Cenote and Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Akumal: Private, Guided

Underground cenotes and sea turtles without the crowds

A private snorkeling tour in Akumal pairs an underground cenote in Parque Dos Ojos with guided turtle spotting at Akumal Bay, where you search for three of the world's seven sea turtle species along the second-largest barrier reef. Private transport from your hotel, snorkeling equipment, bottled water and a licensed guide in English, Spanish or French are included; the itinerary is customizable, and you can add a lunch stop at a local restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and swimming with turtles

• Visit underground cenote Taak Bi Ha
• Snorkel with turtles at Akumal Bay

The Experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and heads to Taak Bi Ha, an underground cenote set inside Parque Dos Ojos. The cenote's crystal-clear water and dramatic rock formations surrounded by Mexican jungle make it the centerpiece of the snorkeling portion—you enter the water with gear provided and explore the formations at your own pace with the guide. If you prefer, you can swap this for an open cenote or one with a zip-line instead.

After the cenote, the route moves to Akumal Bay for guided snorkeling focused on sea turtles. The bay sits along the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and the guide leads you through the water to search for three of the seven sea turtle species that inhabit these waters. Because this is a private tour, you move through the bay without the crowds that gather on shared departures—the guide controls the pace and can linger where turtles are feeding or resting. The total time for the turtle portion runs roughly 2 to 3.5 hours, with the rest of your 3- to 5-hour booking accounted for by transport to and from your hotel.

You can customize the itinerary before the tour starts: add a lunch break at a local restaurant serving tacos, choose a different cenote type, or adjust the balance between cenote time and bay time. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French and provides personalized information about the region's ecology and history as you move through the day.

What’s included

• Private transport from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling gear and bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.
• a licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish or French.
• customizable itinerary with the option to add a lunch stop at a local restaurant.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Tours with Mike

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel with sea turtles and explore a cenote without organizing transport or gear yourself, and if a private guide and flexible itinerary matter more to you than a set schedule or group departure.

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Top questions

What sea turtles will I see at Akumal Bay?

Akumal Bay is home to three of the world's seven sea turtle species. The guide leads you through the water to search for them in their natural habitat along the second-largest barrier reef in the world, though sightings depend on the season and time of day.

Is the underground cenote safe for swimming and snorkeling?

Taak Bi Ha cenote in Parque Dos Ojos is designed for snorkeling and diving, with crystal-clear water and spectacular rock formations. The guide is licensed and certified, and all snorkeling gear is provided; the cenote is suitable for all fitness levels.

Can I change the tour itinerary or add lunch?

Yes, the itinerary is customizable. You can swap the underground cenote for an open cenote or one with a zip-line, adjust the time split between the cenote and Akumal Bay, or add a lunch break at a local restaurant with tacos available at 2–20 USD per dish.

What is included in the tour price?

Private transport from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and a licensed guide in English, Spanish or French are included.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs 3 to 5 hours total, including travel time from pickup at your hotel to drop-off. The cenote and turtle snorkeling portions make up the core of the experience, with the remainder accounted for by transport.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. You bring only yourself and a swimsuit; the guide supplies everything else needed for the cenote and bay.