The Ultimate Tulum Getaway: How a Cenote Underwater Photoshoot Transformed This Mother/Daughter Girls Trip

Bring authenticity and empowerment into your Riviera Maya vacation with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Capricia looking fierce in front of the mangrove tree roots at a cenote near Tulum

The “Beyonce” pose in the crystal clear cenote

A smile is worth a thousand words

Sometimes you meet people who are a breath of fresh air. Capricia, my model for this underwater photography session in a cenote, was that. She’s a well-traveled, hard-working woman who lives by the motto “work hard, vacation hard.” For this girls' getaway to Tulum, she brought along her favorite travel partner: her mom, Valarie.

As the underwater photoshoot in the cenote progressed, I was reminded of just how meaningful this experience is. It’s not just about photos. It’s about grounding your Riviera Maya vacation in something real.

Taking the Leap: Trying an Underwater Photoshoot for the First Time

Afterward, I chatted with Capricia and Valarie while we were winding down from the emotions of the day. They shared their heartfelt thoughts, ones I felt others could connect with. Sharing their words offers a genuine peek into what a cenote underwater shoot is like.

A major takeaway for Capricia was pushing past her comfort zone:

“ I was extremely outside of my comfort zone when I chose to do your underwater photoshoot. I can tread water but I don't remember the last time I've gone for a swim of any type on vacation. In fact, before booking, I remember reaching out to Francesca to make sure I didn't have to be an expert swimmer. She immediately assured me that I'd be fine regardless of my skill level, and that's what truly sold me on my decision to move forward.”

Do You Need to Be a Strong Swimmer? Absolutely Not

This is something I always emphasize: you don’t need to be a strong swimmer. In fact, many people are surprised by how relaxed and safe they feel in the water. My team and I are there every step of the way. That’s why my cenote photo shoots are accessible to everyone.

Traveling with Mom: A Heartwarming Girls Trip Story

One thing that spoke out to me was that Capricia was traveling with her mom. I cannot imagine a better partner-in-crime for a girls' trip to Tulum. But moms do have a tendency to worry about your wellbeing.

So I had to ask Capricia about how her mom reacted when she told her she booked a photoshoot...underwater.

Capricia shared with me,

“My mom was legitimately angry when I told her about my plans to do an underwater photoshoot, mostly because she was really nervous about the whole thing. She even mentioned several times before our trip that I should cancel it. But as soon as we met Francesca and the team, she could tell I'd be in good hands. And by the end of it, I think I even got her to admit that she wished she would have booked her own shoot instead of just watching from the sidelines. That just means we'll be back soon!”

Valarie is not only an incredible woman but also a remarkable mother. To bring ease to a mother is a feeling like none other. Having your underwater photo shoot with my team and me is more than having beautiful photos taken.

It is taking incredible photos in a safe environment with an emphasis on your comfort.

Beautiful portrait in the Mexican jungle

Underwater photo shoot near Cancún

Tulum Underwater Photography Is an Empowering Experience

Throughout my time doing this I have met all types of people. Regardless of who you are, this underwater photo shoot will leave you with more than what you came for. There is something so empowering about the mindset of my clients. Traveling to Mexico to take underwater portraits is nothing short of inspiring.

Capricia expanded on this feeling,

“I've been to 38 countries so far and this was definitely one of my most memorable and magical experiences yet. This is far from your average photoshoot. To start, the cenote blew me away. Just being there soaking in all of its beauty is a blessing in itself. But being underwater surrounded by all of the fish, all whilst striking my fiercest poses was incredibly empowering. You may enter this experience a little nervous, but you're guaranteed to walk away feeling like a whole mermaid, or merman.”

To me, this feeling of empowerment is a byproduct of personal growth. Seeing my clients embrace their beauty in this safe space will always bring a huge smile to my face. There’s a reason people travel from all over to do underwater photography in Tulum. It’s not just unique. It’s transformational.

Capricia living her best life on her Tulum vacation

Travel photo shoot vibes

The Cenote Dream Team: Support Makes All the Difference

Witnessing how special this day was to Capricia, I asked her if there were any lessons she would take home with her.

She responded,

“The lesson I took away from this day was more so confirmed rather than learned. In whatever you do, it's important to have a strong team or community behind you. Francesca is incredible from beginning to end, and that trickles down to her team, Grecia and Marcos. Grecia is by your side guiding you through the cenote the entire time. She is the reason I felt as comfortable as I did in the water. And while you may not always notice, Marcos is also there every step of the way capturing amazing behind-the-scenes footage. These three are the dream team, and I seriously couldn't have asked for a better team.”

I couldn’t agree more. Community is what supports our success. Whether you are solo traveling or coming on a girls' trip, we are here to support you. Having an underwater photo shoot is so much more than taking beautiful photos. It is adding value to your vacation by grounding your trip with authentic lessons and moments that will outlive your getaway.

Book Your Underwater Cenote Photoshoot in Tulum Today

Ready to create something unforgettable on your next getaway? Whether you're planning a mother-daughter trip, a bachelorette getaway, or solo travel in Mexico, a cenote underwater photoshoot is a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll carry with you forever. My team is here to support you every step of the way, regardless of your swimming ability.

Located in the Riviera Maya, close to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and within easy driving distance of Cancun, this magical experience is more accessible than you think.

Let me help you capture the beauty, strength, and joy that’s already within you.