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.
Michael –
Best way to experience Tulum in a day! Arturo was our guide and Carlos our driver. Both were extremely welcoming and professional. The tours were more than I could have hoped for. We were able to swim with turtles and actual catch a glimpse of other sea life as well. The beach was by far my wife and my favorite activity. With that said, it’s just worth it enough to have a guide like Arturo to spend the day with, giving you all sorts of info about the Mayan cultural sites, what to do, and what to avoid. We had a minor emergency when my wife cut her foot while walking along the beach, but we were immediately taken care of by Arturo and Carlos. They were so attentive and caring, really couldn’t ask for a better experience that makes you feel totally safe. Lastly, the cenote we were able to check out almost felt like a secret that tourists would never be able to find on their own. Thank you for the amazing experience!
Amber –
We had the most amazing day with Juan. The trip was magnificent! Each spot was timed perfectly to beat the crowd. He made sure we got photos without the crowds… was informative, interesting and fun! I would recommend this company to anyone looking at booking a trip! Thanks for an amazing day!
RR –
I’ve been to the Riviera Maya several times now, but this was by far the best day yet!! Dulce and Carlos picked us up early and took us straight to Tulum, where we had a private tour of the ruins before any of the large groups or tour buses arrived. It was beautiful, and Dulce was a wealth of knowledge about the area and the culture. After finishing our exploration there, we went to the cenote – we chose the cave experience. They provided us with a life jacket and snorkel, and Dulce swam with us, using her flashlight to point out the formations inside the cenote. It was like another world! Upon finishing our swim, we had an excellent lunch at a nearby restaurant, then we headed to Akumal. An Akumal guide led us out from the beach into the ocean, and we swam past so many turtles eating the grass along the bottom out to the coral reef, which was alive with so many tropical fish and sea urchins! We swam along for a while, spotting stingrays, starfish, more turtles, and so many kinds of fish! It was absolutely incredible! After changing clothes, Carlos has cold drinks ready for our ride back to the hotel. I honestly cannot imagine a better way to spend 6-7 hours, and our hosts were just lovely. 10 stars!!!! Do not hesitate to book this tour!!!
Valerie –
Wonderful tour!! This tour was by far the best thing about our trip. We had excellent communication from the start with Claire. Omar was our driver who was prompt and waiting for us at every stop. Arturo was our tour guide and he was fantastic. First stop was the Mayan ruins crowded but Arturo was able to navigate our family away from the crowds and made the experience so much fun. He was informative and interesting for our whole family which included 4 teenagers. The scenery was breathtaking and Arturo was happy to take any pictures for us. Next stop was the cenote in the jungle. This was such a unique experience. Arturo even managed to get my husband in the water who doesn’t usually swim at all which has made this such a fond memory for our children. My husband has even started swim lessons since we have returned home! Thank you Arturo! Next stop was lunch which was delicious and then to Akumal to swim with the turtles. There were so many turtles!!! We all had a blast. I can’t thank Arturo and Absolute Adventures enough for taking us on this amazing tour. We loved everything about this day.
Bruce –
Arturo was an excellent guide and very enjoyable to be with. He guided us on an enjoyable adventure of the Tulume ruins, a cenote swim and a swim with turtles. Highly recommend!!!
Sara –
AWESOME. Juan and Carlos are the best!! Juan gave an awesome tour of the ruin. He knew everything about the history, what each building was, and answered any questions we had. Juan also got us there early before it got super busy. We went to a cenote in a cave. It was amazing! The water was so clear and dry refreshing. We had lunch at a local restaurant. Get the taco/empinada sampler. So good. Then we swam with sea turtles. We saw so many turtles! Big turtles baby turtles, starfish and other fish. The turtles were not afraid of people and will surface for air near you. Fantastic experience. If you only have time for one excursion this is the one you want.
Curtis –
What a great day!! Dulce, are guide, and Rodrego, our driver, provided a fabulous adventure. We had a group with many requests (vegan food and activities for 5 year olds) and everything was great. Everyone, young and “old” had an amazing time. Dolce was very knowledgeable about the history of Tulum and the sites that we visited. We chose the cave cenoté and it did not disappoint! On the snorkeling part of our adventure we were blessed to see several sea turtles, rays, starfish, squid and lots of fish. Rodrigo got us from place to place with speed, safety and comfort. Would recommend this group 100 out of 100 times!
S.R. –
AMAZING Day! Fantastic! Our guide Alex (& driver, Carlos) were just the best – took such good care of us. Very knowledgeable – offering just a complete & brilliant experience. Plus, having this as a private tour means on YOUR own time – nothing is rushed; need a few more mins here or less there, no problem. The cave Cenote is wonderful – I highly recommend that as your choice. Just a unique experience.
Karen –
We had an amazing morning with Arturo. He was an excellent guide through the Mayan ruins, we had a blast ziplining and swimming through Jaguar Cenote, ate a delicious authentic Mexican lunch at Juanita’s and then we saw several green turtles, fish, and sting ray while snorkeling at Akumal Bay. An incredible day. Would highly recommend!
Keifer –
Our tours with Absolute Adventure were Absolutely wonderful. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and super friendly and they made each stop easy and fun. The tours were the best part of our trip to the Yucatán peninsula thanks to their superb guidance.
Rachel –
Highly recommend! Our family took a private tour to see Tulum ruins, Nichte Ha cenote, lunch and snorkeling with turtles. Alex was an excellent guide-patient, knowledgeable and friendly. Carlos was our reliable and safe driver. We had an amazing day–thank you again!
Melanie –
Fun for the family! Loved our tour with Dulce! She was very knowledgeable and kind! It was a great way to introduce our teens to the local culture.
Jesse –
Private tour, only way to go. We did the 3 in 1 Tulum ruins, swimming with the turtles and cenote. Our tour guide Juan was excellent! Very knowledgeable, and most importantly he was very personable and we had a great time with him as our tour guide. He also help take photos we requested which is awesome. He also was wonderful with our teenager and kept them entertained the whole time. The driver was also very nice and attentive with our gear. The food and staff at the restaurant were also wonderful.
Dolam –
Great Job. Arturo was charismatic, patient, and fun. Great for families with older children. Clearly was familiar with the staff at all the events/activities he took us to.
Anna –
Such a fun day!! Dulce and Gregorio are terrific! So knowledgeable about the ruins and the cenotes. Fantastic lunch. Swimming with sea turtles is such a terrific experience. This tour is totally worth it!
Shannon –
We did the Mayan Ruins + Cenote + Akumal tour and it was amazing! Our tour guide was Dulce and our driver was Rojelio. They were both so nice and accommodating, making sure our day was perfectly to our liking. Dulce explained all the history behind everything, we had the cenote to ourselves, had a delicious lunch in the jungle, and saw so many sea turtles. I highly recommend this company as well as this specific tour!
Jan –
JJ was super. The zip line and jump was so fun. Cool swim to see the turtles and stingray and fish. The snorkel guides were the best.
Libby –
So much fun! Arturo was amazing! It was an amazing day with Arturo. We learned so much about the Tulum ruins. The cenote was cool and refreshing and we were able to take our time. Arturo was fun and did not mind the hundreds of pictures we wanted to take. 😂 We got to see many sea turtles, fish, and a sting ray! Such an amazing day!
Amanda –
Do it!!! Arturo is great!! So personable without being pushy or anything. He was knowledgeable about everything we did! Also the lunch we had was beyond good – definitely better than resort food!
Wendy –
We took the Tulum ruins, cenote and swimming with the turtles in Akumal trip. Everything from start to finish was fantastic! We were picked up on time in a very clean and spacious van. Dulce, our guide for the day, was extremely knowledgeable and wad able to answer every question we threw at her. I had a bum ankle and she was very patient, not trying to push us through the ruins quickly. She explained everything that was happening throughout the trip, how long it would take to go from here to there, etc. She was a great guide in the cenote and took her time showing us every part! Lunch at the cenote site (included) had amazing food-not like other excursion food we have had on other trips. The swimming with the turtles was the BEST!!! We were able to get so close and saw at least 10-starfish and stingray as well!! And our driver Omar not only cleaned the van every time we got out, but he was an excellent SAFE driver in what cam be crazy traffic! Highly recommend this company and tour!!!