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.
Allen –
Incredible Day with Absolute Adventure Mexico!
My recent tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico was nothing short of amazing. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, well-organized, and filled with breathtaking moments. Our guide, Joshua, truly made the day unforgettable. He was knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly friendly, making sure that everyone in the group felt comfortable and engaged throughout the 6-7 hour adventure.
We started the day at the Tulum ruins, where Joshua’s detailed explanations brought the ancient site to life. His passion for history and culture was evident and added so much depth to our visit. After exploring the ruins, we had the chance to swim in the stunning cenotes–an experience that was both refreshing and surreal. The crystal-clear water, combined with the unique atmosphere of the cenotes, made for a perfect break before we headed out to snorkel with sea turtles.
The snorkeling portion was an absolute highlight. Joshua guided us to the best spots, pointing out turtles and other marine life, ensuring everyone had a chance to see them up close. The weather was fantastic, which added to the overall joy of the day. Joshua’s attentiveness, patience, and great communication skills kept us all safe and engaged, making the adventure enjoyable for everyone.
I would highly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico to anyone looking for a well-rounded, memorable tour in the Tulum area. Thanks to Joshua and the team for an amazing experience!
Sandy –
A fun filled day in Mexico!! With the assistance of Alex our incredible tour guide we had a most memorable day! Each part was so perfectly executed that we learned a ton about Mayan history and local geography! A must do on your trip to Cancun!!
Michelle –
Wow, absolutely amazing tour! From the moment we were picked up at the hotel we had an incredible time. Our tour guide, JJ, was incredible! He had an answer for every question and had an amazing sense of humor.
The tour bring you first to the Mayan ruins, we arrived at 8am before the heat a the crowds which was perfect.
Next, we went to the Cenote. We were given the choice between 2 and picked the cave option. We were provided complimentary life vests and snorkeling gear. JJ gave our family of 22 all the guidance we would need and watched to make sure everyone was safe as there are no lifeguards on duty.
We then stopped for lunch which was at a beautiful hotel. Again this meal was included in our ticket price.
Finally we swam with the turtles. This was an amazing once in a lifetime experience.
Overall, I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Playa Del Carmen or Tulum area. Thank you, JJ, for a fantastic experience
Jeff –
Joshua was an incredible tour guide! Not only was he knowledgable about the history of the Mayans in Tulum, but he also went above and beyond to help me when I struggled to walk. His passion and enthusiasm for sharing this rich history made the experience unforgettable. The cenotes were breathtaking, and swimming with the turtles was a highlight of our trip. The customer service was also excellent – they checked in with us to make sure everything was going smoothly, even after a small hiccup at the start. If we ever return to Mexico, we’ll definitely book another excursion and request Joshua! Highly recommended!
Audra –
Juan was one of our favorite people that we met while in Tulum. We spent all day touring with him & it couldn’t have been more perfect! We are so grateful that he was our tour guide & we are already planning to come back with our children for a tour with Juan! He also takes wonderful pictures 😁
TJ –
We just got home from the Playa del Carmen area and without a doubt, our time with Absolute Adventure Mexico was one of the biggest highlights of the trip. We originally booked a similar tour with another company, but after reading the great reviews for Absolute Adventure, I cancelled the other tour and booked with them. I’m glad I did. While this tour was a little more expensive, it far exceeded our expectations, and was worth every peso. Our tour guide Arturo and our driver Omar met us at our hotel lobby early. They were both extremely friendly and accommodating. We went to Tulum and basically had the place to ourselves. Arturo gave us a nice history lesson of Tulum and pointed out many interesting facts about the ruins.
From there, Arturo made a quick pivot on the tour due to some weather that was coming in. We were supposed to go to a cenote first and then to snorkel with turtles. He recommended we switch that up and snorkel first to ensure we would be able to do it since the weather was going to get worse which might result in us not being able to snorkel with the turtles. I am so glad he decided to do that because the weather for snorkeling ended up being perfect and we saw a few turtles and stingrays. The beach was absolutely stunning.
From there, we went to the Cenote Taak Bi Ha and it was beautiful. Crystal clear water and an incredible experience. Probably our favorite part of the tour. After that, we had a nice Mexican lunch and got to know Arturo a bit better.
All in all, we had a fantastic time. We are a family of four and everyone loved it. Highly recommend going with Absolute Adventure. I know if we’re ever back in the area, we’ll do another tour with them. Thanks for a great time!
Happiness –
OMG….We did two tours with Absolute Adventure on two different days, and both days couldn’t have been more perfect. We loved our tour guide, Joshua. We were picked up promptly at our hotel, driven in a lovely clean spacious van to our various stops, given water and anything else we needed along the way. They helped us select the 2 Cenotes we visited, and they were both beautiful-truly special. Our tour in Tulum was detailed, and Joshua was very knowledgeable on the history of Tulum and the Mayan culture. We snorkeled with Turtles and the guide they provided was also very sweet and lef us to baby and adult giant turtles. It was truly all incredible and we will def use them for our next trip.
lornasL7023MF –
We had an absolutely fantastic day with our tour guide Juan. It was one of our best days of the trip. Juan was very knowledgeable and was able to advise the best options for cenotes visit and snoring that suited us perfectly. Juan timed everything perfectly, giving us the perfect amount of time at each spot and never once feeling rushed. The tour is truly tailored to you. We opted for the enclosed cenotes, which was incredible experience and strongly recommend. We then saw lots of turtles snorkelling, with recommendation from Juan with the weather being a little temperamental that day. Huge thank you for giving us a fantastic trip, worth every penny and would definitely recommend.
Dreamer49579936682 –
Tulum, cenote snorkeling and swimming with sea turles– wow!
Fabulous early morning tour of Tulum ruins, where our interesting and cool guide, Juan, explained the structures and the culture of ancient Mayans here on the Carribean coast.
Then we stopped for a refreshing swim/snorkel in a beautiful cenote full of lillypads and little fish.
After the swim, we enjoyed interesting conversation with Juan over a delicious lunch at the local restaurant by the cenote.
Then we headed to TSUUK Akumal national park, where specially trained swiming/snorkeling guides lead you into the ocean to look for sea turtles. Our guide, Manuel, found five turles, including a HUGE one so close we probably could have touched it when it came up for air. But of course we didn’t.
After all that, we savored the cold beers we had requested for the short drive back to Playa del Carmen. Our driver, Omar, was great.
This was our first private tour, and so worth the money. What a great day!
Joe –
Tour Guide: Joshua
Driver: Omar
Tour: Tulum ruins, cenote, and Akumal Turtles
Duration: 8HRs
Party: 2x adults & 2x kids (5 & 7)
Best way to explore Mexico. The absolute team arrived at hotel early ready for reception. I paid the remaining balance via VISA card (5% added fee – not bad). Easy communication with the absolute team via WhatsApp. Even had 2x kid booster seats for a van ride. Guided entry to all attractions. Bypassed multiple tourist bottlenecks. Tour guide remained with us the entire time expect when we snorkeled with turtles but as soon as we finished, Joshua was there. Driver dropped us off super close to attractions and secured our belongings in the van. Top notch way to do excursions in Mexico!!! Pay the premium price, well worth. Stress free trip! Guide handled it all and provided recommendations along the way.
Daniela –
We were 3 Adults and 4 kids on the private tour. Our guide and driver were very welcoming and friendly from the get go. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and could answer all our questions.
He was amazing accommodating the youngest child!
Would highly recommend them!
Linda –
Family Fun!!!
This was such a fun tour. I would recommend it to anyone we had ages from six years old to 65 years old. We all loved it. Just want to thank Juan our tour guide. He did a great job. I was nervous about doing the cenote. I have a muscle disease in my legs and he was right there to help me and guide me through and get me in and out. Thanks for your encouragement and help Juan.
Dani –
Definitely a Must if visiting Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya!
Arturo our tour guide and Enrique our Driver were great!! Very informative, helped to guide
us along our day, and everything was smooth and very well structured!! It Was a fabulous
day with the family.
popncici –
Fantastic tour!!
Extremely well organized with a knowledgeable, fun and friendly guide and driver.
Juan took us to the Tulum ruins, dos ojos cenote and snorkeling in a lagoon with turtles. We had a delicious lunch and margaritas in the jungle near the cenotes. The communication with this tour company was extremely easy. This day was the best part of our vacation and I would 100% recommend this adventure group.
Sean –
Juan and Rodrigo were awesome, our day trip to the Mayan Ruins, Ceynotes and Snorkeling with the Turtles in Akumal were the highlight of the whole trip!
N. Norris –
Amazing tour! Extremely well organized with a knowledgeable, fun and friendly guide.
Juan took us to the Tulum ruins, dos ojos cenote and snorkeling in a lagoon with turtles. We had a delicious lunch and margaritas in the jungle near the cenotes. The communication with this tour company was extremely easy. This day was the best part of our vacation and I would 100% recommend this adventure group.
Tate –
This tour was great! Juan, our guide, was super knowledgeable about each location we visited and was able to answer the many questions we asked at the Mayan ruins and cenote we visited. I highly recommend the cave cenote offered by this tour. It was a breathtaking experience not to mention the very refreshing, crystal clear water. Followed by a delicious, authentic lunch at the local open air restaurant.
Rodrigo, our driver, was also great! Traveling safely with a van full of people can stressful I’m sure. He took care of our belongings while we were exploring and provided great assistance getting us everything we needed.
The tour started early but for good reason. Each place we visited seemed to get pretty busy as we were leaving, so we always stayed ahead of the crowd.
The only drawback I’d say was the turtle snorkeling, as It was very crowded. I’m sure there’s just no getting around that but it was a bit frustrating. Still pretty cool experience if you have never been near sea turtles before. All in all, highly recommended this tour they are GREAT!
Angellica –
Our Tulum experience
A fabulous tour, the Mayan ruins and swimming in the Cenote were the highlights for us. Joshua was extremely knowledgeable and a great guide, highly recommended 👍🏼
Stephen –
Mexican Adventure
Great day out. Our tour guide, Joshua, was very knowledgeable and informative. The highlights for us were the Mayan ruins in Tulum and being able to swim in the Cenote. Thank you for a memorable experience
Linda –
Did the Tulum, Cenote and swim with sea turtles tour (all in 1 day)
It was awesome!
Early start was worth it, it was hot already at 8 am in Tulum, followed by the cool cenote, lunch at Juanita’s, and finished with snorkeling with sea turtles.
Joshua was very knowledgeable about the history of the Mayans, took lots of pictures for us, while Rodrigo drove us from place to place. It was a private tour, just our group!
Well worth it! Highly recommend!