Off Road ATV Tour at the Akumal Monkey Rescued Animals Sanctuary

Looking for an adventure that combines off-road excitement, nature, and a chance to support animal rescue efforts? This 4-hour tour in Playa del Carmen takes you through the lush Maya jungle on an ATV ride, followed by a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear cenote, and a meaningful visit to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary. Offered at a cost of $124 per person, this experience is packed with outdoor fun and wildlife encounters — all led by knowledgeable guides.

What really makes this trip stand out are two things: first, the chance to drive your own or a double ATV through rugged jungle trails, feeling the thrill of the ride; second, the opportunity to visit a sanctuary caring for rescued monkeys, which adds a caring and educational touch. A potential consideration is that some reviews mention the tour can feel somewhat rushed, especially during the sanctuary visit, so if you prefer a slow, relaxed pace, that might be worth noting.

This tour suits adventure seekers, families, and animal lovers who want a memorable mix of adrenaline, nature, and conservation. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to explore off the beaten path, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Adventurous off-road ATV ride through the jungle with an expert guide
• Includes a cenote swim — a refreshing break in clear, natural waters
• Visit to a rescue animal sanctuary focused on monkeys, with optional close encounters
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included, making logistics easier
• Suitable for families and adults; kids as young as 5 can ride with an adult
• Optional monkey bonding experience for those wanting a closer animal interaction

How It All Starts: Pickup and Safety Briefing

Most travelers will begin their day with hotel pickup in Playa del Carmen, with pickups starting about 60 to 90 minutes before the tour begins. This makes it convenient, especially if you’re staying in a popular area. Once you arrive at the sanctuary, you’ll receive a safety briefing, helmets, goggles, and raincoats if needed. This quick orientation is designed to make sure everyone is comfortable before hitting the trails.

One review highlights the friendly and knowledgeable guides, with comments like, “The guides are so knowledgeable and the animals were treated with care.” This indicates you’ll be in good hands as they explain safety protocols and help you get comfortable on your ATV.

Riding Through the Maya Jungle: What to Expect

The core of the adventure is the ATV ride, which takes you along rugged jungle trails. According to reviews, the guides are flexible, allowing faster or slower riding based on your comfort level. Expect dusty, muddy paths, and, for safety, you’ll wear helmets and glasses—essential gear when riding on unpaved, natural terrain.

If you’re new to ATVs, rest assured that the brief tutorial makes it easy to get started. For seasoned riders, the adventure of navigating the jungle offers just enough thrill without feeling overly intense. Reviews mention that the ATV ride was the highlight, with comments like, “It was exhilarating and so much fun,” emphasizing the adrenaline rush.

Stops Along the Way: Cenote Swimming

One of the most beloved parts of the tour is the cenote swim. These natural sinkholes are often framed with lush foliage and offer crystal-clear waters perfect for a cooling dip. Travelers describe the cenote as “super cool” and “refreshing,” providing a welcome break from the dirt and dust of the ride.

However, some reviews mention the brevity of the swim—around 20 minutes—which might feel short if you’re eager to linger. Be prepared to change quickly and bring your swimsuit, towel, and biodegradable sunscreen to enjoy this peaceful moment to the fullest.

The Sanctuary: Meet Rescued Monkeys

Next, you’ll visit the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, where rescued animals are cared for and rehabilitated. Here, visitors can learn about conservation efforts and, with a paid upgrade, bond directly with the monkeys. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable staff and the careful handling of the animals, with comments like, “The guides are so knowledgeable and the animals are treated with love.”

Some travelers mention the short duration of the monkey bonding experience, but overall, it’s regarded as a meaningful and unique opportunity to witness animals that have been rescued from distressing situations.

Finishing Up and Returning

After the sanctuary visit, you’ll be transported back to your hotel. Some reviews note that the wait for the shuttle to return can be longer than expected, which might be a minor inconvenience after an active day.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and biodegradable sunscreen.
• It’s recommended to wear a swimsuit under your clothes for the cenote swim.
• The minimum age to drive is 16 with ID, while children 5-16 can ride as passengers on double ATVs.
• Weight limits are 175 kg for singles and 210 kg for doubles, which is good info if you’re traveling with larger friends or family.
• Insurance is mandatory, costing around $15 USD—don’t forget to budget for this.
• Be aware that the tour can feel rushed, especially at the sanctuary, so if you’re a slow-paced traveler, plan accordingly.

Many travelers have raved about this tour. One reviewer shared, “This was an excellent activity for kids. The ATV and Cenote ride was perfect depth for little ones,” showing how family-friendly the tour can be. Another mentioned, “The guides are so knowledgeable and the animals were treated with so much care,” highlighting the importance of responsible animal tourism.

For those looking for adventure and wildlife combined, this tour delivers: exhilarating riding, beautiful natural scenery, and a chance to support rescue animals. The price reflects a multi-part experience—you’re paying for a full four hours of activity, which many feel offers good value considering the variety.

A few reviews point out that the tour can be rushed, especially during the sanctuary visit, but most agree that the guides’ friendliness and knowledge elevate the experience. The optional monkey bonding is a highlight for animal lovers, providing a rare contact opportunity while supporting a good cause.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers eager to explore the jungle in a fun, off-road vehicle. Families with children as young as 5 will appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and shorter rides suited for kids. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the rescue sanctuary and learning about conservation efforts. If you’re searching for a combination of fun, natural beauty, and meaningful animal interaction, you’ll find this tour ticks all those boxes.

However, if you prefer a slow pace or more time to explore each stop, you might feel the experience is a bit rushed, especially during the sanctuary visit. Also, consider the dust and mud—it’s part of the adventure, but not everyone’s cup of tea.

Is hotel pickup offered? Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the tour last? The overall experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, the ATV ride, cenote swim, and sanctuary visit.

Can children ride the ATV? Yes, children aged 5 to 16 can ride with an adult on a double ATV; drivers must be at least 16 years old with ID.

Is insurance included? No, mandatory ATV insurance costs about $15 USD, which you need to purchase at the start.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and water shoes if you plan to swim.

Is the experience suitable for beginners? Absolutely, especially with the brief safety tutorial that makes it easy for first-timers to enjoy the ride.

What if I want to do the monkey bonding? It’s available as an optional upgrade. Be sure to ask about it during check-in, as some reviews mention it was not included in the initial booking.

This ATV adventure at Akumal offers a unique blend of adrenaline, natural beauty, and wildlife rescue. The guides’ expertise and the chance to support rescued animals make it more than just a typical excursion. It caters well to those wanting active outdoor fun, with enough educational and emotional moments to add depth.

While some might find the schedule a bit tight, the overall experience provides great value for a well-rounded, memorable day in the Riviera Maya. If you’re eager for a high-energy tour with meaningful wildlife encounters, this is a trip worth considering.

Ideal for adventure-seekers, families, and animal lovers who want a full, engaging experience that combines fun, nature, and conservation. Just remember to go prepared for a little mud and dust, and enjoy the ride!