Private Akumal Turtle Snorkel & Underground River Cenote

A half-day private adventure that combines the reef and the Maya underworld. Begin at Akumal Bay, known for its resident sea turtles. With snorkel gear and life vests, you take a short boat ride to the reef and snorkel among turtles, eagle rays and tropical fish for about an hour and a half.

Next, head into the jungle to a private reserve with an underground river. With waterproof flashlights, walk through a cave decorated with stalactites and swim in a crystal-clear cenote, far from the big tour groups.

The tour is private, so only your group participates and the guide adapts to your pace. Sea turtles are wild animals, so sightings are very common but not guaranteed. Pixan Travel's founder, Diego Viadero, guided travel writer Rick Steves and his family in the Yucatan, a trip Rick featured on his travel blog.