YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles

390 tour reviews
PRIVATE TOUR: Our top-selling adventure includes a private guided tour of the Tulum ruins, a swim in a stunning cenote, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Plus, savor a delicious lunch at a charming jungle Mexican restaurant!
  • Exclusive Experience: Just you, your personal local guide, and driver!
  • Private Transportation: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or rental.
  • Escape the Crowds & Beat the Heat: Skip the lines & enjoy a relaxed, stress-free guided tour.
  • Breathtaking Cenotes! Pick from open-air or cave options - You’ll love the adventure!
  • Encounter Sea Turtles: Snorkel from shore in Akumal for an unforgettable aquatic journey!
  • Lunch in a One-of-a-Kind Jungle Spot: Mexican flavors await you!
  • Set Your Own Pace: Stay longer or move on, the choice is entirely yours.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, gear, lunch & more!

Early bird discountBook 60+ days ahead and save 10%.

Multi-tour discountBook 2+ tours and save 10%.

Offers cannot be combined. Holiday exclusions apply. See terms and conditions.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The details of your private day.

Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles Private Tour

 

Experience the magic of the Riviera Maya in one expertly crafted private tour. Our Tulum Ruins, Snorkeling, Cenote & Turtles private tour is a perfect blend of cultural discovery, ocean exploration, and refreshing nature escape. Whether you’re passionate about Mayan history, fascinated by marine life, or simply craving a serene swim in a cenote, this full-day tour offers a personalized adventure away from the crowds.

Led by a certified private guide, this experience is designed to move at your pace. You’ll visit the famous Tulum Ruins, snorkel with wild sea turtles in Akumal Bay, and cool off in a breathtaking cenote. With private transportation, flexible scheduling, and a tailored itinerary, you’ll enjoy comfort, intimacy, and expert insights throughout the day.

A Day of Discovery of Mayan Heritage and Marine Wonders

  1. 1. Explore the Tulum Archaeological Site

    Start your day with a visit to the majestic Tulum Ruins, perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. As one of the most iconic Mayan cities, Tulum Mayan ruins offer rich history, stunning ocean views, and well-preserved structures like El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes. Your private guide will bring the past to life with fascinating stories of ancient rituals, trade, and daily life in this walled city.

    With early access and private transport, you’ll beat the crowds and the heat—perfect for photos and peaceful exploration.

    Highlights:

    • Personalized guided tour of the ruins
    • Stunning sea views from cliffside temples
    • Insight into Mayan culture and architecture

  2. 2. Refresh in a Stunning Cenote

    After your journey through Mayan history, it’s time to cool off with a swim in one of the Riviera Maya’s magical cenotes. These natural freshwater sinkholes are formed by collapsed limestone, revealing hidden pools of crystal-clear water.

    You’ll visit a hand-selected cenote, and on the day of your tour, you can choose between Cenote Nicte-Ha, Taak Bi Ha, or Jaguar. If you prefer to visit the more advanced cenotes like Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery, we can arrange that for an additional $10 USD per person. Your guide will be happy to help you select the cenote that best matches your expectations and snorkeling skills.

    Why you’ll love it:

    • Cenotes for everyone: peaceful swims, snorkeling, cliff jumping, or cave exploration
    • Whether you’re adventurous or looking to relax, we’ve got you covered
    • Great for young kids, teens, adults, and older guests alike
    • Unique geological formations and refreshing natural beauty
    • A tranquil, sacred setting to unwind and reconnect with nature

  3. 3. Enjoy a Local Mexican Lunch

    Recharged from your cenote dip, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant in the jungle under a traditional palapa, offering shade and a laid-back jungle vibe.

    We serve a variety of freshly prepared Mexican dishes, and vegetarian or special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

    It’s the perfect moment to fuel up, rest, and reflect on the incredible experiences so far—before heading to the sea for one final highlight of the day.

  4. 4. Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay

    To end your day, you’ll visit Akumal Bay, a calm, protected marine area known for its resident population of green sea turtles. After a briefing and receiving your gear, your snorkeling guide will lead you into the shallow, clear water where you can spot turtles grazing on seagrass, colorful tropical fish, and perhaps stingrays or coral gardens.

    This guided snorkel is suitable for all levels. You don’t need prior experience—just basic swimming ability—and your guide will be with you the whole time for safety and support.

    What to expect:

    • Snorkeling with sea turtles in their natural habitat
    • Calm waters and great visibility most of the year
    • Full equipment and guidance included

     

Price includes

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • Tulum ruins entrance fees (INAH + CONANP + JAGUAR) with pre-purchased tickets for direct entry
  • Optional electric shuttle from the parking area to the ruins entrance (750 m / 0.5 mile), for guests who prefer not to walk
  • Cenote entrance fee
  • Akumal bay cooperative and CONANP fee
  • Snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, wetsuits, life jackets
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte and one bottle of water

Price excludes

  • Extra drinks at the restaurant
  • Ruins: If you bring a GoPro, video camera, or phone with a selfie stick, a fee of 60 pesos (about USD 3) per device is charged at the entrance to each archaeological site and must be paid in pesos (INAH fee). Drones and camera/video tripods are prohibited.
  • Tips
Exclusive Private Tour:
Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
Duration:
7/9 hours (check the itinerary tab, as it depends on your pick-up location)
Physicality:
Easy
Age:
All ages
Snorkeling:
Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
Which cenote will you visit? 
The day of your tour, you can choose one cenote between Nicte Ha, Taak bi Ha, or Jaguar. 
If you prefer to go to Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery, we will add 10 USD per person on your balance. Your guide will be happy to help you to select the best cenote for you and your party according to your expectations and snorkeling skills.
Swim with turtles:
Absolute Adventure is working with a local cooperative according to the Mexican law.(Consult Akumal Swim with Turtles regulation.)
In the event of the port being closed by the authorities making swimming with the turtles unauthorized, the tour will be amended to the Tulum Cenote tour and the price adjusted according to the option chosen.
What's on the menu?
Quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, salbutes, fajitas, fish, shrimp, chicken, soups, vegetarian and special diet options available.

Itinerary options

Times at each stop are estimates. Driving and your exact pickup location affect the schedule.

Tulum ruins, cenote and turtles

  1. Tulum ruins — 90 min
  2. Cenote snorkel — 60 min
  3. Lunch at Juanita restaurant — 40 min
  4. Akumal turtles — 75 min

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Tulum, the cenote, and Akumal, moving at your own pace.
Want a faster tour? Free time can be reduced or skipped; your guide can adjust the pace on the day of the tour.

Discover the 3 benefits of an early departure to visit Tulum.
This tour doesn't include Tulum centro/Tulum beach-hotel areas. Only Tulum Mayan ruins.

  • Resusable water bottle: at Tulum Ruins, it is forbidden to enter the ruins with plastic water bottles. If you wish to bring water for the visit, please bring your own reusable water bottle. We’ll have water in the van for you to fill or refill.
  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 390 tour reviews

Showing reviews 226–234 of 390

Unforgettable Experience with Absolute Adventures! We had the best day ever with Arturo as our guide! Allan was also there in training, and was just as friendly and knowledgeable. The visit to the Tulum ruins was incredible. We were there early which is the best way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful sights. We then went to the cenote Nicte-Ha which was amazing.…

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Unforgettable Experience with Absolute Adventures! We had the best day ever with Arturo as our guide! Allan was also there in training, and was just as friendly and knowledgeable. The visit to the Tulum ruins was incredible. We were there early which is the best way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful sights. We then went to the cenote Nicte-Ha which was amazing. There were very few people there and it felt like we had it to ourselves. We then went to lunch with Arturo and Allan and the food was delicious. Final stop was at Akumal Bay to snorkel with turtles. We saw four turtles, some stingrays and other fish as well! It was an unforgettable experience. Our driver Rodrigo was also very nice. He kept the van clean between stops, cleaned our snorkelling equipment between uses and very kindly avoided pot holes on the road so that it wouldn’t be too bumpy. Excellent service and professionalism from all three of them and would definitely recommend this tour. Book with Absolute Adventure, you will have the time of your life!

mtA7897ZN · Apr 2023

Dulce, our guide, and Carlos, our driver, were the perfect combination for our tours with Absolute Adventures! On our first tour with them, we visited the Tulum Ruins, swam with turtles at Akmul and then snorkeled at Sac Ahtun Cenote. On our second tour, we visited Chichen Itza, Samula Cenote and Vallodid. If you want a private tour, based on your personal needs, then book…

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Dulce, our guide, and Carlos, our driver, were the perfect combination for our tours with Absolute Adventures! On our first tour with them, we visited the Tulum Ruins, swam with turtles at Akmul and then snorkeled at Sac Ahtun Cenote. On our second tour, we visited Chichen Itza, Samula Cenote and Vallodid. If you want a private tour, based on your personal needs, then book with Absolute Adventures!

mrsaz08 · Apr 2023

The Perfect Private Tour. Our private guide was Juan and he was the perfect match for my wife and I. Juan was knowledgeable and very personable. He made us feel at ease and answered all our questions. The trip was perfect as we made it to Tulum right at opening and missed the crowds. We also made it to the cenote early and Juan, my…

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The Perfect Private Tour. Our private guide was Juan and he was the perfect match for my wife and I. Juan was knowledgeable and very personable. He made us feel at ease and answered all our questions. The trip was perfect as we made it to Tulum right at opening and missed the crowds. We also made it to the cenote early and Juan, my wife and I were the only 3 people in the cenote. Lunch at a local restaurant was great then off to swim with sea turtles at Akumal. We saw many sea turtles, sting rays, parrot fish, sea enchants, puffer fish, permit fish, star fish and a variety of other tropical fish. Having a private guide is the best way to experience the unique sites of the area while giving you the ultimate flexibility. We would highly recommend this tour and more specifically Juan as your guide. As a bonus, Juan was also a great photographer with our iPhone.

Phillip · Apr 2023

Amazing guide with Absolute Adventure! Alex our guide and Omar our driver were awesome! Logistics from pick-up at our hotel until we were dropped off 8 hours were later were perfect. Alex was extremely knowledgeable and clearly has a great passion for sharing Mexican history and loves cultural exchange with his clients. The early pick-up was worth it to see Tulum practically empty and to…

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Amazing guide with Absolute Adventure! Alex our guide and Omar our driver were awesome! Logistics from pick-up at our hotel until we were dropped off 8 hours were later were perfect. Alex was extremely knowledgeable and clearly has a great passion for sharing Mexican history and loves cultural exchange with his clients.
The early pick-up was worth it to see Tulum practically empty and to have the Jaguar cenote all to ourselves. We had a delicious lunch at the family-run Juanita. The water was a bit rough at Akumal, but we still saw the turtles on our snorkel outing.
Our tour with Absolute Adventure was a great addition to one of our family’s all-time best vacations!

SM0 · Mar 2023

Could not have had a better experience! Our tour guide, Alex, briefed us on the history of the ruins & cenotes from the moment he picked us up from our hotel. Alex is extremely knowledgable about the history and very accommodating! We were literally the first people to walk into the ruins that day. Lunch in the Mayan community was incredible. We visited one of…

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Could not have had a better experience! Our tour guide, Alex, briefed us on the history of the ruins & cenotes from the moment he picked us up from our hotel. Alex is extremely knowledgable about the history and very accommodating! We were literally the first people to walk into the ruins that day. Lunch in the Mayan community was incredible. We visited one of the Cenotes - so beautiful! Snorkeling with the sea turtles was really neat too..I would book this trip again!

Carl · Mar 2023

This is THE tour to do! I did this tour with a group of 4 (two couples) and our guide Alex was fantastic! He was incredibly passionate and knowledgable about Mayan history and culture, giving us added information about architecture and astrology in a personable and digestible way. I've been to Tulum 3 times now; once without a guide, once on a group tour, and…

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This is THE tour to do! I did this tour with a group of 4 (two couples) and our guide Alex was fantastic! He was incredibly passionate and knowledgable about Mayan history and culture, giving us added information about architecture and astrology in a personable and digestible way. I've been to Tulum 3 times now; once without a guide, once on a group tour, and now with a private guide and Alex pointed out things that had been missed my first two times there. This tour itinerary is perfect - you don't drive more than 40 minutes to each activity, lunch was the best meal of our entire trip, and you get back around 3pm with plenty of time for the pool before dinner. By leaving early in the morning, you miss the crowds and the heat of the day while at the cenote or snorkeling with Turtles. This tour with Alex was the highlight of our trip. If I could, I'd do this tour all over again!

Michelle P. · Mar 2023

Alex is the BEST guide we've ever had on any excursion we've ever been on. Arrived to pick us up early, had snacks, drinks and a plethora of information! We made our way to Tulum to visit the ruins and so happy we got there early. The crowds of people swarming the entrance as we left was overwhelming, arriving early with a private guide meant…

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Alex is the BEST guide we've ever had on any excursion we've ever been on. Arrived to pick us up early, had snacks, drinks and a plethora of information! We made our way to Tulum to visit the ruins and so happy we got there early. The crowds of people swarming the entrance as we left was overwhelming, arriving early with a private guide meant we practically had the place to ourselves and have the most amazing photos! (Thank you Alex!)
We then drove to a cenote, again Alex was an incredible guide sharing information but also allowing us to explore without feeling rushed. Lunch was exceptional, Alex, took the time to eat with us which we appreciated so much. After lunch, our last stop was swimming with the turtles before making our way home. Again, we didn't feel rushed at all, he allowed us to ask as many questions as we wanted.
Without realizing it, we've made a new friend and can't recommend this company enough. Worth every penny! Thank you Alex and let me know when to send that Maple Syrup, we will definitelty book again on our next trip!

Joanne · Mar 2023

Amazing Day with Great People! We enjoyed a beautiful and perfectly organized day in the company of Arturo and Carlos, visiting the ruins at Tulum, swimming in a cenote, and snorkeling with the sea turtles! Absolutely fantastic! Our son is a young man with a special need, and this team did an amazing job of, not only attending to his needs, but also of making…

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Amazing Day with Great People! We enjoyed a beautiful and perfectly organized day in the company of Arturo and Carlos, visiting the ruins at Tulum, swimming in a cenote, and snorkeling with the sea turtles! Absolutely fantastic! Our son is a young man with a special need, and this team did an amazing job of, not only attending to his needs, but also of making sure he just felt like "one of the guys". ❤️ Unfortunately, my youngest daughter was car sick during our outing (I never should have let her sit in the back of the van, lol) but this too they handled with grace, making her feel at ease. Highly recommend them!

GirlLovinNature · Mar 2023

After two days of lounging poolside we were ready for an adventure! Our driver, Carlos, and guide, Dulce, picked us up at our hotel at 7am sharp and we headed to Tulum. Dulce's extensive knowledge about Mayan culture and the history of the ruins enhanced our experience so much, and we were very happy to get there early to beat the crowds and the heat.…

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After two days of lounging poolside we were ready for an adventure! Our driver, Carlos, and guide, Dulce, picked us up at our hotel at 7am sharp and we headed to Tulum. Dulce's extensive knowledge about Mayan culture and the history of the ruins enhanced our experience so much, and we were very happy to get there early to beat the crowds and the heat. From there, we chose between 3 different cenotes and ultimately opted for Taak Bi Ha because it was underground and we thought it would offer a more unique experience. We were really happy with our choice and the chance to snorkel among the stalagtites and stalagmites, along with some bat visitors! Once again, Dulce was engaging and knowledgeable as she told us about the different geological formations and ecosystems. Finally, we went to Akumel, where another guide took us out to snorkel among the turtles. The beach and turtle viewing areas were very crowded, but the guides were doing a great job making sure that the turtles had space and that everyone had a chance to see. Apparently it's rare not to see the turtles -- we some some immediately, as well as some other interesting reef fish. We would highly recommend this tour! We were back at our hotel in Playa del Carmen by 2pm, but nothing felt rushed. We can't wait to do another tour next time we're in Mexico!

Kate · Mar 2023

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Tulum Ruins tour private or shared?

This is a private tour, just for you and your group.

You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.

Is the driver also the guide?

No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.

All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide. 

While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.

How long does a private Tulum tour take?

Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.

It typically lasts between 6 to 8 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. 

Pickup & transport

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.

Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.

What vehicles do you use for your tours?

We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Visit our fleet page for more details.

Can I change the pick up time?

Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.

That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!

Activities & facilities

How much walking is there at the Tulum ruins?

We take a shuttle from the parking lot to the main ruins entrance, so you won’t need to walk far to get to the site.

The guided visit lasts about 45 minutes and we go at a comfortable pace, with breaks if needed.

Just a heads-up—there aren’t many spots to sit. If you have any limitations with walking or taking steps, keep in mind that a few are required to get in and out of the site and to reach the cliff area.

Can we spend some time at Tulum beach during the tour?

No, unfortunately, we cannot. The beach located within the Tulum ruins has been closed since 2020 and remains inaccessible to visitors.

Additionally, this tour does not include any stops at the Tulum beach area, the hotel zone, or Tulum town center.

Is snorkeling experience required for this tour?

No previous snorkeling experience is required, but basic swimming skills are necessary.

We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Which cenote do we visit on this tour?

You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.

We offer a variety of cenote types, including open-air, semi-open, and cave cenotes.

Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed in Akumal?

Turtle sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, as they are wild animals.

Akumal is one of the best places in the region to see them.

What type of boat is used to swim with the turtles?

There is no boat involved. The swim starts directly from the shore, and you’ll enter the water with your guide to reach the turtle area.

Are there showers or changing rooms at the cenote or at Akumal beach?

Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.

Planning & booking

What should I bring for the tour? Where can I leave my belongings?

Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list.

Essentials include swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes.

You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.

Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?

Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.

After booking, you can let us know your needs by filling out the check-in form—just follow the link in your booking confirmation email.

What is the cancellation policy?

Go ahead and plan with confidence—your booking is fully flexible!

You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.

We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!

For full details, check out our booking policy page.

More questions?

Visit our main FAQ page or contact us by email, WhatsApp or via chat, we're happy to help!

Come explore the Riviera Maya with us.

Private adventures, thoughtfully planned by our local team.

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Coupon terms & conditions

EARLY2MONTHS — 10% off
Book at least 60 days before your tour date.

MULTITOUR — 10% off
Book at least 2 tours in one transaction.

If part of a multi-tour booking is canceled and only one tour remains, the discount becomes void and the remaining balance will be adjusted.

Enter your coupon code at checkout.

Tour photos

MAKE IT YOUR DAY

Book with Confidence

Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles

Choose your date, number of guests and pickup location to see your exact price.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.