cancun turtle excursion

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Where To See Turtles In Cancun – Complete Guide

If you’re looking for somewhere to see turtles in Cancun then you’re in the right place.

Nothing can beat that amazing feeling of seeing a turtle up close and personal in their natural habitat! Why not try it for yourself?

This post will tell you all of the best places to see turtles in Cancun, Mexico including all of the exact spots and locations.

Table of Contents

Where To Swim With Turtles In Cancun

You can easily swim with turtles in Cancun if you know where to find the turtles. 

They tend to hang out around specific beaches in the area so if you know which beaches to go to, you have a pretty high chance of spotting a turtle or two (I list the exact beaches below).

Swimming with turtles in Cancun is one of the best things to do in Mexico and I strongly recommend you do it if you can. 

I personally think that the whole experience is pretty magical (not to sound too cringey).

Best Turtle Tour In Cancun

You can join a snorkeling with turtles tour in Cancun which basically guarantees that you’ll be able to see these creatures up close and personal.

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, snacks, all snorkeling equipment and a knowledgeable guide.

Booking a tour is an easy and hassle-free way to see turtles.

In Cancun, you’ll be able to spot green turtles, hawksbill turtles and loggerhead turtles in the ocean.

Additionally, at certain times of year, sea turtles come to Cancun’s shores to lay their eggs. 

Various hotels in the area work hard to protect the eggs and help the baby turtles hatch and make their first run towards the ocean.

I talk about how you can take part in one of these turtle release programs later in the post.

Anyway, without further ado, here’s exactly where to see turtles in Cancun:

Akumal is a resort town close to Cancun that is well-known for its rich marine life. It features gorgeous sandy beaches, swimmable lagoons and extensive coral reefs.

In fact, Akumal is actually one of the best places in Mexico to see sea turtles as well as other marine life including tropical fish, stingrays and barracudas.

The only catch is that Akumal isn’t actually in Cancun, it’s 105 km away (but the journey is worth it, trust me!).

To reach Akumal, you will need to drive around 1 hour 30 minutes south of Cancun. The easiest way to do this is by joining an Akumal turtle tour from Cancun .

Once you reach Akumal, you’ll get the chance to snorkel with turtles, seeing them up close and personal in their natural environment.

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, snacks, a knowledgeable guide and all of the snorkeling equipment.

I’d strongly recommend booking onto a tour like the one above as Akumal Bay (where you’ll find the turtles) now has limits on how many people can swim with the turtles each day.

I can’t think of anything worse than traveling all the way to Akumal and then not being able to swim with the turtles so book ahead to ensure you get a spot.

Additionally, you do have to swim out a bit to see the turtles and it’s much safer to do it with a tour guide than on your own (I personally wouldn’t do it alone).

Here’s what you can expect when snorkeling with turtles in Akumal:

It’s actually incredible how many turtles you can see in Akumal. In fact, you’ll have a hard time not seeing them. 

Given that Akumal features one of the world’s largest coral reefs, it’s no surprise that you’ll find rich marine life there. It’s the perfect habitat due to its thick seagrass beds (aka turtles’ favorite food).

💡 Helpful Tip: Wear biodegradable sunscreen or a rash vest to keep the turtles safe. Regular sunscreens contain ingredients that damage coral reefs which can have a detrimental effect on turtles.

The name ‘Akumal’ literally means ‘place of the turtles’ in the ancient Mayan language as turtles have resided in this area for centuries.

If you’re wanting to actually swim with turtles in Cancun, then Akumal is your best bet. You can easily do a day trip from Cancun.

Unfortunately Cancun itself just doesn’t have anything that comes anywhere close to Akumal when it comes to swimming with turtles.

• Akumal Snorkel With Turtles Tour From Cancun

Isla Mujeres

Another great place where you can see sea turtles near Cancun is on the nearby island of Isla Mujeres.

The island lies just 8 miles off the coast of Cancun which takes just 15 minutes by ferry.

Here’s a map:

Isla Mujeres is actually home to a large population of turtles which attracts tourists to the island to see them up close.

There used to be a turtle sanctuary on Isla Mujeres called the Isla Mujeres Tortugranja sanctuary.

When I started researching where to see turtles in Cancun, this sanctuary kept coming up so I thought I’d look into it.

It turns out that it was closed down in 2021 by the government due to mismanagement and potential corruption.

Unfortunately, many blog posts are still promoting this sanctuary so please be wary!

Although the turtle sanctuary no longer exists, Isla Mujeres does have several amazing snorkeling spots, including Playa Norte, which are some of the best places to go snorkeling with turtles near Cancun.

The island is surrounded by a pristine coral reef which is the ideal home for turtles year round meaning it’s pretty easy to spot turtles in this area.

If you want to visit Isla Mujeres from Cancun then join this catamaran adventure tour . 

It includes transport to and from Isla Mujeres, several snorkeling activities, a beach club visit and an open bar on your return to Cancun.

You’ll stop at various reefs along the way to swim and snorkel with turtles. One stop is at the Punta Sam Reef which is home to various species of fish, turtles and other marine creatures.

It’s definitely the easiest way to reach Isla Mujeres from Cancun and will be a super memorable day out.

• Catamaran Adventure Tour To Isla Mujeres

Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines is one of Cancun’s most popular beaches as it features sweeping views of Cancun’s coastline, crystal clear waters and soft white sand.

Sea turtles often use this beach to lay their eggs during the turtle nesting season in Cancun. In fact, hundreds of turtles come to Playa Delfines each year to lay their eggs.

Adult turtles only lay their eggs on the beach at night time, usually from 11PM onwards. This means that you’re unlikely to actually see the turtles laying their eggs if you’re on the beach during the day.

You’ll still sometimes see turtles in the ocean though, meaning Playa Delfines is a great place to snorkel with turtles in Cancun.

In addition to turtles, dolphins are also commonly spotted from this beach. In fact, in English ‘Playa Delfines’ literally translates to Dolphin Beach.

The beach was actually named after the dolphin population that call this beach home year round.

If you are on the beach after dark and you see a turtle coming ashore to lay their eggs, be super careful. 

Avoid bright lights and flash photography as you could scare the turtle away which could be disastrous. 

This could force the turtle to lay their eggs somewhere else where they probably won’t survive.

Here’s where you’ll find Playa Delfines:

Did You Know? As well as turtles, you can actually also see monkeys in Cancun .

Playa Marlín

Another beach in Cancun where turtles lay their eggs during turtle season is on Playa Marlín.

This white-sand beach is absolutely stunning and is one of those beaches where you can just plonk down your towel, listen to the waves and relax.

Just like Playa Delfines, turtles return to this beach every single year to lay their eggs. This only occurs at nighttime though and not during the day.

Occasionally you’ll see the odd turtle or two swimming around close to the shore during the day but this is fairly rare.

Various turtle release programs also take place on this beach at certain times of year where the baby hatchlings are released into the ocean to start their lives at sea.

Playa Chacmool

Playa Chacmool is another one of the best places to see turtles in Cancun.

It’s another turtle nesting spot where mother turtles lay their eggs at nighttime during turtle nesting season.

This beach has pristine white sand, clear waters and lots of bars and restaurants.

Here’s where you’ll find Playa Marlín and Playa Chacmool:

Cancun Turtle Sanctuary

It turns out that there isn’t a dedicated turtle sanctuary in Cancun itself. That doesn’t mean that you can’t take part in turtle conservation activities though.

Many hotels in Cancun’s hotel zone have joined forces to watch over the turtles that nest on their beaches (exact hotels listed below).

This is called the ‘Sea Turtle Protection & Management Program’ and it was developed because the government’s budget couldn’t stretch far enough to protect the turtles in the area.

Instead they needed support from the local hotels and luckily they were all happy to oblige.

Did you know that only 1 out of 1,000 baby turtles survive to become an adult? That is exactly why these kinds of programs need to exist. 

Turtle Hatching In Cancun

Baby turtles hatch on the shores of Cancun at certain times of year so if you are very lucky, you may be able to see this happening for yourself.

You do need to be super careful though as the turtles are a protected species and turtle conservation programs work really hard to protect them and ensure their survival.

It is possible to take part in turtle release programs in Cancun where you can head out with the volunteers to safely watch the baby turtles hatching and help them run towards the ocean for the first time.

The first thing to know is that baby turtles hatch at nighttime. If you’re taking part in a release program, it’s really important that you don’t shine any bright lights on them as this may disorientate them.

You may also notice marked off areas on many of Cancun’s beaches during the day time.

Volunteers often mark turtle nests out in the sand using a sign or metal cover so if you happen to see one of these on any of Cancun’s beaches then don’t disturb it.

Many of Cancun’s hotels that line the beaches have turtle protection programs. It’s worth asking at the reception of your hotel if they have one you can take part in.

These programs help the turtles to survive by protecting the eggs from poachers, other animals, beach activities, pollution and more.

The hotel staff will also often arrange events where the baby hatchlings are released back into the ocean and guests can usually participate.

Check out what one of these events look like in the video below:

This is the best and safest way to see baby sea turtles in Cancun. I definitely wouldn’t recommend trying to do this without a local guide as you could end up harming the turtles by accident.

Here’s a list of hotels that currently run a turtle release program in Cancun:

• Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe
• Marriott Cancun Resort
• The Royal Islander
• The Royal Sands Resort & Spa

When Is Cancun Turtle Season?

Cancun turtle season runs between the months of May and September however you can easily see turtles in Cancun year round.

Between these months, turtles come ashore to lay their eggs so the numbers are higher than at other times of the year.

If you want to swim with turtles in Akumal then you can do it at any time of year.

What Time Of Year Do Sea Turtles Hatch In Cancun?

Sea turtles hatch in Cancun between July and November with October being the peak month.

If you visit during these months then you may get the chance to see baby turtles hatching from their eggs and making their first ever run towards the ocean.

Tips For Swimming With Turtles In Cancun

If you’re going to be swimming with turtles in Cancun then there’s a few things you should know.

Remember that all of the different turtle species present in the waters around Cancun are endangered so it’s really important that we do all we can to protect them.

Here’s a few tips:

• Don’t be too loud. Try to be as quiet as possible when swimming up to a turtle as loud noises will scare them away.
• Do not touch the turtle. Turtles are wild animals and should be respected.
• Do not get too close . This might scare the turtle and they could bite you if they get really scared (don’t worry this is super rare!).
• Do not feed the turtles. They don’t need help finding food.
• Always approach a turtle from the side. This gives them a clear view of you and a clear path ahead of them if they want to swim onwards.
• Don’t disrupt the turtle’s natural behavior. You can enjoy the turtles by watching them do their thing but try not to disturb them.

These key tips aim to protect both you and the turtles.

Thanks for reading this post on where to see turtles in Cancun. 

You can actually swim with turtles in several other places in Mexico including Tulum and Cabo San Lucas .

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Where To See Monkeys In Cancun – 2024 Guide

Where To See Turtles In Tulum – 2024 Guide

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• Cenote & Nature

Swim with Sea Turtles & Cenote Tour

$ 169 USD -30%

Google: 4.5 - 17,870 reviews

4 and a Half Hours

Min 8 years old

Don’t miss the chance to discover some of the stunning natural wonders of the Yucatan peninsula. With small groups and personalized attention, this Cancun cenotes tour takes you to some of the area’s most spectacular locations where you’ll have the opportunity to explore a Mayan cenote, swim with Cancun sea turtles, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at an exclusive beach club.

What to expect on this Cancun excursion

Experience the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula on this 4 and a half hour tour! Starting with a hotel pickup in one of our temperature-controlled courtesy vehicles, you’ll enjoy a bus trip with your small group to the historic Mayan cenotes.

Upon arrival, we’ll enter the cenote where you’ll get to see their natural wonder, complete with stalagmite and stalactite that has been forming for hundreds of years. After exploring, we’ll journey to our second location, Akumal, where you’ll be fitted for your snorkeling gear before hopping in the water to swim with sea turtles.

After you’ve had your fill of Cancun’s aquatic life in Akumal, we’ll end the day with lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club, a secluded hideaway where you can enjoy delicious Cancun dishes. Your tour concludes with a relaxing ride back to your hotel where you can enjoy the picturesque sights of Cancun.

Explore a magnificent underground Cenote

First, we start off in one of the region’s magnificent Mayan cenote, natural sinkholes that expose groundwater underneath, for a refreshing and exhilarating swim. Explore the underground natural pools with crystal-clear waters and awe-inspiring rock formations.

Swim with sea turtles in Cancun

Our second stop is the picturesque beach community of Akumal, a beautiful natural reserve and one of the only spots you can swim with turtles in Cancun. Its laidback atmosphere, natural beauty and abundant marine life provide the perfect environment for some of the best snorkeling available in the Mayan Riviera.

Joined by your informative guide you’ll have the opportunity to discover all the wonders that lay below the surface such as a huge variety of tropical fish, colorful coral and, of course, the Cancun sea turtles that call Akumal their home.

Enjoy lunch at the most secluded Beach Club in Cancun

Finish your day at our exclusive beach hideaway, Punta Venado Beach Club. Enjoy a savory lunch and some well-deserved rest and relaxation. A fantastic day in paradise!

What's included in this experience

• A/C land transportation
• Professional guide
• Entrance to the cenote, Akumal and activities
• Snack on board our vans (bottled water, fruit and crackers)
• Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and life jacket (mandatory)
• Lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club

What do you need to know before you book

• Minimum Age: 8 years. Child pricing applies to ages 8 to 11 years.
• Not recommended for guests with limited mobility        
• Guests must be relatively fit and must be able to swim  
• For safety reasons, we do not recommend participation in any snorkel activity if you have respiratory problems, injuries, back/neck issues, heart conditions, or conditions that can cause loss of consciousness
• Round-trip transportation is included from select hotels exclusively for our guests who book their tours at least 24 hours in advance
• Please consider 2 to 5 hours of transportation for this tour. The actual time depends on your hotel's location.

What to bring

• Bathing suit under clothing
• Sun protective clothing
• Comfortable clothing and footwear or water shoes
• A change of clothes, sunglasses and beach towel
• Underwater camera
• Extra money for photos and souvenirs

• Tours & Excursions /

Snorkel with Sea Turtles Tour

• Description

A great half-day excursion to beautiful Akumal Bay, where youll have the experience of a lifetime as you snorkel with sea turtles, swimming freely in their natural environment, you will be amazed!

Get to snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal, were the second largest reef in the world is located and get to discover the sacred waters of a marvelous Cenote. Akumal, means "Place of the Turtles" in the Maya. Akumal is located 100km (62 miles) south of Cancun in the heart of the Riviera Maya. In the natural protected area you get the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy the amazing Sea Turtles and the very colorful fish at the second largest reef in the world. The sea turtles come really close to the beach of Akumal and you get the chance to see them really closely. To complete the adventure you will discover and explore unique cenotes and snorkel in its crystal clear waters. Cenotes are underground rivers, which show the unique water systems of the Yucatan Peninsula! You will see the roots of the trees hanging in the water, that take the water from the Cenotes. During this tour you really get the chance to immerse yourself in the sealife of Akumal, Mexico! Come and make this experience a memory for a lifetime! Itinerary 7:00 AM - Pick-up with our comfortable vans at your hotel 9:00 AM - Go Snorkeling in a Cenote and enjoy crystal clear waters and amazing formations. 10:15 AM - Snorkeling in Akumal, a natural protected area where the Sea Turtles are very close to the beach, here you will get the chance to enjoy the sea turtle observation with explanation of your guide. 11:45 AM - Lunch 12:30 AM - Transfer back to your hotel by our comfortable vans. 2:00 PM - Expected to Arrive back at your hotel in Cancun (1:00 pm Playa del Carmen).

• Use of snorkel equipment
• Hotel pickup and return
• Entrance fees
• Gratuities (optional)

Additional information

• All kids are welcome
• Children rate: 5-11 years old

What to bring

• Biodegradable Sunscreen

Pick-up Information:

• Pick up is available in most of hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Exact time of your pick-up will be sent by email after booking.
• In case we dont have pick-up for a specific hotel or location will be sent you the nearest meeting point where pick-up is available

Refunds and Cancellations:

• Cancellations made 48 hrs before = 100% refund
• Cancellations made between 36-48 hrs before = 80% refund.
• Cancellations made between 24-36 hrs before = 50% refund.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hrs before = no refund.
• No show = no refund

Overall rating: ( 47 Reviews)

Book this tour

Select a tour option, select participants, select a date, pick me up at:.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay & Cenote Tour (AM)

Snorkel discovery morning tour.

From $89.10

"Totally worth it!!"

Dont hesitate booking a trip with this company! We had the best time.

General Info

What to Bring

Why With Us

Cenote Exploring

Family friendly, fish spotting, sea turtles spotting, about this tour:.

Discover the wonders of Turtle Bay with a leisurely snorkel tour, seeking out three of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Marvel at the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish, stunning coral, and graceful rays. A quick 5-minute boat ride takes you to the turtles’ domain for an unforgettable experience.

Then, journey into the lush Yucatan rainforest to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of a massive cenote. Explore the breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites surrounding you at every turn.

Our friendly guides ensure your safety and comfort throughout, offering assistance for all skill levels. Capture your adventure with our professional photographer, and take home personalized memories of swimming with turtles and exploring cenotes.

Don’t miss this chance for an amazing day swimming with turtles and exploring cenotes in Mexico!

Tour Time Table

* Times can vary depending the conditions.

09:15 - 10:15 AM

11:15 - 12:30 pm, 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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About Cenotes

About the akumal turtles, general tour questions, what exactly are cenotes, and why are they so special in the riviera maya.

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.

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.

What to Bring:

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 on 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

Official identification with photograph of the holder of the credit card with which the payment was made

or a readable copy of both sides

Wear lightweight, light-colored, comfortable clothing

Comfortable, lightweight clothes, and long-sleeved-cotton shirt

What’s Included:

Certified bilingual guide, potable water, round-trip transportation.

Round-Trip Transportation with AC

Snorkel Gear

Turtle sighting guaranteed, why with us:.

Important : Conservation of the Marine Fauna Fee ($15 USD per person) is not included in the price.

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!

Our Guides:

Make it a trip.

Combine this tour with other activities and save time during checkout!

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Swim with whale sharks in Cancun, Mexico - a day that you will never forget. Our World-famous whale shark tour runs daily from June 1st to September 17th.

Book 7 days in advance and get 10% off!

Adults ($99.00): 12+ years old

Children ($79.00): 4-11 years old

Infants ($0): Under 4 years old

Please be as specific as possible.

• Pay Deposit
• Pay in Full

There's a private version of this tour starting at $522.

Turtles and Cenotes Adventure

From: MXN $ 1,750

SEASON: ALL YEAR

Half day all inclusive tour sea turtle and three cenotes  from Riviera Maya.

Ideal for the whole family to spend some quality time together.

A memory for the lifetime.

Looking for: Experience that will change your perception of  nature and introduces you to the magical Mayan world.

Difficulty level:   Easy

What to expect: Beauty, harmony, great outdoor time, crystal clear water, true spirit of the untouched nature

Languages tour guide available: Italian, English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian.

Adults: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Children: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pickup: Pickup Cancun - Costa mujeres and Isla Blanca Pickup Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya Pickup: Tulum Downtown & Tulum Hotel Zone

• Description

Product Description

Tour overview.

Safety and professionalism: Our professional guides, diving instructors, and dive masters will make sure you enjoy every bit of your day. Even if you are not an experienced snorkeler or if you are not so comfortable in the water they’ll find a perfect way, just for you.

Full snorkeling gear: Mask, fins, safety jackets and a hand you can hold.

Pick up – drop off:

(Pick up & Drop off) along Riviera Maya – Hotel – Marine Club – Condos. – 07:00 AM (Cancun)– 07:45 AM (Playa del Carmen) – 08:45 AM (Tulum).

Included in the tour:

• Professional Guide.
• Round trip transportation with A / C.
• Comfortable boat equipped, with shade area.
• Full-quality snorkel equipment and life jacket.
• Snorkeling with turtles in the Mesoamerican reef in front of Tulum Castle.
• Visit of three cenotes, we snorkeling in two of them, and then we walk in the other one
• Water or soft drink.
• Snacks: water, soft drinks, sweet cookies and salty cookies

What to bring:

Cap, sunglasses, t-shirt, swimsuit, towel, sandals, comfortable shoes, eco-friendly biodegradable sunscreen, eco-friendly biodegradable mosquito repellent, money for souvenirs and tips.

Available for purchase:

• Pictures from your adventure and a videoclip plus a free gallery “the best of Riviera Maya” (40 USD)
• Amazing long sleeve Ecotours T-shirt (20 USD)
• Turtles & Cenotes hat (20 USD)

National Park and Harbour Fee: $13 USD – Not included.

TURTLES AND CENOTES IN MORE DETAILS

We pick you up at your hotel at the scheduled time and head to Tulum, during the transportation our guides will give an informative session about the day’s plan, the Cenotes and the marine biology of turtles.

Once we arrive to Tulum, we will receive snorkeling equipment and we will go to the reef where we will swim with sea turtles and admire the wonderful Mesoamerican reef, full of fish and wonderful colors. All in front of the impressive castle of Tulum.

After the snorkel activity you can enjoy a snack, either in the van, or when we reach the cenotes. Next, it’s time to go and discover the fantastic Mayan underground world on the way to Chikin Ha , where we will visit three cenotes in the first two, we will swim in theirs crystal clear waters, surrounded by nature and in the other one, we will have a guided tour to discover stalactites, stalagmites, sacred plants and rituals of the ancient Mayans.

Throughout the day our guides will give information about the fauna and flora of this precious ecosystem, as well as their safety and complete fun.

We will return at approximately 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 pm.

More Questions? Check out our  FAQ

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About Xcaret

Xcaret Admissions

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Xcaret México Espectacular

Xplor Fuego

Xenses Insomnia

Isla Mujeres Ferry

Cozumel Ferry

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres

• Hoteles Xcaret

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Sea Turtles

Included in your admission

OBSERVE THE PEACEFUL SWIM OF MILLIONS OF YEARS OF HISTORY

During your visit to Xcaret you will have the opportunity to admire one of the oldest species in the world: sea turtles .

Despite having survived generation after generation for more than millions of years, they are in danger of extinction.

There are only seven species of sea turtles in the world, all nesting on Mexico’s coast and four of them in Quintana Roo. That`s why Xcaret park protects them with the Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Riviera Maya, organized by the Flora, Fauna and Culture Foundation of Mexico, A. C.

With this program, turtles are taken care of until they are big enough to be safe from their natural enemies, so that they can be delivered back to the sea.

At Xcaret you will see small and medium-sized turtles in a special area. The biggest ones are next to the natural pools, in a large pond with a window, so you can admire them while they’re swimming underwater.

Get ready to surprise yourself with the turtles swimming in the lagoon, they are colossal and can weigh up to a ton!

Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Ages : for the whole family., location : find it in.

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