Turtles and Manatees

[tel]

Hi evereyone, We are staying in Tulum for 3 weeks from April 26th at cabanas Tulum. Have rented a jeep for 3 weeks, so are hoping to visit many places. Is it possible to hire a guide in Punta Allen to swim with Turtles and Manatees, we would like to see as much wildlife as possible. Any sugestions or idea's would be most welcome. Thank you.

[beachreader]

I don't really have an answer for you, but try Googling CESiak, that's the organization that operates in the bio preserve. Maybe there's some information there that will point you in the right direction.

Also, this is a sort of new board (I think), you might find more active help on the locogringo.com board or the playadelcarmeninfo.com board.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip! I'm completely jealous that you can go for 3 whole weeks.

[Gale in KY]

You don't really need a guide to snorkel with the turtles, rays, and other sealife. The snorkeling is actually better a few minutes to the north in Akumal than it is in Tulum. Akumal Bay is like an aquarium. Yakul Lagoon is also in Akumal and is a must do if you want to swim and interact with the sealife. Akumal means Place of the Turtle and is very abundant in turtles. This is a must do day trip for me when I visit Tulum! Just walk into the water and snorkel, no need for a guide or a boat to get to the reef, it is closer in to the shore than it is in Tulum and the water is usually alot calmer, perfect for snorkeling.

There is a shop in Tulum Pueblo that specializes in Sian Kaan Tours. I have also heard of people being given informal tours by guides that can be found at the entrance to the biosphere.

Manatee might be a disappointment though, I haven't heard of any recent sightings.

[tel]

Thank you for the information,hope everybody has a wonderful time in paradise.