Snorkeling in Akumal from Playa del Carmen: swim with sea turtles

Wade into Akumal Bay and find yourself face-to-face with sea turtles

Snorkeling in Akumal from Playa del Carmen or Cancun pairs a guided swim with sea turtles at a coral reef with a second stop at a cenote's underground river. The 6-hour excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, snacks, bottled water and park fees; children from age 8 are welcome. A guide fluent in English or Spanish leads the group, so the commentary is accessible whether you speak one language or both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel with turtles and cenote swim

• Pickup from hotel in Cancun
• Travel to Akumal Bay
• Snorkel beside marine turtles
• Explore coral reef and marine life
• Short ride to cenote
• Swim in underground river cenote
• Return to hotel in Cancun

The Experience

You start from your hotel in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, picked up and driven in an air-conditioned minivan to Akumal Bay. The bay is home to a coral reef that draws hundreds of colorful fish, mantas and other marine species—and the sea turtles that give this snorkel its draw. Once in the water with your guide, you're looking for the turtles that feed in the shallows; they're used to snorkelers and move at their own pace, so you're watching them live, not performing for a camera.

After Akumal, the group heads to a cenote—an underground river in a limestone cave that stays cool year-round. It's a different kind of snorkel: freshwater instead of salt, rock walls instead of open sky, and the strange quiet of a space that's been here for thousands of years. You get a second swim and a break from the heat before the drive back to your hotel.

The whole day runs 6 hours from pickup to drop-off. Snacks and bottled water come with you; national park fees are already paid. Souvenir photos are available to purchase if you want a record of the turtles.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
• local guide in English or Spanish.
• snorkel gear.
• bottled water and snacks.
• national park fees.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Contoy Excursions

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language you're comfortable following—either way, the group stays small enough that you hear the commentary and the turtles stay calm.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel in Akumal if I've never done it before?

Yes. Akumal snorkeling suits all fitness levels and first-timers—the reef is shallow, the water is calm, and your guide stays with the group the whole time. Children from age 8 can join, and the guide will adjust the pace to the group.

What's the difference between snorkeling at Akumal Bay and the cenote?

Akumal Bay is open ocean with a coral reef, salt water, and the sea turtles that make the trip worth taking. The cenote is an underground freshwater river in a cave—cooler, quieter, and a completely different landscape. Both are included in the same day.

Is hotel pickup really included, or is that extra?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Playa del Carmen or Cancun are included in the price—no separate charge. The minivan collects you from your hotel and brings you back after the cenote stop.

What do I need to bring for snorkeling?

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel. Snorkel gear, bottled water and snacks are provided. Wear water shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet, since the entry to both Akumal and the cenote involves walking on rocks or sand.

Who leads the snorkeling, and what language do they speak?

A local guide leads the group in English or Spanish—you choose which language at checkout. The guide stays with you both in the water and on the boat, pointing out marine life and keeping the group together.

Are there any reasons I shouldn't go snorkeling in Akumal?

The activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with poor cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about swimming or being in the water, mention them when you book so the operator can advise you.