Are you ready for a magical adventure? If you love snorkeling and want to explore some truly unique and breathtaking natural wonders, then you have to check out the magical cenotes and paradise lagoons in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone rock, revealing crystal clear freshwater pools underneath. These cenotes were considered sacred by the ancient Mayans and were believed to be portals to the underworld. Today, they remain enchanting and mystical, attracting tourists from all over the world. Imagine snorkeling in these cenotes, surrounded by ancient stalactites and stalagmites, and feeling like you are in a completely different world. The water is so clear and pure, you can see all the way to the bottom, revealing hidden underwater caves and unique rock formations.
After your divine Riviera Maya cenote swim below ground, return to the sunlight, and prepare for more aquatic exploration, this time in the open air. Hop in your vehicle and head towards the stunning Yalku Lagoon that is known as the ‘Nest of Fish’ in the Mayan language, enjoying light snacks and water on the way. When you arrive at this incredible lagoon, you will be awed by the peaceful scenery all around you. With lush foliage, clear waters and rock formations and the calls of the seabirds, and even some beautiful sculptures hidden in the coves, the Yalku Lagoon is a beauty beyond your imagination. Swimming in this inlet of pure inspiration is a must for anyone seeking real eco-adventures in the Riviera Maya.
For safety reasons, this activity is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, respiratory problems, injuries, back neck issues, heart conditions, or other conditions that can cause loss of consciousness. For safety reasons, this activity is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, respiratory problems, injuries, back neck issues, heart conditions, or other conditions that can cause loss of consciousness.
The water is so clear and pure, you can see all the way to the bottom, revealing hidden underwater caves and unique rock formations. But the adventure doesn't stop there. The Yucatan Peninsula is also home to paradise lagoons, known for their stunning beauty and diverse marine life.
Cancun Cenotes & Snorkeling Tour
Journey into a cenote in Cancun on this 3 and a half hour excursion! Your day begins with a pickup in one of our temperature-controlled courtesy vehicles, right from your hotel. Upon arrival at the cenote, you’ll get to view the expansive natural rock formations made from sinkholes hundreds of years ago. Your friendly tour guide will provide you with a brief history of the cenotes, where you’ll learn how ancient Mayan civilizations considered these cenotes to be sacred relics.
In the cenote, you and your small group will be led by your friendly guide to see first-hand the breathtaking caves and caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Here, you’ll get to swim and float in the crystal clear waters, experiencing the beauty of the ancient cenote. After swimming and exploring, you’ll get a chance to spot the vibrant marine life in the famous Yal-kú Lagoon in Playa del Carmen. At the lagoon, we’ll fit you for your snorkeling gear and you’ll be free to explore the natural wonders within these warm waters, from vibrant reefs to unique fish. To finish our 3 and a half hour tour, we’ll provide you with a scenic ride back to your hotel.
Jump in and float along on a guided tour in the brisk waters of a unique geological element of Mexico - the ancient Mayan Cenotes. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that expose groundwater underneath.
Navigate through breathtaking caves and caverns and discover the history of stalactites and stalagmites as you explore the ancient rock formations up close! Next, snorkel through an incredible lagoon brimming with aquatic life.
Weave in and out of large rocks reefs that are home to a diverse assortment of tropical fish in this hidden gem of the Caribbean coast.
Cenote Snorkeling in Cancun — Experience the Cenotes Firsthand
When most people think of snorkeling in Cancun, they likely think of the beach. After all, most snorkeling excursions take place in shallow ocean waters just off the coasts of tropical hotspots. But Cancun is no ordinary tropical destination.
This magical region is home to a number of cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with pristine water, that offer a truly one-of-a-kind snorkeling experience from inland destinations. On our tour, you'll get to swim in subterranean reefs.
You'll get see and touch stunning rock formations, and visit the famous Yal-kú Lagoon in Playa del Carmen. For a truly unique type of snorkeling in Cancun, this is the tour for you.
All About the Cancun Cenotes
Millions of years ago, much of the Yucatan Peninsula was covered by ocean water. As ocean levels decreased through the Ice Age to the modern-day, the water receded to leave behind the peninsula we know today. This great movement of water led to massive erosion and the creation of cave systems and sinkholes connected to the sea.
If you know where to look, you can find bodies of seawater hidden within the land of the Yucatan Peninsula just outside of Cancun. These are the Cancun cenotes. Many of these amazing underground water sources feature truly breathtaking cave formations.
Others harbor a rich variety of marine life. By taking our Cenotes & Snorkeling Tour here at Cancun Adventures, you'll get to experience these natural wonders firsthand.
A Truly Immersive Tour
At Cancun Adventures, we are committed to helping travelers experience the wonders of Cancun up close and personal. That's why we've put together this intimate and comprehensive cenote & Snorkeling Tour.
Led by the region's top tour guides, our tour gives you the opportunity to snorkel in Cancun and Playa del Carmen's most stunning cenotes and lagoons.
Great for kids, teens, and adults, this tour allows you to take an exploration into your own hands — in landscapes you truly have to see to believe! Round trip transportation is provided. Book your Cenotes & Snorkeling Tour with our team today!
What's included in this tour
- Professional bilingual guide
- Entrance to the cenotes and Yal-Kú Lagoon
- Snorkeling equipment
- Lifejacket
- Bottled water
- Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van from most hotels in Cancun and Playa del Carmen
What's excluded
- Gratuity
- Professional photography services
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
- Wear your Swimsuit
- Towel beach
- A change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Sun protective clothing
- Hat/Cap
- Water shoes
- Extra money for optional purchases
Yes you must have basic swimming skills. It is important to be able to swim or float without a lifejacket.
What if I have never snorkeled before?No problem our snorkel guides will show you how to use the equipment and take you to the best locations.
Do you have prescription masks? Yes please notify an Adventure Advisor at the time of booking your tour. Do you provide snorkeling gear? Yes. We provide clean lifejackets snorkels masks and fins. Can I use sunscreen?Sunscreen contains harsh chemicals that can contaminate and harm the fragile ecosystem. To help keep wildlife thriving please use sun-protective clothing.
Is the life jacket mandatory? Yes - life jackets are mandatory at all times you are in the water. How deep are the cenotes and what temperature is the water?The average temperature is 24-25° C (77° Fahrenheit). The depth varies greatly from one section to another. You will always have a life jacket and you will be accompanied by your guide.
Yes, it is safe, especially when wearing a mandatory life vest, which is required in most cenotes. As cenotes contain fresh water, which makes you less buoyant, we still recommend non-experienced swimmers to wear a life vest, even when it is not mandatory.
These lagoons are teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs, making them perfect for snorkeling. As you swim through the lagoons, you will feel like you are in a dream. The water is warm and inviting, and the underwater landscapes are simply breathtaking. You might even spot sea turtles or stingrays gliding gracefully through the water, adding to the magical experience. Whether you choose to explore the cenotes or the paradise lagoons, you are in for an unforgettable adventure. The natural beauty of these places is truly awe-inspiring, and the feeling of being surrounded by such serenity and wonder is something that will stay with you long after your trip is over. So pack your snorkeling gear, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to embark on a magical journey through the cenotes and paradise lagoons of the Yucatan Peninsula. This is an experience you won't want to miss..
Reviews for "Go Beyond the Surface: Snorkeling Adventure in Mexico's Enchanting Cenotes and Lagoons"
1. Emily - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon snorkeling adventure. The whole experience felt rushed and disorganized. We barely had any time to actually enjoy the cenote and lagoon as we were constantly being herded from one spot to another. The snorkeling gear provided was old and uncomfortable, making it difficult to fully enjoy the underwater experience. Overall, I did not feel that the tour lived up to its promises and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mike - 2 stars
I have mixed feelings about the Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon snorkeling adventure. While the locations themselves were beautiful, I found the tour to be overcrowded and chaotic. There were too many people in our group, which made it difficult to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the cenote and lagoon. Additionally, the guide seemed more focused on completing the itinerary quickly rather than ensuring that everyone had a memorable experience. It was a shame as the potential for a great adventure was there, but the execution fell short.
3. Jessica - 2 stars
I was quite disappointed with the Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon snorkeling adventure. The advertisement made it seem like a peaceful and serene experience, but it was anything but that. The cenote and lagoon were overcrowded with other tour groups, leaving little space to swim and explore. The snorkeling gear provided was also in poor condition, with leaky masks and worn-out fins. I had high expectations for this tour, but unfortunately, it did not live up to them.