Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure

Outty Ranking 57 5.0 · 10 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $695
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure worth booking?

Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure is a 6-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $695 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
5/5 (10)
Duration
6 hours
From
$695 per person

Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim and snorkel beside wild marine turtles at one of the most beautiful beaches in Riviera Maya. Set out from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen on a private guided excursion to Akumal Bay, home to a stunning coral reef which plays host to hundreds of colorful fish, mantas, and other marine species. Take a short ride to a cenote for another refreshing dip, this time in the underground river's crystal clear water. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancun are included.

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim and snorkel beside wild marine turtles at one of the most beautiful beaches in Riviera Maya. Set out from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen on a private guided excursion to Akumal Bay, home to a stunning coral reef which plays host to hundreds of colorful fish, mantas, and other marine species. Take a short ride to a cenote for another refreshing dip, this time in the underground river's crystal clear water. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancun are included.

    What's included

    Included

    • Snorkeling gear
    • Private transportation
    • Water and soft drinks
    • Private, knowledgable guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Akumal

      Swim with Marine turtles in its natural environment.

      60 minutes here

    2. Cenote Azul

      Swim in a natural pool in the jungle

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Private Tour 1 to 2 pax

      Private Tour 1 to 2 marine turtle and cenote adventure Pickup included

    • Private Tour 5 to 6 pax

      Private Tour 5 to 6 pax Pickup included

    • Private Tour 3 to 4 pax

      Private Tour 3 to 4 pax Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Contoy Excursions

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Bring both a swimsuit and a towel
    • Please let us know your preferred tour time when booking (e.g. early morning, etc)

    Photos

    Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure in Playa del Carmen, photo 2Cenote snorkeling, Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure in Playa del CarmenPrivate Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure in Playa del Carmen, photo 4Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure in Playa del Carmen, photo 5Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure in Playa del Carmen, photo 6Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure in Playa del Carmen, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    10
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    IkeKimball · December 2024

    Memorable Experience

    Carlos was an excellent guide, telling us all about marine animals & birds. He was kind enough to lend us his underwater camera so we could capture some pictures. That was unexpected! We had a separate local guide (required) for the turtle swim, Salma. She was very helpful and we were able to see many turtles, other fish species, and a golden ray. Thank you to both for a very memorable experience.

    Response from the operator: That's fantastic news! We're absolutely thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful tour experience with us. Thank you so much for your amazing 5-star review on Viator – it truly means the world to our team!

    via Tripadvisor

    TJ_C · February 2023

    Turtles and cenotes oh my!

    Loved this tour and Carlos was amazing!! The most patient guide I am recommending him to my friends if they want to do this tour.

    via Viator

    Caroline V · June 2022

    Really good experience!

    Akumal is a true paradise - it was a really good experience! Our private driver, Carlos, was the best! He was kind, welcoming and dedicated.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your comments, hope we can see you soon again!.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Lindsay W · May 2022

    Worth it!

    Wonderful day. Saw around 7 turtles & lots of curious fish in the cenote. Carlos taught about what we were looking at the whole time and was a joy to be with. Definitely recommend it.

    Response from the operator: Our passionate bird-watching guides appreciate your comments, this motivates them to keep a good way, improving their skills every tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    stephenpcarr · March 2022

    A must-do in Rivera Maya

    For our first visit to Rivera Maya, we stayed in Akumal which is where local guides Cheyo and Monica of Contoy Adventures met our family of six (4 teens). During the snorkeling trip we saw 5 turtles eating sea grass, numerous tropical fish, sea anemones hidden in coral reefs, and as a bonus, the canon of an old Spanish ship. We then went to Azul Cenote and jumped off the 3-4 meter ledge into the water, and snorkeled with tropical fresh water fish. Cheyo and Monica were spectacular: detail-oriented, experienced, and they couldn’t have been friendlier. Contoy clearly know what they’re doing as two of our kids said this was the best vacation day of their lives. If you enjoy the wonder and beauty of the natural world, this trip is an absolute must.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the opportunity to take you on this amazing experience, hope you come back again to the Riviera Maya soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $695 to $895
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Contoy Excursions, who run 23 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.6.

    See everything Contoy Excursions runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)30
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.

    How much does Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure cost?

    +

    Prices start at $695 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa del Carmen usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa del Carmen is not rushed.

    Is Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa del Carmen, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa del Carmen can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa del Carmen and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa del Carmen within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Playa del Carmen experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ride to a life changing cenotes tour, Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid with Lunch and transportation, From Playa del Carmen ATV Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure?

    +

    Included: Snorkeling gear; Private transportation; Water and soft drinks; and Private, knowledgable guide. Not included: Gratuities; Souvenir photos (available to purchase); and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 685 listed pickup locations in and around Playa del Carmen. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Playa del Carmen. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including Private Tour 1 to 2 pax, Private Tour 5 to 6 pax, Private Tour 3 to 4 pax. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Tour: Akumal Marine Turtle Snorkeling and Cenote Adventure.

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