Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay & Cenote Tour (AM)
Snorkel Discovery Morning Tour
From $89.10

"Amazing Experience!"
-We had the best day swimming with turtles and exploring the Cenote. Our tour guide, Ariann, was absolutely fantastic and so passionate with the information she was telling us.
Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay & Cenote Tour (AM)
Snorkel Discovery Morning Tour
From $89.10

"Amazing Experience!"
-We had the best day swimming with turtles and exploring the Cenote. Our tour guide, Ariann, was absolutely fantastic and so passionate with the information she was telling us.
Cenote Exploring
Family Friendly
Fish Spotting
Sea Turtles Spotting
Snorkeling
Swimming
About this Tour:
Explore the fascinating underwater world of Turtle Bay on a leisurely snorkel tour in search of 3 of the world’s 7 sea turtle species. Brightly colored tropical fish, spectacular coral, amazing rock formations, rays, and unbelievable visibility make this an unforgettable experience. A short 5-minute boat ride will be included to go to the turtles’ area.
Then journey deep into the subtropical rainforest of the Yucatan to relax, wander, jump & swim in the crystal-clear fresh waters of a massive “cenote”, and marvel at the thousands of spectacular stalagmites and stalactites that surround you at every turn.
Our professional guides will make sure you feel safe and ensure you have a truly fascinating experience. Even if you are not such an experienced snorkeler or if you are not so comfortable swimming the guide will be there every step of the way even holding your hand if needed. Our guides will make sure you have a safe and memorable experience swimming with turtles in Akumal and exploring ancient cenotes.
Throughout the day our professional photographer will take lots of photos of you swimming with Akumal turtles and exploring the magical cenotes. If you like you can purchase a digital copy with your personalized images.
Full snorkeling gear will be provided, wetsuits are optional. The gear is disinfected and carefully washed every day.
If you would like a private tour of Akumal and the surrounding cenotes we are more than happy to assist you.
You will have a wonderful day as you swim with turtles in Mexico! Don’t miss this great opportunity. Contact us any time for more details.
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Tour Time Table
* Times can vary depending the conditions.
06:00 AM
- Pick up From Cancun area07:00 AM
- Pick up from Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen08:00 AM
- Pick up from Tulum area09:15 - 10:15 AM
- Snorkel activity in Akumal bay.10:30 AM
- Departure to the cenotes park.11:00 AM
- Arrival to the cenotes park.11:15 - 12:30 PM
- Guided tour and activity in the cenote.01:00 PM
- Transportation back to the Hotels.
Cancel up to 24 hs before your tour for a full refund.
100% refund will apply in the following cases:
- If the service is canceled by the supplier. For example in case of bad weather and rescheduling
is not possible. Due to illness, presenting a doctor's report. - If the cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the day of the tour.
- If a date change is requested at least 24 hours prior to the date of the tour and a new date
cannot be agreed upon.
50% refund will apply:
- If the cancellation is made after 5pm (local time) the day before the tour.
- If a date change is requested after 5pm (local time) on the day before the tour, and a new date
cannot be agreed upon.
No refunds will apply:
- If the client does not show on the date and time of the tour.
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Tour Video
Photo Gallery
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F.A.Qs:
Is it necessary to wear a life vest during the snorkeling?
The use of a life vest, provided by us free of charge, is mandatory during any snorkel activity.
How is snorkeling in Akumal?
Akumal is famous for the sea turtles. Sea turtles have in common that they all enjoy warm and calm beaches, with plentiful seagrass and protected by a reef: this is just what Akumal Bay offers! On our tour, we take you in a small boat just 0.2 mile/300 meters (5 minutes) offshore. Snorkeling above the seagrass beds gives you the best chance to see the sea turtles and stingrays. If currents and visibility allow us, we will take you also to the reef to observe sea fans and several species of hard and leafy coral. Snorkeling along the reef, you will come across shoals of grunts, blue tang, parrotfish, or butterflyfish.
What determines the sex of a sea turtle?
The sex of a sea turtle is determined by the temperature at which the turtle's eggs are incubated. In general, warmer temperatures tend to produce females, while cooler temperatures tend to produce males. This phenomenon is known as temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). The exact temperature thresholds that determine the sex of a sea turtle can vary depending on the species, but in general, temperatures within the range of 29 to 31 degrees Celsius (84 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit) are most likely to produce females, while temperatures below 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) are most likely to produce males.
How many miles do sea turtles travel?
Whether it is for migration reasons, for mating, or feeding, Sea Turtles
can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers before reaching their
destination.
How many species of sea turtles are there in the world?
There are seven species of sea turtles, which are marine reptiles that need to breathe air to survive. Six of the seven species are found in the Atlantic and Pacific Sea. The flatback turtle is only found in the Western Indo-Pacific. Out of the 7 species of sea turtles that remain, 6 of them nest in Mexico.
Four of these species can be found in Quintana Roo – the leatherback turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the white turtle.
Unfortunately, all 7 species of Sea Turtles are endangered. This is due to illegal poaching and pollution.
In Mexico, turtles are protected since 1990. Fishing, hunting, or poaching turtles is now a federal offense.
Where does the name Akumal come from?
The name "Akumal" comes from the Mayan, meaning "place of turtles." Each year hundreds of turtles arrive to lay their eggs in the sand and feed on the seagrasses. Adding to the allure is that it's home to three species of sea turtles: Green, Loggerhead & Hawksbill.
Do you pick me up from my Airbnb or Private residence?
Yes, we will happily schedule your pickup from your Airbnb or Private Excursion. As soon as you arrive at your destination let us know your exact location. For some locations, we have special nearby meeting points.
Can I be dropped off at another hotel or location?
Please ask our Ocean Tours Team before booking if you want to be dropped off at another location. We will try our best to accommodate your request. We cannot take luggage like suitcases and backpacks on our coach excursion. We can accommodate you on our Private Excursion.
How safe are my belongings whilst on the trip?
We take all the precautions we can to make sure your belongings are safe; our guides will recommend the places where you can leave your belongings safely. Please take in mind that we can only take small bags with personal items you need on the excursion. In our coach, we cannot take suitcases or backpacks. If you need to move from one hotel to the other on the day of your excursion a Private Trip will be perfect for you.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?
Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies and we’ll pass the information to our provider. We offer vegetarian and gluten-free options without any cost, but please let us know, as we need to know this at least 24 hours before the excursion starts.
Which language does my guide speak?
All our guides speak English and Spanish.
We also have international staff, and we can offer our excursions on specific days with other languages like German, French, Italian Dutch, Polish, and Russian. If you want another language guide, please contact our customer service. Spanish and English language is always available.
Can I skip the transportation and take my own car?
Although we recommend our hassle-free transportation from your hotel or Airbnb you can take your car and leave the car at a meeting point. In between the activities, we will take you with our transportation and after the excursion, we bring you back to the car. Please take note that parking fees are not included. Please contact our customer service if you want to bring your own car.
How many people can sign up for an excursion?
In our excursions, we create small groups so that you can enjoy the freedom of movement and be able to interact closely with your surroundings, as well as so that you can receive more personalized attention from our guides. This small size ensures that your group will not encroach on your personal experience. Most of our transportations fits 12 persons but some of our excursions involve boat trips, which may have specific capacity limitations.
May I tip the driver and guide? Is it obligatory?
Although not obligatory, it's standard practice in Mexico, and for many of our visitors is a form of thanks on finishing the excursion, always when the service and attention of these professionals have been as expected or has surpassed your expectations.
But we repeat, this is NOT OBLIGATORY.
Can people with disabilities participate in the excursion?
Our existing itineraries are not specifically designed for travelers with disabilities, but that doesn’t mean you will not be able to enjoy one of our small group excursions – it’s largely dependent on your specific needs and the location you wish to visit.
Some destinations are better suited for travelers with disabilities than others. Many destinations we visit lack accessible public infrastructure or facilities designed to accommodate travelers with disabilities, but we will do our best to arrange suitable alternatives where possible.
You may also prefer to speak to our Customer Service and arrange a customized itinerary to suit your needs.
Do you offer photos from the snorkeling excursion?
Of course! On most of our tours, professional photographer will do their best to make your day with Ocean Excursions as memorable as possible. They carry top-quality (underwater) cameras and take high-resolution photos of both participants and their surroundings. You can view the pictures after your excursion and decide if you want to purchase them. The images are sold as a package, where you receive access to all the photos taken by your guide and our "Best Ocean Tours Excursions" collection folder, all of which will be made available to you via a link . The price for the photo package depends on the group size of your booking. For 2 persons the package is $66 USD and for 6 persons the package is $106 USD. Private Tours have different pricing depending on your group size and tour.
Can I take my (underwater) camera to the excursion?
You are free to take your own photos or video on tour with us, but we ask, while snorkeling, that your equipment is attached to your body in one way or another, for example with a wrist band. We do however not advise that you take your phone in a waterproof case, because it is generally not possible to operate it whilst doing the activities. At all archeological sites non-professional cameras are permitted at no cost. Video cameras GoPro tablets and selfie sticks have a charge which is paid directly at the box office upon entry. The use of professional photography equipment is strictly prohibited - including tripods.
We do not take any responsibility of lost or damage photography gear that may happen on tour with us.
About Cenotes
Cenotes are natural wonders found in the Yucatan Peninsula, essentially limestone caves filled with crystal-clear water. What makes them truly remarkable is their unique geological formation and the lush environment that surrounds them. In the Riviera Maya, snorkeling inside cenotes is a highly sought-after aquatic activity due to the unparalleled experience they offer.
Are there any safety precautions to take when visiting a cenote?When visiting a cenote, it is important to follow the safety instructions provided by your tour guide or the cenote's staff. This include wearing a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer, using provided safety equipment such as flashlights and watershoes, and not touching or disturbing any of the natural features or wildlife in the cenote.
Which cenotes will we have the opportunity to explore on this tour?Our exclusive cenotes, nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya, are known as Ix Balam and Yum Balam. When we first discovered these cenotes, we were captivated by the presence of both large and small jaguar footprints in the area. This remarkable sighting inspired us to name this pristine cenote region after this magnificent jaguar family.
What is the average water temperature in the cenotes?The average water temperature of cenotes varies depending on the location and time of year. Most of the time, the water in cenotes is typically cool and refreshing, with temperatures ranging from around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). In some cases, the water may be warmer or colder, depending on factors such as the depth of the cenote and the surrounding air temperature.
About the Akumal Turtles
The use of a life vest, provided by us free of charge, is mandatory during any snorkel activity.
How is snorkeling in Akumal?Akumal is famous for the sea turtles. Sea turtles have in common that they all enjoy warm and calm beaches, with plentiful seagrass and protected by a reef: this is just what Akumal Bay offers! On our tour, we take you in a small boat just 0.2 mile/300 meters (5 minutes) offshore. Snorkeling above the seagrass beds gives you the best chance to see the sea turtles and stingrays. If currents and visibility allow us, we will take you also to the reef to observe sea fans and several species of hard and leafy coral. Snorkeling along the reef, you will come across shoals of grunts, blue tang, parrotfish, or butterflyfish.
What determines the sex of a sea turtle?The sex of a sea turtle is determined by the temperature at which the turtle's eggs are incubated. In general, warmer temperatures tend to produce females, while cooler temperatures tend to produce males. This phenomenon is known as temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). The exact temperature thresholds that determine the sex of a sea turtle can vary depending on the species, but in general, temperatures within the range of 29 to 31 degrees Celsius (84 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit) are most likely to produce females, while temperatures below 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) are most likely to produce males.
How many miles do sea turtles travel?Whether it is for migration reasons, for mating, or feeding, Sea Turtles
can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers before reaching their
destination.
There are seven species of sea turtles, which are marine reptiles that need to breathe air to survive. Six of the seven species are found in the Atlantic and Pacific Sea. The flatback turtle is only found in the Western Indo-Pacific. Out of the 7 species of sea turtles that remain, 6 of them nest in Mexico.
Four of these species can be found in Quintana Roo – the leatherback turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the white turtle.
Unfortunately, all 7 species of Sea Turtles are endangered. This is due to illegal poaching and pollution.
In Mexico, turtles are protected since 1990. Fishing, hunting, or poaching turtles is now a federal offense.
Where does the name Akumal come from?The name "Akumal" comes from the Mayan, meaning "place of turtles." Each year hundreds of turtles arrive to lay their eggs in the sand and feed on the seagrasses. Adding to the allure is that it's home to three species of sea turtles: Green, Loggerhead & Hawksbill.
General Tour Questions
Yes, we will happily schedule your pickup from your Airbnb or Private Excursion. As soon as you arrive at your destination let us know your exact location. For some locations, we have special nearby meeting points.
Can I be dropped off at another hotel or location?Please ask our Ocean Tours Team before booking if you want to be dropped off at another location. We will try our best to accommodate your request. We cannot take luggage like suitcases and backpacks on our coach excursion. We can accommodate you on our Private Excursion.
How safe are my belongings whilst on the trip?We take all the precautions we can to make sure your belongings are safe; our guides will recommend the places where you can leave your belongings safely. Please take in mind that we can only take small bags with personal items you need on the excursion. In our coach, we cannot take suitcases or backpacks. If you need to move from one hotel to the other on the day of your excursion a Private Trip will be perfect for you.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies and we’ll pass the information to our provider. We offer vegetarian and gluten-free options without any cost, but please let us know, as we need to know this at least 24 hours before the excursion starts.
Which language does my guide speak?All our guides speak English and Spanish.
We also have international staff, and we can offer our excursions on specific days with other languages like German, French, Italian Dutch, Polish, and Russian. If you want another language guide, please contact our customer service. Spanish and English language is always available.
Can I skip the transportation and take my own car?Although we recommend our hassle-free transportation from your hotel or Airbnb you can take your car and leave the car at a meeting point. In between the activities, we will take you with our transportation and after the excursion, we bring you back to the car. Please take note that parking fees are not included. Please contact our customer service if you want to bring your own car.
How many people can sign up for an excursion?In our excursions, we create small groups so that you can enjoy the freedom of movement and be able to interact closely with your surroundings, as well as so that you can receive more personalized attention from our guides. This small size ensures that your group will not encroach on your personal experience. Most of our transportations fits 12 persons but some of our excursions involve boat trips, which may have specific capacity limitations.
May I tip the driver and guide? Is it obligatory?Although not obligatory, it's standard practice in Mexico, and for many of our visitors is a form of thanks on finishing the excursion, always when the service and attention of these professionals have been as expected or has surpassed your expectations.
But we repeat, this is NOT OBLIGATORY.
Can people with disabilities participate in the excursion?Our existing itineraries are not specifically designed for travelers with disabilities, but that doesn’t mean you will not be able to enjoy one of our small group excursions – it’s largely dependent on your specific needs and the location you wish to visit.
Some destinations are better suited for travelers with disabilities than others. Many destinations we visit lack accessible public infrastructure or facilities designed to accommodate travelers with disabilities, but we will do our best to arrange suitable alternatives where possible.
You may also prefer to speak to our Customer Service and arrange a customized itinerary to suit your needs.
Do you offer photos from the snorkeling excursion?Of course! On most of our tours, professional photographer will do their best to make your day with Ocean Excursions as memorable as possible. They carry top-quality (underwater) cameras and take high-resolution photos of both participants and their surroundings. You can view the pictures after your excursion and decide if you want to purchase them. The images are sold as a package, where you receive access to all the photos taken by your guide and our "Best Ocean Tours Excursions" collection folder, all of which will be made available to you via a link . The price for the photo package depends on the group size of your booking. For 2 persons the package is $66 USD and for 6 persons the package is $106 USD. Private Tours have different pricing depending on your group size and tour.
Can I take my (underwater) camera to the excursion?You are free to take your own photos or video on tour with us, but we ask, while snorkeling, that your equipment is attached to your body in one way or another, for example with a wrist band. We do however not advise that you take your phone in a waterproof case, because it is generally not possible to operate it whilst doing the activities. At all archeological sites non-professional cameras are permitted at no cost. Video cameras GoPro tablets and selfie sticks have a charge which is paid directly at the box office upon entry. The use of professional photography equipment is strictly prohibited - including tripods.
We do not take any responsibility of lost or damage photography gear that may happen on tour with us.
Book Now
What to Bring:
Snacks
If your pickup is early, it is a good idea to bring some bars and snacks especially when traveling with kids.
15 USD per person
Collected by your guide at the start of the tour. Due in cash with USD, MXN or EUR
Biogradable Sunscreen
Sunscreen, even biodegradable, harms the coral reefs and other sealife, please apply only exposed skin, beforehand (in your hotel) and after water activities.
Change of clothes
We recommend to bring an extra t-shirt
Comfortable shoes
This can be (sport) sandals or tennis
Extra Money for souvenirs and tips
Credit card and cash payments
Hat or Cap
Official identification with photograph of the holder of the credit card with which the payment was made
or a readable copy of both sides
Sandals
Sunglasses
Swimsuit
Towel
Wear lightweight, light-colored, comfortable clothing
Comfortable, lightweight clothes, and long-sleeved-cotton shirt
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What’s Included:
Bottled water
Certified Bilingual Guide
Round-Trip Transportation
Round-Trip Transportation with AC
Snacks
Snorkel Gear
Turtle Sighting Guaranteed
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Why With Us:
Our first concern is the total satisfaction of our clients!
Professional Photographers Team
Our professional photographers' team will come with you on the tour and get the best shots at these fantastic locations.
We are Dedicated
We are dedicated to make your tour a memorable one. Our customer-centric approach aims to exceed your expectations.
We are Experienced
We have over 15 years of experience in operating tours as Ocean Tours started in year 2005.
We are Professional
Our guides are enthusiastic, experienced, and knowledgeable. The whole team will make your tour unforgettable.
We are Safe
Our professional guides are certified in First-Aid. Our transportation is very safe and comfortable, and our drivers are very experienced.
We are the Tour Operator
Every service and every part of the tour is directly operated by Ocean Tours. This is why we’re able to guarantee excellent and high-quality service. Most of the web pages you see are simply selling tours as a middle-man, providing little to no guarantee of quality, safety, or assurance. Here, you buy directly from the tour operator.
We strive to be the Best
We are rated excellent on Tripadvisor, Google, and other rating platforms thanks to our commitment to excellence.
We want you to remember your tour forever!
One professional photographer per group!
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Our Guides:
Ale K
"The absolute best tour we have ever done. Alejandra was truly amazing. She is so knowledgeable and kind. The love of our planet and those we share it with comes naturally to her. She has the k...Carlos G
"The trip was really good. A special thank you to Carlos (the guide). He explains everything really well, he understands a lot about everything we had visited and transmits the knowledge very w...Max
"We had the best time with Max as our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and treated us as if he had known us forever! He was extremely accommodating with food allergies and helped those in ...Sara
"We had the best time swimming with whale sharks! Sarah and John Paul were incredible guides! We then snorkeled a reef and hung out on Islas de Mujeres and Had the best ceviche I’ve ever had!...Sofia
"We went on a tour to the Tulum Ruins, snorkelling at Yal-Ku, and to the Cenotes. Our tour guide Sofia made our experience unbelievable! She was so knowledgeable and shared so much information ...Make it a trip!
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