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.
610dcd –
Tulum Ruins with Cenote snorkel
Excellent tour. Private is the way to go. Just the two of us, our guide, Juan, and our driver (sorry can’t remember his name!) Pick up right on time in a van, very early to beat the crowds. Juan was very energetic and gave us lots of information. We arrived at the ruins early, very quiet, not busy. Good tour around the site, lots of information. As we were leaving, the crowds were pouring in! Good timing! Off to the Cenote. Beautiful cave and not very crowded. A little scary getting down there and into the water, but Juan was very patient and helpful and got me in there in one piece! Lunch was a great choice, with great food and great conversation with Juan. Would highly recommend for couples or small groups. Claire (co-owner) also very prompt at returning email requests.
April –
Excellent experience
Josh and Enrique were excellent! Josh was extremely knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the Mayan ruins. He took some family photos of us at the site that turned out great. We have good photos to remember our time there.
At the cenote, Josh was great with my kids. He even jumped off the rocks into the cenote to make my kids more comfortable with it and both my 11 year old and 6 year old jumped in! He made it a good thing for them to try it and experience that. Definitely recommend them for anyone going there.
Kim –
I can not rave enough about our tour and our tour guide, Alex! This was my sister and I’s first time in Playa Del Carmen and I really wanted to swim in a Cenote and see the Tulum Ruins and this was the perfect way to do it!! They picked us up right at our hotel and we got to Tulum right away when it opened when there was hardly anyone else there. After we chose to swim in the Cenote Taak bi Ha, which was absolutely incredible!! Alex was so informative teaching us all about Mayan culture and Mexico, not to mention just an all around good person and super easy to talk to, and I’m so glad we got to “hang out with a local” having an amazing experience! He also took some great pictures of us to capture the experience! The lunch was also incredibly delicious!! This was without a doubt the highlight of our trip and an experience I know I’ll be talking about for years to come. I can not recommend this company and tour enough!
Jonathan –
Juan and Enrique were excellent, Juan gave us a fantastic tour of Tulum, extremely knowledgeable about the history of The Maya and the city. He took us to the best spots and and great views! After the ruins we went to two different cenotes, Nycta and Tak Biha, both were beautiful and Juan was great about showing off the different features making sure we didn’t miss anything! If you use this company be sure to ask for Juan and Enrique!
Brenda –
Juan and Omar were a pleasure. On time and quick to get us to the sites ahead of everyone else. We were the first to go into Tulum
Ann –
Incredible experience! Recommend 1000%!!! We did a private tour beginning with Mayan Ruins, then snorkeling in 2 very different cenotes, followed by an authentic Mayan lunch in the jungle. Our guide Alex was fantastic! He was friendly, knowledgeable, and fascinating. Alex clearly loves his work and passes on his passion as he shares and informs all day long. Our driver Enrique was also terrific. We felt completely at ease going from place to place and leaving our belongings in the van while we toured. Every detail of the day was in their hands, including pre-purchased tickets to each destination, so all we needed to do was relax, learn, and have fun! The cost of the private tour was very reasonable and included all ticket entries and even the delicious lunch. In summary, this awesome tour was exactly as promised and lived up to its many 5-star reviews! We STRONGLY recommend Absolute Adventures!
David J –
Great tour to Tulum and the Nicte Ha and Taak bi Ha cenotes, followed by an authentic Mexican lunch at Juanita’s restaurant. Our tour guide Josh was amazing, so knowledgeable about the Mayan culture and the history of Tulum. He was also very informative about the cenotes and helpful with snorkeling instructions. As a bonus he spoke very good English. Thank you Josh for leading a great adventure and a lifetime of memories.
Stacy –
Juan Jose “JJ” was FANTASTIC! We really couldn’t have asked for a better guide. He was personable, interacted with our whole group, and was incredibly knowledgeable about the area as well as the Mayan history. We toured Tulum early and he knew exactly when and where to go to avoid the crowds and get the best views/pics.
Then he guided us on our two cenotes – Jaguar and Taak Bi Ha. Jaguar ziplining was so much fun – if you get the chance to go upside down, do it! And our group enjoyed jumping off the platforms and snorkeling in the water (you can see the bottom but it’s darker water).
Taak Bi Ha was amazing – I enjoyed it much more since the water in the cave was completely clear. Finally, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before heading back to the resort. I feel horrible that I don’t remember our driver’s name (he was a little quiet but very friendly 🙂 ), but we were very thankful for his navigating us to and from safely!
10/10 recommend going with Absolute Adventure Mexico, and even more so if you have JJ as your guide- he really made everything enjoyable! Thank you for a great day!!
Monica –
Just ended a fantastic day with tour guide Joshua and driver Enrique. Our pick up was extremely early so we were delighted to be allowed to stop for a coffee and snacks on the way to Tulum. Joshua gave us an excellent history of the ruins, people and customs of that era. Then we headed to Dos Ojos cenote. So exciting to snorkel through caverns covered with stalagmites and stalagtites, and end with the bat cave with ceiling covered with… you guessed it, bats. Our family felt safe as Joshua snorkeled with us. Lastly we enjoyed a delicious authentic Mexican lunch. The ride back allowed us to learn even more about the Mayan as well as modern Mexican culture. Would highly recommend this company and of course Joshua! Thank you Absolute Adventure
Troy –
Omar was a great driver and Alex was very knowledgeable of Tulum and history of the Mayans. I would easily do another tour to experience more of the local culture and history from local experts.
Deonne –
Arturo was a fantastic tour guide. We had time constraints due to an accident on the way to Tulum but Arturo worked around our schedule to make sure we got to do as much as we could with the time we had. The air conditioning van was super roomy and an authentic lunch was provided too. A shout out to the owner Claire who was available at all times to answer any questions and I loved the fact that it was just our group of 4, so private and there was no one else at our cenote and zip line but us! I would highly recommend Absolute Adventure tours and well definitely be back!
Murtaza –
We did the Private Tulum ruins and single Cenote tour.
It was absolutely wonderful thanks to Omar and Arturo.
Arturo suggested the Cenote we should try and it was wonderful for snorkeling novices.
Definitely try them out and use their services and surely you won’t be disappointed.
Gloria –
Tour Arturo guide was wonderful. Very patient answered all questions learned history that I did not know. Took time to make sure we enjoyed our visit. Highly recommend.
Nixi –
Our guide, Arturo, was excellent – kind, knowledgeable & friendly. He was attentive to our needs (offered water, had us stand under shade when possible, took photos for us, helped us decide which cenote to visit). The ruins & the cenote were beautiful! The snorkeling was amazing! 100% recommend this company 🙂
Thanks again!
Ethany –
We just finished up our tour at the Tulum ruins, a cenote and then had an amazing lunch with our tour guide. We loved it! We had so much fun and learned a lot.
Patrick –
Awesome time seeing the ruins of Tulum with Carlos and Arturo, swimming in the cenote caves, enjoying authentic Mayan cuisine!
Louis –
We had an awesome private group experience with JJ! First time to Cancun and they picked us up on time, was great on the tour and had a lot of good knowledge to share with us. The ruins and the cenote were awesome! We had a great time and felt safe. Thanks JJ! Your friends from Alaska!
Carissa –
AMAZING!! So worth it to do the private tour! Our guide Alex was the best ever, and Carlos was our driver who was also the best! We totally got to ask all our questions and get told a ton of info while seeing the sights! 💯 Worth it!
Doug –
A fascinating tour and one of the best guides ever.
Excellent tour in every way. We took the complimentary ferry provided by Virgin Voyages from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. Our guide Juan P was on time to pick us up at the Playa ferry port, and Omar, our driver, was ready a block away to start the tour. Tulum was, as expected, spectacular, all the more so with the engaging commentary provided by Juan. Besides the valuable information provided by Juan, he was very strategic in helping us avoid much of the line and finding shady places at Tulum to fill us in on what we were experiencing. The following snorkeling in a nearby Cenote was not only scenically fascinating but very refreshing after a fairly hot morning at Tulum. We then had a delicious lunch at a charming local restaurant.
Mel –
Arturo, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the history of the ruins, polite, fun to visit with, and very personable. Do not look any further than this company to schedule an unforgettable adventure!