Private Tour to Akumal and Monkey Sanctuary
Snorkel with wild sea turtles in the bay. Then meet rescued monkeys, macaws, snakes, and over 50 species at a genuine wildlife sanctuary. One private half-day — completely different from any other Riviera Maya tour.
Wild Sea Turtles in the Bay. Rescued Wildlife in the Jungle.
Two of the Most Unique Animal Experiences in the Yucatán — Combined Into One Private Tour
Akumal Bay is one of the few places in the world where snorkeling with wild sea turtles in open water is reliably possible year-round. The turtles feed on seagrass in the shallow protected bay — and they’re completely wild, not trained or lured. After the snorkel, the tour continues to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue center caring for over 55 species of rescued animals, including spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, macaws, flamingos, snakes, and deer — many saved from the illegal exotic pet trade. Certified guides lead you through both experiences, providing genuine educational context for the turtle conservation at Akumal and the wildlife rescue mission at the sanctuary. An extraordinary combination for families, nature lovers, and anyone who wants something genuinely different from the standard Riviera Maya tour circuit.
Snorkel With Wild Sea Turtles
Akumal Bay is a protected cove where green sea turtles feed on seagrass year-round. Your guide leads you to the turtles in shallow, calm water — snorkel gear included.
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
A genuine non-profit rescue center for exotic and endemic animals. Meet primates, macaws, snakes and more — guided tours with conservation education for every species.
Private & Educational
Not a zoo, not a theme park. A real wildlife rescue operation open to visitors — your guide provides context on every animal, how it arrived, and why it matters.
What's Included in Your Private Tour to Akumal and Monkey Sanctuary
Private transport, a certified guide, snorkel gear for Akumal Bay, entrance to the Monkey Sanctuary, and cold water throughout. A half-day or full-day private experience depending on your pickup location.
Private Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle for your group only. Door-to-door pickup from Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen.
Snorkel Gear Included
Full snorkeling equipment — mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest — for the turtle snorkel in Akumal Bay.
Monkey Sanctuary Entrance
Guided sanctuary visit with your certified naturalist guide. Primate bonding session included — the highlight for most visitors.
Certified Guide Throughout
One knowledgeable guide for both stops — covering marine biology at the bay and wildlife rescue at the sanctuary.
Trusted by Hundreds of Happy Travelers
Hear how our guests experienced the Yucatán — safely, authentically, and stress-free.
” We hired a private driver for 3 days and it completely changed our trip. We visited places we would’ve never found on our own, and our driver was so knowledgeable and kind. Felt totally safe the whole time! “
Sarah M
USA
Everything Included in Your Private Tour to Akumal and Monkey Sanctuary
Wild turtles and rescued wildlife — one private morning.
- Private door-to-door transport from Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen
- Certified bilingual guide for both stops
- Snorkel gear and life vest for Akumal Bay
- Monkey Sanctuary entrance and guided wildlife tour
- Cold water and refreshments throughout
Animal Welfare Comes First. Always.
We partner with guides and sanctuaries that share our values. The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a genuine rescue operation — no performing animals, no tricks, just education and care.
Years Travel expertise
Authentic Experiences curated
Guest satisfaction & referrals
Trips & tours completed
How Your Private Tour to Akumal and Monkey Sanctuary Works
Morning turtles. Afternoon primates. Back to your hotel by early afternoon.
Why Choose AB Transfers for This Tour
We work with the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary directly and know Akumal Bay’s turtle spots better than any tour platform.
The Best Timing for Turtle Sightings
Turtles feed throughout the day, but morning light makes the underwater visibility best and the bay is calmer before mid-morning boat traffic. We plan pickup timing accordingly.
A Sanctuary Worth Supporting
The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a non-profit rescue operation. Entry fees directly fund the care of 55 rescued species. Our guides explain the conservation mission — so the visit means something beyond a photo.
Perfect for Families
Both stops are suitable for children. The turtle snorkel is calm and guided. The sanctuary is educational, engaging, and completely safe — one of the best family-friendly activities in the Riviera Maya.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our transfers, booking process, and services—so you can travel with confidence and ease.
The tour includes private air-conditioned transport, a certified bilingual guide for both stops, snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest) for the turtle snorkel, entrance to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary with guided wildlife tour and primate bonding session, and cold water throughout. Lunch is not included but can be added — ask us about nearby restaurant options when booking.
Yes. The green sea turtles in Akumal Bay are completely wild and free-moving. They feed naturally on the seagrass beds in the protected shallow cove. They are not trained, lured, or held — your guide will lead you toward the turtles at a respectful distance to observe them in their natural feeding behavior. Sightings are very reliable year-round due to the consistent seagrass in the bay, but as with any wild animal encounter, numbers and proximity vary day to day.
The sanctuary cares for over 55 species and approximately 200 individual animals. Regular residents include spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, macaws, flamingos, fallow deer, snakes, and other exotic and endemic species rescued from the illegal pet trade, circuses, and confiscation by authorities. The guided tour covers the individual story of each animal — where it came from, how it was rescued, and what its life at the sanctuary involves. The primate bonding session allows safe interaction under guide supervision.
Yes — this is one of the best family-oriented tours in the Riviera Maya. The turtle snorkel at Akumal Bay is shallow and calm, with life vests provided. Children from age 5 and up can participate comfortably. The Monkey Sanctuary is suitable for all ages — children under 5 enter free. The guides are experienced with family groups and adapt the experience to keep younger visitors engaged throughout.
No prior snorkeling experience is required. Akumal Bay is calm, protected, and shallow — typically 1.5 to 3 meters deep in the turtle feeding areas. Life vests are provided and your guide will spend a few minutes with first-time snorkelers before entering the water. The turtles are often visible near the surface and the experience is suitable for all swimming abilities.
Yes. Several excellent cenotes are within 15 minutes of Akumal, including Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos. If you'd like to extend the day with a cenote swim after the sanctuary visit, contact us via WhatsApp when booking and we'll suggest the best option based on timing and your group's preferences.