Cancun Adventures — Local services in Playa del Carmen

Review: Tulum, Snorkel with Turtles & Cenote Excursion

We booked the Tulum, Snorkel with Turtles, and Cenote tour through our hotel with Cancun Adventures, and it was such an unforgettable experience!

We were picked up early at 6:45 AM and joined a group of about 15 people. Honestly, our group was amazing , everyone got along so well that it felt like we were traveling with friends. Having great people and great guides really makes a difference on excursions like this. Our tour guides, Juan and Rene, were phenomenal! Juan, especially, stood out as one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. He was super knowledgeable, funny, personable, and kept the energy high throughout the day. He managed the schedule well and could read the room, moving us along when he sensed we were ready, without making us feel rushed.

First Stop: Tulum We visited the archaeological site and learned about Mayan culture while exploring the ancient ruins. It was fascinating and beautiful. Juan explained the history clearly and made it engaging. Afterward, we had time for some tequila tasting and shopping.

Second Stop: Cenote The cenote was absolutely stunning — clear blue water, cool caves, and even bats flying around. Juan shared the cultural and natural history of the cenote before we took a dip. Everyone must rinse off before entering and wear a life jacket, which keeps the environment clean and safe.

A heads-up: you cannot bring your phone or GoPro, even with a waterproof case. They have staff photographers, but the photos are very expensive , $100 for the full set, or $50 for just a few individual shots. Some photos were blurry and unedited, so the price didn’t feel justified. If pictures are important to you, keep this in mind before booking.

Third Stop: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles This was the highlight for me! A small boat took us out into the ocean, where we jumped in and followed our guides to search for sea turtles. I saw several, and it was so cool to be that close in their natural habitat. You’re not allowed to touch the turtles, you have to swim above them (to avoid contact with marine life), and the guides did a great job keeping things respectful and safe. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want to try to grab any personal footage while on the boat!

Final Stop: Beach Club Lunch After all the activity, we had lunch at their beach club. The food was delicious, I had the chicken tacos and loved them. They also gave us Amaranth bars (which tasted like chocolate Rice Krispies) and Mexican coffee, both were surprisingly tasty treats to end the trip.

Tips Before You Go: -Bring a change of clothes, towel, and extra snacks (they provide water and breakfast bars in the van, but more never hurts). -Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof phone case. -The van rides can be a bit long and the vans are small, so if you’re tall or have long legs — brace yourself. -Bring a portable charger and maybe a book for the longer stretches between stops -Double-check what's included — some packages include breakfast or lunch, others don’t. -Don’t feel pressured to buy souvenirs unless you truly want them.

Overall: This was an awesome, well-organized, and fun-filled adventure. The mix of culture, nature, and ocean fun made it a perfect day trip. I would absolutely book with Cancun Adventures again. If you get Juan as your guide, you're in for...

Absolutely amazing from start to finish. I cannot swim but my husband loves to snorkel so we booked the trip. I felt totally safe. Great welcome from Pedro and all the crew. Great seating, good size boat and fantastic views which made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Restricted amount of people allowed on the boat too. Pedro was clear and thorough about the days activities. My husband said the snorkelling was amazing and very well executed. I didn’t feel I was left in my own too long whilst he was doing this as others decided to stay on board and have a drink and just enjoy the view. The crew were very happy, chatty and nothing was too much trouble. I watched as my husband enjoyed a swim nearer the island, taking pics whilst he enjoyed his time in the ocean. Pedro was fantastic on the island explaining the best places to eat and drink, places to visit and ways to get around the island. We decided to take an air conditioned taxi around the island, stopping off at different places where the driver took our pic. He was a lovely man and drove very safely. This was for one hour costing £80. We did alittle shopping on the island too. The shop owners would ask for you to look around their shop but I didn’t find them rude or offensive. I politely said no thank you and they were quite happy. Ones that I did speak too whilst walking around their shop were very nice. Please please do haggle though. I had some great buys. All in all the trip was absolutely fantastic. Pedro and his crew were amazing and I would love to go again. Thank you Pedro and all...

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a fantastic day out on the water with Mr. Angel Franco and his crew, and I can honestly say it was top-notch from start to finish. The catamaran was not only well-maintained but provided a smooth and comfortable ride, which set the tone for an incredible adventure.

The snorkeling experience was truly remarkable. The crew made sure we had everything we needed for a safe and enjoyable time exploring the underwater world. Their attention to safety and detail was evident, ensuring everyone felt secure and at ease in the water.

The beach stop was yet another highlight, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and fun. The pristine sands and clear waters were picture-perfect, making it hard to leave when the time came.

Throughout the day, we were treated to refreshing drinks and a delicious lunch, perfectly complementing the beautiful surroundings. The crew's hospitality and professionalism shone through in every interaction.

Most importantly, the safety and security provided by Mr. Franco and his team were spot on. From the moment we boarded the catamaran to the time we returned, we felt in good hands. Their commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable day for all was genuinely commendable.

Overall, this experience exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling yet secure day on the water. Thank you to Mr. Angel Franco and crew for creating such unforgettable memories for my...