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!
Our trip with Cristina and Ivan was incredible! We toured the Tulum ruins, swam in the Jaguar Cenote, had a wonderful and snorkeled with sea turtles, dying rays and bay squids. We felt fully taken care of the entire time by Cristina and Ivan. Ivan was a wonderful driver and Cristina taught us so much throughout the day about the ruins and local wildlife. She also served as our family photographer and took some incredible pictures of our family. Incredible day!
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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.
Stephanie –
Our trip with Cristina and Ivan was incredible! We toured the Tulum ruins, swam in the Jaguar Cenote, had a wonderful and snorkeled with sea turtles, dying rays and bay squids. We felt fully taken care of the entire time by Cristina and Ivan. Ivan was a wonderful driver and Cristina taught us so much throughout the day about the ruins and local wildlife. She also served as our family photographer and took some incredible pictures of our family. Incredible day!
Stephanie –
Incredible Experience! The whole day was incredible! We got to the ruins very early to avoid the crowds. From there, we swam in a cenote and had an incredible lunch. We were lucky enough to see sea turtles, sting rays, baby squids and more! Ivan was a wonderful driver and Cristina was an incredible tour guide. We learned so much from her!
Mike –
What an amazing excursion — truly the highlight of our trip!
Christina and Ivan picked us up from our hotel right on time, and from that moment on everything was seamless. Our first stop was the Tulum ruins, where Christina gave an incredible tour. She explained the history and architecture in such a fun, engaging way that we learned a ton while also having a great time.
After that, we headed to the Taak Bi Ha Cenote, and this part was unforgettable. Christina guided us through the cenote with snorkeling gear, even taking us safely into some of the cave entrances. She kept us informed, comfortable, and always safe — which is so important with all the cave formations.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Juanita’s restaurant, then made our way to Akumal Bay to snorkel with sea turtles. Christina and our bay guide, Anna, took us out where we saw dozens of turtles, plus a stingray and even a barracuda!
From start to finish, the day was perfectly planned, super fun, and absolutely memorable. Highly recommend!
Jill –
Highly recommend Absolute Adventures Mexico for all your tour needs! Professional, informative and reasonably priced.
volleyballtigger –
My friend and I loved our private tour through Absolute Adventure Mexico guided by the wonderful Juan!! We started out at the Tulum ruins where Juan pointed the various structures and provided a through history of the Mayans. Next we swam in the serene Nicte Ha cenote, and because the overall tour starts early, we had the cenote to ourselves, which was amazing! After swimming, we had a fabulous lunch down the road at Restaurante Juanita. We ended our fantastic tour at Akumal Bay where we snorkled around the sea turtles, sting rays, and an array of beautiful fish. We would absolutely book again with Absolute Adventures Mexico and would request Juan as our guide!
Katie –
We had an incredible tour with Juan out of Puerto Aventuras. Upon meeting our families (total group of 8), he made some expert recommendations based on the size/age of our kids and he sure didn’t disappoint!
We guided us efficiently through Tulum to start the day, with virtually zero tourists to be seen – it was amazing. He shares historical insights and current Mexican knowledge. The ultimate guide.
Thanks to Juan, the cenote he chose for us was magical. Something for everyone in our group – zip line, platform jumping and small caves which was perfect for us.
Lunch was a delight – a small restaurant “off the path” which we would never have found ourselves.
The icing on the cake was Akumal and swimming with the turtles.
This tour was the highlight of our trip to Riviera Maya and we are SO grateful for Juan and our awesome driver who made the experience absolutely memorable.
– Katie Alexander and family January 2026
Dan –
Private tour of Tulum that exceeded our expectations
We spent the day with our guide Alex and driver Hugo. What a fantastic experience! They took care of everything and really made our experience so special. We had a wonderful tour of the Tulum ruins before it got busy. Alex gave us so much history to go along with the amazing views. The cenote and swimming with turtles were also great experiences. Alex’s knowledge was incredible and we felt we got so much more out of the experience and more of an appreciation for the Mayan and Mexican cultures.
shiloh –
Cristina and our driver, Ivan were amazing! On time to pick us up, cooler full of drinks and a great upbeat vibe! Cristina is local born and raised and has so much knowledge of the local history to share. Tulum was our first stop and Cristina was all over it! She shared historical photos on her iPad and really hit the highlights of Tulum and the ruins. We were early enough to beat most of the big crowds but be aware, it fills up quickly. One of the big advantages to Absolute Adventures is the small group size. We were only 2 couples and it was perfect. Other tour guides were trying to get big groups to stay together and it wasn’t happening. This is the only way to do this kind of outing. (6 people probably would have worked as well but no more in my opinion). Next stop was a Cenote and we chose Taak bi ha and it was very cool. Cristina was with us throughout, had snorkels, flashlights and lots of geological info that was fascinating. I saw other people listening in to her stories as well. Be aware, the entrance is pretty a pretty steep staircase but it’s doable. Might be tough for some older people or those with knee injuries. Lunch was just down the road at Juanita’s restaurant and was included in our package. Drinks were separate but the place is very cool with terrific local food. My wife had an Coco Loco drink in a coconut, only order if you love crème de mint🤪. Our last stop was Akumel to swim with the turtles. Cristina and a local guide Anna made sure we got to see lots of turtles as well as stingrays, barracuda’s and other fish. The area is pretty touristy but it was still a lot of fun to see the turtles grazing on grasses in the bay. I also want to give a shoutout to Ivan who was awesome. He safely navigated us on highways, back roads and city streets like a pro! He also stayed with the vehicle while we were exploring which made us feel comfortable leaving our personal items at the van. Beers, waters etc were always waiting for us upon return, thanks Ivan!! This was our first trip to Tulum so I don’t have much to compare it to but from what I’ve seen Absolute Adventures has an amazing guide and driver combo in Cristina and Ivan. Highly recommended.
Kate –
Fun tour with the best guide in Cancun!
We spent a wonderful day with Christina and Henrike. Christina was full of interesting history
of Tulum. We loved her energy! The Cenotes were far beyond our expectations. Such a
unique experience and so fun to be with our guide.
Sheila –
We did Tulum Ruins, Taak Bi Ha cenote and the swim with turtles. We also stopped for a nice lunch after the cenote. Ruby was my connection on email when I booked and she was always very quick to answer my questions and made booking a breeze. We had Juan as our tour operator and I dont remember name of driver but they were both amazing. Juan had a wealth of knowledge and made a point of getting to know our names and a bit about us which made it very personable. There were 9 of us. 2 – 11 year olds, my 20 year old granddaughter, son and daughter in law and daughter and son in law and my husband and I. Cannot think of anything I would change. I also ordered some of the Mexican towels for my grandkids and they loved them. Highly recommend this company. Great memories to cherish.
Pauline –
Large family excursion, good times despite the rain
Our family of 15, from age 10 to 76, enjoyed our day with JJ touring the ruins, snorkeling in a cenote and swimming with turtles. JJ was great with our group despite a downpour during our ruins excursion. He was funny, entertaining and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Amir –
Best Tour and Tour Guide
Juan was an amazing tour guide and made out trip so much more enjoyable. His knowledge and humor were great. He was like part of the family from the start of the trip, right until the end! Thank you for a memorable trip and tour 😊
CurlGurl310 –
Highlight of our trip!
We had an incredible time on our private tour led by Alex and Ivan. Booking and communication were easy and clear, and pickup was right on time in a comfortable van stocked with a cooler of drinks. On the drive to Tulum, Alex shared fascinating history about Tulum and the Mayans—so engaging that even our teenage daughters put their phones down to listen and learn.
Tulum itself was beautiful, and Alex set the perfect pace for our family. We then headed to Dos Ojos Park, where we enjoyed a fantastic lunch. My vegan husband was thoughtfully accommodated, and the kids declared the quesadillas the best they’ve ever had.
The true highlight of the tour was the cenotes. Alex described several of his favorites and let us choose, and we selected the one with underwater lily pads. It was the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen—truly magical.
We finished the day in Akumal snorkeling with sea turtles. While conditions were a bit challenging with choppy water and limited visibility, our guide ensured we still saw dozens of turtles, along with rays and beautiful reef, coral, and fish.
Alex took care of every detail throughout the day, so we never had to worry about a thing and could simply enjoy our time together as a family. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough.
Sightsee62567667442 –
Cristina and Omar knew all the best places and kept us just in front of the crowds. Wonderful adventure to Tulum ruins, a cenote, and the turtle sanctuary. As a private guided tour we were well taken care of. You could feel the fun that Cristina was having and it was impossible to not have a good time too.
Paul –
Amazing Tour! Highly recommend!!!
We cannot express how very happy we were that we decided to go on this tour! Juan and Ezekiel were amazing! From the start to the end, they were so friendly and courteous! Juan is such an excellent guide! He shared with us his insight and knowledge of the culture and the history of each of the places we visited. He was also just a very cool guy 🙂 very personable and really fun! Ezekiel was also excellent and very professional. Overall, we fully recommend this tour! Thanks Juan and Ezekiel!!!
Elisa –
We chose the private tour to the archaeological site of Tulum, Cenote Jaguar, and snorkeling in Akumal to see the turtles. Eduardo, Rodrigo, and Omar’s team adapted the itinerary to find the best way to enjoy it, and it was absolutely magical. Being alone in a cenote is an unforgettable experience. Professional, efficient, fun… words cannot describe it. Booking is easy, Claire responds to all questions immediately on WhatsApp. There are several payment options. Everything is so convenient that all you have to do is enjoy it to the fullest. The food at the Mayan palapa Juanita was also a pleasant surprise. As a tourist and as a guide, I have high standards, and Absolut Adventures far exceeded them. Thank you!
Stuart –
Had a great experience with Arturo. His knowledge of the ruins was fantastic and very personable. Would definitely bond with him again.
Steve –
We chose Absolute adventure for a private tour of Tulum, snorkeling Cenotes, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Our family agreed it was the best excursion we’ve done in Mexico, including Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. Our guide. Joshua, was remarkable. You cannot go wrong with this company. They are amazing!
William –
Awesome tour. Guide was great and very informative. We seen and did everything as advertised. Totally would recommend
A.T. –
Absolutely amazing experience. We chose the private tour of Tulum ruins, Dos Ojos Cenote, and Akumal turtle swim. Josh and Pablo provided 1st class service, door to door, with every detail provided for our comfort and enjoyment. Highly recommend!