Playa del Carmen: Cenote & Sea Turtles Snorkel Half-Day

Two swims in one morning: cenote cave and wild sea turtles near Playa del Carmen

You swim in a jungle cenote cavern with an aquatic guide, then snorkel with wild sea turtles in Akumal bay: both in one half-day from Playa del Carmen. Transport, snorkel gear, water and snacks are included. Guides handle the logistics so you just show up with a towel and moderate fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Cenote Nohoch Nah ChichEntry included2h
2. AkumalEntry included2h

Swim in cenote and with sea turtles

• Explore jungle cenote swim
• Swim in mineral-rich freshwater
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal

The experience

The water is already warm when you step in. Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich opens up around you: a limestone cavern with a freshwater pool so clear you see the bottom, jungle walls rising on both sides. An aquatic guide meets you there, points out the mineral-rich water, hands you a snorkel. You float in a place that feels older than the resort strip, and for a moment the Riviera Maya makes sense. The air-conditioned vehicle that brought you here waits outside. You've got snacks and bottled water on board, so the morning doesn't stop for logistics.

Then you're in Akumal bay, maybe twenty minutes south. The water is shallower, calmer, and within minutes the sea turtles appear, not in a tank, not behind glass, but grazing on seagrass the way they do every day. You're snorkeling alongside them with another guide, and the thing nobody tells you is how unhurried it feels. They're not performing. You're just there. The snorkel equipment is provided. You bring a towel and a change of clothes. One thing to know: sunscreen isn't allowed during the turtle swim. The guides are strict about it, and it makes sense once you understand why.

The whole thing runs about four hours from pickup to drop-off back in Playa del Carmen. You'll need moderate fitness (there's some walking in the cenote, some swimming), and the tour isn't recommended if you have cardiovascular concerns. There's a turtle care program fee of 15 USD per person, paid on the day itself, which goes toward conservation. Bring cash for that and any extras. By midday you're back at your hotel, still damp, still thinking about the turtles.

What’s included

• Round-trip air-conditioned transport from Playa del Carmen, snorkel equipment, bottled water and snacks on board, and aquatic guides at both Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich and Akumal.
• You'll also have access to the cenote cavern and the sea turtle encounter in their natural habitat.
• The turtle care program fee (15 USD per person) is paid separately on the tour date.

Options for this experience

2 options

Hotel Pick upGuide in English or Spanish · 07:30Includes pickup

Tulum Meeting pointGuide in English or Spanish · 09:20

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 5h–6h, runs every day at 07:30 and 09:20, from US$ 99 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday: 07:30Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: 07:30 and 09:20Another time? ›

GroupUp to 184 private ›

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by NS Vacations Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Riviera Maya's two signature natural swims in one morning without arranging transport or equipment: the fixed itinerary and included guides mean you show up ready to swim, not to plan.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long is the tour?

About four hours total, including round-trip transport from Playa del Carmen.

Is snorkel gear provided?

Yes, snorkel equipment is included. Bring a towel, swimsuit, flip-flops and a change of clothes.

Can I wear sunscreen?

No, sunscreen is not allowed during the sea turtle swim. It's restricted to protect the turtles and their habitat.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes, a turtle care program fee of 15 USD per person is paid on the tour date itself.

Who is this not suitable for?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Moderate physical fitness is required.

What's included in the price?

Round-trip transport, snorkel equipment, bottled water, snacks, and aquatic guides at both the cenote and Akumal.

Do I need to book the turtle care program in advance?

No, it's paid directly on the tour date. It's mandatory and costs 15 USD per person.