Tulum is the boho, laid-back town of Riviera Maya, and it boasts incredible charm, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins perched on a cliff. It’s no surprise it’s become such a hotspot in the Riviera Maya!
Though small, there are seemingly countless epic things to do in Tulum both on land and water – the Caribbean Sea offers a whole world of underwater gems to discover, after all!
Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, the Mexican Caribbean is home to the richest marine life in the region. A snorkeling trip allows you to see everything from colorful corals to dolphins, rays, and even whale sharks if it’s the right season!
The crystal clear waters make it even easier to spot the formations and creatures that inhabit the sea, so you won’t find a better location for your underwater adventures than Tulum. I absolutely loved snorkeling here, and I’ve had my fair share of snorkeling sessions around the world!
So, are you ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime? Check out this comprehensive list of the ultimate Tulum snorkeling tours, carefully curated for you.
We’d like to highlight that here at Every Steph we don’t support snorkeling with turtles in Akumal anymore. This decision was made due to concerns about the sustainability of the experience and the animals’ welfare.
Thus, you won’t find any tours that include this activity in our list. Our goal is to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices that focus on the preservation of the natural environment and the welfare of the animals that inhabit it.
Hopefully, this comprehensive list of snorkeling tours in Tulum will inspire you to explore the marine world in a responsible way. Let’s dive in!
➥ Why should you trust me? I have traveled extensively throughout Mexico, and snorkeled in its most iconic locations, including the Riviera Maya! On top of that, I have a decade of experience curating travel guides and tours around the world, so I know what to look for when selecting extraordinary adventures. I’ve handpicked these tours to ensure you only choose from the best options out there!
I usually use Viator to book tours when I travel. I especially recommend it for its incredible cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can get a full refund on most activities if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Limited time? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Snorkeling with Caribbean Fish and Private Cenote |
| REEF SNORKELING TOUR | 2-Hour Snorkeling in Two Spots of Tulum’s Reef |
| CENOTE SNORKELING TOUR | Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Underground River Tour with Snorkeling |
| WHALE SHARKS TOUR | Small-Group Eco-Friendly: Whale Shark Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Tulum Snorkeling Tour
The Snorkeling with Caribbean Fish and Private Cenote Exploration is our top-pick excursion. It’s a 6-hour trip that takes you to Tulum’s best bodies of water: the Caribbean Sea, and the cenotes.
You’ll start the day with a snorkeling session in an inlet, where you’ll swim with colorful fish. If you’re lucky, you might spot a sea turtle or ray gliding past you as well. Since the bay is protected from currents and waves, you’re guaranteed to have an enjoyable time in the water.
Next up is a visit to a cenote. These gorgeous natural attractions feature fresh water and are surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll learn about their geology as you walk through a cavern, and then snorkel in it.
Finally, indulge in a tasty lunch before returning to your hotel.
➤ Why is this the best tour? It’s a half-day excursion that will allow you to snorkel both in the Caribbean Sea and in a cenote. Cenotes were sacred to the Mayan, and are a major part of Mexico’s landscape, so I consider them a must-visit on any trip to the region. Getting to snorkel in them is a real treat, but so is discovering the rich marine life in the turquoise sea.
Read what the reviews say:
”I loved this adventure! Swimming in Yal-ku Lagoon was a beautiful experience. The mysterious walk inside the ancient limestone caves and the dip inside its crystal waters was simply magical. Our guide’s knowledge of Mayan culture and myth, his enthusiastic spirit makes him the ultimate host and guide. P.S. I still need the recipe of the amazing vegan ceviche we were served. It was delicious!!!”
Leticia S – Read more reviews here
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, bottled water, a life vest, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Tulum Snorkeling Tours
▶️ The Snorkeling Adventure Tour Reef & Cenote is a great combo. You’ll visit three locations to discover different underwater ecosystems in a single trip.
Accompanied by a friendly guide, you’ll head to two natural sinkholes – Casa Cenote and Saac Actum – and the gorgeous Tulum Bay. After exploring the underground network of cenotes and a reef teeming with marine life, you’ll refuel with lunch.
This tour includes: Snorkeling gear, reef tax, a guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A wonderful alternative is this Tulum Area Experiences Guided Snorkeling Tour – Casa Cenote + Ocean Reef & Lunch. It’s a half-day excursion that starts in Casa Cenote, a beautiful open cenote with great biodiversity.
You’ll snorkel in its crystal-clear water, and then head to the Tulum barrier reef. There, take in the spectacular marine life that inhabits it, including schools of fish, rays, and sea turtles. Cap off the trip with a Mayan lunch and seasonal fruits.
This tour includes: Entrance fees, a guide, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and lunch. You can opt to add transfers for an extra fee. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Snorkeling in Tulum Reef
Eager to discover the Caribbean Sea’s magnificent world? Check out this 2-Hour Snorkeling in Two Spots of Tulum’s Reef. Led by an expert guide you’ll visit the best snorkeling spots in Tulum National Park.
In the warm, crystal-clear waters you’ll be able to witness the colorful corals and swim amidst fish, turtles, and rays. Life vests will be provided so that you’re safe throughout the experience.
As a plus, learn a bit about the area’s history as you zip past the Tulum ruins on your way to the reef.
This tour includes: A guide, snorkeling gear, life vests, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Snorkel at Xel-Ha Park
Xel-Ha is a fabulous adventure park that offers a great variety of outdoor activities. The Xel-Ha All Inclusive Admission allows you to explore its various water sources, including hidden bays, cenotes, a river, and a beautiful cove. Over 90 marine species live there!
The snorkeling gear is included, as well as access to other activities in the park, food, and beverages.
This tour includes: Snorkeling gear, life jackets, a buffet lunch, a domestic open bar, use of the facilities, and free parking. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Cenote Snorkeling Tours in Tulum
In Tulum, cenote snorkeling is very popular, and one of the most sought-after activities. Where else in the world would you find such a great number of sinkholes to swim in, after all? Beloved also for scuba diving, they’re a gem in the Riviera Maya.
Below you’ll find the ultimate snorkel tours to explore these stunning natural formations.
▶️ The Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum is ideal if you’re eager to discover the world of cenotes. You’ll be equipped with snorkeling gear and visit three beautiful sinkholes – Casa Cenote, Grand Cenote, and Cenote Zemway – with a friendly guide.
Snorkel in each of them after a safety briefing, explore their rock formations, and jump from their platforms.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Cenotes Trail Jungle Bike Tour in Tulum with Lunch is a really fun option for outdoor lovers.
You’ll cycle on beautiful trails surrounded by the Mayan jungle, and make your way to hidden cenotes. There, you’ll exchange the bike for snorkel gear and dive underwater.
You’ll have the opportunity to choose between 2 or 3 cenotes, the latter option including ziplines and a canoe trip. Your guide will let you in on the importance of these natural sinkholes for the Mayans before you indulge in lunch and cycle back.
This tour includes: A guide, bike and helmet rental, snorkeling gear, lunch, bottled water, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sailing and Snorkeling Tour from Tulum
You can enjoy two of the best water activities in one single tour with this Half-Day Luxury Sailing Experience in Tulum with Open Bar. You’ll set sail on a beautiful catamaran for a fun-filled few hours in the sea.
Enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar, and multiple stops to try your skills on the SUPaddleboards. The highlight is undoubtedly the snorkeling. You’ll get up close to Mexico’s barrier reef, and discover its vibrant marine life with provided gear.
You might get to swim with sea turtles and rays besides the guaranteed schools of fish! Get back on board to relish an all-inclusive lunch before sailing to the mainland.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a sailing trip, snorkeling gear, SUPaddleboards, life vests, an open bar, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Snorkeling Tours in Tulum
▶️ The Private Underground River Tour with Snorkeling accommodates groups of up to 10 people. During the 6-hour excursion, you’ll get to snorkel in the world’s second-largest barrier reef, meeting the inhabitants of the Caribbean Sea.
Then, follow your guide to an underground cenote filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Learn about its unique geology, and continue your snorkeling adventures in its fresh, crystal-clear waters. Relish a traditional lunch before returning to your hotel.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, all equipment, life vests, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Tulum: Snorkeling and Private Sailing Tour is just the trip for you if you’re short on time. In a little over an hour, you and up to 9 of your friends will get to experience the Caribbean Sea’s rich marine life and sail along the coastline.
The catamaran, powered by the wind, will sail past the Tulum Ruins and stop by the reef so you can enjoy a memorable snorkeling session. Swim with colorful schools of fish, and much on snacks as you return to Tulum.
This tour includes: Snorkeling gear, a sailing trip, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tulum Ruins + Snorkeling Tour in Tulum
The Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves is a super comprehensive tour of Tulum. You’ll start the jam-packed day by exploring the stunning Mayan ruins with a professional guide.
After learning about the site’s role in the Mayan trade routes, go out into the sea. You’ll be able to snorkel along the barrier reef, the best place to spot sea turtles and rays, and in a beautiful cenote.
You’ll also have the chance to explore a limestone cave and walk through the jungle. Plus, lunch is included!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, entrance fees, a guide, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Snorkeling Tours to Sian Ka’an
▶️ Check out this Kayak Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour for a day to remember. You’ll travel to the gorgeous Sian Ka’an, home to cenotes, mangroves, rich marine life, and coral reefs, with a small group and a guide.
As you learn about the reserve, its history, and wildlife, you’ll get to enjoy the best spots for snorkeling and kayaking. All gear will be provided, as well as a box lunch to keep you going.
This tour includes: Entrance fee, a guide, all equipment, bottled water, snacks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ An alternative is the Sian Ka’an Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen. The protected area teems with marine and wildlife, incredible vegetation, lagoons, cenotes, and private beaches. It’s a dream for outdoor lovers!
During this 10-hour tour, you’ll get to snorkel in the Mesoamerican reef, go on a boat trip across the lagoon, and discover unique ecosystems. You might be able to spot manatees and nesting birds as well before heading to Punta Allen for lunch.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, a boat trip, equipment, life vests, snacks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Swim with Whale Sharks in Tulum
This Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya is your chance to swim with the gentle giants of the sea. You’ll set sail in search of the whale sharks to the islands of Contoy, Holbox, and Isla Mujeres.
Learn about them from your expert guide, and under their guidance you’ll get in the water to snorkel with them. Besides whale sharks, you might also get to spot fish, turtles, dolphins, and rays.
After the experience, you’ll be treated to lunch and soft drinks on the boat.
This tour includes: Transfers from Tulum, Cancun Hotel Zone, and Riviera Maya, a guide, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
