groups keep the right distance. Guided snorkel trips are typically short and suit families with confident young swimmers. If you swim independently, stay within the permitted areas, keep your distance, and never stand on the seabed.
Access arrangements, hours and fees can change. Check current conditions locally before you go, and bring cash. The Centro Ecológico Akumal describes the main beach entrance beside the dive shop and a federally recognized public access to the south, and states that there is no fee to enter the beach, in a page last updated in February 2021; it recommends certified cooperatives for turtle snorkeling rather than informal guides. Nesting on the beaches runs from 1 May to 1 November, per the Tulum municipality’s 2026 season announcement, so keep to marked paths at night; see our guide to Tulum with kids for how this fits a family day.
When to go
Arrive early, when the water is calm and before the busiest period. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. Turtles can be seen throughout the year, and local reporting points to May through October as a particularly active period for turtles. Nesting season on beaches along this coast also falls in the warmer months; keep away from marked nests and avoid lights on the beach at night.
Yal-Kú lagoon
Nearby, Yal-Kú is a lagoon where fresh and salt water mix, with calm, clear water and plenty of fish. Access is regulated, with services such as lockers and life jackets. It is a good alternative when the bay is busy or the sea is choppy.
What to bring
- A rash guard or long-sleeved swim top instead of sunscreen.
- Your own mask and snorkel, if you prefer.
- Water shoes for rocky entries.
- Cash for access, lockers and guides.
- A dry bag for phones and documents.
Combining the day
Visiting Akumal from Tulum is an easy half day with the right timing. Akumal pairs easily with a cenote or with an afternoon back at the northern bays. Read our guides to cenotes near Tulum and Soliman Bay.
