Akumal Snorkeling & Cenote Tour: Turtles and Underground Rivers

Swim alongside three sea turtle species, then descend into an underground river system.

This five-hour snorkeling tour from Cancun or Playa del Carmen combines two separate experiences: a boat ride to Akumal's barrier reef to snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat, followed by an exploration of underground cenote channels filled with crystal-clear water and limestone formations. A certified bilingual guide adapts the pace to your comfort level, and all snorkeling gear is provided and disinfected daily. No prior experience is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel with turtles and explore cenotes

• Boat ride to Akumal turtle area
• Snorkel with sea turtles
• Explore coral reef marine life
• Swim in underground cenote rivers
• Discover stalactites and stalagmites

The experience

The day starts with a short five-minute boat ride from Akumal to the snorkeling site at the world's second-largest barrier reef. You'll enter the water with a life vest and snorkel gear to search for three different sea turtle species that inhabit the area. The guide stays with you throughout, pointing out the turtles and the colorful marine life around the coral reef. This part of the tour is designed for all levels: the guide adjusts the pace and depth to match your comfort, and no prior snorkeling experience is necessary.

After the reef, you head into the Yucatán jungle to explore the cenote system. These are natural limestone pools fed by underground rivers, and you'll swim through channels carved into the rock with white stalactites and stalagmites visible above the water. The cenote water is cool and clear, and the guide leads you through the passages, explaining the geology and the unique ecosystem. All snorkeling equipment is provided for this section as well.

Round-trip transportation from Cancun or Playa del Carmen is included, along with bottled water and snacks during the day. Bring your own towel, bathing suit and a change of clothes. The operator notes that a preservation tax of 20 USD per person is not included in the tour price. Life vests are mandatory for safety, and only biodegradable sunscreen is permitted.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
• certified bilingual guide.
• snorkeling equipment and life vest.
• access to Akumal's barrier reef and underground cenote channels.
• bottled water.
• snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 to 79 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cancun City Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen and want to snorkel and cenote-dive in one trip: the guides adjust the pace to your comfort level, so no prior swimming experience required.

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel with the sea turtles if I've never snorkeled before?

Yes. The certified guide adapts the tour to your comfort level, and no prior snorkeling or swimming experience is required. A life vest is provided and mandatory for safety.

What are the three sea turtle species I might see in Akumal?

The tour takes you to Akumal Bay, where three different species of sea turtles live in their natural habitat. The guide will help you spot them as you snorkel along the barrier reef.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkeling area?

The boat ride from Akumal to the reef snorkeling site takes about five minutes, making it a quick and easy journey to reach the turtles.

What happens in the cenote part of the tour?

After snorkeling at the reef, you explore an underground cenote system: natural limestone pools connected by channels filled with crystal-clear water. You'll swim through these passages and see stalactites and stalagmites formed in the rock above the water.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotels is included in the tour price. The guide will arrange pickup and drop-off times with you.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a towel, bathing suit and a change of clothes. Snorkeling gear is provided and cleaned daily. Only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed in small amounts. A preservation tax of 20 USD per person is due separately and not included in the tour price.