Underwater Treasures of the Riviera Maya with Jann Wong
Your TourHero
Hi, I’m Jann! I’m an avid traveler who loves wandering off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems. I once journeyed from Singapore to London by land (yes, including via horse) and visited 28 countries across two continents in 228 days. Many of my friends know I have an unquenchable thirst for diving and I’m super excited to be heading to Mexico to dive in the incredible waters there — from the reefs to the awesome cenotes! I've created this itinerary to travel with like-minded individuals who are as keen to make an adventurous splash as I am!
Duration
9 days · 8 nights
Travel Date
Mar 31 – Apr 8, 2022
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
6
Transportation
Van, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
28+
Travel interest
Adventurous, diving, wildlife and nature
Fellow Travelers
Jia SyingBrave the glistening waters of the Riviera Maya on this incredible journey that’ll see you diving the reefs and cenotes in and around beautiful Playa del Carmen. Your adventure kicks off with a three-day AIDA 2 freediving course, during which you’ll pick up the necessary skills for your certification in recreational freediving — and you’ll dive in the waters of two incredible Mexican cenotes to do this! Then, the rest of your trip unfolds with exciting dive opportunities off the coast of Playa del Carmen, where the reefs are rife with incredible sealife. Observe sea turtles, lobsters, giant barrel sponges and nurse sharks as you explore these alluring sites. You’ll experience six dives in total (two at the PDC reefs, two in the cenotes, and two off the coast of Cozumel). Finally, discover the Yucatan Peninsula’s most famous ancient sites on a grand full-day tour to Chichen Itza, Saamal, and Valladolid on your final day!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
Your TourHero
Hi, I’m Jann! I’m an avid traveler who loves wandering off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems. I once journeyed from Singapore to London by land (yes, including via horse) and visited 28 countries across two continents in 228 days. Many of my friends know I have an unquenchable thirst for diving and I’m super excited to be heading to Mexico to dive in the incredible waters there — from the reefs to the awesome cenotes! I've created this itinerary to travel with like-minded individuals who are as keen to make an adventurous splash as I am!
Duration
9 days · 8 nights
Travel Date
Mar 31 – Apr 8, 2022
Activity Level
Strenuous
Group Size
6
Transportation
Van, boat
Brave the glistening waters of the Riviera Maya on this incredible journey that’ll see you diving the reefs and cenotes in and around beautiful Playa del Carmen. Your adventure kicks off with a three-day AIDA 2 freediving course, during which you’ll pick up the necessary skills for your certification in recreational freediving — and you’ll dive in the waters of two incredible Mexican cenotes to do this! Then, the rest of your trip unfolds with exciting dive opportunities off the coast of Playa del Carmen, where the reefs are rife with incredible sealife. Observe sea turtles, lobsters, giant barrel sponges and nurse sharks as you explore these alluring sites. You’ll experience six dives in total (two at the PDC reefs, two in the cenotes, and two off the coast of Cozumel). Finally, discover the Yucatan Peninsula’s most famous ancient sites on a grand full-day tour to Chichen Itza, Saamal, and Valladolid on your final day!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Cancun and Playa del Carmen
- Arrive in Cancun International Airport
- Head to shuttle location
- Catch shuttle to Playa del Carmen (not included in price)
- Check-in at Balkon Boutique Hotel
- Free time
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Playa del Carmen
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Day 1 of AIDA 2 freediving course (with lunch included)
- AIDA class ends
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Playa del Carmen
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Day 2 of AIDA 2 freediving course (with lunch included)
- AIDA class ends
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Playa del Carmen
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Day 3 of AIDA 2 freediving course (with lunch included)
- AIDA class ends
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Playa del Carmen
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- 2 Playa del Carmen reef dives
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Playa del Carmen
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- 2 cenote dives (with option to add a third dive)
- Free and easy
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 7 · Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- 2 Cozumel dives
- Free and easy
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 8 · Playa del Carmen and Chichen Itza
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Full-day Chichen Itza, cenote & Valladolid tour (lunch included)
- COVID-19 test (not included in price)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 9 · Departure
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Check out of accommodation
- Depart to Cancun International Airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to the gorgeous Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula!
We’re excited to have you here in the beating heart of Mexico’s incredible Riviera Maya, where it’s 100% tropical sun, sand and surf all day long! This is the place to be for adventure activities, unlimited #beachlife selfies, and incredible diving opportunities off the scenic coast! Upon arriving at Cancun International Airport, catch a shuttle and make your way to your accommodation in the beachside paradise of Playa del Carmen. Once you’ve checked in, make yourself comfortable and settle into vacation mode! Check out your hotel’s best amenities, lounge by the glistening swimming pool, or wander the famous palm-tree-lined 5th Avenue shops. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, so take your pick and have an incredible first night in PDC! Tomorrow, your adventure truly begins.
Day 2
It’s the first day of your AIDA 2 freediving course — pick up the skills you need!
Rise and shine! Today is the start of your three-day AIDA 2 freediving course, which will see you picking up the important foundations necessary for recreational freediving. By the end of the course, you'll be armed with the knowledge you'll needed to safely freedive with or without a guideline. Day one will see you starting in a confined space at the freediving house, located in the center of Playa del Carmen. Today, you’ll learn the basics in apnea theory, breathing technique, stretching, and static apnea in the confined pool. Even for more advanced divers, this will provide a useful refresher before we head out to the cenotes for our initiation to more advanced techniques over the next couple of days. This three-day AIDA 2 freediving course includes transportation, cenote entrance fees, certification fee, meals and snacks, as well as equipment (+ USD 10 per day for a 2-piece wetsuit). The course is tailored to your ability level.
Day 3
Splash into a beautiful cenote on the second day of your freediving course
Good morning! It’s day two of your AIDA 2 freediving course. Be sure to have a hearty breakfast before you start the day. Today, you’ll head to a proper cenote with your expert instructor. With more space to freely dive, you’ll be introduced to depth techniques today, as well as rescue techniques for apneists. Your instructor will also take the opportunity to provide an introduction to the cenotes, which are true geological marvels that are specific to the region. Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is scattered with these incredible cenotes, all of them different in size, shape, and depth. As you float freely through the crystal-clear waters of one of these incredible cenotes, you’ll discover exactly why freediving in this area has always been a breathtaking experience to many!
Day 4
Continue to challenge yourself — it’s the third (and final) day of your AIDA 2 freediving course
Today marks the last day of your freediving course and by now, you should be well-versed in the techniques you’ve picked up over the last couple of days. You’ll head to a different cenote today to demonstrate your assimilation of the techniques you’ve learnt and have the chance to attempt your own personal records in freediving within the cenote. Your freediving instructor will be on-hand to provide assistance in theory and practice, while also ensuring your safety and that you stick to your limits. The course will end with a local meal followed by a theoretical exam on what you’ve learnt during your training. Congratulations! You have achieved your AIDA 2 certification in freediving!
Day 5
Head out into the glistening waters of the Playa the del Carmen reef for two amazing dives
The cenotes were a great introduction to the Riviera Maya’s land-locked underwater treasures but today, the open sea calls your name! You’ll be heading out on two separate dives in the reefs off the Playa del Carmen coast today for a change of scenery. With various reefs in the region to accommodate different difficulty levels, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in an underwater world brimming with colorful tropical fish, shy eels, sea turtles, curious crustaceans, and unusual corals while diving comfortably at your own pace. There are locations ranging from shallow reefs (like the mild-current Shangri-La Reef at 8 meters perfect for beginners) to deep reefs (like the strong-current Pared Verde Reef at 30 meters for advanced divers).
Day 6
Re-enter a rocky cave world filled with stalactite and stalagmite formations on two perfect cenote dives
It’s back to cenote diving today as we take to these underground river systems and water-filled caves that brim with crevices, fossils, unique rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. Embark on two cenote dives over the course of the day and immerse yourself in this mystical world. In Mayan mythology, these cenotes were believed to be “sacred wells”, said to be entrances to a parallel underworld where gods and spirits reside. As you access these incredible cave systems, keep a lookout for the wildlife that live in the jungle wilderness that surround these underground wells!
Day 7
Dive amidst the spectacular coral reefs off the coast of Cozumel Island
Your dive trip culminates in a journey to Cozumel, located 16 kilometers east of Playa del Carmen, where you’ll experience two separate dives off the coast of this perfect sanctuary. It comes as no surprise that Cozumel has developed a reputation for being a snorkeling and diving paradise as it is part of the Meso-American Reef — the second-longest barrier reef in the world that runs from Cancun all the way to Belize. From Playa del Carmen, you’ll be ferried over to Cozumel to begin your expedition. With over 20 dive sites around the island that cater to all levels, from Palancar Gardens to the Santa Rosa Wall, there's plenty to choose from. Keep your eyes peeled for eagle rays, hawksbill turtles and nurse sharks!
Day 8
Embark on a full-day tour and discover the Yucatan Peninsula through its ancient sites
The incredible Yucatan Peninsula has long been an intriguing treasure trove of history, from pre-Columbian archeological sites of the Mayans to 16th-century towns settled by the Spanish. Today, you’ll get to experience a few of these places firsthand with a full-day tour that takes you inland. We’ll take you to the ancient site of Chichen Itza (note: admission not included) and the large step-pyramid Temple of Kukulcán that dominates the center of this archeological site. Then, refresh yourself in the waters of the scenic Saamal, a beautiful cenote with a waterfall. Halfway through our tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet meal, then we’ll continue onward to explore the well-preserved architecture in the colonial town of Valladolid, where the buildings and streets have endured a tumultuous past. There’s no better way to discover the Yucatan Peninsula than on this wonderful tour to round off your last 24 hours in Mexico!
Day 9
It’s time to say goodbye to Playa del Carmen and head on home
How time flies! We hope you had an incredible time in Mexico exploring the reefs, cenotes, and ancient sites of the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula. Once you’ve checked out of your accommodation, make your way to the airport in time to catch your flight back home. We hope to see you again! Until next time — safe travels!
Accommodation
Balkon Boutique Hotel
Balkon Boutique Hotel is an elegant and stylish hotel located in beautiful Playa del Carmen, just a short walk from the lively shops of 5th Avenue and two blocks from the beachfront. Bright and airy, with a contemporary touch coupled with warm and friendly staff service, you are guaranteed a comfortable stay here. The exclusive rooftop, decked out in a dreamy pool and loungers, offer incredible panoramic views of the Caribbean landscape. All guests are given VIP access to the Martina Beach Club, located just 800 meters from the hotel. Luxury Queen Rooms are furnished with the ultimate comfort in mind: luxury linens, a queen-sized bed, air-conditioning, a minibar, a safe, and a private en suite bathroom. Room type: Luxury Queen Room.
Included
8 nights in Balkon Boutique Hotel
Single occupancy in accommodation
All transportation for activities
AIDA 2 freediving course — includes cenote entrance fees, certification fee, meals/snacks, and equipment (+ extra USD 10 per day for 2-piece wetsuit)
2 Playa del Carmen reef dives
2 cenote dives
2 Cozumel dives
Full-day Chichen Itza, cenote & Valladolid guided tour – includes buffet lunch and cenote entry fee
24/7 guest support
Not included
Flights
All breakfasts
All dinners
All other meals not mentioned in inclusions
Chichen Itza entrance fee
Optional add-ons
Travel insurance
Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Available add-on
One extra cenote dive
Want to spend more time exploring the magical cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula? We’re not surprised — each cenote is completely different from the next and each visit is unique! Add an extra cenote to your list of dive sites on your itinerary to enhance your trip.
Price: USD 60
19 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
- Balkon Boutique Hotel - Balkon Boutique Hotel
- Balkon Boutique Hotel - Balkon Boutique Hotel
- Balkon Boutique Hotel - Balkon Boutique Hotel
- Balkon Boutique Hotel - Balkon Boutique Hotel
- Balkon Boutique Hotel - Balkon Boutique Hotel
- Day one of your AIDA 2 freediving course will see you picking up the foundations at the freediving house in Playa del Carmen. - Pranamaya
- Splash into a beautiful cenote on the second day of your freediving course! - Pranamaya
- The Yucatan Peninsula has long been an intriguing treasure trove of history! - Geri Chapple
- You will also get to marvel at the architecture in the colonial town of Valladolid. - Gabriel Benois
- This is the place to be for adventure activities, unlimited #beachlife selfies, and incredible diving opportunities off the scenic coast! - Earth
- After three days of training and a final theoretical exam to wrap up your course, you'll achieve your AIDA 2 certification! - Pranamaya
- Embark on a full-day Chichen Itza tour and discover the Yucatan Peninsula through its ancient sites. - Christina Abken
- Get up-close and personal with the Temple of Kukulcán, the large step-pyramid that dominates the center of this archeological site. - Cody Hiscox
- Say hello to Playa del Carmen, the beating heart of Mexico’s incredible Riviera Maya! - Polina Kuzovkova
- With the beachfront on your doorstep, don't forget to catch breathtaking sunsets every single evening! - Conor Luddy
- Discover the colorful and vibrant 5th Avenue and pick up a souvenir or two. - Braden Collum
- Continue to challenge yourself as you freedive in the crystal-clear waters of yet another beautiful cenote. - Emma Li
- Head out into the glistening waters of the Playa del Carmen reefs for amazing two dives. - Francesco Ungaro
- Immerse yourself in an underwater world brimming with colorful tropical fish, shy eels, sea turtles, curious crustaceans, and unusual corals! - Leonardo Lamas
- Playa del Carmen offers plenty of dive sites, from shallow reefs with mild currents to deeper sites for more advanced divers. - Keemkai Villadums
- Re-enter a rocky cave world filled with stalactite and stalagmite formations and embark on two perfect cenote dives! - Carlos Nakazato
- In Mayan mythology, these cenotes were believed to be “sacred wells”, said to be entrances to a parallel underworld where gods and spirits reside. - Jakob Owens
- These underground river systems and water-filled caves brim with crevices, fossils and unique rock formations, perfect for exploring! - Earth
- Experience two separate dives off the coast of Cozumel's breathtaking turquoise waters. - Fernando Jorge
- Cozumel has developed a reputation for being a snorkeling and diving paradise. It's part of the second-longest barrier reef in the world! - Graham Henderson
- Keep your eyes peeled for eagle rays, hawksbill turtles and nurse sharks! - Brian Mann
- Refresh yourself in the waters of the scenic Saamal, a beautiful cenote with a waterfall and spectacular vantage points for epic photos! - Viator