Akumal & Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich: Turtle Swim & Cavern Tour

Summary

Swim with sea turtles then cool off in ancient cenotes near Akumal

You’ll float beside wild turtles at Akumal Beach, then slip into cool cenote waters surrounded by jungle sounds and ancient stone. With a local guide leading the way and transport included from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, it’s easy to just be present — whether you’re counting turtles or staring up at sunlight drifting through cave ceilings.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush under my snorkel — just salt water and the soft thump of my heart as we drifted out at Akumal Beach. Our guide, Diego, waved us over when he spotted the first turtle (I nearly missed it, honestly — their shells blend right into the sand). There’s something almost shy about them, these wild turtles gliding past your mask. The water was cooler than I’d expected and tasted a bit like minerals, not just sea. I tried to follow Diego’s hand signals but got distracted by a school of blue tangs darting around my ankles. He laughed later when I told him I’d lost track counting turtles after two — apparently that’s normal for first-timers.

After we dried off in the sun (my towel still smells faintly of sunscreen), we piled into the van for Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich. It’s a short drive but feels like another world; suddenly you’re surrounded by jungle noises and that damp, earthy chill you only get underground. The cenote itself is half-shadow, half-glow from little holes in the rock above. Diego explained how these caves were sacred to the Maya — he even showed us some old carvings near the entrance, though I probably wouldn’t have noticed them on my own. The water here is so clear you can see every ripple from your toes. It’s colder than the sea but somehow softer? My friend dared me to jump in first (I hesitated — it looked deeper than it was) and we all ended up laughing at how loud our splashes sounded inside the cavern.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating there, watching dust motes drift through shafts of light. Sometimes you get those moments when travel feels quiet and big at once — this was one of them for me. The ride back was mostly sleepy silence except for someone unwrapping snacks (they gave us bottled water too). If you’re coming from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, they’ll pick you up and drop you off — which honestly made it easier to just let go and enjoy it all without worrying about logistics or directions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swim with turtles and cenote visit

• Arrive at Akumal Beach
• Swim with wild turtles
• Snorkel over vibrant reef
• Pick up snorkeling equipment
• Swim in Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
• Relax in cenote waters
• Transfer back to starting point

Top questions

Can I swim with turtles in Akumal on this tour?

Yes, swimming with wild turtles at Akumal Beach is included on this tour.

Is hotel pickup included from Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

Yes, round-trip transfers are provided from hotels or meeting points in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya.

What cenote do we visit during this excursion?

The tour includes a visit to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich.

Are snorkeling equipment and guides provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear and an aquatic guide are included for both Akumal and the cenote.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; snacks and bottled water are provided during the tour.

How long does this guided excursion last?

This is a half-day guided excursion with pickup and drop-off included.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers are allowed and infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need to pay extra fees for turtle conservation?

The turtle conservation program fee (MXN 400 per person) must be paid separately on the day of travel.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya, all snorkeling equipment for both Akumal Beach and Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich, bottled water and snacks along the way, plus guidance from a local aquatic expert throughout both swims before returning comfortably to your starting point.