Cancun & Riviera Maya: Sea Turtle & Cenote Snorkel Tour

Summary

Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal then cool off in a hidden cenote

You’ll swim beside wild sea turtles in Akumal’s clear waters, then venture deep into Yucatan’s jungle for a guided walk and swim inside an underground cenote filled with ancient formations. With pickup included and local snacks waiting after your swim, you’ll leave feeling both exhilarated and oddly peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

“So yeah, I definitely didn’t expect to see three sea turtles within the first ten minutes at Akumal. Our guide, Diego, grinned every time one popped up for air — he said it’s good luck if you spot more than two. The water was clear enough that I could count the spots on a passing ray (I lost count). There were these flashes of yellow and blue from the fish darting around, and honestly, I kept getting distracted by how soft the sand felt under my toes when we stopped to float for a bit. Someone behind me let out this muffled laugh through their snorkel when a turtle swam right past their mask — I get it now why people call this spot special, even if that word gets overused.

After we dried off (sort of), Diego handed out bottled water and herded us into the van for the next part — the cenote. The drive wasn’t long but the jungle got thicker fast. At first I thought “okay, another cave,” but stepping inside was something else: cool air hit my face and everything echoed softly. The stalactites looked like upside-down forests. We walked along this slippery path while Diego pointed out shapes in the rocks (he swears one looks like a jaguar; I still don’t see it). Swimming in the cenote was colder than I expected — sharp at first, then just refreshing. The light came in through cracks above and made these weird patterns on everyone’s arms.

I’m not sure what I liked more: floating quietly in that blue-green water or eating empanadas after, sitting on a rock with wet hair while everyone tried to describe what they saw underwater. Someone said it smelled like rain inside the cave — kind of true. Anyway, if you’re looking for a half-day tour from Cancun or Riviera Maya that isn’t just another beach thing, this sea turtle and cenote snorkeling trip is probably it. Still thinking about those turtles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel with turtles and explore cenotes

• Snorkel with sea turtles
• See tropical fish and rays
• Walk through subtropical rainforest
• Explore caves and caverns
• Swim and snorkel in cenote

Top questions

Can beginners join the sea turtle & cenote snorkeling tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but participants should have basic swimming skills for aquatic activities.

Is hotel pickup included from Cancun or Riviera Maya?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included in the tour.

Are sea turtle sightings guaranteed at Akumal?

Turtle sighting is guaranteed as part of this snorkeling tour experience.

What should I bring for the snorkeling day trip?

You should bring a towel, swimsuit, change of clothes, comfortable clothing, hat or cap, sunglasses, sandals or water shoes, and money for photos or tips.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

The tour includes bottled water and two empanadas served at the cenote stop.

Can pregnant travelers join this snorkeling tour?

This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

How long does it take to get from Cancun to Akumal?

The drive from Cancun to Akumal typically takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic and pickup locations.

Are wetsuits or snorkel gear provided?

Snorkel gear and life vests are provided for all water activities during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Cancun or Riviera Maya, all entry fees to Akumal and the cenote park, use of snorkel gear and life vest for every swim stop, guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout both land and water parts of the trip, bottled water whenever you need it, plus fresh empanadas served after exploring underground caves before heading back home.