What to Expect at Playa Tortugas
You don't come here so much for the sand as for what happens on it and around it: jet ski, parasailing, banana boat, and the jumping tower (bungee) that dominates the Km 6.5 skyline, plus the dock where the ferry to Isla Mujeres departs. Playa Tortugas is the corner of the Hotel Zone where nearly all of Cancún's water sports are concentrated, with 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: 21.1397, -86.7693
📏 Length: ~400 meters of beach
🌡️ Water temperature: 79-84°F / 26-29°C year-round, comfortable enough to duck in and out of the sea between activities
🌊 Typical waves: 0.4-0.9 meters (moderate)
🏖️ Sand type: Fine, white, firm enough to walk out to the operators' docks
🚀 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 |
Before you book a snorkel tour or any other excursion, check which Cancun tours are worth it and which ones to skip.
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 $580 MXN round trip for adults (~$440 children). There are about 7 departures a day, from around 9:15 AM to 6:00 PM, and the last return from the island leaves around 7:00 PM (2026 price and schedule, check ultramarferry.com).
🚢 Duration: 15-20 minutes
💰 Round trip fare: $580 MXN (~$32 USD)
⏰ Schedule: ~9:15 AM - 6:00 PM (about 7 departures a day); last return from the island ~7:00 PM
📍 Arrival: Isla Mujeres main dock
🎫 Purchase: At the ticket booth or ultramarferry.com
If it's your first time on the island, our complete Isla Mujeres guide covers what to do when you arrive, how to get around and how much to budget for the day.
How to Get to Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is at Km 6.5 of Boulevard Kukulcán, next to Plaza Tortugas. If you're cutting it close for the ferry or already have an activity booked, a taxi is the safer bet so you don't risk the schedule ($100-150 MXN, 10-15 min from downtown). If you have time to spare, the R1 or R2 bus ($12 MXN) takes 20-25 minutes.
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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