Wildlife rescue, hidden cenote and swim with turtles
Discover two of the Riviera Maya's most extraordinary natural experiences in one unforgettable day. Visit a private wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and protection of native animals, then snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters of Akumal Bay alongside wild sea turtles in their natural habitat. An exclusive journey that combines conservation, authentic wildlife encounters, and one of Mexico's most iconic marine adventures.
What's included:
✅ Pickup and drop-off from downtown Playa del Carmen
✅ Comfortable A/C transportation with bottled water
✅ Certified tourist guide throughout the day
✅ Entrance to the animal sanctuary, local expert guide, bathrooms
✅ Cenote access with life jackets available
✅ Full snorkeling experience in Akumal: equipment, local aquatic guide, lockers, bathrooms & showers, plus a speedboat to the reef
✅ A delightful meal at Lara & Luca, including a drink, among water, soft drink, or an ice-cold beer
Meeting and pickup:
📍 Meeting point
Lara y Luca Restaurant.
Diag. Aeropuerto MZ 29-LT 4, fase II, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
(Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off can also be arranged upon request for an additional fee.)
🏁 End point
Lara y Luca Restaurant.
Diag. Aeropuerto MZ 29-LT 4, fase II, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
(Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off can also be arranged upon request for an additional fee.)
🕘 Operating hours:
09:15 am - 03:30 pm
(As with all experiences in the Riviera Maya, timings are approximate and may vary slightly depending on local traffic and road conditions. We appreciate your flexibility and will always do our best to provide a seamless experience.)
Itinerary:
1️⃣ Pickup in Playa del Carmen
Meet your guide at Lara & Luca Restaurant at 9:15 AM, where your adventure begins. After a warm welcome, we'll head into the heart of the Riviera Maya for an unforgettable day in nature.
2️⃣ Exclusive Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary
Discover a hidden wildlife sanctuary deep in the Akumal jungle, where rescued animals are cared for with love and respect. Meet spider monkeys, colorful macaws, giant tortoises, crocodiles, boas, and many other incredible species while learning about their inspiring rescue stories.
3️⃣ Jungle Cenote Swim
Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of a beautiful covered cenote surrounded by ancient rock formations. A peaceful and refreshing experience in one of the Riviera Maya's most magical natural settings.
4️⃣ Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay
Explore Akumal Bay with an experienced local guide and enjoy exclusive access to the diving center's facilities. Reach the reef by speedboat before snorkeling back toward the shore, where you'll encounter wild sea turtles feeding peacefully in their natural habitat.
5️⃣ International Meal at Lara & Luca
End your adventure back at Lara & Luca Restaurant with a freshly prepared international meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The perfect way to finish a day filled with wildlife, nature, and unforgettable memories.
What to bring:
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- Towel
- Comfortable shoes for walking on natural paths
- Dry clothes to change into after the activities (for the ride back)
- (Optional) A rash guard or wetsuit for extra comfort in the cool cenote water, or for sun/skin protection in Akumal
You may also want to bring some cash, in case you wish to purchase useful items such as:
-
- Eco-friendly bugs spray
Important Notes:
🌿 No sunscreen, please. Akumal is a protected sea turtle area, and sunscreen is not permitted to help preserve the marine ecosystem.
For sun protection, we recommend a rash guard for snorkeling, and a hat or lightweight long-sleeve shirt for the sanctuary visit. 🙏🏻
🦟 If you plan to use insect repellent, please ensure it is eco-friendly, to help preserve the cenotes’ delicate ecosystem.
Additional info:
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- Minimum of 2 participants per booking
- Important Information:
In the rare event that the Port Authority suspends snorkeling activities in Akumal Bay due to weather conditions, guests may choose between visiting three hidden cenotes located within a private property "an exclusive experience unavailable to the general public" or rescheduling the entire experience for another available date.
These measures ensure you can still enjoy an unforgettable day while prioritizing your safety and the protection of the marine environment.

















