Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote
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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 79 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote worth booking?
Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote is a 5-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $173 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 79 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (79)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $173 per person
Experience a one-of-a-kind and exclusive private snorkeling tour that offers the opportunity to swim with turtles in Akumal. Afterward, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in a cenote of your choice, accompanied by a certif
What you get
- Lunch at a local Mexican restaurant with one meal a la carte
- Water and sodas provided in the cooler of the van
- All taxes and commissions
- Snorkeling gear of the highest quality with life vests
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or Airbnb by private air-conditioned minivan
- Certified, experienced and dedicated private guide
About this experience
Experience a one-of-a-kind and exclusive private snorkeling tour that offers the opportunity to swim with turtles in Akumal. Afterward, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in a cenote of your choice, accompanied by a certified guide. You can choose between three stunning cenotes: Jaguar, Nicte Ha, or Taak bi ha. Additionally, you will enjoy a delightful snack at a local Mexican restaurant located in the heart of the jungle. This tour is perfect for families and groups of friends, and it offers easy snorkeling for all skill levels.
What's included
Included
- Lunch at a local Mexican restaurant with one meal a la carte
- Water and sodas provided in the cooler of the van
- All taxes and commissions
- Snorkeling gear of the highest quality with life vests
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or Airbnb by private air-conditioned minivan
- Certified, experienced and dedicated private guide
- Cenote and Turtles cooperative fees, Beach entrance bracelet
Not included
- Drinks at the restaurant
What you'll see and do
Akumal Beach
We will pick you up with a private vehicle from your hotel-rental (approx 45 minutes driving). Enjoy swimming alongside majestic turtles with your own private snorkeling guide! No need for a boat as the snorkeling is conveniently done from the shore, and the ocean in this protected bay is blissfully calm. Get ready to witness the wonder of sea turtles up close, and if luck is on your side, you may even encounter graceful stingrays and a multitude of vibrant, colorful fish. Get ready for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Swim & Snorkel in Cenote: You have the option to swim and snorkel in any of these cenotes: Cenote Jaguar, which is an open-air cenote with cliff jumping and ziplining; Cenote Nicte Ha, an open-air cenote perfect for relaxation; or Cenote Taak bi Ha, a cave cenote where you can explore the underground river.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Parque Dos Ojos
To end your tour, you'll get to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant located in the jungle near the cenotes. Indulge in mouthwatering tacos, empanadas, and more. Get ready for an unforgettable and truly authentic experience! After lunch, we'll take you back to your hotel or rental.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Private Van 3
Just you, your guide & driver: Pick up from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. We advise 7:30am pick up to avoid crowds. Pickup included
Private Van 2
Just you, your guide & driver: Pick up from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. We advise 7:30am pick up to avoid crowds. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Absolute Adventure Mexico
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Swimming skill mandatory
- Children of less than 3 years old can not participate.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 79 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
79 verified traveler reviews for Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thanks Cristina and Ivan!
This was such a fun tour! Cristina was a wonderful guide and full of so much historical and cultural knowledge. While snorkeling we saw four sea turtles, puffer fish, and a sting ray. The cenote was absolutely amazing and visually stunning. Wonderful experience start to finish!
Response from the operator: Many thanks for your review—we’re glad you had such a positive experience. We’d love to have you back again!
via Tripadvisor
Cenote was awesome!
The cenote was absolutely incredible and our tour guide and driver were knowledgeable and amazing (Ivan and Cristina). The snorkeling wasnt super impressive but the cenote and lunch made it worth while. Would defintely recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your feedback! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed the experience. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure in the Riviera Maya!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience for all the family.
Wonderful trip today to see the turtles (rays and many fish) followed by a cenote swim and lunch at a local restaurant. We were 2 adults with a 15 and 12 year old. Everyone loved it and went home very happy! Our guide Arturo was excellent - great information and advised us on which cenote to go to given other trips planned.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your 5stars review. We are very happy to hear that your experience with our team was a positive one and hope to host you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable turtle/cenote tour
I went on this excursion with a group of friends and we had the best time from start to finish. Swimming with the turtles and then exploring the beautiful Taak Bi Ha Cenote is something our group will never forget and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Everything felt seamless and stress free, including the pick up and drop off from our hotel. A special shoutout to our driver Hugo, who was fantastic, and to our guide Arturo, who made an already beautiful experience even more enjoyable. He was incredibly informative, engaging, and kept our whole group smiling the entire time. The cherry on top was the delicious meal at the end of the tour, which was the perfect way to wrap up such an unforgettable day together. Thank you!!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your thoughtful review of your private snorkeling tour. We’re overjoyed that you had a fantastic day and a wonderful time with our team.
via Tripadvisor
Absolute Adevnetures - Private Tour - Akumal Snorkel & Nicte-Ha Cenote
This truly was the best experience! My husband & I booked a Akumal snorkel with Turtles and then onto Nicte-Ha Cenote (we had the whole place to ourselves!) and after, an amazing meal at an authentic family owned and ran Mexican restaurant. The whole experience was better than I could have ever imagined it would be! Now, our tour guide Juan of Absolute Adventures was AAAAAMAZING!!! He is THE BEST! He was friendly, knowledgeable, well travelled and best of all incredibly funny! I could go on and on about him. If you are thinking about doing a tour through Absolute Adventures, DO IT! It truly will be the highlight of your vacation! Thank you for all the laughs, and the great time, Juan! You are simply the best! Thank you, Juan! "The Canadians"
Response from the operator: Thank you for reviewing your private snorkeling tour. We're glad you had an excellent experience with our team. Come back soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $173 to $200
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.
How much does Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote cost?
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Prices start at $173 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 Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote 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 Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 79 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Playa del Carmen, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote?
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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 Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. 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 Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote?
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Around 28 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 Turtle Encounter Private Tour – Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote 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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