What to Bring for the Akumal Turtle Swim
What to bring to snorkel with the Akumal turtles: the sunscreen rule, a rash guard, cash for the fees, what the tours lend you, and what is not allowed.
Bring a swimsuit, a long-sleeved rash guard, a hat, a towel and some cash, and leave ordinary sunscreen behind: sunscreen that is not biodegradable is banned in Akumal Bay, and several of the turtle swims ask for none at all. The tours lend the life jacket, mask and snorkel that the refuge rules make compulsory, so you need no gear of your own.
The list
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| A long-sleeved rash guard or swim shirt | Your sun protection in the water, in place of sunscreen |
| A hat and sunglasses | For the beach before and after |
| A towel | The swims’ kit lists do not include one |
| Cash, pesos or dollars | Fees on the day: the federal conservation fee (MXN 125 a person for 2026) where your ticket leaves it out, and the Tulum fees on the day trips |
| Biodegradable sunscreen, if any | Only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed in the bay, and several tours ask for none in the water |
| A change of clothes | For the ride back on a day trip |
The sunscreen rule
The refuge’s protection programme bans sunscreen and tanning products that are not biodegradable in Akumal Bay; it says biodegradable, and sets no list of approved ingredients. Tours go further on their own terms: Akumal Mayan Trips does not allow sunscreen on its swims, and Ocean Tours Mexico asks guests to put any sunscreen only on exposed skin, at the hotel and after the water. The rash guard solves it: covered skin needs no cream.
What the tours lend you
The refuge rules make a life jacket, mask, snorkel and short fins compulsory for everyone in the turtle circuits, and a waist or arm float does not replace the life jacket. What each swim lists:
| Swim | Lent or included | Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Turtle swim with GoPro photos | Mask, snorkel, life jacket, park wristband, GoPro photos, showers | Lockers |
| Turtle snorkel with Tsuuk park entry | Snorkel gear, life jacket, park entry, lockers, showers | Souvenir photos |
| Turtle snorkel from the beach | Snorkel gear, life jacket, all local fees, showers | - |
| Private swim with a biologist guide | Life jacket, snorkel gear, park access fee, lockers, showers | A photo and video package |
| Private swim with photos | Snorkel gear, photos and video, Tsuuk park entry, lockers | - |
From each listing, checked October 2026.
Fins are in the rules but not in every tour’s kit list, so ask your guide if you want them.
Can you swim well enough?
You float in a life jacket the whole time, so you do not need to be a strong swimmer, but you do need to be at ease in the sea with your face in the water. Several Akumal swims are not recommended for anyone without basic swimming skills; tell the guide before you start if someone in your group cannot swim.
Not allowed
- Touching, feeding or chasing the turtles, or touching and standing on coral (refuge rules).
- Sunscreen that is not biodegradable (refuge rules).
- Drones, on EKINOX TOURS' day trips; glass, on Akumal Mayan Trips' small-group swim.
- Leaving rubbish: the rules ask everyone to take theirs away.
Pick your swim
Akumal Turtle Swim with a Licensed Guide and GoPro Photos
An hour on the circuit with a licensed guide; mask, snorkel, life jacket, wristband and GoPro photos in the price.
Check dates →Akumal Turtle Snorkel from the Beach, Fees Included
Tulum Snorkel Services' 45 minutes from the beach, with all local fees and taxes in the price, no boat.
See the beach snorkel →Private Akumal Turtle Snorkel with Photos
Green Life's private hour with a local guide and the park entry; photos and video included. No refund on cancellation.
See the private swim →Prices, ratings and review counts from the listings (GetYourGuide checked October 2026; Viator checked October 2026). Operators price by date and season, so treat the figures as the shape of the market, not a quote.
Good to know
- The full rules: the Akumal turtle rules.
- When the sea is kindest: the best time to see turtles in Akumal.
- Getting there on your own and the park gate: Akumal without a tour.
More Trips with Open Dates
More Akumal and Riviera Maya Trips with Open Dates
Turtle swims, cenotes and day trips with live availability. Times and cancellation terms are on each listing.
Gear and Photos Included
Akumal Mayan Trips' hour on the turtle circuit: mask, snorkel, life jacket, park wristband and GoPro photos of your swim included.
See dates