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.
Katherine –
We had a wonderful time with our guide Arturro and driver Carlos. They thought of everything and each part of the day had special moments. Tulum ruins were beautiful, the denote was so interesting, and fun, and we saw turtles in their habitat. Arturro was a knowledgeable and easy going but had a great way of informing us about our stops. He made sure tailor the stops to our needs. We felt like we were with friends.
Holly H. –
Above and beyond! The travel guide was very knowledgeable, and her English was impeccable. Communication is very important to understand the tour and history. Highly recommend.
Crystal –
Fun filled day!
Arturo and Alex were wonderful tour guides! They were friendly, organized and knowledgeable, took care of our group, and kept us on schedule. Alex led the tour of the Tulum Ruins and shared so many interesting facts with our group. Next, they took us to swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay and ensured we had the equipment and tour guides for the experience. Then, they took us for lunch and even helped the restaurant staff serve our meals and finally they took us to the Jaguar Cenote where they ensure our group had fun swimming. Arturo even joined us in some jumps off the platform into the water. I 100% recommend their company and services 👌🏽
Mike –
Exceeded My Expectations! This private tour was superb. Our tour guide, Alex, was fun, educational and professional. By booking a private tour, you control the pace and exactly what you want to do. Alex educated us about the Mayan culture on the 45 min ride from Play del Carmen to Tulum. Once there, we were one of the first groups in the park before the crowds showed up. We spent as much time as we wanted at the park. Next we were given a choice of 3 different cenote experiences. We chose the cave dive. Alex stayed with us insuring our safety and explaining the formations of the cave. We then had an incredible authentic Mexican lunch at a restaurant near the cenote. We ended the day with a beach swim with turtles, sting rays and tropical fish at a corral reef. This trip exceeded all expectations and I look forward to booking another next time I return. I will be sure to request Alex as well. Five stars for sure!
Nicole –
We had a great tour with Arturo and Rodrigo on the Tulum/cenote/turtle tour. They were very patient and also super informative! We felt the personal attention was awesome and would love to come back. The kids (8, 10, 13, 15) really enjoyed the cenote the best. I highly recommend this tour with Arturo and Rodrigo.
Tiger –
Absolute Adventure is a tremendous company- from communication and support prior to your tour to day of- they are on top of it. Our guide and driver were excellent. Our hotel did not have breakfast available before our tour so they offered to stop by a convenience store. Little details like this abound. We did the Tulum- Cenote-Sea Turtles tour. We learned a lot about Tulum, got some phenomenal photos and avoided the crowds. Our guide helped find the right cenote for our group- it was beautiful and peaceful and he even stayed with our son who was too nervous to get in the water. If you have a little one and you are worried about taking a tour- go with this company. They will make sure you are in good hands. The lunch in the jungle next to the cenote was delicious. I can’t recommend this company enough!
Deetra –
What an amazing day!! We started our day at 7am, as we were picked up from our resort. We had the most incredible guide Alex and driver Omar. On our ride to Tulum, Alex provided so many interesting and educational facts about the mayans. The tour of Tulum was wonderful, it was not crowded and we got to see so many different points of interest. From there Omar drove us to the Cenote, were Alex recommended the best snorkeling experience, and staying with our private group, again providing facts and never hurried, from there we drove a short distance to a beautiful family owned restaurant, with the most delicious food. Our last stop was swimming with the turtles, again Alex stayed with us and we got to see so many turtles and other sea life. We had a great day with our private family tour and highly recommend this company, especially Alex and Omar. Will definitely use them the next time we visit! Thank you
Casey –
We had an amazing day with our tour guide Dulce and our driver Omar. We went to the Tulum ruins where Dulce was very knowledgeable in explaining the Mayan history. After that we went swimming in a beautiful cenote and had lunch at an authentic Mayan restaurant. Then we finished at Akumal bay where we got to snorkel with sea turtles and manta rays before heading back to our resort. I can’t wait to use Absolute Adventure for our next Mexico tour!
Vitaliy –
The experience was exceptional. We went to Tulum ruins, swam with turtles and went snorkeling in cenote. Wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide (Arturo), right balance and flexibility, great company. Thank you.
Newton –
This was a excellent private tour, tour guide was on our schedule, no rush. Highly recommend the Tulum/Cenote/Turtles tour…
Ask for Arturo as your guide, Rodrigo as your personal driver! Very professional as your driver stays with all your personal belongings in the van….Very private tour.
Faith –
We had an absolute awesome day ! Alex was terrific as our guide very informative ,made the experience educational as well!
Highly recommend Absolute Adventures we went to Tulem cenotes and snorkeling seen turtles as well as fish ! We also had a great driver Omar ! Thank you for a wonderful experience
Karina –
My boyfriend and I had a great experience with Absolute Adventure. We thank Carlos our driver andAlex our tour guide. Alex was great in showing us around, has so much knowledge, we learned alot about Mayan culture and Tulum Ruins. Loved Tulum and history behind it. Alex also gave us alot of tips where to eat and so on and was nice enough to take photos of us. Then we chose to go to one of Cenotes, Niche-Ha. The water was great, we got to relax and enjoy it. Lunch was great and we ended our trip seeing turtles at Akumal! We recommend Absolute adventure 🙂
Jacqueline & James –
We had a great tour on Sept. 9. Dulce & Carlos took us to Tulum ruins, a swim at a Sonote and lunch. Such a good experience and Dulce was a fountain of information. She knows so much history and is a very good tour guide and took such great care of us. Carlos is a careful and safe driver. We highly recommend them and hope we can come back for another tour if we visit Mexico again!!!
Jacqueline & James
Clifford –
Amazing Private tour of Talum, Cenotes and swimming with turtles! This was the best choice we made while in Mexico. Having a private tour to Talum, swimming in a cenote and swimming was amazing. What made it better was our driver Omar and guide Alex. Highly recommend a private tour with them.
Maeve –
This was an amazing day! Alex the tour guide and Rodrigo the driver were so fun and made the trip! It was great to get to Tulum early before the crowds and Alex was so knowledgeable of the history and architecture. The Cenotes were beautiful and probably my favorite part of the trip. Alex made sure we were comfortable with our snorkeling gear and swam with us to point different things out. Swimming with the Turtles was awesome too and again Alex made sure we were safe and having fun. The Mayan lunch was also delicious! Would highly recommend this company and Alex and Rodrigo!
Andrew –
Juan and Omar are fantastic, and the tour was just as all the reviews said it would be – amazing. They are incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and also just interesting to speak to. The personalized tour was amazing and really private because Juan knew when to take us everywhere. We had the entire cenote to ourselves. The lunch was the best we had in our entire stay. Thank you very much for the memories!!
Sharon –
Great trip overall! Our tour guide Alex was very knowledgeable and informative. We will definitely book again when back in the area.
Zak –
Juan and Omar made our experience so special. Juan was very kind, knowledgeable and made the day so fun. We had an awesome time at the ruins in Tulum, swimming in a cenote and snorkeling with the sea turtles. We most definitely recommend!
Cheers to the next time.
Kyra –
Alex and Omar gave an amazing tour! I learned so much about the Mayan ruins as it was my first time and Alex also had an answer to every questions! I also got to experience snorkling for the first time and Alex was very patient while my group and I took pictures!
Jennifer –
We booked a private tour with Alex and our driver Omar to the Tulum ruins, a cenote and snorkling with the turtles in Akumal. Alex and Claire were kind enough to allow us to switch the snorkle portion for another cenote since our resort was right next to snorkle excursion. It was an amazing suggestion and we loved both cenotes!!! Alex was fun and friendly, he communicated really well and knew all about the Mayan ruins. Private tours are the way to go! No regrets, it was one of our favorite parts of our trip. Thanks guys!!! And thank you to Claire for thinking of her clients first!