Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local worth booking?
Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local is a 5-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $159 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (35)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $159 per person
Swim with wild sea turtles in Akumal Bay, explore three hidden cenotes inside a private jungle property, and finish your day with a delicious meal at Lara & Luca Restaurant. This all-inclusive experience combines the Riv
What you get
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Snacks
About this experience
Swim with wild sea turtles in Akumal Bay, explore three hidden cenotes inside a private jungle property, and finish your day with a delicious meal at Lara & Luca Restaurant. This all-inclusive experience combines the Riviera Maya's two most extraordinary ecosystems into one unforgettable adventure. Created by passionate local hosts and trusted by hundreds of travelers with 300+ verified 5-star reviews, this is the original experience that has inspired many others across the region. Your experience includes: - Round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen - Guided turtle snorkeling in Akumal Bay - Access to three private jungle cenotes - Lockers, bathrooms and warm showers at the Diving Center - Snorkeling equipment, life jacket and goggles - Complete meal at Lara & Luca Restaurant Operating year-round, this experience runs even in light rain, making it always a reliable choice. Designed for travelers who value authentic nature, comfort and quality over crowded, rushed excursions.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities for guide are optional and appreciated as a kind gesture for their knowledge and service.
What you'll see and do
Akumal Bay
Akumal Bay is one of the very few places in the world where you can reliably swim alongside wild sea turtles in their natural habitat. Protected by a natural reef, the bay provides a safe environment where turtles freely feed on seagrass and reproduce, completely undisturbed in the open ocean. For your comfort, we use the facilities of the area's main diving centre, offering lockers, bathrooms, and showers. The experience is also led by an expert local guide, specially trained to interpret the marine environment and help you spot the turtles responsibly. The adventure begins with a short speedboat ride to the reef, where we start our snorkeling experience. Here, you may encounter vibrant corals, tropical fish, stingrays, starfish, and other fascinating marine life. We then continue to the turtle area, where we observe these incredible animals in their natural environment. To help preserve this delicate ecosystem, the use of sunscreen is not permitted before entering the water.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Puerto Aventuras
Discover three incredible crystal-clear cenotes hidden inside the same jungle property. Far from crowded tourist attractions, these cenotes offer a peaceful and authentic experience surrounded by lush nature, silence, and the untouched beauty of the Mayan jungle. Each cenote has its own unique atmosphere, with stunning turquoise waters partially covered by natural rock formations and protected from the strongest sun by the jungle canopy above. The result is a refreshing, relaxing, and almost surreal environment where guests can swim, float, and fully connect with nature in complete tranquility. All cenotes are located within walking distance of each other, allowing the experience to flow naturally through the jungle. Thanks to our small group format, guests can enjoy these magical places away from crowds and mass tourism. Life jackets and goggles are included; guests are welcome to use their own phones or GoPros throughout the experience to capture unforgettable memories freely.
90 minutes here
To complete the experience, we take our guests to Lara y Luca international restaurant, where you can finally relax in a comfortable air-conditioned environment after the jungle adventure. This is not a simple snack stop or basic local stand: it’s a complete dining experience, fully included in the tour. Guests enjoy a freshly prepared meal with excellent food quality and generous portions, together with a drink of choice: bottled water, soft drinks, a fresh fruit water of the day, or an ice-cold beer. *Vegetarian options are always available, as well as a dedicated kids menu for younger travelers, making the experience enjoyable for everyone. Many guests mention the restaurant experience in their reviews because they understand how important a truly good meal is after an active and unforgettable day exploring cenotes. Great food, refreshing drinks, air conditioning, and a relaxed atmosphere become the perfect final touch to end the excursion in the best possible way.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa del Carmen
Meet your guide at Lara & Luca Restaurant in Playa del Carmen before setting off on your adventure. Get acquainted, ask any questions and discover what awaits throughout the day. Optional private hotel pickup and drop-off is available for an additional fee.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet your guide at Lara & Luca Restaurant in Playa del Carmen before setting off on your adventure. Get acquainted, ask any questions and discover what awaits throughout the day. Optional private hotel pickup and drop-off is available for an additional fee.
Options you can book
Turtle Bay, 3 Cenotes, & Meal
Classic Experience Meal at Lara & Luca restaurant: Entrance + Main course + Coffee + dessert + fresh fruit water of the day, on weekdays (Monday to Friday) Car or Van: Air conditioned Car or van, depending on the number of participants
Akumal & 3 cenotes; NO MEAL.
Duration: 5 hours No meal is included A/C Car or Van
Akumal & cenotes; PRIVATE TOUR
PREMIUM & PRIVATE A/C CAR
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Soul Experiences Mexico
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
5 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fabio was amazing! 🐢🌊 Sea turtles up close, intimate cenotes, crystal blue water, zero crowds. 10/10 experience!
What an absolutely incredible day with Fabio! We started the day in Akumal swimming with sea turtles, and it was such an amazing experience. One thing we really appreciated was that they partner with a boat company that takes you directly out to the turtles. While other groups had to spend their energy swimming all the way out, we were able to relax and enjoy the experience right from the start. Seeing these beautiful sea turtles up close in their natural habitat was truly unforgettable! Then came the cenotes… and WOW. The cenotes were absolutely unbelievable! The water was the most beautiful crystal-clear blue we’ve ever seen. But the best part? WE HAD THEM COMPLETELY TO OURSELVES! No crowds, no noise—just pure peace and beauty. It felt so intimate and special, like we had discovered a hidden paradise. Fabio made the entire experience even better. He was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun to spend the day with. You can tell he loves what he does, and his passion made the tour that much more enjoyable. Thank you, Fabio, for creating such an unforgettable experience for us. We made memories that will last a lifetime and cannot wait to come back and do it again! 10/10 experience — highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a long, thoughtful, and incredibly detailed review, Giovanni!! ❤️❤️ Reviews like yours mean so much to us because they allow us to see the experience through our guests’ eyes and remind our entire team why we love what we do. We are especially grateful for the trust you placed in Fabio and for the wonderful words about him. His passion for nature, his knowledge, and the genuine enthusiasm he brings to every experience are qualities we value enormously. It makes us incredibly happy to know that you felt comfortable, relaxed, and able to truly enjoy the day from beginning to end. Creating experiences that feel personal and memorable, rather than simply following a standard itinerary, is something we care deeply about. And a very special thank you for the 5 stars! Your detailed review and recommendation are an enormous support to us and help future travelers understand what makes these experiences so unique. Fabio and the whole team will be delighted to know that you are already looking forward to coming back. We will be waiting for you in the Riviera Maya for your next adventure! *The Soul Experiences México Team*
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience
We had an amazing experience! Snorkeling with the turtles was very nice, however the highlight was access to the private cenotes!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌿🤍 We’re truly happy to know you had such an amazing experience with us. Swimming and snorkeling with the turtles is always something special 🐢💙, and we’re even happier that the private cenotes were the highlight of your day! Those hidden natural spots are pure magic, and sharing them in an intimate way is exactly what we aim to offer ✨🌴 We hope to welcome you again soon for another unforgettable adventure in the Riviera Maya! 🙏🏻💦 Soul Experiences Mexico
via Tripadvisor
Great experience – but skip the “roadside” sellers!
When you drive into the Akumal Beach area, you’ll see a lot of people waving you in, trying to sell snorkel tours for around $40 per person. Don’t fall for it! Instead, drive all the way in to the official parking area just past the entrance — parking costs only $5. The entrance fee is $7, and you can rent a locker with a lock for another $5 to store your belongings safely. On the beach, you can rent snorkel gear and life vests, or take a guided boat tour with an instructor for about $65 — which is a much better experience than the quick tours offered by the roadside vendors. Akumal Beach is absolutely worth visiting — calm waters, sea turtles, and a safe, organized setup. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime experience!
Fabio organized a tour for a group of 11 of us, and it was one of the highlights of the trip! He was very easy to work with, extremely flexible, and super knowledgeable about the sea turtles and cenotes. The snorkeling was so fun, and the cenotes were unlike anything I have ever seen before. By going with Fabio, we were able to have exclusive access to the cenotes which was such a treat! It was also so special to be able to share a delicious meal with him afterwards. I would highly recommend this experience for groups - especially girls trips/bachelorette/couples trips
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this beautiful review! 🤍 Hosting your group was honestly a pleasure, and I’m very glad you felt how flexible and fluid we like to work, creating the experience around you and not the other way around. Private access to those cenotes is truly something rare, and it makes me happy you recognized how special that is. And thank you as well for mentioning the meal afterwards; sharing food together, with intention, is always one of my favorite parts (Italian DNA… I can’t hide it 😄). I would be honored to welcome you back anytime, for more adventure, more nature, and more unforgettable moments as a group. Take a good care, all of you, and until next time, Fabio
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!!
This experience was absolutely amazing! We went swimming with sea turtles and visited 3 cenotes with Fabio for my bachelorette, and it was truly incredible. There were 11 of us, we were picked up at our house and taken back home at the end, which was very convenient. Fabio was so kind, knowledgeable, and fun to spend the day with! All of us loved his passion for nature and emphasis on preservation and respect. We could not have chosen a better person to take us on this activity! Also, the meal at the end is genuinely delicious. Loved all eating together like a family at the end of it! Would highly recommend to anyone.
Response from the operator: Thank you so so much for this beautiful message 🤍 Celebrating your bachelorette with all of you was truly an honor and I’m very happy you felt the care, the passion for nature, and the respect we try to bring into every moment. The private pick-up, the turtles, the cenotes… but especially the way we all shared that meal together at the end; that’s the part I always love the most :) Sitting together like a family, after living something real. Thank you again for choosing this for such an important moment of your trip; it means a lot. You’ll absolutely always be welcome back!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $159 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.
How much does Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local cost?
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Prices start at $159 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 Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 35 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 Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local?
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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 Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local?
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Around 12 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?
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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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Swim with sea turtles & discover hidden cenotes like a local start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour, VIP Tulum Private Tour, Chichen Itza Private Tour VIP. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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