Private Akumal Turtle Snorkeling Tour

Your private snorkeling and cenote tour covers approximately 5 hours, door-to-door.

• 8:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel or condo
• Snorkeling at the reef: Swim alongside sea turtles (45 minutes to 1 hour)
• Cenotes: Explore two hidden underground caves with your guide
• Lunch: Traditional regional meal at a local restaurant
• 1:30 PM: Drop-off at your hotel or condo (approximate)

Times may vary by location and highway conditions.

In public Akumal Bay, shared groups of 20 to 50 people crowd the reef with no individual attention from a guide. With us, it is just your group (2 to 8 people) and one certified guide, setting the pace around you. No strangers, no shared bus. Your guide enters the water with you at all times.

Yes, if you want unhurried time in the water with a guide present and no crowds. This tour suits couples, families, and anyone wanting calm, shallow conditions. If budget is the primary concern and you do not mind crowds, the public beach is accessible on your own.

Akumal Bay is a calm, reef-protected cove where resident sea turtles feed on seagrass growing near the coral. The turtles are here year-round because the food source is stable. Sessions typically include 2 to 7 turtles. The swim from shore to the reef takes about 5 minutes. It is sheltered, not open ocean.

We pick up directly from your hotel, resort, or condo along the Riviera Maya coastline.

• Playa del Carmen: Fifth Avenue, downtown area, and all hotel zones
• Riviera Maya resorts: all properties between Playa del Carmen and Akumal, including Playacar, Puerto Aventuras, and Puerto Morelos
• For pickups outside these areas, contact us via WhatsApp before booking to confirm availability

This tour involves snorkeling in calm water and walking on uneven terrain at the cenotes.

• Children must be at least 6 years old to snorkel in the reef
• Basic swimming ability required (calm bay, not open ocean)
• Not suitable for guests with serious mobility limitations
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• For heart, respiratory, or other medical conditions, contact us before booking
• Biodegradable sunscreen required; regular sunscreen is not permitted

Yes. Xaman-Ha Connections® is SECTUR certified by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism and our guides are INAH-certified in Mexican history and culture. We have served 15,000+ clients over 10+ years and have been featured in Forbes and Kayak. Learn more about our credentials on our About page.

Basic swimming ability is enough. The bay is calm and sheltered, and the swim from shore to the reef takes about 5 minutes. The water is not deep. Life jackets are provided and available for anyone who prefers them. Your guide stays in the water with you throughout the experience.

Yes. Children 6 years and older can snorkel in the reef with the group. For children under 6, we recommend staying at the shoreline. All children must be accompanied by an adult and are required to wear a life jacket at all times in the water.

Pack light. Bring a towel, swimsuit, light clothes, a hat, and sunglasses. A camera or GoPro is welcome in the water. Biodegradable sunscreen is required; regular sunscreen is not allowed at the reef or cenotes. Closed, non-slip shoes are recommended for cenote terrain. Start the day with a good breakfast.

We customize the lunch to your dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Please inform us during booking and the restaurant will prepare accordingly.

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before your departure for a full refund. Cancellations must be requested by email. See our Cancellation Policy for full details.

For bookings with less than 24 hours’ notice, availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak season. Contact us directly via WhatsApp for a quick response.