Swim alongside sea turtles on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, then dive into the cathedral-like calm of a Yucatán cenote. This guided half-day trip from Playa del Carmen pairs warm Caribbean snorkeling with the otherworldly cool of underground rivers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Salt air and limestone light meet at Akumal’s shallow bay, where the reef rolls like a green carpet and sea turtles surface with the patient calm of old sailors.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability and general mobility; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Cenotes were freshwater sources and sacred sites for the Maya; the Mesoamerican Reef has long supported coastal communities through fishing and trade.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to follow no-touch rules, use reef-safe sunscreens and pay preservation fees that fund reef and cenote protection and monitoring.
Reserve your spot on the Snorkel Around Turtles in Akumal and Underground Cenote today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Preservation fee ready
Bring approximately $20 USD in cash for the local preservation tax—it helps fund reef and cenote protection.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe SPF before arrival to protect coral and avoid oily residue on rental masks.
Wear water shoes to the cenote
Cenote entry can be rocky and slippery—light, grippy water shoes make access and exits easier.
Secure personal items
Bring a waterproof pouch or leave valuables at the meeting point; boats and cave edges are not forgiving to loose phones.
Swimsuit and towel
Wet-suit optional—bring a change of clothes and towel for post-cenote comfort.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the reef—apply before arrival to avoid contaminating rented gear.
summer
Water shoes
Provides traction on slippery cenote steps and rocky shorelines.
Small waterproof bag
Keeps keys, cash and phone dry while on the boat and at the cenote