Snorkelling with Turtles and Cenote Swim in Riviera Maya
Home / Mexico / Things to do in Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen / Snorkelling with Turtles and Cenote Swim in Riviera Maya
Activities

Snorkelling with Turtles and Cenote Swim in Riviera Maya

4.5/5
Excellent
345 reviews
from
$121.83
Free cancellation
Language: German, Spanish, English, French, Dutch
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 2 hours to 4 hours
Entrance Fees Included
Fast track
Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
Smaller Group Size
e-Voucher
Why you’ll love this…
  • Snorkel with sea turtles in the protected Riviera Maya reserve of Akumal Bay
  • Enjoy a cool swim in the fresh water of a sacred Maya cenote underground pool
  • Be part of a group of maximum 16 people when snorkelling near the sea turtles
  • Exclusive small group access to an eco-system restricted to 300 visitors per day
What to expect

An underwater adventure – in two very different settings. This half-day tour ventures into the heart of the Yucatan jungle and the reefs of the Caribbean for contrasting experiences. You'll swim in the mystical surroundings of a cenote and snorkel with turtles in a protected bay.

Kick off by heading inland to a sacred cenote. Here, you'll get to swim in one of the most beautiful cenotes in the region. This underground pool opens up to reveal a cavern of stalactites and stalagmites, where you can swim in cool, fresh water. It's easy to see why these natural cathedrals were so revered by the ancient Maya.

We'll then travel to Akumal Bay to spot turtles near the protected reef. Three species call this bay home – green, hawksbill and loggerhead. You'll be joined by an expert guide and a small group of snorkellers – a maximum of 16 – so that you can make the most of this experience. There'll also be time to explore the reef even further, admiring fish and rainbow-coloured coral, before returning to your hotel in the early afternoon.

Read more
riviera maya / playa del carmen
Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen Discover more experiences
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Entrance fees and taxes
  • check Snorkelling equipment and, if needed, wetsuit for the cenote
  • check Locker
What to remember
  • Please ensure any biodegradable sunblock is applied prior to the tour, in order to protect the reef and environment
  • Bring biodegradable insect repellent
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
  • Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
  • Bring a towel
Read more
Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.5 /5

Based on 345 reviews from verified customers

Review categories

Value for money

4.3/5

Safety

4.6/5

Service

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

63%
27%
10%
0%
1%

Sort by:

  • J

    Jamie

    Verified booking

    5
    October 25, 2025

    Traveled with family

    Rosa our guide was fantastic and the cenote cave swim was superb.

  • C

    Christine Kitchen

    Verified booking

    5
    October 8, 2025

    Traveled as a couple

    Maria Cos the tour guide was fantastic - attentive and knowledgeable and made the entire trip memorable. From the amazing swimming with turtles through to guiding us through the ceynote and lighting up the underground scenes. Her knowledge of the area and context to help understand the experience was exceptional.

  • S

    Stacey White

    Verified booking

    3.8
    October 7, 2025

    Traveled as a couple

    Beautiful cenotes—absolutely worth seeing! The water and scenery were stunning, though the mosquitoes were terrible, so bring repellent. The snorkeling part was tougher than expected; the sea was rough, and you need to swim quite far from shore to see the turtles. As a weak swimmer, I struggled even with a life jacket and couldn’t continue. Our guide was great—helpful, friendly, and well organized with snacks and water. Overall, a lovely trip, but better suited for confident swimmers.

  • A

    A disappointed

    Verified booking

    1
    September 28, 2025

    Traveled as a couple

    We changed the pickup location of this tour with our TUI rep Alberto at the Grand Riviera Princess hotel the day before the trip, but we were not collected. When we contacted TUI they said we could not make a claim for compensation as we’re were recorded as a no show from the Faimoit Hotel, even though we changed the pickup location. Totally dissatisfied!

  • C

    CT

    Verified booking

    4.6
    September 24, 2025

    Traveled as a couple

    Snorkelling with turtles and swimming in a cenote in the Riviera Maya was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Oto, was excellent throughout and made the tour feel very worthwhile. We saw plenty of turtles, and the cenote was beautiful to explore. It felt like great value for money, and we would definitely do this again.

  • L

    Lisa Smyth-stirling

    Verified booking

    5
    September 12, 2025

    Traveled as a couple

    Cenotes and cave diving excellent experience, given as much time as we wanted. Informative guide and nice driver. Happy surprise to be given snacks and water. Saw lots of turtles. Akumal dod have a lot of sea weed but to be expected at this time of year

1 / 58

You might also like

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour a delicious burrito lunch. During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en 

3.9/5

(19)

from:
€84.00
Tour of Chichen Itza’s Maya ruins and Cenote Tsukán with Lunch
Attractions & guided tours

Tour of Chichen Itza’s Maya ruins and Cenote Tsukán with Lunch

A duo of Mexican delights await on this full day tour from Cancun. The adventure begins at the break of dawn with a journey to experience the wonder of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO-listed ancient Maya city. Then, wind down with a swim in a natural underground cenote cave. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The early start is worth it – we'll arrive first thing in the morning to experience the magic of the ruins in the soft sunlight and beat the heat'.A guided tour of the ruined city reveals the stories of this remarkable site. It's not hard to imagine the daily lives of the community that lived here and built these impressive monuments. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to make the most of exploring this archaeological treasure trove as you wish. Hugo adds, ‘This ancient city isn't just about admiring the grandeur of El Castillo, but also about feeling the pulse of the Maya civilization that thrived here centuries ago. Don't miss the Great Ball Court—imagine the echoes of the past as players competed in this very spot.'Next, you'll be whisked away to Cenote Tsukán. Cenotes are believed by the Maya to be portals to the underworld, and they are revered in traditional culture. Here, you will plunge into the limpid waters, participate in a traditional ceremony and feel your senses awaken in glorious natural surroundings. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a tasty local lunch, savouring the flavours of regional cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, es, da, en, fi, +4  fr, nl, pl, sv

4.5/5

(1380)

from:
€147.00
Private Holbox Island boat and buggy tour in Mexico
Excursions & day trips

Private Holbox Island boat and buggy tour in Mexico

Holbox Island is a holiday within a holiday. On this private tour, you'll visit Isla Pasion on a boat trip, enjoy lunch at a five-star eco resort and enjoy a golf buggy tour of the island. Ariel, one of our local guides on this tour, says, ‘Holbox is a habitat for more than 300 endemic and migratory bird species. It's also something of a playground, with activities such as speedboats and beach buggies.'Board your boat at Chiquila – piloted by a local fisherman – and be whisked off on a two-hour coastal tour. Every other company uses the local ferry. Your guide will point out places known for their wildlife – some 150 bird species have been spotted on the island – and explain what efforts are being made to preserve this habitat. For three decades, Holbox has been part of Yum Balam Nature Reserve. And if you're doing the tour between June and September, you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the island's flamboyant flamingos.Plus, you'll discover the beauty of the secluded beaches of tiny Isla Pasion – Holbox itself boasts 36km of white-sand strands – before heading to the eco-resort for lunch followed by downtime on the sunloungers. Once your batteries are recharged, you'll hop into a golf buggy -the island's 1,000 residents don't use cars – for some fun exploring the surrounding area. To round off your visit to the island, we'll make our way to Holbox's main square for some free time – it's a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs or sample local food.

free cancellation
Entrance Fees Included

4.2/5

(1)

from:
€166.00
Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park
Excursions & day trips

Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park

Experiences for all the family, traditional food, jungle trails, culture and nature – Xcaret has it all. This eco-archaeological park is like nothing else in the Riviera Maya. Located by the sea near Cancun, Xcaret boasts more than 50 attractions that take you through the heart of the jungle in many different ways.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en, fr 

4.6/5

(12)

from:
€138.00
Privilege sailing cruise to Islas Mujeres with lunch
Activities

Privilege sailing cruise to Islas Mujeres with lunch

Set sail to the stunning Isla Mujeres on a sailboat and discover why this paradise is loved by everyone. First up, you'll get a swim stop at Playa Norte for some snorkelling fun – see what underwater gems you can find, before making your way to the beach cub. Here, you'll tuck into a buffet lunch and chill with all the facilities. Then, you'll jump back on board and head to Isla Mujeres downtown for some free time, before cruising back to Cancun with music and drinks to keep the vibe going.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en, fr 

5/5

(2)

from:
€135.00
Coba & Xel-Ha tour
Activities

Coba & Xel-Ha tour

History and nature are on your doorstep in Cancun. And this full day tour to Tulum and Xel-Há takes in three spectacular attractions, with guided visits to the archaeological sites and free time in Xel-Há with lunch.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en 

from:
€152.00
Xplor with rafting and zip-lining tour
Activities

Xplor with rafting and zip-lining tour

If you're in search of a holiday experience that'll get your heart pounding, then a day at Xplor is just what you need. Zip-lines, 4x4 jungle trails, underground pools, rafting through caves – and that's only the beginning. Bring out your inner Tarzan and enjoy an action-packed day in Cancun.Heading deep into the Riviera Maya jungle, you'll discover a land of adrenaline-pumping opportunities. Soar through the treetops on zip-lines as high as 45 metres – the height of an 11-storey building – then back on solid ground, you'll get behind the wheel of a 4x4 to rev your way through the rainforest.Your journey will also bring a few surprises along the way, with a chance to swim and raft in an ancient cenote – an underground cavernous pool – where you'll use your hands to propel you through the water as you admire stalactite spears that have formed on the roof. To bring your day to an end with a splash, you'll zoom through the sky in a hammock and land in the refreshing cenote water. Make sure to bring a digital copy of your voucher to get a 50% discount on your photo package, available if you book the option including transport. That way, you can prove to anyone you've overcome your greatest fears.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

4.4/5

(13)

from:
€150.00
Inaf Reef Luxury Catamaran Cruise
Activities

Inaf Reef Luxury Catamaran Cruise

The ultimate Riviera Maya day sailing adventure. You'll cast off in a luxury catamaran along Mexico's Caribbean coastline to snorkel, paddleboard, swim and soak up some tropical sunshine. An open bar and lunch on board complement your day out.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

from:
€130.00
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary with ATV tour and snorkelling
Activities

Akumal Monkey Sanctuary with ATV tour and snorkelling

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is loaded with wild landscapes, and you'll have a chance to dive into them on this full-day itinerary. You'll tick off everything from a visit to a monkey sanctuary to an ATV ride in the jungle, with some snorkelling in Akumal Bay thrown in for good measure. Javier, an expert local guide, says “this activity is perfect if you want to leave the big cities and hotels behind for a while and experience Mexico's greener side. Cenotes, wildlife, beaches, jungle – you'll encounter them all.”You'll start your day with a visit to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, a place where rescued animals from around the area are looked after and treated. You'll be shown around by one of the people who work here, and you'll be introduced to some of the primates and birds currently being cared for. Then, you'll switch things up a few gears for an ATV ride through the jungle. You can get behind the controls of a vehicle as you head to a cenote tucked away within the greenery. These natural, freshwater sinkholes are unique to this part of Mexico, and your guide will tell you about their cultural significance before your chance to hop in for a swim.When you're done here, you'll make your way to today's final stop, Akumal Bay. This sandy spot is known from Tulum to Cancun as one of the area's top snorkelling spots. And that's exactly what you can do here. To make things even better, Akumel Bay is known for its native turtle population, so it's likely you'll share the waters with these gentle reptiles during your visit.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en, fr 

from:
€157.00
Tulum, Cenote Swim, Turtle Snorkelling & Beach Club Combo Tour
Activities

Tulum, Cenote Swim, Turtle Snorkelling & Beach Club Combo Tour

With plenty of variety, this tour takes in Tulum ancient ruins, swimming with sea turtles, and discovering Mayan cenotes. Begin with a guided tour of Tulum Archaeological Site, followed by free time. Dive into the mesmerizing cenotes, and then snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal. Conclude your adventure with lunch at a beach club, surrounded by stunning coastal views.

free cancellation
Available in:

es, en, fr 

from:
€173.00