Tulum Snorkeling with Turtles: Best Tours + What To Expect
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not try snorkeling with turtles in Tulum, Mexico?
The awe-inspiring Caribbean Sea and its crystal clear waters, full of aquatic life, make Tulum an awesome spot for a snorkeling adventure.
Snorkeling with turtles in Tulum is an experience like no other.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, don’t miss the chance to go snorkeling with these majestic creatures.
We had the opportunity to travel around the Tulum area for about a month, and it was an unforgettable experience.
From the chance to observe wild animals in their natural habitat to the opportunity for professional guides and equipment, I will answer all of your questions about snorkeling in Tulum.
Here’s what you need to know about snorkeling with turtles tours in Tulum.
Best Tulum Snorkeling Tours
What makes a great snorkeling tour in Tulum? With so many options available, how do you choose the best one?
Here I will discuss some of the top-rated options for snorkeling in Tulum.
Riviera Maya Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling, Lunch & Drinks Included
This tour includes:
- Beverages
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Lunch
- Paddleboards
- Snorkeling gear and snorkel guide
- Professional Guide
This half-day catamaran sailing adventure from Playa del Carmen includes snorkeling at Inah Reef, stand-up paddleboarding, gourmet lunch, and an open bar.
Guests can enjoy attentive service from the crew and choose from morning or afternoon departures with hotel transportation included.
This is a great tour that gives you an opportunity to discover coral formations, swim with turtles, see schools of colorful fish, and relax in the warm Caribbean Sea.
It is truly an incredible snorkeling experience.
Caribbean Snorkeling and Underground River Adventure
This tour includes:
- Admission to National Reef Park
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Lifejacket
- Lunch in a private beach club
- Snacks
- Snorkeling equipment
- Guide Services
This half-day Snorkeling and Underground River Adventure tour offers snorkeling with Caribbean fish, the possibility of seeing a stingray or sea turtle, and a visit to an inlet or bay for safe and easy snorkeling.
This tour also includes a visit to an exclusive cenote cave full of limestone formations, stalactites, and columns.
It offers a chance to appreciate different formations and learn about their evolution.
Tulum Ruins and Swimming With Turtles Day Tour from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
You’ll not only get to swim with green sea turtles, but this tour also includes:
- Access to the Akumal ecological center
- Admission to the cenote
- Certified guide
- Entrance to the archeological site of Tulum
- Regional buffet lunch
- Round-trip transportation
- Snorkeling equipment and guide
- Visit to glass factory & chocolate museum
This Tulum, Cenote, and Akumal tour from Yaiku Tours has everything you could ask for. This tour takes visitors to the Tulum Mayan ruins, where they can learn about the Mayan culture and take in scenic views.
The tour then proceeds to a natural park to swim in a cenote, which is a sinkhole in limestone soil that was considered sacred by the Mayans.
Finally, visitors will snorkel in the calm waters of Akumal bay, where they can see various marine life species and swim with magnificent sea turtles in their natural habitat.
The tour provides an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Turtle Snorkeling and Magical Cenote Tour in Tulum
This tour includes:
- Cenote entrance fee
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- National Marine Park entrance fee
- Premium tour conductor
- Snorkel gear
- Soft drinks
- Specialized site private guide
The Turtle Snorkeling and Magical Cenote Tour by Tulum Diving & Travel starts with a hotel pickup in Tulum. Here visitors meet their guide and get transported to Tulum Beach.
Snorkeling gear is provided, and visitors can swim with sea turtles for about 45 minutes before relaxing on the beach with a beer or soda.
Afterward, visitors get back in the van and head to Sac Actun, one of the world’s longest underground river and cave networks.
You get to explore the Sac Actun cenote with a guide. The tour ends with a drop-off at visitors’ hotels.
Tulum Ruins, Akumal Sea Turtle Snorkel, and Cenote Tour
This tour includes:
- Bilingual guide
- Bottled water and snacks
- Cenote exploration entry fee and guide
- Entry to Akumal Beach and turtle snorkeling area
- Entry to Ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum
- Lunch
- Round-trip transportation
- Snorkeling gear and wetsuit
The Tulum Ruins, Akumal Turtles, and Cenotes Tour in the Riviera Maya is an adventurous and family-friendly day-long trip.
Visitors explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, and hike through the subtropical rainforest.
Also, you get to refresh in Cenote Xtun, an underground paradise with stunning rock formations and underground pools.
The tour is led by bilingual, dive-certified guides and includes lunch with various food options.
It’s the perfect option for families looking for adventure and memorable experiences beyond the resort.
ATVs Xtreme Snorkel Tour
This tour includes:
- ATV tour
- Bilingual guide
- Buffet lunch and beverages
- Medical insurance
- Round-trip transportation
- Snorkeling
- Taxes
The ATVs Xtreme Snorkel Tour by Aventuras Mayas is a high-adrenaline tour that includes riding powerful ATVs down jungle trails.
You will go snorkeling in two unique ecosystems and try the Riviera Maya zipline circuit.
The snorkeling includes the Yal Ku Lagoon, where you’ll see sea turtles and tropical fish, and an underground cenote with an expert guide to ensure a great experience.
The tour also includes a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet lunch with non-alcoholic beverages.
Not recommended for those who are pregnant or have certain medical issues.
Tulum Ruins Cenote and Swimming with Turtles from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
This tour includes:
- Access to the ecological center of Akumal
- Certified bilingual guide
- Entry to the Tulum Mayan Ruins
- Life jacket
- Regional lunch, and drink included
- Snorkeling equipment and guide
- Visit the glass factory and chocolate museum (applies exclusively for hotels located between Puerto Morelos and Puerto Aventuras)
The Tulum-Cenote-Akumal Tour is a guided tour that includes a visit to the Tulum Mayan ruins, followed by a swim in a cenote located in the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The tour concludes with snorkeling with sea turtles in their natural environment at the stunning Akumal beach.
The Tulum Mayan ruins tour offers a chance to learn about the ancient Mayan civilization. And the cenote and snorkeling experiences provide opportunities for adventure and immersion in nature.
The tour is perfect for lovers of adventure and nature.
What To Expect On a Snorkeling with Turtles Tour
Snorkelers can expect stunning views of the Mesoamerican Reef while swimming alongside sea turtles, colorful fish, coral formations, and more.
Popular tour companies offer guided tours at various locations around Tulum, such as Akumal Beach or Akumal Public Beach.
Here visitors can find seagrass beds full of turtles just offshore.
Guided tours typically provide all necessary equipment and may offer additional activities, such as snorkeling in nearby coral reefs.
The guides will also provide instructions on how to approach the turtles and interact with them responsibly and respectfully.
Who Should Go Snorkeling with Turtles in Tulum
If you want to swim alongside sea turtles and other marine life, you can go snorkeling with Turtles in Tulum!
Taking a tour is the best way to see these green turtles in beautiful blue crystal-clear water.
As long as you’re somewhat physically fit, you should be safe to snorkel. However, those with limited mobility may want to avoid snorkeling with turtles in Tulum.
There’s no minimum age. However, some snorkeling operators may have age restrictions, typically for safety reasons.
People with certain health conditions may want to avoid snorkeling. These include:
- Respiratory conditions. People with respiratory conditions may have difficulty breathing while snorkeling, particularly if they are not used to physical activity or are exposed to cold water.
- Heart conditions. People with heart disease or high blood pressure may be at risk of complications while snorkeling, particularly if they are exposed to cold water, strong currents, or other physical stressors.
- Ear problems. People with ear infections, perforated eardrums, or a history of ear problems may experience pain or discomfort while equalizing their ear pressure during snorkeling.
- Motion sickness. People who are prone to motion sickness may experience nausea, dizziness, or vomiting while snorkeling, particularly in rough waters.
- Skin conditions. People with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may find that saltwater or exposure to the sun exacerbates their condition.
If you have any of these health conditions or are unsure whether snorkeling is safe for you, it’s important to consult your doctor before attempting to go snorkeling.
Your doctor can advise you on any specific precautions you may need to take and whether it is safe for you to participate.
What to Wear
Most of the time, your tour guide will provide the snorkeling equipment you need.
You’ll want to wear comfortable and appropriate swimwear so you can move freely in the water.
You may also want to wear water shoes or sandals with good traction if the snorkeling location has rocky or slippery surfaces.
It’s also a good idea to check with the snorkeling tour operator beforehand to see if they provide any equipment or have specific dress code requirements.
By wearing the right gear, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
What to Bring
Aside from your swimwear, there are a few other things you’ll want to have with you when you go snorkeling. These include:
- Sun protection: Wear a waterproof, reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. You may also want to wear a rash guard or wetsuit to protect your skin from the sun and keep you warm.
- Towel: Use a high-quality microfiber travel towel that is easy to pack.
- Change of clothes
- Personal items like medications or a waterproof camera
- Mosquito repellent
Other Things You’ll See
Aside from viewing some amazing marine life, many tours offer opportunities to see other amazing Tulum sites.
This will depend on the tour you book but may include beautiful cenotes, Mayan ruins, and jungle hikes.
Cenotes in Tulum
Cenotes are natural sinkholes or swimming holes found in the Yucatan Peninsula.
They’re formed when the limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater underneath, and they are connected to a vast network of underground rivers and caves.
Cenotes are often filled with crystal-clear freshwater and are considered sacred by the ancient Mayans. They used them for drinking water, as well as for religious and spiritual ceremonies.
Today, cenotes are popular tourist attractions and offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and exploring unique geological formations.
Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Mayan ruins are an archaeological site in Tulum, located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and were built by the Mayans in the 13th century.
The site was a thriving port city and served as an important trading hub for goods such as turquoise and jade.
The ruins include several structures, such as the Castillo, which was likely used as a watchtower, and the Temple of the Frescoes, which features intricate murals depicting the Mayan calendar and cosmology.
Visitors to the site can explore the ruins and learn about Mayan history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
The Tulum ruins are a popular tourist attraction and offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Hiking in Tulum
Hiking in the Mayan jungle can be a unique and adventurous experience.
The jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula are lush with dense vegetation, towering trees, and a wide variety of wildlife, including tropical birds, monkeys, and even jaguars!
(Although they are rare and unlikely to be encountered).
Many tour companies offer guided hikes through the jungle, taking visitors along hidden trails and pointing out interesting plants and animals along the way.
The hikes can range in length and difficulty, so it’s important to choose one that suits your fitness level and interests.
Renting a Car in and near Tulum
You will likely want to rent a car to easily travel around the Tulum area to get to these amazing adventures.
Discover Cars is the ideal choice for anyone looking to rent a car in Mexico. This is the rental car platform we use and strongly recommend.
With a user-friendly platform that makes booking easy and hassle-free, you can quickly select your preferred car type and rental duration.
Discover Cars offers competitive prices on a wide range of vehicles from trusted car rental companies to ensure that you get the best deal possible.
With 24/7 customer service and flexible payment options, you have peace of mind knowing that you can get assistance whenever you need it.
Plus, with free cancellation up to 48 hours before you pick up your rental car, you can change your plans without any extra charges.
Travel with confidence and convenience by booking your car rental with Discover Cars in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim with turtles in Tulum?
Yes, it is possible to swim with turtles in Tulum. This is the perfect place to find and swim with sea turtles.
You can either join a guided tour or bring your own snorkel gear and try to go snorkeling with turtles in Tulum on your own.
It’s important to note that sea turtles are protected by law, and it is illegal to touch, feed, or disturb them in any way.
When swimming with turtles, make sure to keep a safe distance and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them.
Swimming with turtles can be a unique and unforgettable experience, but it’s important to remember to always respect these majestic creatures and their natural habitat.
Where can I see turtles in Tulum?
Tulum is a great place to spot turtles in their natural habitat.
Here, loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles can often be observed in their natural habitat.
During the nesting season between April and August, these turtles can be seen along Tulum’s shoreline or on nearby beaches.
To maximize your chances of seeing them, visit Tulum’s Akumal Bay between April and August when it is mating season for these reptiles.
Alternatively, you can take a boat tour around Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve where marine life is abundant, including many different types of turtles.
When can you see sea turtles in Tulum?
Sea turtles can be seen in Tulum from May through October.
From late May to early August, sea turtles come ashore to nest and hatch between July and October.
During the nesting season, you could catch a glimpse of multiple kinds of sea turtles like Chelonia mydas (green), Caretta caretta (loggerhead), and Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill).
Stay a minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) away from any turtle sighted to avoid disturbing them. If you’re lucky enough, you might even witness a female laying her eggs on the beach.
Final Thoughts
Tulum’s beautiful blue, crystal clear waters, plentiful wildlife, and magnificent coral reefs make it an amazing place for snorkeling with turtles.
By researching different tour companies in advance and considering factors such as cost, location, and safety measures, you can be sure that you are booking the best possible snorkeling with turtles tours in Tulum, Mexico, for your vacation.