Akumal & Cenote Swim: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles & Beach Lunch

Summary

Swim in crystal cenotes then meet sea turtles near Akumal’s quiet sands

You’ll swim through cool Mayan cenote waters, snorkel alongside sea turtles off Akumal’s coast, then relax over lunch right on the sand. With pickup included and a local guide leading each step (and making sure you don’t miss those turtles), it’s a day full of small surprises — some you can’t photograph but won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

We were already dripping wet from the cenote before I realized how cold the water actually was — not freezing, just that kind of wake-up-your-bones chill. Our guide, Marisol, grinned and told us the Maya believed these places connected to the underworld. I tried to float quietly, but my snorkel kept making little spluttering noises. The light danced on the rocks below and there was this earthy smell — like rain on stone and something green I couldn’t name. No phones allowed inside, which felt weird at first, but after a while it was just us and the echoes.

After towels and some fruit back in the van (the pineapple was so sweet), we headed to Akumal. It’s not far — maybe 20 minutes? The town is sleepy but friendly, nothing flashy. We pulled on our gear right by the sand while Marisol handed out masks and made sure everyone’s life jacket fit (mandatory, she said, even if you’re a good swimmer). Out in the water, I spotted my first sea turtle almost by accident — just this big gentle shape gliding past. There were schools of fish everywhere, flashes of yellow and blue. At one point I got distracted watching a pelican dive and almost swallowed half the ocean. Not my most graceful moment.

Lunch came next at this low-key beach club — nothing fancy but honestly perfect after swimming all morning. My plate had grilled fish with lime and tortillas that tasted homemade. Someone played music somewhere behind us; it mixed with the sound of waves until I stopped noticing either separately. We sat around swapping stories about who saw what underwater. I still think about that turtle sometimes — how calm it looked compared to all of us flapping around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swim cenote, snorkel Akumal, beach lunch

• Swim in Mayan cenote
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal
• Enjoy beachside lunch and relax

Top questions

How long does this Akumal & cenote swim tour take?

The tour is a full-day experience including transport from most Cancun or Riviera Maya hotels.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this day trip to Akumal?

Yes, snorkeling mask and snorkel are included for all guests.

Can kids join the cenote swim & turtle snorkeling tour?

The minimum age is 6 years old with a minimum height requirement of 1.20 meters (3.9 feet).

Is lunch included during the Akumal sea turtle tour?

Yes, a savory lunch is served at an exclusive beach club after snorkeling.

Are life jackets mandatory for swimming in the cenote or ocean?

Yes, life jackets are required for both cenote swimming and ocean snorkeling regardless of skill level.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Round-trip transportation is included from most hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya areas.

Can I bring my phone or camera into the cenote?

No devices are allowed inside the cenote for preservation reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from most Cancun or Riviera Maya locations, entrance fees for both the Mayan cenote and Akumal beach club, use of snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), snacks like water and fruit aboard the van, mandatory life jackets for safety, plus a relaxed lunch served right by the shore before heading back in comfort.