5 Snorkeling Trips in Playa del Carmen to Build a Day Around

1.Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun & Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,039 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Start early with a guided snorkel at Akumal Beach, where sea turtles, rays, squid, and tropical fish may appear. Then walk through Parque de Cenotes Yax-Muul and swim beneath stalactites. Guides such as Max, Marina, Daniel, and Alma lead the bilingual tour.

“Great customer service. Our flight was stuck for two days in Toronto Canada. Our excursion was the next day. Without issue we were able to switch and enjoy our excursion the following day. We loved our pictures.”

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

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

Travel in a small group from Cancun or Riviera Maya to a Maya cenote for a guided cave swim, then boat out near Akumal Beach to snorkel back toward shore with sea turtles. Guides such as Omar, Iker, and Paulina are praised for clear instruction. Lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club follows.

“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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3.Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 717 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $169

Visit quiet Isla Contoy for a guided reef snorkel, bird sanctuary walk, beach time, and Mexican lunch, then spend an hour exploring lively Isla Mujeres. Ocean Tours Mexico provides hotel pickup, bilingual guides, gear, drinks, and return transport. Expect an early start and a full day on the road and water.

“Great tour and staff were very attentive. Everything was well explained and the day was packed with fun and enjoyment. As others have said Isla Contoy is remarkable and a must visit!”

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4.Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 440 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $85

From Maroma Beach, you sail by catamaran to two snorkeling sites with an English or Spanish-speaking crew. Guides such as Carlos, Nato, Juan Carlos, and Luciano have helped guests spot marine life. Gear, water, soft drinks, and beer after snorkeling are included, but bring cash for the $15 marina fee.

“The beach was clean and not crowded. I would have liked other beer options. But, snorkeling and the staff were good.”

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5.Private Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Akumal Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 364 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $65Best value

Join Darwin and Marlene of Marine Life Akumal MX for a private, one-hour swim in Akumal Bay’s protected turtle circuit. You’ll use provided gear, spend about 50 minutes in the water, and may see green turtles, rays, tropical fish, coral, and more.

“This is hands down one of the best tours that I have ever been on. It is worth every penny. Our guide Darwin did a great job. We saw several turtles, star fish, squid, stingray and a whole bunch of our marine life.”

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