PRIVATE TOUR: Enjoy a private guided tour of the Tulum ruins, followed by a refreshing swim in a cenote of your choice and lunch at a restaurant in the jungle. Opt for a custom experience with 1 or 2 cenotes on this tour.
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!
When visiting the Riviera Maya, two unforgettable experiences should be at the top of your list: discovering the region’s rich Mayan heritage and immersing yourself in the area's spectacular natural beauty.
With our private Tulum Ruins & Cenote Tour, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of culture and adventure in just one day—without the stress of large groups or rigid schedules. This private experience is fully customized to your pace and preferences, offering exclusive access, expert guidance, and the flexibility to make the day your own.
Led by a certified guide, you’ll explore the Tulum Mayan ruins perched above the sea, then cool off in one or two handpicked cenotes. With private transportation, a flexible start time, and personal service, this journey offers a seamless and enriching escape.
Your experience begins with a guided visit to the ancient city of Tulum, one of the most iconic and scenic Mayan sites in Mexico. Once a thriving port and ceremonial center, Tulum was vital for trade along the Yucatán coast—where goods like jade, obsidian, and cacao once changed hands.
Set on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the site offers postcard-perfect views and a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient Maya. Your guide will share the stories behind structures like the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo, along with cultural insights and fun facts tailored to your interests.
Thanks to early access and private transport, you’ll avoid the crowds and midday sun—perfect for uninterrupted photos and peaceful exploration.
Highlights:
After exploring the ruins, it’s time to unwind and refresh in a stunning cenote—a naturally formed freshwater pool hidden within the jungle. Whether you choose one or opt for two, each cenote offers a different experience, from sunlit open-air lagoons to mystical underground caverns filled with stalactites.
You’ll be provided with all the gear needed to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, with a professional guide by your side to ensure safety and help you discover hidden details within the rock formations.
You can select from guest favorites like Cenote Nicte-Ha, Taak Bi Ha, or Jaguar, depending on your comfort level and interests. Want something more adventurous? For an additional $10 USD per person, you can upgrade to world-renowned cenotes like Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery.
Why you’ll love it:
After your refreshing cenote swim, we’ll head to a peaceful jungle setting where a local restaurant awaits. You’ll relax under a thatched palapa and enjoy a homemade Mexican meal, with options available for vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions.
This serene setting offers a chance to recharge and reflect on your day’s discoveries while enjoying traditional flavors and warm hospitality.
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.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
07:45am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
06:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 02:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
This tour doesn’t include Tulum centro/Tulum beach-hotel areas. Only Tulum Mayan ruins.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, 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.
When visiting the Riviera Maya, two unforgettable experiences should be at the top of your list: discovering the region’s rich Mayan heritage and immersing yourself in the area's spectacular natural beauty.
With our private Tulum Ruins & Cenote Tour, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of culture and adventure in just one day—without the stress of large groups or rigid schedules. This private experience is fully customized to your pace and preferences, offering exclusive access, expert guidance, and the flexibility to make the day your own.
Led by a certified guide, you’ll explore the Tulum Mayan ruins perched above the sea, then cool off in one or two handpicked cenotes. With private transportation, a flexible start time, and personal service, this journey offers a seamless and enriching escape.
Your experience begins with a guided visit to the ancient city of Tulum, one of the most iconic and scenic Mayan sites in Mexico. Once a thriving port and ceremonial center, Tulum was vital for trade along the Yucatán coast—where goods like jade, obsidian, and cacao once changed hands.
Set on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the site offers postcard-perfect views and a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient Maya. Your guide will share the stories behind structures like the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo, along with cultural insights and fun facts tailored to your interests.
Thanks to early access and private transport, you’ll avoid the crowds and midday sun—perfect for uninterrupted photos and peaceful exploration.
Highlights:
After exploring the ruins, it’s time to unwind and refresh in a stunning cenote—a naturally formed freshwater pool hidden within the jungle. Whether you choose one or opt for two, each cenote offers a different experience, from sunlit open-air lagoons to mystical underground caverns filled with stalactites.
You’ll be provided with all the gear needed to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, with a professional guide by your side to ensure safety and help you discover hidden details within the rock formations.
You can select from guest favorites like Cenote Nicte-Ha, Taak Bi Ha, or Jaguar, depending on your comfort level and interests. Want something more adventurous? For an additional $10 USD per person, you can upgrade to world-renowned cenotes like Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery.
Why you’ll love it:
After your refreshing cenote swim, we’ll head to a peaceful jungle setting where a local restaurant awaits. You’ll relax under a thatched palapa and enjoy a homemade Mexican meal, with options available for vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions.
This serene setting offers a chance to recharge and reflect on your day’s discoveries while enjoying traditional flavors and warm hospitality.
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.
If you choose the 2 cenotes option, add an extra hour to the itinerary.
You can shorten the tour by booking the option that excludes lunch.
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN AREA
07:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM TULUM AREA
07:45am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 01:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
FROM CANCUN AREA
06:00am Private transportation from your hotel to Tulum
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Tulum ruins
10:00am – 10:30am: Transportation
10:30am – 11:30am: Snorkeling in cenote
11:30am – 12:15pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:15pm – 02:00pm: Transportation to your hotel
This tour doesn’t include Tulum centro/Tulum beach-hotel areas. Only Tulum Mayan ruins.
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or
snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, 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.
No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.
All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide.
While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.
It typically lasts between 5 to 6 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.
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.
We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
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.
No, cenotes aren’t too cold—they stay at a refreshing 75–79°F (24–26°C) year-round, which is perfect for a swim.
Most cenotes have easy access with platforms and just a few steps to get in and out comfortably.
Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas.
Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list. 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.
Kimberly –
Top notch company! Very professional and friendly service! They tailored the experience to exactly what we wanted and it was nice that it was just us. They showed up on time with cold drinks. Joshua was amazing and thorough at explaining the history and helped us feel safe while traveling through the caves. A+++ highly recommend!
Dixxie –
Do yourself a favor and book with Absolute Adventure Mexico!
My family had two major adventure goals for our vacation – seeing the Tulum Mayan ruins and snorkeling. With this tour, we got to do both and so much more!
Arturo was fantastic – knowledgeable, kind, and attentive! He picked us up early in the day for our private tour of the ruins, where he taught us about the history and culture of the Mayan people of Tulum. He helped us take photos and pointed out incredible details and sights.
Then he took us to our choice of cenote. He taught us how to snorkel and led us through an underground wonderland of cool, clear water and incredible rock formations.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a delightful authentic Mexican lunch and more conversation with Arturo. He was a delightful guide, never hurrying us, cheerfully assisting with photos, and engaging us in every phase of our adventure.
If you’re in the area and have the opportunity, book your tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico. I only wish there were more stars to give them.
Yehdahm –
Joseph was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide showing us the history and beauty of dos ojos in tulum! Highly recommend
Jonathan –
Juan was a great guide ! Very personable, funny, and knowledgeable. He made the experience very memorable and I would gladly recommend this tour. The car was very clean and there was cold water / soda available. The Tulum Ruins were amazing and it was clear Juan had a passion for the history as he explained different things to us and answered our various questions. We struggled to make a decision on which Cenote to go to, but Juan made a great recommendation. If you book, you’ll have a great time.
Bonny –
Shared Magic
Our recent tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico exceeded our expectations (2 adults, & kids 15, 12). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a private tour as it saves time and provides a more intimate experience. Don’t go with the crowded tours advertised at the resorts!!!
Our pickup and drop-off were timely and comfortable; we had just the right amount of time at each location without feeling rushed. The Tulum ruins and history are fascinating and Cenote Nicte-Ha was pure magic. The fabulous, fresh lunch and margaritas at Restaurante Juanita was the perfect way to end our tour.
Alex (guide) and Omar (driver) were courteous and professional, and Alex’s knowledge of the area and Mayan history is vast. He is a credentialed, experienced tour guide and fluent English speaker. Alex made our trip to Tulum truly magical! He believes in the importance of shared experiences to connect us and we wholeheartedly agree. His love for the local history, and culture, and joy for sharing it with others is a special experience not to be missed on your visit to the area. However, if you don’t end up getting Alex as your guide, it’s apparent that Absolute Adventure values quality tours and guides, so you are in good hands.
We will book another tour with Absolute Adventure when we return to Mexico and specifically request Alex. Thank you, Alex and Omar!
Bonny E. –
Our recent tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico exceeded our expectations (2 adults, & kids 15, 12). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a private tour as it saves time and provides a more intimate experience. Don’t go with the crowded tours advertised at the resorts!!!
Our pickup and drop-off were timely and comfortable; we had just the right amount of time at each location without feeling rushed. The Tulum ruins and history are fascinating and Cenote Nicte-Ha was pure magic. The fabulous, fresh lunch and margaritas at Restaurante Juanita was the perfect way to end our tour.
Alex (guide) and Omar (driver) were courteous and professional, and Alex’s knowledge of the area and Mayan history is vast. He is a credentialed, experienced tour guide and fluent English speaker. Alex made our trip to Tulum truly magical! He believes in the importance of shared experiences to connect us and we wholeheartedly agree. His love for the local history, and culture, and joy for sharing it with others is a special experience not to be missed on your visit to the area. However, if you don’t end up getting Alex as your guide, it’s apparent that Absolute Adventure values quality tours and guides, so you are in good hands.
We will book another tour with Absolute Adventure when we return to Mexico and specifically request Alex.
Mark –
Juan was amazing! On time,, knowledgeable, and took his time in every place. He made sure we got all the photos we wanted, he was warm and engaging. The stops were amazing, the food delish, highly recommend!
Garret –
JJ was an entertaining and informative guide. Had a great time on their tour.
Ian –
If you’re staying anywhere near Playa this is a must do!! Alex is an incredibly knowledgeable guide and gave us tons of interesting historical background on the ancient Mayan civilization in Tulum as well as the geology and history of the cenote we snorkeled in. Omar was a fantastic driver and was very helpful giving us snorkeling gear and keeping us safe. I’d give this tour 6 stars if I could.
Odyssey66388877983 –
Family trip to Mexico
Alex and Arturo are the BEST!!!
They arrived to our house on time! Van was large enough and comfortable for all 9 of us.
Arturo was a super safe driver, very courteous and helped Alex take care of us, making sure we all had our gear and anything else we needed.
Alex knows his history and has so much knowledge!!
He was accommodating to all questions, needs and requests. He even got down to our 8 yr old granddaughters level to listen to her question and explain answers. So sweet! Their care and concern for your safety was spot on!!
We choose the Tulum Cenote adventure. We never felt rushed. The cave Cenote was so awesome! We smorkled at our comfort level. They were there for our safety!!
Highly recommend Arturo and Alex!!
Thank you both for an amazing adventure!!
X6671DTryane –
Amazing experience! Alex was our guide and provided fantastic historical insight into the history of the Mayans. The Cenote was beautiful and maintained by a fantastic Mayan family. The lunch was delicious and the hand made tortillas were the best we had while on vacation. Arturo was a fantastic driver and got us every where. Definitely ask for Alex and Arturo!
Neicha –
Absolutely worth it. Our guide Juan was so friendly and knowledgeable about the area. He helped me get comfortable with snorkeling as I had never done it before. He was so patient and gave excellent directions. By the time the tour was over I was almost a pro! The cenotes we went to were absolutely amazing and the Tulum ruins are a must see! We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would 100% recommend it to anyone! Thanks again, Juan and our driver Omar!
Michael –
Our tour to Tulum and a Cenotes. Alex, our guide, was amazing with a wealth of knowledge explaining many of the history details and escorted us around Tulum. We chose the underground cave Cenote which was spectacular. When would you get a chance to be in an underground cave with stalagmites. The water was nice and cool and crystal clear. It was an amazing adventure in a nice AC’d van. I would absolutely recommend this company and I would encourage the cave Cenote if you choose this tour type.
Canaryblue –
Excellent tour and guided!
Absolutely thrilled with our experience with Alex and Omar from Absolute Adventure Mexico! From the moment we embarked on our journey through the Mayan Ruins to diving into the crystal-clear waters of a Cenote and swimming with majestic turtles, every moment was seamlessly orchestrated by Alex and expertly navigated by Omar. Their passion for the history and beauty of the region was contagious, and Alex’s depth of knowledge added immeasurable value to our adventure. Simone and I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable day, and we wholeheartedly recommend Absolute Adventure Mexico to anyone seeking an unforgettable exploration of Mexico’s wonders. Thank you, Alex and Omar, for making our experience truly exceptional!
I5220IQalexf –
Great tour and enjoyable day
This was a great tour. It was especially nice to arrive at the Tulum ruins earlier than the crowds. We had a choice of cenotes and the one we chose was fanastic. Our guide Arturo was very knowledgeable. We did do a swim with turtles. This was a little busy for our liking with lots of people crowding the turtles. Didn’t stay at that stop long. Oh and the restaurant stop was really good.
Bart –
Absolute Adventure Mexico is the perfect company to book your private tours. They were so helpful and saved us a lot of money. Our guide, Joshua, gave us a tour in English and Spanish so my Spanish high school students were able to hear and practice their language skills. We were short on time so they helped us design the best tour to see as much as possible in the few hours we were off the cruise ship. We visited Tulum and cenotes and they gave us lunch on the run to get us back in time for the cruise. We would recommend this company and love to go back to visit more of Mexico with them.
Karen –
Private tour with an amazing guide.
We booked 2 private tours with Absolute Adventure after reading several reviews. Both were amazing experiences. We were fortunate enough to have Arturo as our guide for both tours. The first tour was to visit the Ancient Mayan Ruins in Tulúm. Arturo was very knowledgeable and informative all while keeping us engaged. He made the tour fun and even takes the best pictures! The second tour we took was to Dos Ojos. To be honest I was a bit nervous about going into a bat cave but Arturo made sure I was comfortable and to be honest, there was nothing to worry about. The tour was amazing. We could take as much time as we wanted. If you want to stay away from the crowds this company made sure we were one of the first ones at each tour. I would definitely recommend this company. Also Arturo is a gem. Hope you will be lucky enough to have him as your guide.
Stacy –
This was truly the only tour we needed to do & a highlight of our trip to the Mayan Riviera. Our driver Enrique safely navigated us through the busy roads & then stayed with the van keeping our belongings safe. Arturo, the most engaging & knowledgeable guide ever, showed us around the Tulum ruins. By using them, we avoided the crowds, an absolute must! Our next stops were 2 cenotes recommended by Arturo. They were truly magical & we are still talking about them! All this was finished off with an authentic Mayan lunch owned by a Mayan family. We highly recommend Absolute Adventures, it’s worth the splurge!
Matthew –
We will use again and tell our friends!
Carlos –
We did a private tour to Tulum and Cenote swim. Arturo our guide was amazing, knowledgeable with great insights from Tulum. He was flexible and patient with our youngest who is on the spectrum. This is the only way to go after seeing all the other big tours. I would recommend Absolute Adventure for any of your tours.