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
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- 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
Amy –
Fantastic experience!
Our tour guide and driver were fantastic! The ruins and Cenote were the highlight! Lunch was wonderful and the turtle tour was also great! This is the best tour we’ve taken! -
Rated 5 out of 5
Didem –
Excellent!
We had an absolutely amazing day! Our guide Juan was so much fun. He gave us lots of information while visiting Tulum ruins. All the crowds were arriving while we were leaving. After that, we chose Taak Bi Ha out of three cenote options because it is underground. There were hardly anyone else in the cenote, only a group of scuba divers. I can’t even explain the beauty of this cenote with words. It was otherworldly. After a delicious lunch, we went to Akumal for snorkeling. We enjoyed it so much! We saw lots of sea turtles, parrot fish, angel fish, puffer fish, trumpet fish to name a few. I definitely recommend this tour -
Rated 5 out of 5
Michel –
Alex S was the most amazing tour guide and was more like going somewhere with an old friend than a guide. He was very knowledgeable and showed us the real beauty and history of the area. Would recommend your service and Alex to anyone who is staying in the area.
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Rated 5 out of 5
John –
Alex was the best. His excitement in sharing the Mayan history was infectious. The cenote
swim was a bucket list item I didn’t even know existed. The turtle swim was a liitle frantic, but
everything delivered. -
Rated 5 out of 5
Pilar –
We did two excursions with Absolute Adventure and they were great. We were lucky to have the same guide, Alex, for both excursions and we were delighted with him. We chose to do the excursions first thing in the morning, being able to avoid the crowds at all times and enjoying the places practically by ourselves, something that was very important to us.
The Tulum excursion was more of the same, clear and simple explanations and the ruins were spectacular. We chose the Nic Te Ha cenote and it was a success; There were hardly any people and the natural environment greatly changed the idea of a cenote in a cave that one normally has. The food in the restaurant was great, very good quality and service. The last swimming with turtles activity was a magnificent experience, we were able to see up to 6 turtles.
Both drivers, Omar and Carlos, were very nice all the time, always making sure that we didn’t lack for anything.
In short, I recommend 100% Absolute Adventure. -
Rated 5 out of 5
Julius –
Wonderful experience. Alex was our tour guide and Omar our driver and both were fantastic. We would highly recommend both Alex (as he was very knowledgeable and friendly) and Absolute Adventure Mexico (AAM). AAM were recommended by friends who also highly recommended them and this tour. We saw the highlights of the Tulum ruins (and Alex provided a very informative history of the Tulum ruins and the Mayan people), we swam with sea turtles a Alkumal (and also saw a stingray and a pufferfish), and then finally visited and snorkelled in a cenote in Parque Dos Ojos. We had a choice of one of three cenotes and selected Cenote Taak Bi Ha, an absolutely spectacular subterranean cenote with turquoise waters, stalactites and stalactites, and bats flittering about.
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Rated 5 out of 5
mtA7897ZN –
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!
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Rated 5 out of 5
mrsaz08 –
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!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Phillip –
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.
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Rated 5 out of 5
SM0 –
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! -
Rated 5 out of 5
Carl –
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!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Michelle P. –
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!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Joanne –
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! -
Rated 5 out of 5
GirlLovinNature –
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!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Kate –
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!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Susan –
We had the most amazing time! Arturo was an awesome guide and human being… my wife hurt her leg just before our vacation, and being on crutches Arturo helped push her in a wheelchair so she didn’t miss a thing at the ruins (way above and beyond expectations). Akumal and cenote snorkeling was so beautiful and fun… We recommend anyone who is looking for a carefree fantastic Tulum Adventure to book with them. We truly couldn’t be happier with our experience and our new Friends. Thank you Absolute Adventure!!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Violet –
We had an amazing time! Dulce and Rodrigo were wonderful guides. Everything was easy and comfortable. We arrived before the crowds at Tulum. Dulce is very knowledgeable and told us all about the history of the area. The cave cenote was beautiful. Lunch was delicious and the restaurant was lovely. We finished up snorkeling with the turtles at Akumal. Overall it was a great experience. Highly recommend especially if you want to go at your pace and avoid the crowds. Thank you so much!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Leah –
Memorable mom-daughter experience. Highly recommend this tour! My teen daughter and I had a great time. The Tulum ruins were interesting and our tour guide Dulce gave us their right amount of info as we walked through the site. Snorkeling was fun and we enjoyed it, but be aware the water felt a bit crowded at times. Plenty of water to spread out to though when you need more space. The cenote was our favorite of the day. We chose the underground cenote (they give you 3 options). Wow. Unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We’ll both remember this for a long time. Thank you Dulce and Rodrigo (our driver) for a safe and memorable tour.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Sue P. –
Everything was super organized. Guide was pleasant, knowledgeable and a pleasure. Our driver was also great. The tour stops were awesome and having our private guide taught us so much more about this amazing pet of the world
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Rated 5 out of 5
Daniel S –
We’ve done many private tours around the world, but this one was by far the best. Our guide, Dulce, was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with and our driver, Carlos, was so lovely. Highlights include Dulce’s incredible knowledge of Mayan cultural heritage across Tulum, zip lining and swimming in a large cenote all by ourselves, enjoying a delicious lunch in the jungle, and ending the excursion snorkeling with turtles in a reef and crystal clear waters. Run, don’t walk, to book your tour with Absolute Adventure!
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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.
















Amy –
Fantastic experience!
Our tour guide and driver were fantastic! The ruins and Cenote were the highlight! Lunch was wonderful and the turtle tour was also great! This is the best tour we’ve taken!
Didem –
Excellent!
We had an absolutely amazing day! Our guide Juan was so much fun. He gave us lots of information while visiting Tulum ruins. All the crowds were arriving while we were leaving. After that, we chose Taak Bi Ha out of three cenote options because it is underground. There were hardly anyone else in the cenote, only a group of scuba divers. I can’t even explain the beauty of this cenote with words. It was otherworldly. After a delicious lunch, we went to Akumal for snorkeling. We enjoyed it so much! We saw lots of sea turtles, parrot fish, angel fish, puffer fish, trumpet fish to name a few. I definitely recommend this tour
Michel –
Alex S was the most amazing tour guide and was more like going somewhere with an old friend than a guide. He was very knowledgeable and showed us the real beauty and history of the area. Would recommend your service and Alex to anyone who is staying in the area.
John –
Alex was the best. His excitement in sharing the Mayan history was infectious. The cenote
swim was a bucket list item I didn’t even know existed. The turtle swim was a liitle frantic, but
everything delivered.
Pilar –
We did two excursions with Absolute Adventure and they were great. We were lucky to have the same guide, Alex, for both excursions and we were delighted with him. We chose to do the excursions first thing in the morning, being able to avoid the crowds at all times and enjoying the places practically by ourselves, something that was very important to us.
The Tulum excursion was more of the same, clear and simple explanations and the ruins were spectacular. We chose the Nic Te Ha cenote and it was a success; There were hardly any people and the natural environment greatly changed the idea of a cenote in a cave that one normally has. The food in the restaurant was great, very good quality and service. The last swimming with turtles activity was a magnificent experience, we were able to see up to 6 turtles.
Both drivers, Omar and Carlos, were very nice all the time, always making sure that we didn’t lack for anything.
In short, I recommend 100% Absolute Adventure.
Julius –
Wonderful experience. Alex was our tour guide and Omar our driver and both were fantastic. We would highly recommend both Alex (as he was very knowledgeable and friendly) and Absolute Adventure Mexico (AAM). AAM were recommended by friends who also highly recommended them and this tour. We saw the highlights of the Tulum ruins (and Alex provided a very informative history of the Tulum ruins and the Mayan people), we swam with sea turtles a Alkumal (and also saw a stingray and a pufferfish), and then finally visited and snorkelled in a cenote in Parque Dos Ojos. We had a choice of one of three cenotes and selected Cenote Taak Bi Ha, an absolutely spectacular subterranean cenote with turquoise waters, stalactites and stalactites, and bats flittering about.
mtA7897ZN –
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!
mrsaz08 –
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!
Phillip –
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.
SM0 –
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!
Carl –
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!
Michelle P. –
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!
Joanne –
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!
GirlLovinNature –
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!
Kate –
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!
Susan –
We had the most amazing time! Arturo was an awesome guide and human being… my wife hurt her leg just before our vacation, and being on crutches Arturo helped push her in a wheelchair so she didn’t miss a thing at the ruins (way above and beyond expectations). Akumal and cenote snorkeling was so beautiful and fun… We recommend anyone who is looking for a carefree fantastic Tulum Adventure to book with them. We truly couldn’t be happier with our experience and our new Friends. Thank you Absolute Adventure!!
Violet –
We had an amazing time! Dulce and Rodrigo were wonderful guides. Everything was easy and comfortable. We arrived before the crowds at Tulum. Dulce is very knowledgeable and told us all about the history of the area. The cave cenote was beautiful. Lunch was delicious and the restaurant was lovely. We finished up snorkeling with the turtles at Akumal. Overall it was a great experience. Highly recommend especially if you want to go at your pace and avoid the crowds. Thank you so much!
Leah –
Memorable mom-daughter experience. Highly recommend this tour! My teen daughter and I had a great time. The Tulum ruins were interesting and our tour guide Dulce gave us their right amount of info as we walked through the site. Snorkeling was fun and we enjoyed it, but be aware the water felt a bit crowded at times. Plenty of water to spread out to though when you need more space. The cenote was our favorite of the day. We chose the underground cenote (they give you 3 options). Wow. Unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We’ll both remember this for a long time. Thank you Dulce and Rodrigo (our driver) for a safe and memorable tour.
Sue P. –
Everything was super organized. Guide was pleasant, knowledgeable and a pleasure. Our driver was also great. The tour stops were awesome and having our private guide taught us so much more about this amazing pet of the world
Daniel S –
We’ve done many private tours around the world, but this one was by far the best. Our guide, Dulce, was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with and our driver, Carlos, was so lovely. Highlights include Dulce’s incredible knowledge of Mayan cultural heritage across Tulum, zip lining and swimming in a large cenote all by ourselves, enjoying a delicious lunch in the jungle, and ending the excursion snorkeling with turtles in a reef and crystal clear waters. Run, don’t walk, to book your tour with Absolute Adventure!