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.
peggylE3890WK –
Great tour. Saw Tulum, went into a cenote, had a delicious lunch, and swam near sea turtles. Very knowledgeable and interesting guide.
Lani –
This is the best private tour in Tulum – I recommend choosing the tour that takes you to the Tulum Ruins, and then to snorkeling with tortoises/cenotes. Hector and Rodrigo were the best duo and showed us so much of Tulum/taught us so much about the history. HIGHLY recommended – and can’t wait to return to do this again!
Camper55087 –
FANTASTIC! Our guide Manuel was tri-lingual, extremely knowledgeable, interesting and has a wonderful sense of humor! We had the ruins mostly to ourselves and we spent as much time as we needed to get every picture and every question answered. The Cenote was fabulous! Clear cool water, bats in the cave and again we had the place almost all to ourselves. Lunch here in the jungle was some of the best Mexican food we have ever eaten. Then we were off to the beach to snorkel with turtles we saw 5….big ones but also one little cute young turtle. The beach was beautiful and we were exhausted from all the fun and excitement so we packed it in early and Manuel obliged and we were able to take our time coming off the beach and heading back to our resort. Pasquale our driver was an excellent chauffeur and stayed with our belongs and kept them safe. We felt privileged as he is of Mayan descent and speaks the Maya language as well as Spanish. Our guide Manuel and us learned a new fact of how Playa del Carmen was named from Pasquale and we all delighted in this new tidbit. He picked us up curb side and had refreshments at the ready! It was a spectacular day…we had planned to make this our last trip to the Yucatan but we are now planning to return and do an alternate tour with the company!
PMadden –
This tour was one of our favorite things we did on our vacation. We were on a cruise that stopped in Cozumel and we decided to book a tour to see the Tulum ruins with turtle and cenote snorkeling. The company was wonderful with following up and answering all of our logistical questions. We missed the ferry we had planned to take from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and our guides patiently waited for us to catch the next one. Our guides, Manuel and Pascual were knowledgeable, accommodating, and made it wonderfully fun for all of us. The cenotes are not to be missed!
Steve C –
We booked this tour for our family f 11 (6 adults; 5 kids 3-15) based upon the Tripadvisor reviews. We were not disappointed, we were pleased in every way. Our guide Hector and the driver Rodrigo did an awesome job dealing with a large and varied group. Hector got to know each of us as best he could in a short time, he made special efforts to deal directly with each of the kids as well. Hector was extremely knowledgeable and patient. His descriptions of Tuluum were interesting and the historical references added greatly to the experience. The Cenote and zipline were a highlight for the kids…especially the 3 year old who loved flying over the trees. It was a pretty rough day at the snorkeling sight with wind and waves but again the guides made it as easy for us as they could. Even with the turbidity of the waters we were able to see Turtles, fish and rays.
All in all it was an awesome day, with awesome guides. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants a variety of experiences in one day. We would definitely use Absolute Adventures again if we come back in the future. Great company, great tour and great people….doesn’t get much better than that
Sarah T –
Best Day of of Vacation!
We started out the tour at the Tulum Ruins with our guide Manuel. He was so knowledgeable and really did a great job explaining the history. I’m glad we got there early before the crowds.
After the ruins, we went to an underground cenote and Manuel took my boyfriend snorkeling. He absolutely loved it. I stayed behind and took pictures and dipped my toes in the water (not my thing). When we were done there, Manuel took us to the best little lunch spot. What a hidden gem!! So peaceful and clean and the food was AMAZING!! The staff there was super friendly.
Our last stop was snorkeling with the turtles. I was a little nervous, but Manuel made me feel more at ease. The turtles we incredible to watch and we loved every second. My boyfriend even saw stingrays and a barracuda.
It was such a neat experience and we would definitely recommend a private tour over going alone, or with a big group. Our driver Omar was also really cool. If we come back to Playa, we will definitely use this company again. Thanks, Manuel for an awesome day!
GlobeTrotting –
My boyfriend and I did a tour to the Tulum ruins, snorkeling and cave cenote in January 2020 with Hector as our guide. Hector and our driver arrived on time, 7:00 a.m,. at our hotel in Playa. Hector kept us informed as the day unfolded, everything was well organized and occurred as expected. It was great to have such a well informed guide in Tulum to explain the history and meaning behind what we were seeing. There was so much to see and learn there. Really enjoyed that part and being there before the crowds. Was wonderful to see the rays and large turtle while snorkeling and the cave cenote was a great surprise, so different than anything I had ever experienced. Hector was kind, patient, funny, professional, and just a very nice and interesting person, very grateful to have met him. We do not normally enjoy tours very much due to the crowds and very scripted itinerary. If you feel the same, this is the tour for you. Would highly recommend and will do a different one in the future if we are lucky enough to visit the area again.
Ira –
Juan was an awesome guide for our family. Engaging and full of valuable experiences and information. Rodrigo was great as the driver. We felt safe and in perfect hands from the moment they picked us up until they dropped us off at the end of the day. We look forward to sharing their names and going on another adventure with them in the future.
Ash –
Manuel and Ervin were the best had a great time so helpful and knowledgeable about everything always felt safe definitely would highly recommend them for everything
PMiddy –
One of the best days of my life
I just returned from my bachelorette party in Tulum and I cannot stop raving about one of the most incredible days of my life. We did the “Tulum ruins, Snorkeling in Cenote and with Turtles” tour with Absolute Adventure Tulum. Our tour guide was friendly, funny, and made sure we had an excellent time. We got a detailed tour of the ruins, explored a magical cenote, and were lucky enough to find 3 turtles and a sting ray while snorkeling in the ocean. It was a beautiful day from beginning to end. Don’t miss this tour!
erutherford –
Juan was an amazing guide, knowledgeable, kind, and great with the kids. Well worth the time and money. If you have younger children I recommend the cenotes over the turtle swimming, our 6yro struggled a little bit. Ziplining and jumping at the Cenotes was the highlight of everyone’s trip. Thank You Juan and Ervin.
Violet1982 –
Communication prior to the trip was fast, friendly and efficient. On the day our guide Juan and our driver (sorry, I didn’t catch his name) arrived promptly in a clean and well air conditioned van. Within seconds we knew we’d made a great choice in trip, as Juan was so easy to talk to – a really interesting and funny guy.
The day was really well planned, we were one of the first to arrive at Tulum before it got too hot and before the crowds descended. Juan was always one step ahead of the other tours which meant we got uninterrupted views and photos. We didn’t feel rushed and got to linger at the spots we found most interesting. As we were leaving the crowds were pouring in – listen to your guide when they offer an early pickup, they know their stuff and recommend it for good reason.
Next stop was a nearby cenote. We were offered a choice of cenotes, but as we had another trip booked for Chaak Tun, we opted for an open cenote. It really was beautiful and again, Juan timed it perfectly so we had the cenote to ourselves. I was a really nervous of snorkelling after a previous bad experience but desperate to try & Juan was super patient and encouraging. I went from thinking I was never going to be able to do it, to snorkelling happily on my own. I was so, so pleased.
We also visited Akamul beach and the trip included a snorkel guide. Juan explained to the guide Miguel that I was nervous and new to snorkelling, The guide really looked after me and made sure I had the best experience. It’s an absolutely beautiful beach and we saw several turtles plus lots of colourful fishes over the reef .
Lunch was included on the day and totally delicious, one of the best meals we had all week. Drinks were also on hand all day from a chiller in the van. We wouldn’t hesitate to book again. We thought the tour was excellent value – it included all costs, equipment and being completely private meant we could ask as many questions as we wanted and weren’t waiting around for others.
Ask for Juan when you book, he is a great guide – very professional but really personable and interesting too.
Hickoryview –
Hector was our tour guide and Rodrigo was our driver. First, you pay a little extra for a private tour but it is no worries the entire day. You avoid crowds, you are not waiting on anyone else and your schedule is your own. It is worth paying the extra to go with this company. We were never rushed in any part of our excursion. I am sure there was a schedule to follow but it did not feel like it. If you are familiar with travel to Playa del Carmen, you can do each of these activities on your own but if this is your first time and you want no hassles, I would highly recommend. We got good history on the Mayans and their culture, we saw turtles and stingrays, and the cenote was impressive. The lunch was delicious as well and included in your package. This was a no hassle, no worry adventure. Communication with the company over email was easy. I think couples probably don’t need but if you have a family, this was definitely the way to go. It worked perfectly for us. We would use them again for excursions.
Ashcolarusso –
They are the best
Manuel and Ervin were the best so friendly and knowledgeable made us feel safe and welcomed would highly recommend them for your tour.
Ronda –
Great private tour
My sister and I chose the private tour to Tulum, cenote, lunch, and then a swim with turtles.
Juan was an absolute blast and a great guide. Juan was very knowledgeable about the ruins and very personal. He made us feel very comfortable and relaxed. Pasquale (driver) looked after our belongings and made us feel very safe.
A private tour is the way to go when doing an excursion as it can be exactly what you want it to be. We would definitely book again with Absolute Adventure.
Marla –
Highly recommend this tour and this tour company
This was a fabulous company to work with. Manuel was our guide and Ervin was our driver. We loved getting to Tulum before all the crowds. The cenote was perfect for our group and the lunch was amazing. We loved snorkeling at Akumal. We were able to see five sea turtles. Manuel was great as a guide and we loved having Ervin stay with our belongings in the van. When we return to this area, we would definitely use them again. We loved being the only ones in our group. Definitely worth the money!
Jeff –
Could not be happier with Hector! He has a great personality and definitely showed us a good time! He was very knowledgable so we learned ALOT!!! Thank you. Also Rodrigo was a great driver. Felt very safe with the both of them!
San –
It was an awesome tour and an amazing experience! Our tour guide Hector was great and had a lot of knowledge which he shared with us.
We were picked up early in the morning to be in Tulum before all the other tourists. After that, we were snorkeling in the Cenote and had lunch there. The last stop was Akumal were we snorkeled with seaturtles and stingrays.
We can totally recommend this private tour and would definitely book with Absolute Adventure again!
Jonathan Elterstein –
The easiest way to learn culture, nature and food. It was very nice to book this trip and going there with friend. Best tour we had in Playa del Carmen
Dan –
I went with a group of 6 friends to Tulum and we booked through Absolute Adventure Mexico a guided day at the ruins, cenote swimming, and snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal Bay.
It was AMAZING. Our tour guide, HECTOR and driver RODRIGO, were so friendly, knowledgeable, funny, kind and super informative. The tour itself was a highlight of our trip, we started our at the ruins where we were driven after a pickup in a private van at our Air BNB. It was very educational, and Hector had a wealth of knowledge about the Maya and the history of Mexico.
We then proceeded to choose a Cenote that we wanted to visit at Dos Ojos, and we chose Nicte Ha, it was GORGEOUS. Beautiful experience and the snorkel gear was provided.
After the cenote Hector treated us to lunch at a local restaurant and it was arguably the best food we had on the trip! Delicious and homemade and the perfect fuel for a busy day.
We then headed over to the protected Akumal Bay where we swam with Sea Turtles and and saw so many different types of coral and fish. We saw probably 4 sea turtles in the wild and it was AMAZING. I will never forget that moment!
The excursion itself was worth every penny— the fees to the cenote and the bay and the ruins are all included in the price of the guide and excursion. Just remember to bring towels and bug spray!
We would gladly have hector and rodrigo on every tour if we could! They are amazing.
SERIOUSLY this company is amazing and great at communication and was a highlight of our trip! Book them!