This Latin American country is a sanctuary for sea turtles (and you can even swim with them!).

They fascinate as much as they intrigue... I'm talking about sea turtles! And the turtle-friendly destination par excellence is Mexico. While the country's white sandy beaches, mild temperatures and turquoise waters are alluring, it is also a sanctuary for these marine creatures. There are nearly 6 different species of turtle in the country, and if you want to have the chance to swim with one, make a note of the following spots!

Une belle plage du Mexique avec son récif corallien

Une belle plage du Mexique avec son récif corallien

- © NickSpinder / Shutterstock

There are 6 species of turtle

There are 6 of the 7 existing species of turtle living in Mexican waters. If you're lucky, you may come across the leatherback, loggerhead, green, olive ridley, Kemp's ridley and hawksbill turtles.

During these encounters, it is essential to respect the rules for the protection of sea turtles, not to touch them and to maintain a safe distance to ensure their well-being. Take advantage of these unique experiences to admire the beauty of these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.

Good to know: the best time to observe sea turtles is from May to September.

Une tortue dans les eaux du Mexique

Une tortue dans les eaux du Mexique

- © Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock

1. The beaches of Akumal

Akumal is famous for being one of the best places to swim with turtles in Mexico. The clear waters of the bay are home mainly to green turtles.

On the beach, swimming with the turtles is supervised by a local guide (there are two discovery circuits) and the perimeter is cordoned off to prevent the influx of tourists to the site and to preserve the turtles' habitat.

Des touristes en plein snorkeling observant une tortue dans la baie d'Akumal au Mexique

Des touristes en plein snorkeling observant une tortue dans la baie d'Akumal au Mexique

- © Polly Dawson / Shutterstock

2. Xel-Há water park

This natural water park offers a unique experience for swimming with different species of turtle, including green turtles. The calm waters of the Xel-Há lagoon allow visitors to enjoy a wonderful snorkelling experience.

Xel-Há natural water park in Mexico

Xel-Há natural water park in Mexico

- © posztos / Shutterstock

3. The Sian Ka'an biosphere

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka'an is more than a nature reserve; it's a living theatre where green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles roam freely. To swim in the waters of Sian Ka'an is to enter the unspoilt world of these magnificent marine reptiles.

Des touristes en train d'observer une tortue imbriquée dans la biosphère de Sian Ka'an, Mexique

Des touristes en train d'observer une tortue imbriquée dans la biosphère de Sian Ka'an, Mexique

- © Juan Carlos Oller / Shutterstock

4. The Baja California region

If you're in Baja California, Todos Santos beach is reputed to be a breeding ground for turtles. Conservation efforts in the area have encouraged turtle nesting.

Image aérienne d'une plage en Basse Californie au Mexique

Image aérienne d'une plage en Basse Californie au Mexique

- © Matt Gush / Shutterstock

5. Playa del Carmen and more

The waters around Playa del Carmen are also home to sea turtles. Join a snorkelling excursion to discover these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.

You can also expect to see them on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, the beaches of La Escobilla and La Ventanilla in the state of Oaxaca, and Platanitos beach and Las Tortugas beach in La Riviera Nayarit to the north of Puerto Vallarta.

Une plage de Playa del Carmen au Mexique

Une plage de Playa del Carmen au Mexique

- © Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock
by Editorial Team
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