PRIVATE TOUR: For snorkeling lovers: Swim alongside sea turtles in Akumal Bay, then explore the crystal-clear waters of 1 or 2 cenotes. End the day with a delicious meal at a local Mexican restaurant.
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
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 each location, moving at your own pace.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:45am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:30pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
08:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:15pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
07:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:45am – 09:45am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:45am – 10:15am: Transportation
10:15am – 11:15am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:15am – 12:00pm: Lunch at a restaurant
12:00pm – 13:45pm: Transportation to your hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to a maximum of 1 hour, as per Akumal regulations.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes and
preserve the reefs, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance
with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
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.
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.
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 Information” 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.
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.
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.
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
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 each location, moving at your own pace.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:45am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:30pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
08:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:30am – 09:30am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:30am – 10:00am: Transportation
10:00am – 11:00am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:00am – 11:45am: Lunch at a restaurant
11:45pm – 12:15pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
07:00am: Transportation from your hotel to Akumal
08:45am – 09:45am: Snorkeling with turtles*
09:45am – 10:15am: Transportation
10:15am – 11:15am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:15am – 12:00pm: Lunch at a restaurant
12:00pm – 13:45pm: Transportation to your hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to a maximum of 1 hour, as per Akumal regulations.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes and
preserve the reefs, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance
with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone,
camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you
can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always
be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
You must be logged in to post a review.
You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keith –
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.
Matt –
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.
Canela –
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!!!
Jeffrey P. –
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!
Tim –
Wonderful private tour! Hit all the points we wanted to see! Juan was amazing and a wonderful host! Thanks for the great memories!
Jessica –
Juan was amazing! He was knowledgeable, kind, and extremely helpful!
Mike –
Me and my family took a private tour with Josh and Rodri. We went snorkeling with the turtles saw five turtles and many tropical fish. It was incredible. We then went snorkeling in the Oso Cenotes which were underwater caves. Josh escorted us through the caves. Otherwise we probably would’ve got lost. The water was so clear. Josh then escorted us through the Cenotes to-the Batcave. There was bats everywhere. It was awesome. After snorkeling in the Cenotes we walk to have lunch, which was very tasty,lunch was included in the tour. I want to thank Josh and Rodri for an incredible day. I would totally recommend the tour.
Jorge –
Fun private tour
Great private tour to snorkel with turtles and swim in a cenote. Our guide Arturo was very accommodating and knowledgeable. He made the tour very memorable. Much appreciated. Hasta la proxima!
John –
Great turtle and cenote adventure
We had a great time with our guide Cristina. Pickup was right on time and the tour met all expectations. The turtle snorkeling was very doable if you were a confident swimmer (with mandatory life jacket). We chose the Taak bi Ha cenote swim and it was like nothing anyone in family had done before. I recommend to use the snorkel mask in the cenote to see the underwater channels.
Jennifer –
Perfect experience from start to finish!
If I could recommend this Tour more than 5 stars I would. I highly recommend this service, it’s private personal to your group. (My case me and my husband). We have been on tours with other companies which other passengers have ruined the experience, there is no chance of that here.
Our guide and Driver who picked us up at 7:45am on Sunday July 6th from Secrets/Impressions Moxche, were spectacular from the start. They even checked with us first if we still wanted to go swim with the Turtles because the sargassum was very thick at the opening (and we would have to walk through it), I know that’s nature and we do not control it, sargassum didn’t stop me from seeing the turtles though. Our Guide who had to take over there was a young 20 something guy very educational and nice. We saw 4 turtles. 1 massive one, 1 baby and 2 normal sized turtles. 🐢
Then we went to a lagoon, Yalku in Akumal. Our guide was able to join us there. It was absolutely beautiful there breathtakingly beautiful. It was one of the most beautiful magical experiences I’ve been on since the great barrier reefs Australia , and Maui Hawaii as a kid.
After that we went to a wonderful local restaurant in Akumal, and had Taco’s & nacho chips.
Then our trip came to an end and we got back to our resort at 12:30pm.
I wish I wrote our guides name down, he was truly amazing and wouldn’t have wanted any other guide! 🙂 Will definitely be coming back and bringing family and friends.
I highly recommend Absolute Adventures Mexico!! When in playa del Carmen will be only using them from now on!
Jennifer –
Had a perfect day from start to finish! 🙂 I would give double stars if I could! We picked two spots in Akumul swam with the turtles they gave us the option to switch because of the Sargassum/Seaweed, it didn’t bother us though so we went and had a wonderful time. We saw 4 turtles, one huge turtle a baby and 2 normal sized turtles. Then we went probably one of the prettiest unique places I’ve ever seen, at the Yalku lagoon, our guide joined us there and he was so kind and informative. We then went to lunch in Akumal and had some delicious taco’s, and nacho chips. I definitely recommend, booking with Absolute Adventures Mexico one of the best excursions I’ve ever been on.
Sharon_H –
Amazing experience!
Darwin was so welcoming and friendly. We had such a good time and managed to see over 15 turtles!!! It was such a good experience and I would recommend it to anyone!
Linn –
We had a wonderful time w Alex as our private guide. He is so knowledgeable and kind. He made sure we were safe comfortable and happy the whole time. We had a wonderful experience
LG –
Josh Showed Us the Best of Tulum
We took a private tour with Josh and he was fabulous, so personable, friendly and knowledgeable. Picked us up at our vacation rental, drove the turtles and introduced us to our guide for the 45 minutes in the ocean. He was waiting for us when we returned and helped us with our gear. We saw three turtles, rays, and numerous fish. It was the perfect amount of time in the water. We then went to a cave cenote and Josh guided us through the water, making sure we were all safe. Amazing! He was a great tour guide. He took us to the authentic lunch, which we really enjoyed. Amazing place to visit. I would highly recommend this private tour with Josh.
Susan –
Swimming with turtles and snorkeling
The snorkeling in the small inlet off the sea was amazing, and the swimming with the turtles at Akumel, also included fantastic snorkeling around healthy sea fans and coral. The Mayan lunch afterwards was medium, but still delicious. Our guide, Juan, was smart, and alot of fun.
Lisa –
Cenote tour with a side of turtles 🐢
We had an amazing day with our wonderful guide, Arturo, visiting Akumal to swim with sea turtles and snorkeling among beautiful sea life. A beautiful place. We also visited a cenote and had an awesome time. Arturo was a very skilled guide, kind to our family and extremely accommodating. We felt it was a privilege to view these natural sites and experience them in this way. Something we could only do here in Mexico!
Steph –
Awesome adventure!
Joshua is a wonderful guide. Took our family of 5 with 2 kids (5 and 8 good snorkelers) to dos ojos cenote and Akumal beach. Saw many turtles at akumal and the cenote was such a great adventure! Thanks again Joshua!
Kylie –
We had an amazing experience on the Turtle and Cenote excursion! Joshua was a great guide and was fun, knowledgable and kind. We saw so many turtles and other wildlife, and had a choice of cenote to visit afterwards. The cenote we picked was practically empty, and beautiful. 10/10 experience!
dragons67 –
Alex was our guide and Rodrigo was our driver. Pick up time was perfect we did early pick up so we were snorkeling with sea turtles by 8:30 a.m. no crowd. Water in ocean in January was surprisingly warm. Guide at Cenote Stephen was excellent found us a ton of seas turtles, stingrays (multiple and sizes) and various fish. We than went to Cenote (Alex tour guide) and on the way he gave us so much great knowledge about the Mayan people and culture. Made trip go quickly. They took pictures of us, very plesant. We did the underground Cenote very awesome and also warm. The final part of trip was meal which was amazing and milkeshake was delicious. Overall can’t say enough good things about Alex he was fun kind and a plethora of knowledge. Thanks for making the MN tourist experience amazing.
Samantha –
Great tour guide & experience!
Alex & Rodrigo were a great pair for our tour! We felt safe the entire time, saw lots of sea life, and learned a lot on the way there. We were able to choose from 3 different cenotes and the Taak Bi Ha was the under ground one that we chose. It was beautiful and Alex showed us around the whole Cenote. We were able to get a delicious authentic Mexican lunch after it all and then head back to the hotel. It was a perfect half day excursion.