Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles
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!
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
- Description
- Price Includes
- General Info
- Itinerary
- What to Bring
- Reviews
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. 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. 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. 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. 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
Other Private Tours You May Like
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
- Tulum & Cenote Private Tour: Explore Tulum ruins and swim in a magical cenote in half a day.
- Chichen Itza & Cenote Private Tour: Discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and dive into a sacred cenote.
- Coba & Cenote Tour: Explore jungle ruins and swim in a hidden freshwater cave.
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
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: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 60 pesos (around 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
- 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.
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. Discover the benefits of early departure to visit Tulum.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:00am - Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00–10:00am - Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00–10:30am - Transportation
10:30–11:30am - Snorkeling in cenote
11:30–12:30pm - Lunch
12:30–01:00pm - Transportation
01:00–02:00pm - Snorkeling with turtles*
02:00–02:45pm - Return to hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
07:45am - Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00–10:00am - Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00–10:30am - Transportation
10:30–11:30am - Snorkeling in cenote
11:30–12:30pm - Lunch
12:30–01:00pm - Transportation
01:00–02:00pm - Snorkeling with turtles*
02:00–02:30pm - Return to hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
06:00am - Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00–10:00am - Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00–10:30am - Transportation
10:30–11:30am - Snorkeling in cenote
11:30–12:30pm - Lunch
12:30–01:00pm - Transportation
01:00–02:00pm - Snorkeling with turtles*
02:00–03:45pm - Return to hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to max 1 hour as per Akumal regulations.
- 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
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution and preserve the reefs, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
391 reviews for Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles
You must be logged in to post a review.
- Description
- Price Includes
- General Info
- Itinerary
- What to Bring
- Reviews
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. 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. 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. 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. 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
Other Private Tours You May Like
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
- Tulum & Cenote Private Tour: Explore Tulum ruins and swim in a magical cenote in half a day.
- Chichen Itza & Cenote Private Tour: Discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and dive into a sacred cenote.
- Coba & Cenote Tour: Explore jungle ruins and swim in a hidden freshwater cave.
Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.
Price Includes & Excludes
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: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 60 pesos (around 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
- Tips
General Info
- 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
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. Discover the benefits of early departure to visit Tulum.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:00am - Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00–10:00am - Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00–10:30am - Transportation
10:30–11:30am - Snorkeling in cenote
11:30–12:30pm - Lunch
12:30–01:00pm - Transportation
01:00–02:00pm - Snorkeling with turtles*
02:00–02:45pm - Return to hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
07:45am - Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00–10:00am - Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00–10:30am - Transportation
10:30–11:30am - Snorkeling in cenote
11:30–12:30pm - Lunch
12:30–01:00pm - Transportation
01:00–02:00pm - Snorkeling with turtles*
02:00–02:30pm - Return to hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
06:00am - Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00–10:00am - Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00–10:30am - Transportation
10:30–11:30am - Snorkeling in cenote
11:30–12:30pm - Lunch
12:30–01:00pm - Transportation
01:00–02:00pm - Snorkeling with turtles*
02:00–03:45pm - Return to hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to max 1 hour as per Akumal regulations.
What to Bring
- 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
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution and preserve the reefs, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always be in the van, so keeping your things safe!
391 reviews for Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles
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Rated 5 out of 5
Ana –
Fantastic private tour!
My husband & I took a tour with Omar as our driver & Alex as our tour guide. They were both fantastic. Alex was very knowledgeable of the area & we learned a lot. Omar was a careful driver & had the vehicle ready when needed. They also made sure we had plenty of water. The company was well organized & had great communication. Make sure you have cash for tipping. We will definitely use this company again next time we’re in Mexico. -
Rated 5 out of 5
Patty –
Our tour guides were Alex and Omar. They created a magical day for us! Alex shared so much history and knowledge with us at Tulum. Then at the Cenote he was so patient with me, a non-swimmer, and helped me into the water and made me comfortable enough to trust the life vest. The experience was one of the best in my life! Lunch was delicious and a fun break before the sea turtles. Another awesome experience because our guides in the ocean were just an encouraging and made the experience another that I will never forget! A tour that you must take when visiting the area!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Sheri –
The Best Day Ever! Highly recommend 10/10. Alex and Carlos were the perfect team and it truly was the best tour we have ever taken. From touring the fascinating Tulum ruins, to visiting the amazing Taak Bi Ha cenote to swimming with turtles in the beautiful Akumal Bay, the day could not have been more perfect.
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Rated 5 out of 5
William –
Our guide (Alex) was very knowledgeable on Mayan history, he kept the tour at an enjoyable pace and we beat the crowds to the ruins giving us the best opportunity for photos. We swam alone in the Cenote of our choice, which was special, and had great service for lunch at Juanita’s. The turtle watching is a little commercial with lots of people queuing to get the best view of the marine life, but despite the crowds we still managed to see barracuda, turtles, a starfish and lots of large colourful fish. A different guide took us for the turtle watching and she was also very good. Thanks Alex for making the trip so enjoyable, would definitely book with you and the company again.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Cathy –
Wow what an amazing day . Our team of Rodrigo the driver and Alex the tour guide made our trip seamless. Rodrigo’s car is fully equipped for a day of being wet and he has a cool box full of water and cans Alex is incredibly knowledgeable using the journey to give you all the back ground info. It’s so much better have a private tour . We watched crowds of people arriving but our early start and small number meant Tulum was easy to navigate and so interesting. We even had the cenote totally to ourselves! We saw several turtles and loads of fish including a Barracuda. They are a great team and worth asking for. I’d definitely use this company again.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Lisa –
Our day was fantastic! Juan, our tour guide, and Carlos, our driver made the day perfect. On time pickup from our hotel where we headed straight to Tulum to avoid the crowds. Next a swim in a beautiful cenote followed by a delicious local lunch. Lastly we went snorkeling where we saw turtles, stingrays and starfish. The day was wonderful and Juan was super knowledgeable and fun to chat with. Thank you Absolute Adventure!!!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Helen –
Juan and Arturo are the best tour guides. We were a large party of 33 with two toddlers and they managed our group perfectly! They were so attentive and patient with all of us. We had some elderly folks in our group who couldnt do some of the cenotes and hikes, and one of them would always stay back to make sure they are okay and tended to.
Claire , the owner, was great to organize and get all the details in place to book our two large group tours.
Highly recommend! -
Rated 5 out of 5
Becki G –
Fabulous day with Absolute Adventure!
This tour was amazing. Arturo was the perfect tour guide for our family ages 12 to 70. He made sure everyone was comfortable, informed and entertained. We will absolutely book another excursion with them and request Arturo as our guide – -
Rated 5 out of 5
Jim –
Perfect Tour of Tulum
This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Mexico! Alex was an amazing tour guide who was so knowledgeable about the sites and Mayan culture, and he was super patient and never rushed us at all, which we appreciated. We loved all the history we got from him at the Tulum ruins, and he knew all the perfect spots for photos of our family there. Our driver Rodrigo was also fantastic, always waiting close by when it was time to move to the next stop. We chose the underground cenote for snorkeling, and it was such a unique and beautiful experience. And then the snorkeling in the sea was also so fun and memorable – we saw sting rays, turtles, starfish and tropical fish around a coral reef! The Mayan lunch was absolutely delicious as well. This was the perfect tour combination to get a good variety of what Tulum has to offer. Our kids loved it too (ages 11, 13 and 14), and even thanked us so much for booking it for our family. Would definitely recommend! -
Rated 5 out of 5
Heidi –
Outstanding company with great tour guides! Arturo was the best! Highly recommend to everyone.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Brenna –
I’ve been on many trips and vacations, and this, by far was the best excursion I’ve ever been on! JJ, our guide, made the day so personalized and fun. He answered all of our questions, talked with us like friends, and we just had the best day on the Yucatán peninsula. I so appreciated JJ’s ability to do the tour in both English and Spanish for us ( although my significant other speaks English, he enjoys using his Spanish when he can!) Louis, our driver also did an amazing job. They started early to avoid crowds and heat and we feel we got very lucky! We were at Tulum with very few groups, and even had a cenote completely to ourselves! We also thoroughly enjoyed our private guide at the snorkeling. JJ- you’re the best and we are still talking about how this was our favorite day! Gracias!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Sky –
Incredible trip
Absolutely amazing! Arturo and JJ were such incredible guides! They took such great care of us, especially in the hot weather! Highly recommend!! -
Rated 5 out of 5
Anna –
We went on this tour with Alex snd Rodrigo. It was absolutely amazing. Alex was a wonderful tour guide. My kids and I learned a lot about Mexican culture and history in particular Mayan culture. Rodrigo and Alex were on time. They made us feel at home. They took care of us. I felt safe in their hands. If you haven’t done this I really recommend it. Cenote and swimming with turtles was a highlight of the trip. Thank you guys!!!!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Marissa –
Arturo and Juan gave us the BEST tour of Tulum, Taak Bi Ha, and Akumal Bay. They were very fun, very knowledgeable, and took tons of pictures and videos for us. Would book with them again 100%
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Rated 5 out of 5
Elomboy –
Book it before it sells out! Ask for Alex!
First the bad: It’s pricey. Now the good: Completely worth EVERY peso. Alex (guide) and Rodrigo (driver) we’re waiting for us when we walked up at 7am. I don’t know how long the ride to Tulum was because Alex gave us a history of Mayan culture along the way. We got to try cacao, look at obsidian used as knives and replica Mayan books. We had ice cold drinks for the day in the van for us. At Tulum, Alex continued his lesson and answered all our questions. Rodigo stayed with the van and watched our belongings. Alex let us know we could take as much or as little time as we wanted- we never felted rushed or forced to endure something we weren’t enjoying. After Tulum, we had our choice of 3 cenotes. We took Alex’s advice and went to Taak bi Ha- highly recommended… it is beautiful. Alex showed us fossils in the limestone and took great care with one of the weaker swimmers in our group. After the tour of the cenote we got some free time to swim before lunch. Lunch was included at a Mayan restaurant near the cenote. It was delicious. Poor Alex answered a ton of questions for us at lunch. After lunch it was off to swim with the turtles! Alex handed us off to Miguel and found about 10 turtles and some fish too! All of us napped on the way back to the hotel – exhausted but happy. If you can afford this tour but you’re wondering if it’s worth the cost? Book it! You’ll be glad you did! -
Rated 5 out of 5
Eric –
Tour guide JJ (Juan) and our driver were both fantastic. Having been on many tours in the past it was refreshing to have a tour guide tailor the tour to our group, with 4 kids from 4-10 years old. JJ tailored the tour to first prioritize photo opportunity’s before crowds moved in, then spent an age appropriate amount of time on the ruins, history and allowed any questions. For the Cenote, his local experience was invaluable, as he knew the best places to go for our group size and abilities. The Mayan lunch was local, simple but very impressive. Great tasting food and drinks. The Turtle preserve and snorkeling was also very well chosen and we were paired with knowledgeable and competent guides. Due to wind, visibility in the water was a challenge but still some great opportunities. Our tour van was great, clean and well maintained. Plan to do tours with JJ and Absolute Adventure again soon!!!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Erica –
Can I give 10 stars?! 🤩🤩
Hands down best tour we’ve ever done! Jose (JJ) was our private guide and took us on a tour of the Tulum Mayan Ruins, a Cenote and a traditional Mayan lunch. He started the tour early, which was such a wise decision because we felt like we were the only people everywhere we went! It really helped us be able to soak it all in. He was extremely knowledgeable of everywhere we went and also made it feel very personable! We loved every second and didn’t want it to end! -
Rated 5 out of 5
ThatWeasel –
What a great experience and adventure from start to finish. Communication from booking to the end of the trip was fantastic. Claire was a knowledgeable and fun guide. She knew so much about the areas we visited. She was very personable as well. We beat the crowds at the ruins, the cenote and for lunch at an amazing spot in the middle of the jungle. We saw so many turtles after lunch and a stingray. Fantastic family experience!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Jeff –
Delightful Tour
With Juan as our guide, my wife and I did the Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling.
We arrived at the Tulum Ruins early, before the crowds, which made for a peaceful walk through the site while Juan shared his knowledge of the history.
Not only was Juan knowledgeable, he was charming and affable. From the moment we climbed into the van, it felt like we were with an old friend showing us around some of his favorite places. -
Rated 5 out of 5
Jen –
Our family of four (parents and two teens) had a wonderful time with Arturo (our guide) and Rodrigo (driver). We saw Tulum, swam in Taak Bi Ha cenote (highly recommend this incredible cave experience), and swam with turtles too. Arturo was extremely polite, helpful, and an overall great guy. We enjoyed spending time with him. Rodrigo was always ready for us and accommodated our needs. The trips through this tour agency will be more expensive (and earlier in the morning), but SO WORTH IT if you want a private tour experience with great people who know what they’re doing and where they’re going. They handled everything and gave us time to browse around places. We were never rushed. This particular tour pleased each family member as it had so many different things to experience. You should do it, and use this tour company! Excellente!
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FAQ Tulum Cenote Turtles Private Tour
You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.
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.
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.
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.
















Ana –
Fantastic private tour!
My husband & I took a tour with Omar as our driver & Alex as our tour guide. They were both fantastic. Alex was very knowledgeable of the area & we learned a lot. Omar was a careful driver & had the vehicle ready when needed. They also made sure we had plenty of water. The company was well organized & had great communication. Make sure you have cash for tipping. We will definitely use this company again next time we’re in Mexico.
Patty –
Our tour guides were Alex and Omar. They created a magical day for us! Alex shared so much history and knowledge with us at Tulum. Then at the Cenote he was so patient with me, a non-swimmer, and helped me into the water and made me comfortable enough to trust the life vest. The experience was one of the best in my life! Lunch was delicious and a fun break before the sea turtles. Another awesome experience because our guides in the ocean were just an encouraging and made the experience another that I will never forget! A tour that you must take when visiting the area!
Sheri –
The Best Day Ever! Highly recommend 10/10. Alex and Carlos were the perfect team and it truly was the best tour we have ever taken. From touring the fascinating Tulum ruins, to visiting the amazing Taak Bi Ha cenote to swimming with turtles in the beautiful Akumal Bay, the day could not have been more perfect.
William –
Our guide (Alex) was very knowledgeable on Mayan history, he kept the tour at an enjoyable pace and we beat the crowds to the ruins giving us the best opportunity for photos. We swam alone in the Cenote of our choice, which was special, and had great service for lunch at Juanita’s. The turtle watching is a little commercial with lots of people queuing to get the best view of the marine life, but despite the crowds we still managed to see barracuda, turtles, a starfish and lots of large colourful fish. A different guide took us for the turtle watching and she was also very good. Thanks Alex for making the trip so enjoyable, would definitely book with you and the company again.
Cathy –
Wow what an amazing day . Our team of Rodrigo the driver and Alex the tour guide made our trip seamless. Rodrigo’s car is fully equipped for a day of being wet and he has a cool box full of water and cans Alex is incredibly knowledgeable using the journey to give you all the back ground info. It’s so much better have a private tour . We watched crowds of people arriving but our early start and small number meant Tulum was easy to navigate and so interesting. We even had the cenote totally to ourselves! We saw several turtles and loads of fish including a Barracuda. They are a great team and worth asking for. I’d definitely use this company again.
Lisa –
Our day was fantastic! Juan, our tour guide, and Carlos, our driver made the day perfect. On time pickup from our hotel where we headed straight to Tulum to avoid the crowds. Next a swim in a beautiful cenote followed by a delicious local lunch. Lastly we went snorkeling where we saw turtles, stingrays and starfish. The day was wonderful and Juan was super knowledgeable and fun to chat with. Thank you Absolute Adventure!!!
Helen –
Juan and Arturo are the best tour guides. We were a large party of 33 with two toddlers and they managed our group perfectly! They were so attentive and patient with all of us. We had some elderly folks in our group who couldnt do some of the cenotes and hikes, and one of them would always stay back to make sure they are okay and tended to.
Claire , the owner, was great to organize and get all the details in place to book our two large group tours.
Highly recommend!
Becki G –
Fabulous day with Absolute Adventure!
This tour was amazing. Arturo was the perfect tour guide for our family ages 12 to 70. He made sure everyone was comfortable, informed and entertained. We will absolutely book another excursion with them and request Arturo as our guide –
Jim –
Perfect Tour of Tulum
This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Mexico! Alex was an amazing tour guide who was so knowledgeable about the sites and Mayan culture, and he was super patient and never rushed us at all, which we appreciated. We loved all the history we got from him at the Tulum ruins, and he knew all the perfect spots for photos of our family there. Our driver Rodrigo was also fantastic, always waiting close by when it was time to move to the next stop. We chose the underground cenote for snorkeling, and it was such a unique and beautiful experience. And then the snorkeling in the sea was also so fun and memorable – we saw sting rays, turtles, starfish and tropical fish around a coral reef! The Mayan lunch was absolutely delicious as well. This was the perfect tour combination to get a good variety of what Tulum has to offer. Our kids loved it too (ages 11, 13 and 14), and even thanked us so much for booking it for our family. Would definitely recommend!
Heidi –
Outstanding company with great tour guides! Arturo was the best! Highly recommend to everyone.
Brenna –
I’ve been on many trips and vacations, and this, by far was the best excursion I’ve ever been on! JJ, our guide, made the day so personalized and fun. He answered all of our questions, talked with us like friends, and we just had the best day on the Yucatán peninsula. I so appreciated JJ’s ability to do the tour in both English and Spanish for us ( although my significant other speaks English, he enjoys using his Spanish when he can!) Louis, our driver also did an amazing job. They started early to avoid crowds and heat and we feel we got very lucky! We were at Tulum with very few groups, and even had a cenote completely to ourselves! We also thoroughly enjoyed our private guide at the snorkeling. JJ- you’re the best and we are still talking about how this was our favorite day! Gracias!
Sky –
Incredible trip
Absolutely amazing! Arturo and JJ were such incredible guides! They took such great care of us, especially in the hot weather! Highly recommend!!
Anna –
We went on this tour with Alex snd Rodrigo. It was absolutely amazing. Alex was a wonderful tour guide. My kids and I learned a lot about Mexican culture and history in particular Mayan culture. Rodrigo and Alex were on time. They made us feel at home. They took care of us. I felt safe in their hands. If you haven’t done this I really recommend it. Cenote and swimming with turtles was a highlight of the trip. Thank you guys!!!!
Marissa –
Arturo and Juan gave us the BEST tour of Tulum, Taak Bi Ha, and Akumal Bay. They were very fun, very knowledgeable, and took tons of pictures and videos for us. Would book with them again 100%
Elomboy –
Book it before it sells out! Ask for Alex!
First the bad: It’s pricey. Now the good: Completely worth EVERY peso. Alex (guide) and Rodrigo (driver) we’re waiting for us when we walked up at 7am. I don’t know how long the ride to Tulum was because Alex gave us a history of Mayan culture along the way. We got to try cacao, look at obsidian used as knives and replica Mayan books. We had ice cold drinks for the day in the van for us. At Tulum, Alex continued his lesson and answered all our questions. Rodigo stayed with the van and watched our belongings. Alex let us know we could take as much or as little time as we wanted- we never felted rushed or forced to endure something we weren’t enjoying. After Tulum, we had our choice of 3 cenotes. We took Alex’s advice and went to Taak bi Ha- highly recommended… it is beautiful. Alex showed us fossils in the limestone and took great care with one of the weaker swimmers in our group. After the tour of the cenote we got some free time to swim before lunch. Lunch was included at a Mayan restaurant near the cenote. It was delicious. Poor Alex answered a ton of questions for us at lunch. After lunch it was off to swim with the turtles! Alex handed us off to Miguel and found about 10 turtles and some fish too! All of us napped on the way back to the hotel – exhausted but happy. If you can afford this tour but you’re wondering if it’s worth the cost? Book it! You’ll be glad you did!
Eric –
Tour guide JJ (Juan) and our driver were both fantastic. Having been on many tours in the past it was refreshing to have a tour guide tailor the tour to our group, with 4 kids from 4-10 years old. JJ tailored the tour to first prioritize photo opportunity’s before crowds moved in, then spent an age appropriate amount of time on the ruins, history and allowed any questions. For the Cenote, his local experience was invaluable, as he knew the best places to go for our group size and abilities. The Mayan lunch was local, simple but very impressive. Great tasting food and drinks. The Turtle preserve and snorkeling was also very well chosen and we were paired with knowledgeable and competent guides. Due to wind, visibility in the water was a challenge but still some great opportunities. Our tour van was great, clean and well maintained. Plan to do tours with JJ and Absolute Adventure again soon!!!
Erica –
Can I give 10 stars?! 🤩🤩
Hands down best tour we’ve ever done! Jose (JJ) was our private guide and took us on a tour of the Tulum Mayan Ruins, a Cenote and a traditional Mayan lunch. He started the tour early, which was such a wise decision because we felt like we were the only people everywhere we went! It really helped us be able to soak it all in. He was extremely knowledgeable of everywhere we went and also made it feel very personable! We loved every second and didn’t want it to end!
ThatWeasel –
What a great experience and adventure from start to finish. Communication from booking to the end of the trip was fantastic. Claire was a knowledgeable and fun guide. She knew so much about the areas we visited. She was very personable as well. We beat the crowds at the ruins, the cenote and for lunch at an amazing spot in the middle of the jungle. We saw so many turtles after lunch and a stingray. Fantastic family experience!
Jeff –
Delightful Tour
With Juan as our guide, my wife and I did the Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling.
We arrived at the Tulum Ruins early, before the crowds, which made for a peaceful walk through the site while Juan shared his knowledge of the history.
Not only was Juan knowledgeable, he was charming and affable. From the moment we climbed into the van, it felt like we were with an old friend showing us around some of his favorite places.
Jen –
Our family of four (parents and two teens) had a wonderful time with Arturo (our guide) and Rodrigo (driver). We saw Tulum, swam in Taak Bi Ha cenote (highly recommend this incredible cave experience), and swam with turtles too. Arturo was extremely polite, helpful, and an overall great guy. We enjoyed spending time with him. Rodrigo was always ready for us and accommodated our needs. The trips through this tour agency will be more expensive (and earlier in the morning), but SO WORTH IT if you want a private tour experience with great people who know what they’re doing and where they’re going. They handled everything and gave us time to browse around places. We were never rushed. This particular tour pleased each family member as it had so many different things to experience. You should do it, and use this tour company! Excellente!