Riviera Maya: Cenote Swim & Yal-Ku Lagoon Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Swim ancient cenotes then snorkel Yal-Ku Lagoon’s calm waters

You’ll swim through cool Mayan cenotes, float beneath ancient rock formations, and snorkel Yal-Ku Lagoon’s gentle waters filled with tropical fish—all with a local guide who keeps things light (and safe). Expect laughter, maybe some goosebumps from the cold water, and those small moments of awe that sneak up on you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we piled into the van outside our hotel in Riviera Maya—just that I was finally going to see a cenote up close. Our guide, Sofia, had this gentle way of explaining things without making it feel like a lecture. She handed out snorkel gear and cracked a joke about how everyone looks funny in a life jacket (she wasn’t wrong). When we reached the cenote, the air felt cooler even before we got close. The surface looked almost glassy, but dipping my toes in? Way colder than I’d guessed. You could smell wet limestone and something green, almost mossy. It made me shiver but in a good way.

Sofia led us through these half-lit caves where the light bounced off the water and made everything ripple. I kept bumping my knees against rocks—I’m not exactly graceful in fins—but nobody seemed to care. The echo of our voices sounded strange, like we were inside a giant shell. At one point she pointed out some tiny bats clinging above us; I almost missed them because I was too busy staring at the weird rock shapes under the surface. It felt old down there, like time moved differently.

After drying off (sort of), we drove over to Yal-Ku Lagoon for the snorkeling part. This place is where freshwater meets saltwater so you get all these wild colors and fish you don’t see at regular beaches—blue tangs, some stripey ones I never caught the name of. The water was calm enough that even my friend who’s not super confident swimming felt okay floating around with her face in the water. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel and it just hit me how peaceful it was. Then someone spotted a triggerfish and everyone started laughing again because apparently they can be kind of sassy if you get too close.

We ended up snacking on fruit by the shore, still dripping wet, talking about which fish looked like cartoons and which ones freaked us out a little. Sofia told us how locals believe cenotes are sacred—she said it softly, almost like she didn’t want to break the spell of being there. I keep thinking about that quiet feeling underwater; it sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mayan cenotes and snorkel

• Float through ancient Mayan cenotes
• Navigate caves and rock formations
• Snorkel in Yal-Ku Lagoon inlet
• Swim with tropical fish species

Top questions

How long does the Riviera Maya cenote & lagoon snorkeling tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but includes transport from most hotels plus time at both cenote and Yal-Ku Lagoon—plan for several hours total.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from most hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya is included.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, snorkel gear and life jackets are provided as part of the tour.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

A snack and water are included but not a full lunch.

What’s the minimum age for joining?

The minimum age is 6 years old; kids must also meet height requirements.

Can non-swimmers join this snorkeling tour?

No, guests must be able to swim since both activities require comfort in water.

Are pregnant travelers or those with health issues allowed?

No, participation isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with respiratory problems or certain medical conditions.

Is photography allowed inside the cenote?

No devices are allowed inside the cenote for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from most Cancun or Riviera Maya locations, all your snorkel gear and life jacket sorted by friendly staff, plus snacks and water along the way so you don’t have to worry about packing extras before heading out to swim those ancient waters.