Snorkeling in Tulum: Playa Maya Reef, Kaan Luum Lagoon & Cenote Day Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable for most people who can swim short distances and handle repeated water entries; minimal hiking or exertion required.
Overview
From coral gardens at Playa Maya to the turquoise rim and deep blue eye of Kaan Luum, this six-hour day tour stitches together Caribbean reefs, a tranquil lagoon and a freshwater cenote. Ideal for swimmers of all levels, the trip pairs certified guides and round-trip transport with local snacks and snorkeling gear.
Snorkeling in Tulum: Playa Maya Reef, Kaan Luum Lagoon & Cenote Day Tour
Select participants and date
The morning light on the Caribbean picks out bands of turquoise and steel as the van eases onto the sand at Playa Maya. Salt air and the soft hiss of small waves signal the start: a short gear check, mask fitting under a guide's watchful eye, then the sea opening up around you. Coral pinnacles rise like slow-moving furniture, schools of damselfish flicker, and a hawksbill turtle glides with the patience of the coast.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen before you arrive and reapply only where necessary; normal sunscreens harm coral.
Bring water shoes
Cenote entrances and rocky lagoon edges can be sharp and slippery—water shoes protect toes and provide better traction.
Choose morning departures
Morning tours often have calmer seas and better underwater visibility at the reef.
Pack a small dry bag
Keep valuables, a phone and cash dry—many transfers and beach areas are exposed to spray and sand.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill and green turtles
- Parrotfish and sergeant majors around reef edges
History
Cenotes were central to Maya life and ritual; many in the Yucatán are natural wells formed by the collapse of limestone into an underground aquifer.
Conservation
Tours emphasize low-impact visits: use reef-safe products, avoid touching coral, and follow guides to limit erosion and disturbance to fragile lagoon and cenote ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Tulum
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask & snorkel (if you prefer your own)
Many prefer fitted personal gear for comfort, though equipment is provided.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing damage to coral and marine life.
summer specific
Water shoes
Useful for walking across limestone, beach rocks and entering cenotes.
Quick-dry towel and change of clothes
You’ll want dry clothes for the return trip and a towel for local facilities.