YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Akumal Turtles Tour

137 tour reviews

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The details of your private day.

Swim with Turtles Akumal & Snorkeling in a Cenote – Private Tour

A Double Snorkeling Adventure in Ocean and Jungle Waters
Looking for the ultimate snorkeling experience in the Riviera Maya? Our Akumal Turtles Tour combines two unforgettable aquatic adventures: snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Bay and exploring the magical waters of a jungle cenote. This tour is a favorite among families, kids, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and marine life in a fun, safe, and private setting.
Swim with Sea Turtles in Their Natural Habitat
The first part of your private tour takes you to the calm, clear waters of Akumal, one of the best places in Mexico to observe sea turtles in the wild. With the help of your certified private guide, you’ll snorkel alongside green sea turtles, peaceful and majestic as they glide effortlessly through the water. These gentle creatures often come close, offering a magical, up-close experience you’ll never forget.
If you're lucky, you might also spot stingrays and colorful tropical fish swimming gracefully along the ocean floor. Don't worry—stingrays are harmless and only add to the beauty of this incredible underwater setting.
Snorkel in 1 or 2 Cenotes of Your Choice
After swimming with turtles in Akumal, the adventure continues inland. You can choose to visit one cenote or enhance your experience with two cenotes. Your guide will take you to a stunning cave cenote with dramatic rock formations or an open-air cenote surrounded by lush jungle, or both! Choosing two cenotes allows you to explore two very different environments and enjoy a more complete snorkeling adventure.
You can find the full list of cenotes available to choose from in the “General Info” tab.
No matter which cenote you choose, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear freshwater, impressive limestone formations, and a peaceful atmosphere. Snorkeling here gives you the chance to discover a hidden world that few travelers get to see.
A Delicious Local Lunch to End the Day
After your snorkeling activities, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local Mexican restaurant, nestled in the jungle or nearby town, depending on your chosen cenote. It’s the perfect moment to relax, share stories, and reflect on your day of discovery.
Akumal Turtles Tour: Perfect for All Ages and Skill Levels
This tour is 100% private and flexible, making it ideal for snorkelers of all levels, from first-timers to experienced swimmers. Our expert guides will adapt to your pace, provide all necessary gear, and offer tips to help you feel comfortable in the water.
Whether you're an adventurous adult or a cautious child, you’re in good hands. Swimming is easy and accessible directly from the shore—no boat needed. Children as young as 4 or 5 years old can participate as long as they know how to swim and are comfortable wearing a mask and snorkel.
Join us on this exclusive Akumal Turtles tour paired with a cenote snorkeling experience. Whether you're drawn by the chance to meet marine life or explore the mysterious underground world of cenotes, this private tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Price includes

Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
Experienced certified private guide
All entrance fees
Akumal bay cooperative fee and CONAP fee (mandatory)
High quality snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, wetsuits, life jackets)
Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte and one bottle of water

Price excludes

Extra drinks at the restaurant
Tips

General info

Private Tour:: Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
Duration:: 5-7 hours (check the itinerary tab, as it depends on your pick-up location).
Physicality:: Easy
Age:: All ages
Snorkeling:: Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
Which cenote will you visit?: The day of your tour, you can choose one cenote between Nicte Ha, Taak Bi Ha, Jaguar and Yal Ku Lagoon. For the tour option with 2 cenotes, you can visit one more cenote from the same list above. If you prefer to go to Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery we will add 10 USD per person on your balance. Your guide will be happy to help you to select the best cenote for you and your party according to your expectations and snorkeling skills.
Swim with turtles:: Absolute Adventure is working with a local cooperative according to the Mexican law. (Consult Akumal Swim with Turtles regulation.)
In the event of the port being closed by the authorities making swimming with the turtles unauthorized, the tour will be amended to the 2 Cenotes tour and the price adjusted accordingly.
What’s on the menu?: Selection of quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, salbutes, fajitas, grilled chicken, grilled fish, tortas (sandwiches), soup of day, … with vegetarian, fish, shrimp, chicken & meat options. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!

Itinerary options

Times at each stop are estimates. Driving and your exact pickup location affect the schedule.

Cenote and turtles

Akumal turtles — 75 min
Cenote snorkel — 60 min
Lunch at Juanita restaurant — 40 min

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Akumal and the cenote, moving at your own pace.

What to bring

Beach Towels
Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
Mosquito repellent*
Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone
Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

4.99/5 · 137 tour reviews

Showing reviews 19–27 of 137

Snorkeling adventure with turtles and underground Today we had unforgettable experiences snorkeling with turtles and later snorkeling in a cave. Alex was our guide and Omar, our driver. They did a great job preparing us for these adventures and making sure we had everything we needed. During the drives, Alex gave us lots of interesting background on the Mayans. Our guide for seeing the turtles…

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Snorkeling adventure with turtles and underground
Today we had unforgettable experiences snorkeling with turtles and later snorkeling in a cave. Alex was our guide and Omar, our driver. They did a great job preparing us for these adventures and making sure we had everything we needed. During the drives, Alex gave us lots of interesting background on the Mayans. Our guide for seeing the turtles was also very patient and kind. The turtles were super fun to see eating and surfacing. I was glad for the concern about protecting them. Later the underground cenote was dark and quiet, and we almost had it to ourselves. Alex joined us in the water to point out interesting rock features. The ride was comfortable and efficient.

Sarah · Jan 2026

Alex & Rodrigo took us on 2 excellent adventures. First, swimming with the turtles at a park in the ocean. Then to a cenote in a cave! During the ride, Alex gave an animated and highly engaging history of the area and explained many of the traditional, indigenous customs and culture that exists for the Mayans and people of the Yucatan peninsula. I learned so…

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Alex & Rodrigo took us on 2 excellent adventures. First, swimming with the turtles at a park in the ocean. Then to a cenote in a cave! During the ride, Alex gave an animated and highly engaging history of the area and explained many of the traditional, indigenous customs and culture that exists for the Mayans and people of the Yucatan peninsula. I learned so much and it made the van ride go by so quickly. I alwayd felt safe with Rodrigo driving and guarding our stuff in the van. We had a delicious lunch in a local spot that had great drinks and a fun gift shop plus hammocks and swings to relax. Alex ate with us and allowed us to ask so many questions. It was truly worth the money. The whole experience was my favorite part of my trip to Mexico. Thank you Alex and thank you Rodrigo!

Dash · Jan 2026

Sea Turtle Encounter We had booked a tour to go snorkeling on the reef, but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate, so Clair offered us this tour instead. We once again had Cristina as our tour guide. She is the very best, and anyone who books a tour with Absolute Adventure should ask for her! The water was a little cloudy due to the aforementioned…

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Sea Turtle Encounter
We had booked a tour to go snorkeling on the reef, but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate, so Clair offered us this tour instead. We once again had Cristina as our tour guide. She is the very best, and anyone who books a tour with Absolute Adventure should ask for her! The water was a little cloudy due to the aforementioned weather, but we still got to see some turtles and a bunch of different fish. We then went to an amazing cenote. I cant remember which one it was but it had the clearest waters we had ever seen and was amazing to swim and snorkel in. Altogether a wonderful experience!

Stacey · Dec 2025

Professional and a great team. We enjoyed every moment.
Guy TravelGuy · Dec 2025

Clean vehicle and fun times The driver and tour guide was very helpful and patient with our family. The guide knew a lot about cenotes and culture. The driver kept a clean vehicle and it was appreciated.
K.J. · Nov 2025

The private tours to Tulum and Coba as well as the Swim w/ the Turtles and Cenotes tours was amazing! Well worth a little more money to have this experience in a more private setting with much more information able to be shared.
Keith · Nov 2025

Awesome sea turtle and cenote experience! This tour was fantastic! We got a chance to snorkel and see sea turtles. Then we went and explored two cenotes, one where we also did a zipline across the cenote and another that was underground and cavernous. Very Indiana Jones-like experience. The lunch was also very authentic and delicious. Cristina was an awesome guide too. Very energetic and…

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Awesome sea turtle and cenote experience!
This tour was fantastic! We got a chance to snorkel and see sea turtles. Then we went and explored two cenotes, one where we also did a zipline across the cenote and another that was underground and cavernous. Very Indiana Jones-like experience. The lunch was also very authentic and delicious. Cristina was an awesome guide too. Very energetic and fun. Would highly recommend.

Matt · Nov 2025

Cenote fun times! A group of us were in Mexico for my 40th birthday and decided to do this tour to get off property and we were glad we did. Christina was our guide and she did a fantastic job. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see many turtles, but that can’t be controlled! We did two cenotes, Jaguar which was an open air cenote with…

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Cenote fun times!
A group of us were in Mexico for my 40th birthday and decided to do this tour to get off property and we were glad we did. Christina was our guide and she did a fantastic job. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see many turtles, but that can’t be controlled! We did two cenotes, Jaguar which was an open air cenote with a zip line and Taak Bi Ha which was an absolutely amazing underground cenote!
Would highly recommend and you should ask for Christina, she’s the best!!!

Canela · Nov 2025

We did a two - part adventure: snorkeling with turtles and snorkeling in a flowing cenote. The turtles probably get most of the attention, but the second part of the trip was even better! Alejandro was our guide, and he was all-around excellent!
Jeffrey P. · Oct 2025

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Akumal Turtles tour private or shared?

This is a private tour, just for you and your group.

You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.

Is the driver also the guide?

No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.

All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide.

While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.

How long does the private Akumal Turtles snorkeling tour take?

It typically lasts between 5 to 6 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.

Pickup & transport

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.

Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.

What vehicles do you use for your tours?

We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Visit our fleet page for more details.

Can I change the pick up time?

Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.

That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!

Activities & facilities

Is snorkeling experience required for this tour?

No previous snorkeling experience is required, but basic swimming skills are necessary.

We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Which cenote do we visit on this tour?

You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.

We offer a variety of cenote types, including open-air, semi-open, and cave cenotes.

Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed in Akumal?

Turtle sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, as they are wild animals.

Akumal is one of the best places in the region to see them.

What type of boat is used to swim with the turtles?

There is no boat involved. The swim starts directly from the shore, and you’ll enter the water with your guide to reach the turtle area.

Are there showers or changing rooms at the cenote or at Akumal beach?

Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.

Planning & booking

What should I bring for the tour? Where can I leave my belongings?

Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list. Essentials include swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes.

You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Yes, you can bring your own mask and snorkel.

However, fins are not allowed when swimming with turtles or in the cenote, so please do not bring them.

We will still provide our own gear as a backup if needed. We will also provide mandatory life vests and optional wetsuits at the cenote if you want to wear one.

Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?

Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.

After booking, you can let us know your needs by filling out the check-in form—just follow the link in your booking confirmation email.

What is the cancellation policy?

Go ahead and plan with confidence—your booking is fully flexible!

You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.

We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!

For full details, check out our booking policy page.

Come explore the Riviera Maya with us.

Private adventures, thoughtfully planned by our local team.

Discover more tours

Akumal Turtles Tour

Explore the tour in photos.

The details of your private day.

Swim with Turtles Akumal & Snorkeling in a Cenote – Private Tour

A Double Snorkeling Adventure in Ocean and Jungle Waters

Swim with Sea Turtles in Their Natural Habitat

Snorkel in 1 or 2 Cenotes of Your Choice

A Delicious Local Lunch to End the Day