Playa Del Carmen is a fantastic place for photography lovers. Its combination of crystal-clear waters, colorful marine life, lush jungles, and scenic beaches makes it a perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable images. Whether you’re an amateur photographer wanting to document your trip or a professional seeking new shots, Playa offers a variety of experiences. We especially love the Swim with Turtles in Akumal + GoPro Photo Session for its combination of wildlife encounters and underwater photography []. Watching turtles glide through the water while snapping pictures is hard to beat.
Beyond marine adventures, Playa del Carmen is also perfect for professional photoshoots in stunning locations. The Flying Dress Photoshoot in Riviera Maya offers a fairy-tale experience, and the Family Photography Session captures your loved ones against beautiful backdrops. With so many options, you’re sure to find a photography experience that fits your style and budget.
1. Swim with Turtles in Akumal + GoPro Photo Session
Rating: 5.0/5 (194 reviews)
Price: $50.30 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This unique experience takes you swimming alongside sea turtles in Akumal Bay, a protected marine area famous for its turtle population. Guided by certified professionals, you’ll snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, observing turtles, rays, colorful fish, and coral reefs. The tour includes a GoPro photo session, so you can relive your underwater moments with high-quality images. Many reviews praise the patience and friendliness of guides like Rodrigo and Alejandro, who go the extra mile to involve children and beginners.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife lovers or those wanting to combine adventure with photography, this tour offers excellent value with memorable photos included. Best suited for families and snorkelers of all experience levels.
2. Private Snorkeling with Turtles EN Akumal + Photos Included
Rating: 5.0/5 (37 reviews)
Price: $44.55 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This private snorkeling tour provides an intimate encounter with turtles and marine life in Akumal. Led by local guides who are passionate about conservation, your small group will enjoy swimming in crystal waters surrounded only by your party. The guides also take videos and photos throughout the trip, creating a lasting memory of your adventure, as one reviewer notes: “He also took many videos and photos which will definitely last a lifetime.”
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a personal, relaxed experience with professional photos included. It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting privacy and high-quality images.
3. Akumal Turtles Snorkeling and GoPro Pictures
Rating: 4.5/5 (38 reviews)
Price: $36.80 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
In this tour, you’ll gain exclusive access to Akumal’s protected snorkeling area with a local guide. The highlight is swimming with turtles in their natural habitat—an experience many describe as breathtaking. The tour also includes a GoPro photo session that captures your underwater adventure. Some reviewers mention that the experience is a bit tiring, especially fighting currents, but Fernando, their guide, keeps things fun and engaging.
Bottom Line: An affordable option for those wanting a guided turtle snorkel with photos included. Best for those comfortable in open water and looking for a straightforward, memorable experience.
4. Family Photography Session in Playa del Carmen
Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
Price: $80.00 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Let professional photographers help you capture your family’s vacation in Playa del Carmen. The session includes 15 edited photos, with options for more if you review promptly. Photographers will work with your preferred locations or suggest scenic spots, ensuring your images reflect the beauty of the area. One reviewer calls the photographer Josh “friendly and helpful,” making the experience relaxed and fun.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or groups wanting high-quality, professionally edited photos in a relaxed setting. Good value for the personalized attention.
5. Luxurious Flying Dress Photoshoot in Riviera Maya
Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
Price: $449.00 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Feel like a star with this flying dress photoshoot on the Riviera Maya’s beaches. The experience includes personalized styling and professional photography, capturing you in stunning, cinematic images. The team, led by JP and Nat, ensures every detail is tailored to your desires, whether solo or in groups. Many clients say the photos turn out “breathtaking” and make for unforgettable keepsakes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for celebrating special moments like birthdays or anniversaries in style. It offers a luxury experience and stunning results, but at a higher price point.
6. Cenote; Snorkeling and Photos with Colorful Fish

Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
Price: $39.00 per person
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This tour combines snorkeling in a cenote, surrounded by tropical fish, with photography in a lush jungle setting. You’ll learn about the fish, their habits, and their names, making it both educational and visually stunning. The cenote’s clear waters make for excellent underwater photos, and guides help you capture the vibrant scenery. It’s a great blend of nature, adventure, and photography.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nature lovers wanting underwater and jungle photos in one half-day tour, suitable for all levels.
7. Akumal Turtles Sanctuary and GoPro Photos

Rating: 4.5/5 (22 reviews)
Price: $37.00 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour 15 min.
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This experience offers snorkeling with turtles in a protected sanctuary, with all snorkeling equipment included. The tour is praised for its friendly guides and personalized experience, with some reviews mentioning how they saw multiple turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish. The photos taken with a GoPro add a special touch, letting you relive your underwater adventure.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for wildlife enthusiasts and those wanting a hassle-free turtle encounter with professional photos included.
8. Hire Photographer, Professional Photo Shoot – Playa Del Carmen
Rating: 5.0/5 (3 reviews)
Price: $209.26 per person
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Capture your trip with a professional photographer who can shoot at multiple scenic locations across Playa del Carmen. The package includes edited photos within two weeks and options for longer sessions at different sites. Reviewers highlight the photographer Elizabeth’s professionalism and the quality of the images. This is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, high-quality collection of vacation photos.
Bottom Line: Best for those serious about capturing a wide variety of high-quality images, whether solo, couples, or families.
9. Vacation Photographer in Playa del Carmen

Rating: 5.0/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $298.94 per group (up to 4)
Duration: approx. 30 min.
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This private vacation photo session allows you to enjoy a personalized shoot at Playa del Carmen’s best spots. Your photographer will guide you, help with outfit choices, and recommend locations. The digital gallery with HD images arrives within a few days. One traveler describes it as “amazing” and used the photos to celebrate an engagement.
Bottom Line: Excellent for couples or small groups wanting quick, professional, and personalized photos that capture your special moments.
10. Flying Dress Photoshoot in Playa del Carmen
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $200.00 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This flying dress photoshoot creates a cinematic experience, making you look like the star of a tropical fairy tale. Photographers with over 9 years of experience will find the best spots to highlight your silhouette in striking dresses. Many clients praise how the photos turn out as “stunning” and unforgettable.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those celebrating a special event or looking for a unique, high-end photographic experience blending fashion and scenery.
11. Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Playa del Carmen
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $227.37 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Enjoy a customized photoshoot on Playa del Carmen’s scenic beaches and hidden locations. The photographer will help you choose sites and styles, delivering at least 40 professionally edited photos. One reviewer appreciated Olga’s “early arrival and accommodating” attitude. This is an excellent choice for travelers wanting tailored, high-quality images.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups or couples seeking personalized, professional photos with flexible scheduling.
12. Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Riviera Maya

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $300.76 per group (up to 4)
Duration: approx. 30 min.
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
A private photo session with a local photographer offers tailored tips on locations and outfits, plus a quick, high-quality shoot. The photographer can recommend the best spots based on your preferences. The photos, delivered online within days, make for perfect souvenirs or social media content.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, personalized session with professional editing and local expertise.
13. Playa del Carmen: Drone Photography Videography Session

Rating: No reviews yet
Price: $136 per person
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico
This drone session captures breathtaking aerial photos and videos of Playa del Carmen’s beaches. Designed for couples and friends, you’ll get a 30-second video plus multiple drone shots, perfect for social media or souvenirs. The experience offers a fresh perspective that ground photography can’t match.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting dynamic, high-quality aerial imagery of Playa’s coastline, especially for special occasions or social media.
14. Cenote Cristalino Tour with Underwater Photo Session
Rating: No reviews yet
Price: $99.00 per person
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Join a photographic journey through the jungle and crystal-clear cenote waters. The tour includes capturing underwater shots in the cenote, which makes for dramatic, unique photos. You’ll learn about the wildlife and scenery as guides help you get stunning images of the rainforest and underwater environments.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature and underwater photography enthusiasts looking for a combination of adventure and memorable pictures.
15. Paddle to the Sun in Playa del Carmen with Drone Photos & Videos
Rating: No reviews yet
Price: $49
Duration: approx. 1 hour 15 min
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Paddle along the coast and capture your experience with drone photos and videos. Unlike GoPro footage, this offers sweeping aerial shots of your journey. You’ll receive unlimited photos and a 30-second video, making it a great keepsake. The tour is ideal for active travelers wanting a mix of adventure and professional imagery.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting to document their outdoor activities from a stunning aerial perspective.
16. Private Photo Session in Riviera Maya
Rating: No reviews yet
Price: $199.00 per group (up to 2)
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This private photo shoot in Riviera Maya offers flexibility in timing and location. Your photographer will help you choose scenic beaches or hidden spots, delivering at least 40 professionally edited images. It’s perfect if you want a quick, high-quality session with personalized attention.
Bottom Line: Suitable for couples or small groups seeking a tailored, professional photography experience with beautiful scenery.
How to Choose Your Perfect Photography Experience
Choosing the right photography experience depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If underwater adventure and wildlife are your priorities, the Swim with Turtles in Akumal + GoPro Photo Session or the Akumal Turtles Sanctuary offer outstanding opportunities. For those wanting high-quality, professional images, the Hire Photographer or Vacation Photographer options provide comprehensive packages.
If you’re celebrating something special, the Flying Dress Photoshoot or Luxury Photoshoot in Riviera Maya can add a touch of glamour. For an adventurous aerial perspective, consider the Drone Photography Videography Session. Remember to book early, especially for popular sessions like the flying dress or private shoots, to secure your preferred date and location.
Final Thoughts
Playa Del Carmen offers an incredible array of photography experiences tailored for every traveler. From snorkeling with turtles to luxurious fashion shoots, there’s something for all. If you’re on a tight budget, the GoPro snorkeling tours provide fantastic value with memorable images included. Want a professional collection of your trip? The private photo sessions and luxurious experiences are worth the investment.
For nature lovers, tours like the cenote snorkeling or paddleboard with drone photos combine adventure and photography beautifully. Whatever your choice, booking early will help ensure you capture your Playa del Carmen memories at their best—beautifully framed and forever unforgettable.
