Puerto Aventuras is a fantastic hub for tours that give you a real taste of the Riviera Maya. Its strategic location means you can easily access some of the most iconic attractions in Quintana Roo—whether it’s snorkeling at world-famous reefs, swimming in crystal-clear cenotes, or exploring ancient ruins. We particularly enjoy the Share Catamaran Tour for its luxurious sailing and snorkeling, and the Tulum Ruins and Cenotes Adventure if you’re after a mix of culture and nature. These tours offer authentic experiences, often with a relaxed pace that matches the leisurely Caribbean vibe.
If you’re planning your trip, knowing the options can help you decide what fits your interests and schedule. Whether you want a quick whale of a time with marine animals or a full day of exploring Maya sites, there’s something here for everyone. For outdoor lovers, the Kantun-Chi Cenotes tour offers the chance to swim and kayak in beautiful waters, while the Isla Mujeres experience provides a chance to interact with playful sea lions and manatees in their natural habitat.
Quick Overview
Puerto Aventuras is a perfect base for a variety of tours, ranging from luxury catamaran cruises to adventure-filled cenote swims. Our favorites include the Share Catamaran Tour, known for its smooth sailing and snorkeling, and the Tulum Ruins, Turtles & Cenotes Adventure, which combines history, marine life, and natural beauty. Below, we give you detailed insights into each tour to help you decide.
1. From Puerto Aventuras: Share Catamaran Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Share Catamaran Tour offers a fantastic way to see the Caribbean from the deck of a luxury 65-foot catamaran. For $125 per person, you’ll spend four hours cruising through the Riviera Maya, with plenty of time to snorkel at the second largest reef in the world. The reef, part of the INAH protected zone, is teeming with vibrant marine life, making it a favorite among snorkelers.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of a comfortable vessel, good music, and a full BBQ grill with four options, accompanied by exotic drinks from the open bar. The crew is seasoned in making sure everyone has a good time without the feeling of being rushed. The views of the coastline along the way are stunning, and you’re likely to see wildlife like seabirds and maybe even dolphins.
Bottom line: If you enjoy sailing, snorkeling, and relaxed social atmospheres, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially good for those who want a high-quality, all-inclusive experience without sacrificing comfort.
2. Riviera Maya: Kantun-Chi Cenotes
For around $41 per person, the Kantun-Chi Cenotes tour is a flexible, self-paced day that invites you to create your own adventure among four stunning cenotes. These natural sinkholes feature crystal-clear waters perfect for cooling off, swimming, or even snorkeling if you bring your own gear.
What makes this experience unique is its focus on independence—you can swim, kayak, or walk through the Mayan jungle at your own pace. The tour encourages visitors to explore and discover the abundant flora and fauna surrounding the cenotes, making it ideal for nature lovers and those interested in a more relaxed, customizable day. Since it’s a self-guided tour, you can spend as little or as much time as you like in each cenote, making it perfect for families or anyone wanting a flexible schedule.
The tour provides access to four different cenotes, each with its own character—some with lush vegetation, others with dramatic rocky formations. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula without the crowds.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, flexible way to enjoy some of the Riviera Maya’s best swimming holes, best suited for independent travelers and nature explorers.
3. Isla Mujeres: Sea Lion & Manatee Interaction with Buffet
Priced at $103 per person, the Sea Lion & Manatee Interaction offers a rare chance to get up close with gentle marine animals in their natural environment. This one-hour experience is part of a full-day trip that includes round-trip ferry service from Cancún, making logistics straightforward.
What sets this apart is the opportunity to interact with playful sea lions in pools designed to mimic their natural habitat and to discover and feed gentle manatees—a truly memorable water encounter. The experience is educational, emphasizing the importance of habitat conservation, making it suitable for families and animal lovers. After the water activities, you can enjoy a buffet lunch and relax on the island’s facilities, which include beaches and lounging areas.
Reviews point out the smooth round-trip ferry transfer and the chance to experience marine life in a safe, natural setting. Although it’s a short trip, the interaction is intimate and personal, leaving many visitors with lasting memories.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful wildlife experience with easy logistics, and for those who love marine mammals.
$103 per person
4. Tulum: Ruins, Turtles & Cenotes Adventure
At $146 per person, the Tulum: Ruins, Turtles & Cenotes Adventure provides a comprehensive day of exploring ancient Maya ruins, swimming with sea turtles in Akumal, and visiting mystical cenotes. Starting with Tulum’s cliffside archaeological site, the tour offers a chance to walk among well-preserved ruins perched above the Caribbean Sea—perfect for history and culture buffs alike.
The snorkeling with turtles in Akumal is a highlight, giving you the chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures. Afterward, you’ll visit several cenotes, where you can snorkel or relax in cool waters, experiencing the unique underground formations. The combination of cultural and natural attractions makes this tour ideal for those who want a well-rounded day.
Guests have noted that the tour provides a good mix of history, marine life, and natural beauty, making it great value for a full day out. Keep in mind that the physical activity involved is moderate, so it suits most fitness levels.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting to combine Maya history, marine encounters, and cenote adventures in one trip.
$146 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you love sailing and snorkeling, the Share Catamaran Tour offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience. For a more flexible, nature-focused day, the Kantun-Chi Cenotes gives you freedom to swim and explore at your own pace.
If wildlife encounters are your priority, then the Sea Lion & Manatee experience provides intimate interaction with marine mammals, with convenient transfer logistics. Lastly, if combining history, marine life, and natural beauty appeals, the Tulum Ruins & Cenotes is a well-rounded option.
Think about your fitness level, time constraints, and whether you prefer self-guided exploration or guided tours. Booking early is always wise, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and get the best times.
Final thoughts
Puerto Aventuras offers a broad spectrum of tours suited to different interests and schedules. For a luxurious day on the water, the Share Catamaran Tour is hard to beat. If you’re after natural swimming spots, the Kantun-Chi Cenotes will not disappoint. Wildlife lovers should consider the Sea Lion & Manatee, while history and adventure enthusiasts will find the Tulum Tour offers a full day of memorable experiences.
Whichever tour you choose, booking early helps ensure you get your preferred dates and times. These experiences are a great way to deepen your enjoyment of Puerto Aventuras and the Riviera Maya—so pick what excites you most and get ready for a fantastic adventure.