Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal: private guide & cenote

Turtles from the shore, a cenote of your choice, and lunch in the jungle

A private snorkeling trip in Akumal where you swim with sea turtles from the beach, then pick one of three cenotes—Jaguar, Nicte Ha, or Taak bi Ha—for a second swim before lunch at a local restaurant. The guide is certified, the snorkeling gear is provided, and hotel pickup is included; the ocean here is calm and entry is from the shore, so no boat is needed. Children from age 3 can join, and all skill levels work.

Step-by-step itinerary

Swim with turtles and cenote visit

• Pickup from hotel or rental
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal
• Swim and snorkel in chosen cenote
• Enjoy lunch at local jungle restaurant
• Return to hotel or rental

The Experience

You get picked up from your hotel or rental in a private air-conditioned minivan—about 45 minutes of driving—and arrive at Akumal's protected bay, where the water stays calm enough to snorkel straight from the shore. Your certified guide enters the water with you, and the turtles here are accustomed to swimmers; you'll see them grazing on seagrass, and if conditions align, stingrays and schools of bright fish move through the same shallows. The snorkeling gear—mask, fins, snorkel and a life vest—is high-quality and fitted before you go in.

After Akumal, you choose which cenote to visit: Cenote Jaguar is open-air with cliff jumping and ziplining if you want it; Cenote Nicte Ha is open-air and built for swimming and floating; Cenote Taak bi Ha is a cave cenote where you can snorkel an underground river. You get a second swim in whichever one appeals to you, with your guide still alongside.

Lunch happens at a local restaurant in the jungle near the cenotes—tacos, empanadas and other dishes from the menu, with water and sodas provided. The van takes you back to your hotel or rental afterward. The whole day runs five to six hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off by private air-conditioned minivan.
• certified private guide in English or Spanish.
• all snorkeling gear including life vest.
• cenote and turtle cooperative fees.
• beach entrance bracelet.
• lunch at a local Mexican restaurant with one meal a la carte.
• water and sodas in the van cooler.
• all taxes and commissions.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Absolute Adventure Mexico

Is this one for you?Shore-based snorkeling with turtles in protected water, then your choice of three cenotes—pick this if you want to control the pace with a private guide and decide which cenote suits you.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

79 verified traveler reviews

5 ★78

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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

Yes. The bay is shallow, calm and entry is from the shore, so there's no boat or current to manage. The guide stays with you in the water, and all skill levels are welcome. A life vest is provided and included.

What are the three cenotes and how do I choose between them?

Cenote Jaguar is open-air with cliff jumping and ziplining available if you want them. Cenote Nicte Ha is open-air and quieter, designed for swimming and floating. Cenote Taak bi Ha is a cave cenote where you can snorkel an underground river. You pick one when you book or tell your guide on the day.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Yes, lunch at the jungle restaurant is included—you order one meal a la carte from the menu. Water and sodas are provided in the van cooler throughout the day. Drinks at the restaurant are available as an add-on at checkout.

How long is the drive from my hotel to Akumal?

The pickup and drive to Akumal takes approximately 45 minutes in a private air-conditioned minivan. The minivan picks you up and drops you back at your hotel or rental after lunch.

Can my young children come snorkeling?

Children from age 3 can participate. Kids under 3 are not able to join. All snorkeling gear, including life vests, is provided and fitted for safety.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. High-quality snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, snorkel and life vest—is included and provided by the tour. Your guide will fit everything before you enter the water.