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!
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the 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.
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: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: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.
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:
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
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.
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.
* 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!
You must be logged in to post a review.
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.
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: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: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.
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:
Combine Mayan ruins and cenote experiences with these popular tours:
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.
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.
* 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!
You must be logged in to post a review.
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.
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!
Stephen –
Alex was our guide and Carlos our driver.
I can’t recommend the trips highly enough. Alex was a fantastic guide and Carlos a courteous driver. The Tulum trip was packed with 3 amazing experiences, our favourite was snorkelling in the cenote. We chose Taak Bi Ha, which was underground. It was in the middle of the jungle with hardly anyone else there, spectacular with stalagmites and stalactites. At Akumal we saw 4 turtles, including a baby. Also stingrays and star fish.
Vincent –
Fun day on our private tour. Our guide Dulce and driver Rodrigo was awesome. We saw an archaeological site, swam with turtles and went our favorite spot of the day the TAAK BI HA cenote.
Hari –
We were very impressed by the quality service provided by this company. We did Tulum with cenote and ocean snorkling tour with Omar and Dulce. Our guide Dulce was wonderful with her knowledge of the area and mayan civilization. She was patience when we were learning snorkling experience. Our driver Omar was great too. I highly recommend their service.
Melissa –
Best excursion I’ve been on
I’ve been on many excursions/tours across Mexico and this one was hands down one my absolute favorites. We did the Tulum Ruins, a Cenote, and Akumal Beach/snorkeling. Alsothe restaurant they took us to for lunch was excellent! Our guide Dulce was very knowledgeable and super friendly. I highly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico. Well worth the price!
Helen –
After several visits to the Riviera Maya, I booked this tour, and I only wish I had found it sooner. This was absolutely a best day ever experience! Dulce and Carlos picked us up early and took us straight to Tulum before the large tour groups arrived. Dulce shared so much information about the place as she led us around, and we got incredible photos. After Tulum, we chose the cave cenote to explore. Dulce guided our experience there, pointing out cave formations with her flashlight. We were very comfortable with the provided snorkel gear and seeing the cave was an absolutely amazing experience! Next it was an excellent lunch at a nearby restaurant, then off to Akumal. An Akumal guide led us out from the beach to the coral reef and we saw so many turtles, stingrays, sea urchins, starfish, and tropical fish! It was probably the best snorkeling experience I’ve ever had. I still can’t believe we saw so much marine life without ever boarding a boat! Be advised, there is a fair amount of swimming involved – the life jacket makes buoyancy no problem, but you don’t have flippers, so you need the stamina to swim a solid half mile, at least, with some gentle currents along the way – if that freaks you out, Akumal may not be for you. We had a blast, and the effort was certainly worth it!! There were facilities there to change and shower, and Carlos was waiting for us with cold drinks when we got back to the van. A quick ride back to the hotel and our amazing day ended after about 7 hours total. I cannot possibly recommend this experience, and this company enough. Communication was top notch and the service was exceptional throughout the whole process and especially during the experience. Do not hesitate to book this tour!!! You are going to love it!!
Bruce –
Favorite part of our tour, was our tour guide Arturo. He took us to Tulum early to beat the rush. Then we got to choose which cenote to visit. After the cenote we stopped for an authentic mexican lunch and then lastly a swim with turtle sightings. This trip was a must do and would recommend for everyone.
Lindsay –
We had a wonderful day! Leaving early got us through Tulum before the crowds, so we could take lots of pictures. The senote cave was amazing! I’ve never seen anything like it. The water was super clear. Lunch was delicious and authentic and a hearty portion. We saw 3-4 sea turtles even though it was windy and the water was rough. We were able to get very close to them and see very clearly. Throughout we never felt rushed, and our guide was courteous and thoughtful. I would highly recommend!