Two legendary aquatic experiences in half a day
Private Tour: Swimming with Turtles & Cenote Dos Ojos
100% Private Excursion
Your exclusive certified French-speaking guide for the half day
| Confirm private departure | Check availability |
Duration 5 hours | Difficulty Easy | Private Tour Max 8 people. | Language 100% FR, EN, ES | Departure 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. | Kind Eco-Aquatic |
The advantage of our private experience
Unlike group industrial tours where you share the guide with 15 to 40 strangers and have 45 timed minutes per site, this experience is 100% private for your group (up to 8 people max).
You benefit from 1h30 of free exploration of the Dos Ojos system (Ojo Oeste and Ojo Leste) and 60 real minutes of swimming with turtles, without any time pressure. Your certified French-speaking guide is dedicated solely to you, adapting the pace of exploration to your level, to guarantee memorable photos and ethical wildlife observation.
What you need to know
Cenote Dos Ojos & Sac Actun System
Integral part of the Sac Actun network, the 3rd longest flooded cave system in the world (347 km connected). Dos Ojos (“Two Eyes”) has 82 km of passages and 28 natural pools.
Halocline phenomenon: Mirror visual interface where fresh surface water meets deep salt water. , Visibility : 50 to 100 meters. , Temperature : 24 to 25°C constant. , Training: Thousand-year-old stalactites, stalagmites, columns and fossils from the Cretaceous era.
Akumal Bay, Marine Turtle Refuge
Natural habitat protected by CONANP limiting daily access. Privileged observatory of the Atlantic green turtle (Chelonia mydas) which comes there to feed on seagrass.
Species : Mainly green turtles (up to 200 kg), hawksbill turtles and sometimes loggerhead turtles. , Ethics : Passive observation without boat, minimum stress. , Biodiversity: Stingrays and tropical fish.
Historical Significance and Xibalba
For the ancient Maya, cenotes were sacred portals leading to Xibalba (the underworld), used for ceremonies and rituals. Archaeological remains have been discovered in the system, including Naia, the oldest skeleton in the Americas (13,000 years old, discovered in a neighboring cenote in the same system).
Transportation & Certified French Speaking Guide
Private Transport: Air-conditioned Toyota Hiace/Urban van, experienced drivers (+5 years), 500k MXN liability insurance. Strategic distance: Akumal (km 104) and Dos Ojos (15 km west Tulum) allow a fluid transition of 15 minutes without fatigue.
Guide : Certified bilingual professional (water first aid). Expert in karst geology, marine fauna and Mayan mythology, he manages your equipment and even takes your underwater photos.
Detailed Itinerary, Half Day (Ex: Departure from Playa)
1 | 7:30 a.m. · Variable depending on your areaPrivate pickup from your hotelYour driver and guide will pick you up directly in the lobby. On board: unlimited fresh water, air-conditioned comfort. Exclusive transportation |
2 | 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. · 15 minsAkumal Arrival & Security BriefingPreparation of snorkeling equipment (mask, pro snorkel, vest required). The guide details the CONANP approach rules: distance of 2m, communication by signs and verification of reef safe cream. Equipment provided |
3 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. · 1 hour in the waterSwimming with Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas)A full hour of peaceful observation above the seagrass beds. Meet these majestic giants in their natural habitat, accompanied by stingrays and colorful corals, without the rush hour crowds. Natural habitat |
4 | 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. · Journey 15 minArrival Dos Ojos & Caves BriefingFast ride to the inner jungle. Distribution of waterproof LED headlamps, briefing on the “Buddy System” and instructions not to touch fragile limestone formations. |
5 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. · 1h30 explorationExploring Dos Ojos: Ojo Oeste & Ojo LesteOjo Oeste (45 min): Majestic cave, grandiose natural light effects, observation of the halocline and giant stalactites. Lamps included |
6 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. · Shower and returnEnd of excursion & Return to HotelTake advantage of the changing rooms and hot showers on site to change. Comfortable return by private van to your hotel lobby (arrival around 12:30 p.m. depending on traffic for the Playa area). |
What is included and what is not
✓ INCLUDED✓ Private round trip A/C transport ✓ Certified private French-speaking guide ✓ Professional snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, vest) ✓ Waterproof LED headlamp for caves ✓ Protected entrance to Akumal Bay (Value €60) ✓ Complete Dos Ojos Cenote Entrance (Value €50) ✓ Clean hotel quality towels ✓ Unlimited fresh water on board ✓ All taxes and liability insurance 500k MXN | ✗ NOT INCLUDED✗ Guide/driver tips (Optional) ✗ Souvenirs and personal expenses ✗ Additional professional photos ✗ Cancun/Puerto Morelos pick-up supplement (+40€) |
Departure zones and indicative times
| Area | Departure | Back | Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen | 7:30 a.m. | ~12:30 p.m. | ✓ INCLUDED |
| Akumal | 8:00 a.m. | ~1:00 p.m. | ✓ INCLUDED |
| Tulum | 8:30 a.m. | ~12:30 p.m. | ✓ INCLUDED |
| Cancun / Puerto Morelos | 7:00 a.m. | ~2:30 p.m. | +40€ |
Advice from the Guide, The Essential for this adventure
Reef-Safe Sunscreen | Life jacket required |
Swimsuit already on you | Change of clothes |
Waterproof camera (GoPro) | 2 meter rule |
Verified Customer Reviews TripAdvisor
★★★★★ “A day that perfectly combines history and adventure. Two species of monkeys observed, zip line with a view of the lagoon, almost private cenote and lunch at Carlos's, the best meal of my stay in Mexico. » Lucie P. TripAdvisor · 2024 | ★★★★★ “Very well paced, lots of activities, and a guide (Rafa) who goes out of his way for our comfort. We learned lots of things. Thanks also to Yann at reservations for his advice. » Perrine M. TripAdvisor · 2024 | ★★★★★ “Third experience with this agency, always a success. Small group, Fred encyclopedia guide of the Mayan world, drinks available, excellent meal at Carlos's. Much better than the big buses. » Caroline H. TripAdvisor · 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The halocline is a spectacular physical phenomenon where fresh rainwater meets salty water from the deep sea without mixing instantly. This creates a blurred visual layer, like a liquid mirror or fog underwater. In certain areas of Ojo Leste and Ojo Oeste you can observe this unique optical distortion.
No, a basic skill is enough. Life jackets are mandatory in Akumal and provided for the cenote. The water at Dos Ojos is perfectly calm with no current, and at Akumal the turtles are in a protected bay. The guide is trained in water safety and stays with you at all times.
Ojo Oeste is wide and open, illuminated by large beams of natural light showcasing huge stalactites and ultra-crystal clear water. Ojo Leste, accessible via a water tunnel, is darker and more mysterious, and notably houses a cave with bats. You will visit both during your 1.5 hour exploration.
Akumal Bay is the natural refuge of green turtles who come there to feed on seagrass throughout the year. Although they are wild animals, the chances of seeing them are around 98%. Your guide will know exactly where to look to maximize these encounters with total respect for wildlife.
Strictly prohibited. For turtles (CONANP rules), a distance of at least 2 meters must be maintained to avoid stressing them. In the cenote, touching a stalactite stops its growth, which is only 1 centimeter every 100 years. We practice pure observation tourism.
Cancellation Policy
Free CancellationUntil 48 hours before = 100% refund of deposit. | Absence without noticeNo refunds without 48 hours notice. Max wait 10 minutes on site. | RefundUnused and unnotified reservations = canceled without refund. |
Secure your Private Tour
Exclusive excursion limited to 8 participants max, your private guide awaits you
| Confirm private departure | Check availability |