Turtle Swim Tours in Playa del Carmen: 4 That Repay an Early Alarm

1.Hidden Cenote Swim: Snorkeling, Sea Turtles and Beachside Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,222 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $169Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned van from Cancun or the Riviera Maya to a cool underground cenote, then swim from a boat toward Akumal Beach while looking for turtles, coral, fish, and rays. Guides such as Omar, Iker, Andrea, and Paulina lead the outings. Lunch and beach time follow at Punta Venado Beach Club.

“Swimming with the turtles was amazing! This was also outr 3rd cenote and this was likely our favorite one. Beautiful, mysterious space with lots of interesting passages, including a few tight squeezes. Very clean water and incredible history. Our guide, Omar, even had us sit in the dark for one minute and listen to the space around us - a very surreal experience. The lunch at the end was a nice cap to an amazing day. About Omar (and our driver, Julio) - they are the best! We have had MANY guides over the years and Omar is knowledgeable, fun, and very personable. I highly recommend this tour!”

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2.Swim with sea turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 445 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $45Best value

Meet at Akumal Beach for a private snorkeling tour in water about 2 meters deep. Guides such as Santiago, Angel, Francisco, and Orlando help you spot turtles, rays, squid, and fish while keeping a respectful distance. Equipment, entrance fees, insurance, showers, bathrooms, and lockers are included.

“Great snorkeling experience! Angel was the best guide - we saw at least 8 turtles, 3 rays and countless colorful fish. It was just the five of us with Angel - which was perfect!”

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3.Private Turtles & Cenotes Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 424 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $310

Start with private pickup from your hotel, Airbnb, or condo, then snorkel at Turtle Bay near Puerto Aventuras in search of three sea turtle species. Afterward, swim in a freshwater cenote surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. Guides such as Rachelle and Alejandra tailor the pace, while all gear, snacks, water, and transport are included.

“This tour was full of incredible memories from start to finish. Rachelle was the very best guide and we loved the photos that Luisa took for us. Everyone went above and beyond to make it a great experience. The food was amazing and rachelle was so friendly and knowledgeable. We saw multiple sea turtles. One of the turtles was so close to me coming up to the surface I almost got a kiss. 😂 Our driver Esdras was very good also. Highly recommend!”

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4.Exotik half a day tour: Cenote Cave and Swimming with Sea Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 176 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $107

Swim through the cool caves of Cenote Nohoch and snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal Bay on a 5 to 6 hour small-group trip from Playa del Carmen. Guides such as Mario, Nancy, Job, and Pablo are praised for clear explanations and friendly help. Expect hotel pickup, equipment, snacks, and a required $15 turtle-care fee.

“This was a wonderful trip. Our guide Evan was excellent!!! Our favorite was our experience in the cenotes. Evan gave us lots of information and guided us smoothly through the cave. Amazing experience. Thank you!!!”

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