Tulum & Akumal: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles, Cenote & Beach Lunch

Summary

Swim with turtles in Akumal, explore Tulum ruins and cenotes, relax at a beach club

You’ll wander Tulum’s seaside ruins with a local guide, swim alongside gentle sea turtles in Akumal’s clear bay, float through an ancient Mayan cenote under cool stone ceilings, and end your day with lunch at a relaxed beach club—barefoot if you want. Expect real stories, fresh flavors, and moments that linger long after you’ve rinsed off the saltwater.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the turtles here are used to us,” our guide Marco grinned as he handed me a snorkel mask on the sand in Akumal. I’d never seen water that clear—like someone had scrubbed the whole bay just for us. There was this faint salty breeze mixed with sunscreen and something floral from the trees behind us. I almost forgot how nervous I was until Marco started cracking jokes about his first time snorkeling (“I swallowed half the ocean”). The sea turtles really did just glide by, not bothered at all. One of them looked right at me—big eyes, slow blink—and then went back to munching seagrass. I still think about that moment when things get noisy back home.

We’d started earlier that morning in Tulum, wandering through the old stone walls while Marco told stories about Mayan traders and why they built their city right on those cliffs. The sun was already strong but there was this breeze off the sea that made it feel okay. It’s funny—I thought I’d be most excited about the ruins (and they are wild to see up close), but it was actually hearing Marco talk about his grandmother’s stories that stuck with me. He pointed out some iguanas sunning themselves like little kings on the rocks. We took our time, no rush.

After snorkeling we drove out to this cenote—a cave pool hidden under thick trees. The air changed as soon as we stepped inside: cool, damp, echoey. My feet slipped a bit on the stone steps (bring good sandals), and then suddenly you’re floating in water so clear you can see your own shadow on the rocks below. No phones allowed inside—honestly kind of a relief. It got quiet except for our splashing and someone’s laugh bouncing off the cave walls. The light came in through cracks above, making everything look blue-green and sort of unreal.

Lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club felt like exhaling after holding my breath all day—bare feet in warm sand, grilled fish on my plate (the salsa was spicy enough to make me cough). We talked about what we’d seen; Marco taught us how to say “thank you” in Maya (“Yuum bo’otik”—Li laughed when I tried). If you want a day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen that mixes history with nature and doesn’t feel rushed or fake…well, this one surprised me more than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tulum, snorkel, and beach lunch

• Visit ancient Tulum ruins
• Swim in Mayan cenote
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal
• Enjoy lunch at beach club

Top questions

How long does this Tulum & Akumal snorkeling tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience including transportation from most hotels in Cancun or Riviera Maya.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

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

Can children join the snorkeling with sea turtles tour?

The minimum age is 6 years old and guests must be at least 1.20 meters tall.

Are snacks or lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks are available aboard the van and lunch is served at Punta Venado Beach Club.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) is provided as part of your booking.

Are there any restrictions for visiting the cenote?

No devices are allowed inside the cenote; professional photography equipment and drones are prohibited.

What should I bring for this Tulum day trip?

A refillable water bottle (no single-use plastic), good sandals for wet steps, swimwear, towel, sunscreen.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with limited mobility or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from most locations around Cancun or Riviera Maya, entry fees to both Akumal bay and an ancient Mayan cenote (with all snorkeling gear provided), snacks during transport plus a relaxed lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club before heading back in comfort late afternoon—all guided by someone who knows these places by heart.