First off, do not use Apple maps to find this place as it will divert you to some dive shop in the…read moremiddle of town. You'll need to use Google maps to get you to the exact location. This was our very first cenote on this trip. It's 500 pesos for adults and 250 pesos for kids that are less than 4'5" or so. Cash only. (If paying in US dollars, it's $30 US and $15 for children.) Be sure to collect your ticket. There is free parking out front as well. Once you go in, there are outdoor showers that you are expected to use to rinse off. No sunscreen is allowed. And before you get your Personal Flotation Device (PFD), they will check that you have showered. However, no one is actually watching you as you rinse off as some reviews have mentioned. They'll also provide a snorkeling mask too. You'll need to walk down some stairs and there's an option to rent a locker for 30 pesos. Some people left their belongings unattended, but you'll get a key for your locker and they'll hold your ID card until you return the key. It's a small area to snorkel around and you'll see a lot of turtles. There are some darker areas, and a waterproof flashlight would have been very useful during those parts. The water is super clear, so let's keep it that way. There's a large grassy area to dry off and relax. I would suggest bringing some snacks if you want to relax out in the sun because it does get cold in the water after awhile. There are no in and out privileges though. Overall, it's a nice little cenote to visit. I would recommend 1-2 hours depending on how much time you want to swim around. Park hours: 8:10 am to 4:45 pm, last entrance at 4:15 pm.

One of the best cenotes in Tulum. The entrance cost at the time of this review was 500 pesos in…read morecash per person. They didn't have any ATM and they didnt accept credit. Locker rental was 30 pesos and equipment rental (livejacket) was included, just need to leave a security (ID, passport, etc) The experience was amazing as you get to swim along fish and turtles. You get to see them in action underwater. The sights underwater are incredible. The water is pretty clear and a bit chilly at the beginning but as you keep on swimming your body temperature adapts to it and it gets used to it Overall, it was really pretty and an amazing experience. Definitely worth coming here and checking it out. : )

It honestly was not as big of a wow factor as I had hoped…read more... Our tour guide for the cave was subpar at best! He did a very bad job at sharing the ecological (and anthropological) history of the area He did a bad job answering questions... We were rushed through the cave ........ It is a beautiful cave though, especially the part where you walk over the water over the bridge ((but definitely should not be a top 10 National Geographic cave walk!!!..?!!! I have seen much cooler caves!...) The animal park is very fun. They take nice care of the animals and they actually have a great variety. My two-year-old had a great time with the animals. The cenote Was ***extremely busy !...... full of loud obnoxious tour groups who completely ruined the whole vibe There are catfish in the water that do not bite The cenote is small. The water is crystal clear! It is very fun to explore! Bring a mouth piece for the snorkel, as they do not provide those (the thing that enables you to breathe while you are under water) The water is FREEZING cold Even colder than they advertise There are no wet suits We went Thursday at 1 pm for the cave, and 3pm for the cenote, so I was not expecting it to be busy..... The cenote is 10 minutes away from the cave ( you have to drive there) Aktun Chen is about 20 minutes down a dirt road- once you exit the highway, there are signs saying you are heading the right way to the cave/cenote, but I kept doubting myself.. as the dirt road feels very remote Glad I went, but honestly would not go back again... PS- they say no sunscreen to protect the cenote, but allow bug repellent lololol -- do you know how much more toxic bug repellent is than sunscreen?? Hire better staff, and I will feel inclined to give a better review It felt like a cattle corral ..... did not feel genuinely cared for ((or that the staff genuinely cares for the environment!..!.!.!)

We signed up for the combo package which included ziplining, then a cave tour and then the cenote…read more The whole family unanimously agreed Aktun Chen was the highlight of our 1 week trip to Mexico. The ziplining was 10 ziplines, and the tour guides were fun and allow you to go upside down or 2 people at once on some of them. Make sure to bring money to tip the tour guides! The cave tour was the weakest section but I admit I did learn a bunch of interesting geological sorts of stuff. The cave actually gets a bit muggy and so the cenote was a great way to finish the day and cool off. They have you do a very brief "tour" in the cenote and then we were given about 30 min of free, unsupervised play time there. The water is clear, cool, clean and you adjust very quickly to the temperature. The lighting and colors were MAGICAL and the kids loved swimming amongst catfish. Water shoes were perfect for the whole day. You get a locker at each site. Towels and change of clothes are handy at the end of the day- don't forget those! And keep in mind that getting to the front entrance of Aktun Chen is not the same as getting to the actual reception area - it's ~ 3.5 km down a windy dirt road. Something to consider if you get motion sick easily, or something to consider if you rent a tiny car that might have difficulty on dirt roads.

Our 2nd time to Tulum Ruins was great! We joined a tour this time and enjoyed it. Our guide was…read moreknowledgeable and very accommodating when questioned. We went on a March weekend and was surprised it was not crowded which was great. I would love to come back during sunset next time - the dramatic scenery, combining ancient ruins with a beautiful beach and the ocean view, will definitely be worth it!

Absolutely worth the visit. The setting is hard to beat, ancient ruins perched above turquoise…read moreCaribbean water with a steady ocean breeze the whole time. The walking paths are easy, the grounds are well kept, and there are plenty of viewpoints where you'll stop every few minutes just to take photos. It does get hot and crowded, especially mid-day, but if you go earlier or later it feels much more relaxed and you can really take in how unique the location is compared to other archaeological sites. The beach access below the cliffs is a huge bonus and makes the experience more than just a history stop. Bring water, sunscreen, and patience, but the views alone make it worth it. You will see plenty of iguanas. :)

Very cool experience! The water was very clear you could see everything. We went with a tour guide,…read moreAngel Pepper, who made the experience great! He told us about the different fish and wildlife we may see and made us feel safe and have fun. There was a lot to explore and it was so beautiful. Highly recommend!!

Small cenote with opening into the ocean. It doesn't have caves but definitely you will see plenty…read moreof fish.

Sian Ka'an will forever be a special place. Not just because it's an UNESCO world heritage site,…read morebut because of it's natural beauty, biodiversity and the fact that I got engaged here. I highly suggest getting out on a boat to tool around the reserve, photograph the Beautiful birds, check out the manitees, and float in the Mayan channels. It's a special place!

This review is for Punta Allen, at the end of the Sian Ka'an bioreserve. Holy moly where do I…read morestart? We were thinking about a day trip to Holbox, but we met a local Yucatan couple at a cenote one day that said Punta Allen would be a much better option. The main deterrent is the road to get there, and that's what keeps the place such a hidden gem. They told us we would be fine in our little tiny rental car, but every blog/article online said you needed a 4x4. I read horror stories about getting stuck in the sand and the idea of getting a flat on a tiny strip of land in the middle of the ocean with nobody around for miles definitely scared us. We proceeded to ask local people, and they pumped us up to go, so off the hell we went! It was definitely the craziest drive I've ever experienced. There are so many dips everywhere, if you're not a good driver or a nervous driver it might not be a good idea. It is also one of the most beautiful drives through the jungle with glimpses of the ocean every now and then and watch out for the iguanas crossing the road. And then finally you reach the little town of Punta Allen, with no cell phone service and electricity only at certain times of the day. Amazing. There are plenty of eco tour options in the area, they're all connected so you're going to get the same price and tour. We were having lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach, and one of the tour boats was right there, so we finished up our super fresh seafood lunch and got right on the boat. Our host was amazing and man can he drive a boat! He's a local that's dedicated to this and knows this part of the ocean like the back of his hand. He took us to see dolphins, then to see sea turtles, then to snorkel around the coral reefs, and finally to the "natural pool." This was such an amazing experience! This was one of the most magical experiences in Tulum, which is already magical. The hardest roads sometimes lead to the most beautiful places. I don't know whose bumper sticker I read that on but it fits. The rough journey makes it that much sweeter, and I'm so glad we made it.

Tulum was a pre-Columbian, walled Mayan city that is located on a cliff on the Yucatán Peninsula…read moreoverlooking the Caribbean Sea. It was inhabited from the 13th to 15th centuries and played an important role in defense and trade. My husband and I toured the Tulum ruins with a tour guide. The site was walkable, although the weather was very sunny and hot. We saw the structures El Castillo, a castle overlooking the beautiful shore; the Temple of the Frescoes, which has wall murals; the Temple of the Descending God; Casa del Chultun; and many others. The ruins were roped off, so we could see them only from a distance and not touch them, but they still looked impressive and interesting. We also enjoyed seeing wildlife such as iguanas. We have visited other Mayan ruins in Mexico and in Belize, and in comparison, I do recommend visiting Tulum.

Our 2nd time to Tulum Ruins was great! We joined a tour this time and enjoyed it. Our guide was…read moreknowledgeable and very accommodating when questioned. We went on a March weekend and was surprised it was not crowded which was great. I would love to come back during sunset next time - the dramatic scenery, combining ancient ruins with a beautiful beach and the ocean view, will definitely be worth it!

When we visited Mexico, we knew we wanted to explore some Mayan ruins. Since we were staying in…read moreTulum, we visited some bigger ruins (like Coba), but not far from Tulum are the Muyil Ruins. The ruins are about 2 hours south of Cancun, and for us it was a 20 minute drive from Tulum. This is not like any of the bigger ruins that are overflowing with tourists and busses - we didn't see anyone else there for the couple hours that we spent exploring! We drove our rental car there, and the ruins are easy to find, clearly marked along the highway, and also easy to find using Google Maps. We parked near the entrance, and it seems like there is ample parking. There is a counter where you can pay for your admission to the ruins. One of the things I wish they handed out at Mayan Ruins are maps, but the ruins are small enough to explore on your own. The paths around the ruins are well-maintained, and there is signage around the property. I loved the ambiance of Muyil, as we walked around the jungle. The Muyil ruins date back to 300 BC, and it is very interesting to visit. It isn't a far walk to the first set of buildings, only a minute or so from the entrance of the park. The most impressive structure at Muyil is El Castillo. This is not as large as structures at places like Coba or Chichen Itza, but still very interesting. What a difference from the other crowded ruins we have been to. Although you can't climb on any of the bigger structures, it is nice to really absorb the visit without the crowds. The grounds are not very big, so you can cover the area in a short amount of time. However, we had a nice time walking around. It gave us some time to stretch our legs and get some fresh air, enjoy the jungle and ruins. For the kids, they weren't overly interested, but it was just the right length of time for exploring. You won't find bikes or bike taxis here, as it is not so commercialized or large as other ruins. It was very peaceful morning at Muyil. By the time we headed out, there was only one other group there, of a couple tourists that had driven their own car. Much different than other ruins like Coba or Chichen-Itza, where busloads of tourists are brought in. I recommend taking in the solitude, flora and fauna. We meandered around Muyil for a couple hours, even taking the path to the entrance to the lagoon, although the gate was closed. I would love to go back sometime and add a trip to the Sian Ka'an nature reserve. We simply didn't have time to add a Sian Ka'an tour this time. Tips for your visit: ~ Bring bug spray. The ruins are truly in the jungle and there were lots of mosquitoes! ~ I don't think you need sunscreen, as most of the walkways are through the jungle. ~ There are bathrooms by the entrance. ~ We did not see a gift shop or any items to purchase, although there were some shops across the highway, with foods and local crafts. They looked interesting but we didn't have time to stop.

You want off the beaten path? Want to get away from the tourists? Want to experience some amazing…read morethings? Read on. Thiey have Mayan ruins here. They have bats hanging from ceilings in caves and the bats are a few feet away from you. They have moderately poisonous snakes eating live birds a couple feet from you are walking. This is the real jungle and it's all around you. And best of all, and for a hefty fee (CASH ONLY, by the way, so take a lot), you can take a wild speedboat ride to a natural lazy river where you climb into the water and float along, unguided by anything but the natural current, for about thirty minutes, in lovely, briny water, among the mangroves, small fishes, and birds swooping in and out of the marsh around you. It's a surreal, wonderful experience. No rubber inner tubes, no lifeguards, no guides. Just you and the river and the fish and the birds. Very, very few tourists here. I hesitate to even review this place because I want it to remain real forever. Hopefully, only the adventurers will come here.

Akumal beach is such a great beach for exploring the sea turtles and snorkeling! Not great if you…read moreare looking for white sands and no shells though. Weather is always amazing and so many things to do with the little town and dive shop there. Also several restaurants to eat.

Beautiful white sand beach, turtles in the water, minimal seaweed, what more could you ask for!…read more I understand why people make this beach their home base for their Quintana Roo vacation.! I'm not entirely sure one must pay for the guided tour to get in the water and see the turtles. I want to support the local economy, but perhaps there's a trick to enjoying this beach without paying for guided tour, think life jackets, and locker rooms. There is a restaurant on site, and my friend and I just gave a really big tip to the waiter so he would let us leave our bags at the table for 15 minutes while we snorkeled with our own gear to see the turtles. kind of hush hush, we did it very discreetly and quietly and quickly. I attached the screenshot I showed to the taxi driver upon arrival to get us to the restaurant without going through the Disneyland style entrance line and fee. I'm not sure I recommend this method, however, as I can imagine multiple ways this theory could have gone wrong. Side note, perhaps we were off season in late may, but we actually saw no turtles. maybe we should have paid for the guided tour after all.

Probably the most underwhelming snorkeling experience that I have had. This was my first time…read moresnorkeling in a lagoon and I was really excited because the water looked clear and beautiful on land. We came here with a tour guide around 11am in February, and the water was not only cold, but there were not many fish. When there were fish, it was the same type of fish over and over again. Maybe she just didn't take us to the right places, but I didn't see anything that excited me. I probably wouldn't want to come here again to snorkel. There are probably much better places for it!

Super fun experience. On a recent trip to Cancun for a wedding my friends and I decided to book an…read moreexcursion from our hotel and decided upon one that takes you to both a cenote and a laguna for snorkeling. Yal Ku happened to be the lagoon our guide took us to. Didn't get to explore the area too much but theres a parking lot, small changing rooms, bathrooms, and a small restaurant. Several other groups were there trying to snorkel at the same but it wasn't overly crowded. We first went and got our supplies...lifevests, goggles and fitted them. Once everyone was fitted we jumped into the water and were instructed to go to a certain area of the lagoon. Some areas had slightly poor visibility--I mean, it is a lagoon, can't expect too much. Some cool things I saw included this huge school of sardines swimming right next to me and some rainbow colored fish in another area. Almost didn't want to leave the water because I was so excited to explore. Made me want to book a snorkeling trip to an island asap... Anyway, when you do come out to the parking area, you might run into the ice cream man with those pinwheel crackers~get some!