Riviera Maya: Yal Ku Lagoon, Jungle Cenote & Snorkeling Day Trip

Summary

Snorkel Yal Ku Lagoon then float in jungle cenotes with local guides

You’ll snorkel through Yal Ku Lagoon’s bright waters, float in a cool jungle cenote, and explore an underground river with a local guide on this day trip from Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya. Expect hotel pickup, snorkeling gear included, plus a buffet lunch before heading back—just bring your sense of wonder (and maybe a towel).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — water slapping softly against my mask as we drifted through Yal Ku Lagoon near Akumal. Our guide, Diego, kept pointing out these flashes of electric blue fish darting under the surface. I tried to name a few but honestly, I was too busy just floating and watching sunlight ripple over the rocks. The air smelled salty-sweet and there was this weird calm, even with everyone’s fins fluttering around me.

I didn’t expect how cold the cenote would be after the ocean. We hiked a short way into the jungle (not far, but enough for my shirt to stick to my back), and then suddenly — this open pool carved into limestone, almost too clear to be real. Diego told us Mayans believed cenotes were doorways to another world. Maybe that’s why it felt so quiet down there; even our group’s laughter sounded softer somehow. There were tree roots dangling above and tiny bats flickering in the shadows. My toes went numb but I didn’t want to get out.

Lunch was a buffet — nothing fancy but after swimming, everything tasted better. Someone at our table tried to pronounce “cenote” right (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it). The van ride back was quiet; everyone sort of sunk into their seats, still damp and smelling like sunscreen and river water. I keep thinking about that light underwater in the lagoon — not sure any photo could really show it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore snorkeling and cenotes

• Travel to Yal Ku Lagoon
• Snorkel among tropical fish
• Visit open jungle cenote
• Snorkel in underground river
• Discover Mayan sink holes

Top questions

How long is the snorkeling tour from Playa del Carmen?

The activity is a day trip including multiple stops: Yal Ku Lagoon, an open cenote, and an underground river.

Is hotel pickup included in this Riviera Maya snorkeling tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

What should I bring for the Mayan Adventure Snorkeling Tour?

You should bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable clothing; all snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are there any health restrictions for this snorkeling tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will there be a guide during the snorkeling activities?

A professional guide will accompany you throughout all activities on the tour.

Are children allowed on this Riviera Maya snorkeling day trip?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult during all activities.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya areas, use of all snorkeling equipment at each stop (Yal Ku Lagoon and jungle cenotes), guidance from multilingual local guides throughout every activity, beverages along the way to keep you refreshed, plus a buffet lunch before heading home in the afternoon.