Snorkeling Akumal Beach with Sea Turtles and Cenote

Swim alongside sea turtles in water so clear you see the reef below.

Snorkel at Akumal Beach with a private guide to spot sea turtles, manta rays and the second-largest coral reef, then explore an open cenote before lunch by the ocean. The 4-hour activity includes transportation, all snorkeling equipment, a Mexican seafood meal and a guide who speaks English, Spanish, French or German. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and the entire outing is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and dining experience

• Snorkel with sea turtles at Akumal Beach
• Snorkel and swing in Cenote Xunan Ha
• Enjoy Mexican seafood at Pura Vida Restaurant

The experience

What makes Akumal different from other snorkeling spots is the sea turtles. They live in the shallow, warm water year-round, and a private guide knows where to find them without the crowds of the larger tour groups. You'll also see manta rays, barracudas and the coral formations that make this reef the second-largest in the world. The water is so clear that depth and distance play tricks on your eyes: what looks three feet down is often ten.

After Akumal, you move to Cenote Xunan Ha, an open sinkhole filled with freshwater so clean it looks dyed. The cenote has a rope swing, and the guide will show you how to use it if you want to. The contrast between the salt water reef and the still freshwater cenote, separated by only a few miles, is the kind of detail that stays with you after the trip ends.

Lunch happens at Pura Vida, a restaurant right on the ocean, where you'll eat Mexican seafood while the water you just left is still visible. The private guide handles the logistics (transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, all snorkeling gear, entrance fees and snacks), so you show up and get in the water. The whole day runs four hours, which leaves room in your schedule for other plans.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• entrance fees to Akumal Beach and Cenote Xunan Ha.
• snorkeling equipment including mask, fins and snorkel.
• snacks during the activity.
• a full Mexican seafood lunch at Pura Vida restaurant.
• and a private guide fluent in English, Spanish, French or German.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 49 years) · Senior (50 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by dreamus

Is this one for you?This is a private snorkeling experience, so you move at your own pace with one guide instead of joining a group. Choose this if you want flexibility in the water and prefer not to keep up with a larger group's schedule, or if you're traveling with family and want the guide's attention focused on your group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What will I actually see when I snorkel at Akumal Beach?

Sea turtles are the main draw at Akumal. They feed in the shallow water and you'll encounter them regularly. You'll also see manta rays, barracudas and the coral reef itself, which is the second-largest in the world. The water clarity means you can watch the reef structure and fish behavior from the surface without difficulty.

Is the cenote part of the same snorkeling experience, or is it a separate stop?

Cenote Xunan Ha is a separate stop after Akumal. It's a freshwater sinkhole with its own ecosystem and a rope swing. You snorkel in both places during the same 4-hour outing, so you experience two completely different water environments in one day.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this activity?

No experience is required. The activity suits all physical fitness levels, and all snorkeling equipment is provided and fitted by the guide. The private guide will show you how to use the gear and can adjust the pace to your comfort in the water.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel the whole time?

The guide is private, so you set the rhythm. You can snorkel as much or as little as you want at each stop. Many people spend time floating, watching the turtles, or simply sitting in the water without moving far from the guide.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes, lunch at Pura Vida restaurant is included. It's Mexican seafood served right on the ocean. Let the operator know about dietary needs when you book so they can arrange alternatives with the restaurant.