Swimming with turtles, 2 cenotes & gopro

If you’re dreaming of connecting with nature and marine life in the Riviera Maya, this tour offers a full day of snorkeling, exploring cenotes, and taking unforgettable photos. We haven’t done this trip ourselves, but the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a clear picture of what you can expect — and it looks pretty fantastic for anyone craving authentic, immersive experiences.

What really stands out are how personalized and flexible the tour is—only your group participates—and the knowledgeable guides who bring the area’s history and natural beauty to life. Plus, the chance to swim alongside turtles and take photos with your GoPro in crystal-clear waters definitely makes this feel like a trip worth considering.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour schedule is tightly packed over about five hours, so if you’re looking for a super relaxed, slow-paced day, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those who want a variety of sights and activities in a manageable timeframe, it’s a great fit.

This experience would suit travelers who are eager to see marine life, enjoy snorkeling, and love exploring cenotes without fuss. If you’re traveling with friends or family who share a sense of adventure and love nature, you’ll probably find this tour checks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Highly personalized experience with only your group participating.
• Expert guides who are passionate and knowledgeable about the area.
• Includes GoPro photos, offering a chance to capture underwater moments.
• Diverse activities: snorkeling with turtles, rays, tropical fish, plus visiting and jumping from cenote platforms.
• Good value for the price, considering the included equipment, guide, and photo package.
• Duration of about 5 hours makes it a manageable half-day adventure.

Connecting with Marine Life and Snorkeling at Akumal Bay

The highlight of this tour is definitely swimming with sea turtles in their natural habitat. Akumal Bay is known for its clear waters and lively marine environment, and it’s perfect for snorkelers of all levels. The guides will start by giving a quick rundown of rules and safety, making sure everyone feels comfortable before slipping into the water.

Once in, you’ll see turtles gliding gracefully, along with rays and tropical fish darting around. The reviews, like Eric_S’s, praise the guides highly: “Benjamin was a wonderful guide. He grew up as a small child enjoying these cenotes. Chemuyil is a perfect small village,” which hints at the personal touches and local knowledge that make this trip memorable.

The snorkeling isn’t just about spotting creatures; it’s about feeling connected to the environment. The water in Akumal is usually calm, giving you plenty of time to observe the underwater life and take photos, especially since GoPro photos are included.

Exploring Cenote Xunaan Ha — Crystal Waters and Jumping Platforms

After about an hour in the bay, the group is driven to the first cenote, Xunaan Ha. Here, the water is famously clear, and you’ll have the chance to jump into it from a platform. It’s a great spot for a quick splash, some fun photos, and just enjoying the serenity of the underground river setting.

The cenote feels almost like a natural swimming pool, with crystalline waters you can peer into as you gear up for your swim. The guide will help you make the most of your time here, whether that’s relaxing or getting some fun shots before moving on.

Venturing into the Cave Cenote

Next, you’ll visit a cave cenote that’s about 5 meters underground. This part of the tour is particularly special because it connects to the Mayan underworld mythos; underground rivers were seen as gateways to the afterlife. It’s a unique experience to go down into the cool, dark water and snorkel in a setting that feels a bit mystical.

The cave cenote offers a different vibe from the open-air Xunaan Ha — more enclosed, with an almost otherworldly feel that enhances the sense of adventure. If you’re into photography, the contrast of light and dark makes for some striking images.

Jumping and Photos: Making the Most of Your Time

The tour emphasizes photo opportunities, especially since you can jump from the platform into the cenote — a fun and safe way to get some memorable shots. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed capturing these moments, and the use of GoPro photos is a big plus.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour starts at 9:00 am from a meeting point in Chemuyil, and the entire experience lasts approximately five hours. The private nature of the tour means your group won’t be mixed with strangers, which keeps things relaxed and personalized. The transportation is included from the meeting point to Akumal Bay and cenotes, streamlining the logistics so you can focus on having fun.

Price and Value

At around $139 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: snorkeling gear, bottled water, and the GoPro photos. The personalized service and exclusive focus on your group enhance the experience, making it feel more intimate and tailored.

While there’s no included lunch—so plan accordingly—this short, action-packed trip covers diverse interests: marine life, cenote exploration, and great photo moments. If you’re someone who wants a well-rounded half-day adventure without breaking the bank, this fits the bill.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are all glowing. Eric_S mentions “Benjamin was a wonderful guide,” and highlights how fun and meaningful the cenote jump was. The sense of connection to the local community, like Chemuyil village, adds a layer of authenticity many travelers appreciate.

One reviewer noted that the tour’s small group and personal guide help make the experience both educational and enjoyable, especially if you love learning about local culture and environment. The guide’s background, having grown up enjoying these cenotes, brings extra credibility and enthusiasm to the experience.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the schedule’s brevity. With five hours packed with activities, it might feel a little rushed if you like to take your time. Also, since it’s weather-dependent (good weather is required), plans could change, but the tour offers options for rescheduling or full refunds.

If you prefer a slow-paced day lounging on the beach or exploring at your own pace, this might not be the ideal option. But if you want to maximize your time with a mix of adventure and nature, it’s a solid choice.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, all-in-one day outing. It’s well-suited for those eager to see turtles in their natural environment, explore stunning cenotes, and take lots of photos with minimal fuss. Because it’s private, it’s especially good if you’re traveling with close friends or a small family who value flexibility and knowledgeable guides.

If you’re interested in combining marine life with cenote exploration in a manageable timeframe, this tour offers a compelling mix of activities. It’s also a good pick for travelers who appreciate authentic local stories—thanks to guides who grew up with these spots.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or people who don’t snorkel often?
Yes. The guides will explain snorkeling rules and safety, making it accessible for beginners. The calm waters at Akumal Bay are ideal for those new to snorkeling.

What equipment is included?
You’ll have access to snorkeling gear, including masks, fins, and snorkels. The tour also supplies bottled water and GoPro photos to capture your underwater moments.

How long does each activity last?
The snorkeling at Akumal Bay lasts about 1 hour. The cenote visits include time to enjoy jumping and snorkeling, with the entire tour around five hours total.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned. The activity is generally suitable for anyone comfortable with swimming and snorkeling.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Since food isn’t included, pack a snack or lunch if you think you’ll need it after the tour.

Is transportation included?
Yes. You’ll meet at a designated spot, and transportation is provided from Chemuyil to the tour sites and back.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the natural beauty of Playa del Carmen’s underwater and underground worlds. With a focus on personal experience, knowledgeable guides, and fun photo opportunities, it’s a great option for travelers looking to pack a lot into half a day without the hassle of large group tours.

You’ll love swimming with turtles and exploring cenotes if you’re curious about the region’s marine and geological wonders. The inclusion of GoPro photos makes it easy to remember and share your adventure. Keep in mind the schedule is brisk, so if you prefer taking things slow, plan accordingly.

All in all, this experience delivers on authenticity, scenery, and fun—an ideal pick for those who want a meaningful taste of the Riviera Maya’s natural charm.

Enjoy your planning and I hope your trip to Playa del Carmen is filled with incredible moments!