The 6 Best Cave Snorkeling and Swimming in Playa del Carmen

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

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

Join Ocean Tours Mexico for a guided morning at Akumal Beach, where you snorkel with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish, then walk through Parque de Cenotes Yax-Muul and swim among cave formations. Guides such as Max, Marina, and Daniel are known for clear safety advice and lively commentary.

“Take a waterproof camera. I’d do it again. Sea turtles and the cenote all in one trip ! Hope that’s how you spell it. Lol”

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2.Playa del Carmen Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,747 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $99

Carlos, Abraham, and their team lead a half-day buggy ride through jungle tracks outside Playa del Carmen, followed by a cenote swim and a stop in a Maya village. Expect mud, dust, homemade empanadas, local families, and a small group of no more than 14 people.

“We went with my mom and I have three boys, age 4, 7 and 11. One note, depending on how far your hotel is your trip to the start point, maybe up to 2 hours long. We were the furthest of our trip and it was 1.5 hours. The bus was very nice. And all three of my kids didn't really have a problem with the trip getting there. I was glad that the tour guides were very diligent. Because I thought we were getting picked up at our hotel at 9:00 a.m. but we actually got picked up at 7:00. They made sure I knew the right time the…”

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3.Jungle Buggy Tour from Playa del Carmen Including Cenote Swim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,253 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $110

Take turns driving a shared two-seat Can-Am buggy with guides such as Fernando and Rigo, then cool off in a natural cenote cave. Expect a dusty, bumpy ride, English support, hotel pickup around Playa del Carmen, snorkeling gear, water, and a small snack.

“Had a great time on this tour. It wasn't too long or short, it was just perfect! Fernando was a great guide and cool guy, felt like an old friend. The Cenote we went to was great, felt very special. I can't really swim but felt like I was able to float better in the Cenote's water. Got a good amount of swimming practice in. Would definitely recommend this tour!”

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

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

Spend a morning swimming through a cold, cave-like cenote, then snorkel from a boat toward Akumal Beach to spot sea turtles, fish, coral, and perhaps a stingray. Guides such as Omar, Iker, Andrea, and Paulina are praised for clear instruction. Lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club follows.

“It’s awesome and informative. Bring towel for the Cenote caves since some hotels won’t let you take their. Water is cold and you may want water shoes.”

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5.Full Day Tulum Ruins Tour Cenote and Swimming with Sea Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,171 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $131

Spend about nine hours visiting Tulum, Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich, and Akumal Beach with guides, lunch, transport, and snorkel gear included. Guides such as Yaris, Nancy, Oto, and Pablo are praised for keeping the day organized. Bring a towel, change of clothes, and cash for the $35 in extra fees.

“Tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She spoke great English and organised a guide for the Ruins part to speak both German and English (due to having some people from Netherlands etc. in our group). She clearly knew a lot about the culture, species and traditions. She answered all the questions asked and shared interesting facts about the ecosystem in the caves. She briefed the group at all times what's in the itinerary and kept us posted about timings etc. Lunch was also amazing! Highly recommend this tour if you're interested in the culture and aren't afraid of the dark (haha!). The cave/cenote was absolutely beautiful but the snorkeling…”

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6.Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 496 reviews · 3 hours · from $105

Drive an automatic shared 4WD buggy through 18 miles of Riviera Maya jungle trails, then swim and snorkel in a quiet sacred cenote. Guides such as Fernando, Fernanda, and Rigo handle safety, local stories, and photos. Hotel pickup, gear, snacks, and water are included.

“Great jungle buggy tour – well organized, clear briefing, the rain made it extra adventurous, and the cenote swim was the perfect finish. Highly recommended! 🙌”

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