Cenote Cavern Tour and Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal

Discover the Best of Riviera Maya with the Cenote Cavern Tour and Sea Turtle Swim

The Cenote Cavern Tour and Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal offers a captivating day exploring four prominent cenotes in the Riviera Maya region. Priced at $95.13 per person, this 6 to 7-hour tour departs from Playa del Carmen and provides an intimate experience with a small group of up to 12 people. What’s especially appealing is the combination of snorkeling in clear cenote waters and the chance to swim with wild sea turtles at Akumal Beach.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks, and a guide to help navigate the sites. While the overall experience earns a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 256 reviews, there are some notes about the crowd levels and communication that prospective guests should consider.

Key Points

• Includes visits to four distinct cenotes: Wisho, Zapotes, Cueva de las Tres Campanas, and Jaguar
• Swim with sea turtles at Akumal Beach, a major highlight of the tour
• Small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants ensures personalized attention
• Round-trip transport from Playa del Carmen is included, making logistics hassle-free
• Snorkeling equipment provided at all stops, plus bottled water and snacks for refreshment
• The tour costs $95.13 per person, with most bookings made 19 days in advance

Starting Point and Transportation Logistics in Playa del Carmen

The journey begins at Coco Bongo, located at Calle 12 Norte, esquina con Av. 10 Norte. The tour provides air-conditioned transportation, and a professional driver ensures a comfortable ride throughout the day. The group is limited to 15 travelers, which fosters a more personal and relaxed atmosphere compared to large bus loads.

The pickup process is straightforward, and the round-trip service drops guests back at the original meeting point at the end of the day. This convenience is a major advantage for travelers staying in Playa del Carmen, saving time and effort on logistics.

Visiting Akumal Beach: Swimming with Sea Turtles

The tour’s first stop is Akumal Beach, where the main attraction is swimming with wild sea turtles. Guests don snorkel masks and float over vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. This stop lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Although admission tickets are not included, the chance to observe and swim alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat makes this stop a highlight. The experience is particularly suited for those comfortable with snorkeling, as guidance and equipment are provided.

Exploring the Sacred Cenote Nohoch

Next, the tour visits Cenote Nohoch, where visitors bathe in refreshing waters set in a environment once considered sacred by the Mayan people. The cenote features snorkeling equipment to explore its underwater world. The visit lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Included in the tour is the entrance fee to Cenote Nohoch, and guides explain its significance and unique environment. Guests can expect to see clear waters with plenty of opportunities for underwater photography and snorkeling.

Discovering Wisho, Zapotes, and Jaguar Cenotes

The central part of the tour involves visiting three additional cenotes: Wisho, Zapotes, and Jaguar. These sites are known for their distinctive features, such as caves and underground formations, providing a variety of environments to snorkel and swim.

Each cenote offers a different experience, with guides leading guests through the underwater tunnels and caverns. The tour ensures that all participants have use of snorkeling gear, and snacks are available to keep energy levels up.

The Unique Environment of the Cenotes

The cenotes in this tour are notable for their crystal-clear waters and limestone formations. Guests have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in environments that were historically sacred to the Mayan civilization. The small group size ensures that visitors can enjoy a more personalized experience and receive guidance from knowledgeable aquatic guides.

Some reviews mention that the crowding can occur when multiple groups merge at the cenotes, but overall, the sites remain impressive and less crowded than larger tours might suggest.

Tips for Snorkelers and Physical Requirements

The tour emphasizes that snorkeling in the cenotes is best suited for strong swimmers and those comfortable with water activities. Snorkeling masks and equipment are provided, but guests should be prepared for cold waters, especially in cenotes with underground caves.

The tour also suggests bringing a towel, a locker for personal belongings, and sunscreen suitable for water activities. If guests want to extend their time, upgrading to a private tour is available for an additional fee, which can enhance the overall experience.

Akumal Turtle Sanctuary and Additional Considerations

While the main snorkeling stop at Akumal Beach is swimming with sea turtles in the wild, there’s an optional turtle conservation program that costs MX$400 per person paid after the tour. This helps support local marine conservation efforts.

A few reviews highlight some limitations, such as crowding at the cenotes, shorter swim times, and communication issues about the tour schedule. Some guests also mention the transport arrangements can feel uncomfortable or confusing, especially if the group size exceeds expectations.

The Guide and Customer Service Experience

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who are friendly and helpful, with some named guides like Nancy, Cristobal, and Mario standing out for their informative and engaging approach. Guides often explain the history and environment of each cenote, helping guests appreciate the significance of each site.

The driver/guide Adriana receives compliments for fantastic service, including taking guests to authentic Mexican restaurants after the tour. However, some reviews note poor communication and disorganization, especially regarding free time and lunch options, which can impact the overall experience.

Final Thoughts on the Cenote Cavern Tour with Sea Turtle Swim

This tour offers a worthwhile combination of exploring four different cenotes and swimming with sea turtles in Akumal. The small-group format enhances intimacy, and the inclusion of snorkeling equipment plus round-trip transport makes it a convenient option for visitors staying in Playa del Carmen.

While some crowding and logistical issues have been noted, the stunning cenote environments and the opportunity to see sea turtles in the wild remain compelling. It’s best suited for active, water-loving guests comfortable with snorkeling and willing to spend a full day exploring underground and coastal ecosystems.

This tour provides excellent value for money and delivers the adventure and scenery that define Riviera Maya’s natural attractions. It’s a reliable choice for travelers eager for memorable underwater experiences with knowledgeable guides to enrich each stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Snorkeling in cenotes and with sea turtles requires strong swimming skills and comfort in water. Guests should be confident swimmers or consider upgrading to a private tour for more assistance.

What is included in the price?
The $95.13 fee covers round-trip transportation, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks, and guides at the cenotes and Akumal Beach. Admission tickets for cenotes are included for Cenote Nohoch, but not for Akumal Beach.

Can I see sea turtles in their natural habitat?
Yes, the tour offers the chance to swim with wild sea turtles at Akumal Beach, in their natural environment, not an enclosed sanctuary.

How long do the cenote stops last?
Each cenote stop generally lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time for snorkeling and exploring.

What should I bring for the tour?
Guests should bring a towel, waterproof sunscreen, additional snacks if desired, and a locker for personal belongings. Wearing comfortable water shoes is recommended.

Are there options for private tours?
Yes, upgrading to a private tour to enjoy more personalized time or additional flexibility is available for an extra fee.

What are the main drawbacks of this tour?
Some reviews mention crowding at the cenotes, short swim times, and communication issues about schedule details. It’s advisable to clarify expectations beforehand.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most active guests, children or non-swimmers should be prepared for water activities and cold cenote waters.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than 24 hours’ notice results in no refund.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by Holbox Magico, known for organizing tours in the Playa del Carmen area with a focus on natural attractions and eco-friendly experiences.