Tag: turtles

Tulum Travel Diaries; Turquoise Swims With Ancient Turtles

February 10, 2026

Being my first time in the Caribbean Sea off the shore of Mexico, I was super excited to go snorkelling with turtles in those iconic crystal clear waters. It was a bucket list moment and such a special memory we will cherish forever.

We discovered the tranquil village of Akumal beloved for its sea turtles grazing on seagrass in the shallow bay.

True to its Mayan name ‘place of the turtles’, Akumal welcomes visitors to swim side by side with the spectacular sea life including lots of tropical fish and stingrays too.

Only a 40-minute taxi ride from Tulum we arrived in the quaint village at midday, so started by grabbing a spot of lunch at an authentically whacky local Mexican restaurant.

I had a refreshing plateful of fruit with an iced coffee, whilst my boyfriend had a classic burrito which he claimed to be the best he had during our trip. Local food done well and at a fraction of the prices we were used to in Tulum!

We hadn’t pre-booked any particular tour but instead found a local guide when we arrived on the beach and it was only about £25 each for an hour long guide, lifejacket and snorkel equipment hire.

After a group briefing on the beach, we paddled out together and soon enough we encountered our first sea turtle; but the further we swam out, the clearer the water was and we were able to see the sea turtles in all of their glory.

Every few minutes they have to come up to surface for air and one of them popped up their head right by me! The coral reef and tropical fish were also mesmerising and we even got to see a sting ray on the bottom of the seabed.

In total we probably saw about 5 or 6 different turtles in the hour we were out there and it was a magical experience I’ll cherish forever.

After snorkelling we showered off the sand, changed into dry clothes and went to the beach bar where there was a band playing live music.

We ordered a portion of pico de gallo with tortilla chips as an afternoon snack along with a beer for my boyfriend and a crisp glass of white for me.

Sat there overlooking the white sand beach with the late afternoon sun glistening on the water and the band playing vibey tunes from the bar, I felt in full holiday mode bliss.

On our way back to the taxi rank I spotted a local gift shop where I couldn’t resist a cute little turtle figure for my niece and a fun sombrero hat fridge magnet for my mum.

I’d highly recommend visiting Akumal if you’re looking for somewhere in Mexico to snorkel with turtles as you can also make a day of it with the quaint town offering authentic local food, boutique shopping and a relaxed, beachside vibe perfect for holiday makers wanting to lap up the Mexican sun ❤

Chasing Winter Sun; Tulum Mexico

January 18, 2026

And so we find ourselves; it’s mid January, the weather is miserable here in the uk, so we are jetting off in search of sunshine this week. On Tuesday morning we’ll be heading to the airport and boarding the plane to Mexico and I cannot wait for some much needed winter sun on my skin.

We’ll be staying in the coastal town of Tulum known for its ultra cool, boho-chic vibes and picturesque, palm lined, white sand beaches. 

My birthday is at the end of January and my boyfriend’s is the beginning of February, so getting away at this time of year is a must for us. Why be in cold, rainy England where everyone is on diets and doing Dry Jan, when we can hop on a plane and escape to warmer climates and tropical beachside living!?

We will be there for just under two weeks so the tan will be tanning and being a beach bum will become my full personality! 

Hotelito Azul is where we will be staying for the two weeks, located right on the beach amongst all the best beach clubs and aesthetic restaurants.

I’m thinking fresh coconuts by the sea, a good book in hand and tapping into that boho-chic vibe with all of my cutest holiday wardrobe pieces. 

As always I’ve made a Pinterest board for our trip and also have an extensive list of all the top spots nearby our hotel including Papaya Playa, Bagatelle, Ziggy, Taboo and Ilios.

Mexican cuisine is one of our favourites so my inner foodie is super excited for all the delicious authentic food we have to tantalise our tastebuds.

And not forgetting it being the home of the classic margarita, so my hopes are high for some epic beachside cocktails. 

I plan on consuming bucket loads of guac with tortilla chips, plenty of fresh tropical fruits and all the seafood including fish tacos and the freshest ceviche.

Aside from all the relaxing beach time, we will definitely be going on a few day trips further afield to see the amazing landscape and nature Mexico has to offer. 

We already have booked snorkelling with turtles which was on my goals list for 2026, such a special and unique opportunity in Mexico.

Exploring the breathtaking cenotes is another must while we’re there. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole, formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes a pool of crystal-clear groundwater, common in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and sacred to the ancient Maya as portals to the underworld.

Seeing these natural pools and swimming in their vibrant turquoise waters will be other worldly, like we’re in a dream fantasy world!

The Mayan ruins are another spectacular historical attraction we will have to visit during our stay. 

This walled pre-Columbian city perches on 12 meter cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, known for its dramatic coastal setting, unique walled fortifications, and status as one of the last Mayan cities built. 

I’ve already brought a few pieces to add to my ever growing holiday wardrobe, but I’m also excited to shop the boho chic boutiques and bazars when we get there to achieve the ultimate Tulum beach girl aesthetic.

I have a feeling we’re going to love Tulum with its aesthetic charm, cool coastal vibes and stunning white sand beaches of dreams; nos vemos pronto México! ❤