Akumal

Akumal Bay, Riviera Maya Green sea turtles graze on seagrass here a short swim from the beach, which is why Mexico declared the bay a refuge for marine species in 2016. Rules came with that: anyone can swim outside the buoys, but the buoyed turtle circuits need an authorized guide, a life jacket that keeps you from diving under and a time limit of about an hour. Keep at least 3 meters behind any turtle, swap sunscreen for a rash guard, and never touch or stand on the seagrass. The water is often clearest near the 9 a.m. opening.