-From Cabaas Tulum until Be Tulum php Submit this form. If you did not bring your own snorkel gear and you did not hire a guide who outfitted you, you can rent it at the dive shop, which will also ensure easy access to the beach. Kids 4 to 10: However, we suggest passing those by, going an extra 50 feet and turning into the first parking lot on your left (marked by a small guard shack and a heavy metal gate, which will be open). No matter what you are told at the beach by those trying to make money, snorkeling on your own is still allowed for freeyou do not have to be part of a guided tour. However, staying closer to Akumal may make for a more enjoyable, convenient experience if snorkeling with the sea turtles is at the top of your Mexico to do list. What to expect in Tulum These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. All rights reserved. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. So this is essentially useless. Akumal is the perfect place to practice snorkeling and is considered one of the best family destinations as well! Thanks for reaching out to us. Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort This is the top-rated hotel in Akumal thanks to its location, quality of service, and excellent food (Check prices and book | Read reviews), Secrets Riviera Maya With a gorgeous beachfront and top-notch service, Secrets Riviera Maya is a great option (Check prices and book | Read reviews), Hotel Akumal Caribe With oceanfront rooms and spa services, Hotel Caribe is the perfect place to escape and relax (Check prices and book | Read reviews), Occidental at Xcaret Destination The Occidental at Xcaret Destination has been our hotel of choice. Fins arent necessary, you have the potential to injure the turtles, and they kick up the silt that ruins visibility. Cancellations made between 24-36 hrs before = 50% refund. Theoretically, you could visit Tulum after Akumal, but theres just one problem: heat. And there were always so many turtles in the water and people for the most part were very respectful and watching them and now there is so many more people and I agree its a moneymaking operation. Fins arent necessary, but make sure you know whats nearby so youre not kicking sea grass, turtles, or other snorkelers. You will be transported back to the Pre-hispanic times while you are listening to the history of this great ancient Mayan City and its importance within the mayan culture. The situation changes frequently, so check back for updates. Rental cars in Mexico are very inexpensive and high quality (we had a brand new Volkswagen Jetta). And who would want to? HOWEVER, getting actual access to the beach may incur fees. You can get close to the turtles (while still respecting their space!). Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, you can be able to rest or just relax on its extended white sand beaches, you will experience a completely natural experience for sure. The easiest and best way is by car. There are some other points of entry for the beach. Each experience is mesmerizing. An unforgettable experience!. By providing your number, you agree to receive a one-time automated text message with a link to get the app. On board a luxury SUV, we will pick you up at your hotel lobby to take you upon an unforgettable adventure journey. Tell the driver where you are going (Akumal, por favor). In the past, numerous vendors would rent gear directly on the beach, but they have been banned under the most recent set of rules for Akumal Bay. If you are a nature-lover, then you cannot lose this big opportunity to visit Akumal, a natural beauty protected area that hides into its warm turquoise-blue waters an amazing and immense underwater world such as: multi-colored fish species, natural sinkholes with crystal clear water, underground caverns and rivers, lagoons and of course, the home of this fascinating marine turtles. You will also have the chance to visit the beautiful beach in Tulum, the very same place where Mayan fishermen and merchants traded goods centuries ago! Our first stop will be Tulum. Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. A private tour which combines two amazing activities, step back in time and discover the Tulum Mayan ruins. Required Dock Fee - Bring $10 per person (national park tax). What to expect in TulumWalled Cityits first vestiges were found dating from 564 B.C., a place where besides of having one of the most stunning turquoise-blue water Oceanfront view, share its natural and cultural treasures alongside the second largest Coral Reef in the World. Skip the fins. We had to pay ~$6 to get a wristband to enter the beach. Beyond that, it is required to go with a licensed guide. Our first stop will be Tulum. At this place, you will be accompanied by a specialized bilingual tour guide. Get free expert advice! Just past the parking lot on your right side, youll find the Akumal Dive Shop. Walk up the steps of the dive shop on the left side (see photo below) and head out to the beach. Mexico, In fact, it is one of the few examples of walled cities built by the, Explore 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, From Cancun & The Riviera Maya : Adult= 10 usd p.p Child =10 usd p.p. Planning your dream wedding starts with a phone call Group travel can be overwhelming. paradiseexperiencetours.com 2021- Designed by https://innovamostech.com. The Akumal sea turtles are plentiful and theyre used to the presence of humans. Cost: Adults $125.00 dollars Kids 4 to 10 $89.00 dollars, Your email address will not be published. -Towels -Make sure to eat a good breakfast in the morning. Do not take this for granted. And, wearing a life jacket will make it easier to snorkel with the turtles. Check prices for the best deals on rental cars in the area. The prices are the same for all the parking lots (50 pesos; less than $3 for the full day), but the parking on the left has the bonus of having spots in the shade if you head to the back. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In theTurtles & Tulum Tour Riviera Maya,you'll have the opportunity to explore the impressive buildings and ceremonial centers of this gateway to the nearby cities of Coba, Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, among others (find outwhere are the Mayan ruinson our blog). After your cenote swim, make your way to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean. We were here 10 years ago and things have changed dramatically. I'm not familiar with the one you mention, but there are several terminals. And tourists are left stuck between the competing factions of licensed guides. Cancellations made between 36-48 hrs before = 80% refund. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. All rights reserved; You'll first takeoff to a bay where you'll head into the ocean. Later you will swim close to the Marine Turtles and a variety of multicolored fishes into the natural beauty of the Akumal Bay. Many people go snorkeling, but how many people go snorkeling with turtles in Akumal? Turn right for Playa del Carmen or Cancun. :) This post certainly helped add this to our list of activities! The truly unfortunate reality is that a national treasure was sacrificed in the name of profit. Blog, How to Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal, Mexico, Northern Ireland and Ireland Driving Itinerary, Best Snorkel Gear for An Underwater Adventure, Planning your Akumal snorkeling adventure, The most important thing to know about snorkeling, Check prices for the best deals on rental cars in the area, This is our favorite snorkel and mask set, full-day tour that includes Tulum, Cob, and a cenote visit. Kids 4 to 10 $89.00 dollars, Our first stop, will be the Archeological Zone of Tulum-Mayan Port City Ruins. Akumal is the perfect place to practice snorkeling and is considered one of the best family destinations as well! The parking here is pay-by-the-hour. All over Cancun and Playa del Carmen, youll be approached by people offering you tours to Akumal. Delve deep into the jungle to discover an oasis hidden in the lush flora. Note: This article is updated and current as of January 2022. Just visited the bay and I'd recommend just paying the ~$30/person for an hour excursion through the dive shop all of the turtles were further past the "free area" in the bay. With these app deals you'll save even more on trips, and that means you can take more trips, and manage it all on the go. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It certainly got crowded with tours coming at certain times but if you can try and go in the AM with a plan, you'll be good! Bring extra money for the reef conservation fee, it has to be paid in cash upon your arrival to the beach. Look for the white vans heading in the direction of Tulum. ), youll ultimately save money with a rental car versus booking tours, and youll save time over the colectivos. Incredible stories with a stunning backdrop of paradise, this is an unforgettable Tulum excursion from Playa del Carmen. Thankfully, new guidelines were put in place to clarify years of confusing rules and numerous problems. While planning our trip to Mexico, wed heard about swimming with turtles in Akumal and that it could be done in the wild for FREE! The colectivos depart Playa del Carmen from Calle 2 Norte at Avenue 15. Thank you for your clarity in describing access to the turtles. More information about our verified reviews, Get ready to discover a Mayan city in the caribbean sea, Go with our expert guides who will take you enter to a cave, Price is $129.00 per ticket, price for 1 Adult is $129.00, If you are in an apparment or house we provide the nearest meeting point to pick you up, Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking, High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected, Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants, Personal protective equipment worn by staff. As they come up for air, you can look them in the eye and see the strength and grace they project. Visiting Tulum ruins and snorkeling with turtles in Akumal are two Cancun tours in one that you will remember forever! This is NOT an aquarium - you will be seeing marine life in their natural habitat. When the tour groups start arriving in the mid-morning (often with inexperienced snorkelers), the bottom can get stirred up very, very quickly. Walk down the road approximately a half-mile. We are in Akumal now. Located around 25 minutes from Tulum. It is recommended that people that take the snorkeling tour, should have a basic swimming knowledge previously. You will also enjoy a exquisite Mexican lunch in one of the best Akumal Restaurants. After exploring the ancient city of Tulum you will enjoy more Cancun activities. Where you find a group, youll find turtles. -From Papaya Playa until Ana y Jose Your sunscreen and/or insect repellent should be 100% biodegradable, Any other activities in Cancun or Riviera Maya, Any meals, snacks or beverages during the ground transportation trip, Souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, or any other product or service not mentioned on the inclusions list, Mandatory donation to the Marine Turtle Preservation Program in Akumal ($9 USD per person approximately, cash only), Basic swimming skills are necessary to take part in some of the activities of the tour, This tour is not recommended for travelers with a limited mobility, with breathing problems or with a heart condition, pregnant women, with recent surgeries, or people who can not perform moderate physycal activities, This activity is not allowed to children 0-4 years old, Children between 5-11 years old pay kids rate, Children between 12 years or older pay adults rate, Your pick-up schedule and more details will be sent by email after completing the booking process, Wear comfortable beachwear and water shoes or sandals, Bring an extra set of clothes, a bathing suit and a towel, Bring a credit or debit card and some cash in case the use of certain equipment required a deposit or to pay for any other service not mentioned on the inclusions list, If you have any health or physical problem please contact us before you make your reservation so we can provide you with advice on the matter. Swimming closer, the clear form of a green sea turtle begins to take shape. -Tulum - Downtown Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This information is provided by our partners. So sad. Akumal The Place of Turtles On board of a private van, we will pick you up at your hotel lobby to take you upon an unforgettable adventure journey. Basically, youre on the local bus. Save 10% or more on thousands of properties with member prices. The layout was pretty obvious, except for figuring out where to access the beach (hint: you go through the dive shop or through the CEA Center building; see instructions below). The Akumal scammers took this as an opportunity to push their agenda, threaten people, and make money. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We got to see them in the Bahamas in 2006 and again last year in the Galpagos Islands. You will also enjoy a exquisite Mexican lunch in one of the best Akumal Restaurants Big waves cant penetrate the bay, so it is perfect for snorkeling. The return price is the same as what you paid to get to Akumal. Following a 45-minute guided tour of this magical city overlooking the Caribbean Sea, you'll have about 15 minutes to walk around and take your own pictures ofTulum, formerly known asZama, meaningPlace of the Dawning SuninYucatec Maya. This private tour is appropriate for people of all ages. Corporate businesses have taken over establishments in the bay. Lunch (pork or beef, chicken, fish) including one drink per person (soda, flavored water or beer) during the lunch, On board cooler with beers, sodas and bottled water, Due to the humid climate of the region it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and light clothes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is a place where a world class snorkeling experience awaits you! The rules are clearer (mostly), but there can still be problems. The small bay at Akumal has a sandy bottom comprised very fine sand. We have tried to stay in the "free swim" areas outside the 150 ft line and have been chased away. The road to the town and beach is on your left (youll go past it about 200 yards, take the returno back and then make a right down the road to the beach. In March 2016, Akumal Bay was declared a marine protected area. If you absolutely must visit Akumal and Tulum on the same day, we recommend visiting the turtles Akumal first (so you can see them) and then suffering through the heat at Tulum (bring lots of water!). If you pay attention to the turtles actions, youll have no doubt about its behavior when its feeling threatened or harassed. Ethical travelers and those searching for sustainable tourism will quickly see through this. Access to the beach, protected by Mexican law, has been significantly impaired, often illegally. Period. When you book on the app you can save up to 25% on select hotels while earning double the points with every booking. Assuming you hire a guide, they give you speech about snorkeling with the turtles, outfit you with life jackets, and lead you the beach. Private round trip transportation from your hotel on Suburban SUV up to 5 passengers or Mercedes Sprinter for large groups. By all means, go and enjoy it either independently or with a guide. You will be transported back to the Pre-hispanic times while you are listening to the history of this great ancient Mayan City and its importance within the mayan culture. It is a place where a world class snorkeling experience awaits you! We are in Akumal today January 28, 2022. These tours are not accessible for people with limited mobility. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You will pay a premium for the convenience, but youll skip much of being hassled by the guides in Akumal. We have also seen several groups in the "protected" area. The road will almost immediately fork. Always up for an adventure, we set out to do the snorkel trip our own and will share our secrets with you. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Its really pretty amazing. Orient yourself so youre looking at the large white gate welcoming you to the village. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Therefore, we recommend arriving as early in the morning as you can, ideally no later than 9:30am. Unless an individual produces a valid photo ID from PROFEPA (Procuradura Federal de Proteccin al Ambiente, the Mexican Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection) they have NO legal standing. Were no strangers to encountering see turtles in the wild. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This is important to note, because there has been a rash of people impersonating government officials, demanding on-the-spot-payment of supposed fines, demanding payments for just walking on the beach, and illegal acts. What does this mean? The goal of our self-guided Akumal snorkeling adventure was to encounter these graceful creatures in the wild. Later, we will go to the next stop the beautiful Akumal Bay The Place of the Turtles in Mayan. This private tour is appropriate for people of all ages. Contact The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The small bay is protected by a reef. Located around 25 minutes from Tulum. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I will guide you through the mysterious, well-preserved, ruins of temples surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, where we will be watched by the many inquisitive iguana that now call this temple home. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The 2016 designation as a marine protected area was the legal pretense to begin privatizing much of Akumal Bay. If you visit Akumal, it wont be long before the guides who hassle you for business will quickly begin lecturing you on conservation and ecology. HOWEVER, the guides are frequently willing to look the other way if it gets them a big tip. As they get used to you, you can appreciate their strong front fins that propel them through the water. You can wear your swimsuit under your clothes for this tour. Were certified scuba divers, and the very first thing you learn in diving is that you are a guest in the ocean. People report having better luck (i.e., a smoother visit) if they arrive closer to 9:00am. -From Villas Pescadoresuntil Kore. Head through the white gate. Airport Transportation. There are now gates on the left side of the dive shop and a $5 admission charge to access the beach through the dive shop. This fee will be paid directly upon pickup to the transport provider.. It gets stirred up as the day goes on, cutting visibility significantly. Combine a visit to the Mayan pyramids of Tulum with an underwater adventure snorkeling with vibrant marine life! You are required to wear a life jacket while in the Akumal snorkeling circuit. A Playa del Carmen tour to discover all the best attractions in the Riviera Maya. It is best to stay at least 10 feet away, and do not hover immediately above a turtle while it is feeding. Thankfully those days are over. There are two parking lots on the right (yes, you can park there). Here are some options to consider. The driver will leave you on the side of the road at the base of footbridge. It is worth your time to study the map for a few minutes before you head out. Bring swimsuit and towel and a extra change of clothes if is necessary. A private tour which combines two amazing activities, step back in time and discover the Tulum Mayan ruins. As experienced snorkelers we aren't big fans of paying for a guide. This is a great tour for kids that have at least basic swimming skills. To leave by rental car, reclaim your vehicle and head back out to the highway. Were working to support our habit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In fact, it is one of the few examples of walled cities built by theancient Maya. Prices for guides varies just like the price of trinkets in Mexico we were told anywhere from 300 -500 pesos to swim in the turtle area. Picking a Park on the Riviera Maya Xcaret or Xel-Ha? Youll snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal as they graze on the underwater plants, an out of this world experience in nature. HOWEVER, independent snorkelers are limited to the first 150 feet of the shore. Privacy Policy USA Bring swimsuit and towel and a extra change of clothes if is necessary. Bring biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent only, Bring extra cash with you to purchase souvenirs and photos, This private transportation service is available for hotels located in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Cancellations made 48 hrs before = 100% refund. Our travel specialists are here to help. Kukulcan Km. If you need a toilet, Lol-Ha has a pay toilet (5 pesos). TheMayan ruins at Tulumtower over the azure waters of theCaribbean Sealike an ancient fortress. Our visit to Akumal was a wonderful day in the sun and sea from our base in Playa del Carmen. Some visitors have also reported problems with the dive shop, so you might consider other options. The going rate for these licensed guides is $50 for a family of four/group. These are some of the best views in the Riviera Maya and a fave Instagram spot for incredible photos of Tulum. In addition to the sea turtles, you'll also have the opportunity (if you're lucky of course) to see different varieties of tropical fish, includingmanta rays, starfish, groupersand more! Tennessee Be the first to review Tulum Ruins and Turtle snorkeling. In retrospect, we should have gotten there earlier. 3.5, Centro Empresarial Nautilus Local 5 Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Mexico, Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Private Tour, Private round trip transportation from your Hotel, Lunch (pork or beef, chicken, fish) include1 drink per person (soda, flavored water or beer), On board cooler with beers, sodas and bottled water. We'll do our best to get back to you within 24 hours. While it is possible to do your own Akumal snorkeling tour cheaply and easily, the situation is actually much, much more complicated. Head up the footbridge and cross over to the other side of the road. // adding the "width" attribute below is a temp fix. Dont forget your sunglasses and hat. The second way to get to Akumal is the colectivo. Your email address will not be published. Youll see a car park on the left. Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This is where you can explorethe second largest barrier reef in the world, spot all the impressive tropical fish AND if you're lucky snorkel with giant sea turtles. Its a carefully prepared speech about protecting the turtles and why a guide (a guide just like him) is absolutely necessary. Following our amazing snorkeling Adventure, we will leave Tulum Beach, we will head out to swim in 4 unique cenotes, I will explain what cenotes are, and how vital they are to the ecology for the peninsula. Make sure you have BIODEGRADABLE sunscreen and mosquito repellent. And thats what really saddens us about what is happening here. We do not recommend parking here. Tulum is very exposed. Texas Tulum Ruins + Cenotes Cave + Swim with Turtles, Tulum Ruins, Cenote & Swim with Turtles Tour, 24 reviews of this activity. This Playa del Carmen tour of Tulum, a sacred cenote in the jungle and the calm waters of Akumal Bay is a great way to discover the magic of the Riviera Maya attractions and natural wonders. The Tulum & Ocean Snorkeling tourtakes you to an ancient Mayan fortress Overlooking the Caribbean Sea in Mexico's stunning Riviera Maya. If you plan to snorkel for a long time and feel that you may need a break, use the buoyancy of your life jacket to help you stay afloat. Swimming in a cenote in the Riviera Maya is a one of a kind experience. Were Lance and Laura, two busy professionals who love photography and travel the world as much as our real world vacation schedules allow. Under Mexican law (the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone), the beach is free to use, however, the businesses have organized to privatize (or close) nearly all public access points to the beach. See our in-depth hotel review (Check prices and book | Read reviews). Of our entire trip in Mexico, snorkeling in Akumal with the sea turtles was the highlight of the trip. The third and final way is by going with a private tour. If you are going to lots of different places (Tulum, the cenotes, Xcaret, etc. You're in good hands. To the right is the Lol-Ha restaurant.
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