July 30, 2026 · 14 min read
The Best Reefs Around Playa del Carmen
From hidden shore reefs to the Puerto Morelos reserve, where to put your mask in the water this season.
Akumal means place of the turtles, and in 2026 the bay recorded 922 nests across the season. That number matters because it is the clearest sign the protection here is working.
The bay is a marine sanctuary. Swimmers follow a set route and stay with a guide, which sounds restrictive until you realise it is the reason turtles still nest metres from the beach.
Go early. Before nine the water is calm and the light is clean. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a long sleeved shirt, because the sanctuary rules limit what washes into the water.
Snorkel with the current, keep your hands to yourself, and leave the sand as you found it.
Want to see this part of the coast?
We run small-group days to every place mentioned here, guides included.
Browse tours