Where can I snorkel with sea turtles in Mexico?

Where can I snorkel with sea turtles in Mexico? Akumal is located 100km (62 miles) south of Cancun in the heart of the Riviera Maya. In the natural protected area you get the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy the amazing Sea Turtles and the very colorful fish at the second largest reef in the world.

Can you snorkel from shore in Mexico?

Xcacel, 5 miles south of Akumal, and Xpuha, near Puerto Aventuras, are some of the best reef snorkeling options. Both are accessible from the beach. It is also possible to get into the water at Tankah Bay, at Bahia Principe, or at Tulum Reef (which can only be reached by boat).

What to do if a sea turtle approaches you?

When you see a turtle coming up the beach, keep your distance, turn off any lights you are using and crouch down low. Do NOT walk closer! Always approach turtles from the side. This gives them a clear view of you and a clear path ahead of them if they want to swim away.

What beach has the most sea turtles?

The largest green turtle nesting population is found at Tortuguero, on the coast of Costa Rica where about 22,500 green turtle females nest annually. Raine Island, on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has the second largest nesting population of about 18,000 females per season.

Where is the best place to swim with turtles?

Can you swim with sea turtles in Playa del Carmen?

Embark on a half-day guided trip exploring ancient cenotes and enjoy the rare opportunity to swim with turtles at Akumal Beach. Enjoy round-trip hotel or meeting point transfers from Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya and Tulum. Arrive at Akumal Beach and enjoy the opportunity to swim with wild turtles.

What is the best time to see turtles in Akumal?

The best time to see a turtle while Akumal snorkeling is May through November, (great lodging options then too) during their nesting season. But, there are usually turtles all year-round.

What month do sea turtles hatch in Mexico?

If you want to witness this amazing nesting and hatching season, the best time to go to Mexico is in late August, September and early October, although the season can sometimes stretch as far as November. Dusk is usually the best moment for turtles hatching but it can also happen during the day.

Where is the best place to see sea turtles in Mexico?

Yucatan Peninsula: Known for the tourism hotspot of Cancun, this spectacular coast, which also goes by the name of the Mexican Riviera, has a number of important nesting beaches for green turtles and loggerheads. Good spots to see sea turtles are in Akumal Bay, X'Cacel Beach, and Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Is it safe to swim with turtles in Mexico?

There's one important rule when visiting Akumal: DON'T touch the turtles! As cute as they may look to you hugging them may harm them, so please don't do this. Swim with turtles, leaving a decent distance as they need their personal space, the same way as humans do. Swim nearby but never touch the turtle.

What not to touch while snorkeling?