What to Expect at Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is the water sports hub of Cancún's Hotel Zone. Located at Km 6.5 of Boulevard Kukulcán, it offers the widest variety of activities: jet ski, parasailing, banana boat, jumping tower (bungee), snorkeling, and is the departure point for the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Free public access.
If you are looking for adrenaline and fun in Cancún, Playa Tortugas is your destination. This beach combines a lively atmosphere with the highest concentration of water activities in the area. From the iconic jumping tower that dominates the landscape to jet ski operators ready to take you at high speed.
The beach stretches approximately 400 meters with fine white sand. The waves are moderate (calmer than Delfines but with more movement than Langosta), allowing for both comfortable swimming and water sports.
📍 GPS Coordinates: 21.1320, -86.7510
📏 Length: ~400 meters of beach
🌡️ Water temperature: 79-84°F / 26-29°C (annual average)
🌊 Typical waves: 0.4-0.9 meters (moderate)
🏖️ Sand type: Fine, white (coral origin)
🚀 Activities: 10+ water sport options
Water Sports & Prices
Playa Tortugas offers: jet ski ($1,500-2,000 MXN/30 min), parasailing ($1,200-1,500 MXN), banana boat ($400-600 MXN/person), kayak ($300-500 MXN/hr), paddleboard ($400-600 MXN/hr), snorkel tours ($500-800 MXN), and flyboard ($2,000-2,500 MXN). Prices are negotiable during low season.
| Activity | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 🚤 Jet Ski | $1,500-2,000 MXN(~$90-120 USD) | 30 minutes |
| 🪂 Parasailing | $1,200-1,500 MXN(~$72-90 USD) | 10-15 minutes |
| 🍌 Banana Boat | $400-600 MXN(~$24-36 USD) | 15-20 min/person |
| 🛶 Kayak | $300-500 MXN(~$18-30 USD) | 1 hour |
| 🏄 Paddleboard | $400-600 MXN(~$24-36 USD) | 1 hour |
| 🤿 Snorkel Tour | $500-800 MXN(~$30-48 USD) | 2 hours |
| 💨 Flyboard | $2,000-2,500 MXN(~$120-150 USD) | 20-30 minutes |
Jumping Tower (Bungee)
The Playa Tortugas jumping tower is a 25-meter tall structure offering: bungee jumping ($1,500-2,000 MXN), zip line over the sea ($800-1,000 MXN), and free-jump platforms at various heights. It is one of the most iconic attractions in Cancún.
Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Ferries to Isla Mujeres operated by Ultramar depart from Playa Tortugas. The ride takes 15-20 minutes and costs approximately $300-350 MXN round trip. Ferries run every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 9 PM.
🚢 Duration: 15-20 minutes
💰 Round trip fare: $300-350 MXN (~$18-21 USD)
⏰ Schedule: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (every 30 min)
📍 Arrival: Isla Mujeres main dock
🎫 Purchase: At the ticket booth or ultramarferry.com
How to Get to Playa Tortugas
To reach Playa Tortugas from downtown Cancún, take the R1 or R2 bus ($15 MXN, 20-25 min) and get off at Plaza Tortugas. A taxi costs $100-150 MXN (10-15 min). It is at Km 6.5 of Boulevard Kukulcán.
Distances from Playa Tortugas
- Cancún Airport: 24 km (30-40 min by car)
- Downtown Cancún: 8 km (10-15 min by car)
- Playa Langosta: 1.5 km north
- Playa Chac Mool: 3 km south
- Playa Delfines: 10 km south
Amenities at Playa Tortugas
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