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.
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!
MJ –
This is a must-do tour! There’s nothing like having your own personal tour guide to maneuver you around and show you all the wonderful sites. Arturo, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the ruins, polite, fun to talk to, and very personable. Carlos, our driver, got us to our destinations safely and quickly. I guarantee you’ll have a blast and enjoy every second of it!
Melissa –
This is a must-do tour! There’s nothing like having your own personal tour guide, maneuvering you around and showing you all the beautiful sites. Arturo, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the ruins, polite, personable, and kind. Carlos, our driver, got us to our destinations quickly and safely. I guarantee this is one adventure you don’t wanna miss!
Matthew –
Joshua was a great tour guide! This private tour was the best part of our trip to Tulum. Highly recommend.
Abigail –
I really enjoyed my trip. It’s my first time coming to Mexico and was deciding whether booked with a private tour or a group tour. After this trip, I can say confidently, choosing the private tour is the best decision!! With our tour guide, Arturo, we were able to avoid crowds when we were at Tulum, to know all the details of the Tulum building, and to go to the two best cenotes (dos ojos and cenotes nicte ha), to slow down our trip whenever we needed to. Mind blowing and relaxing at the same time. My friend and I are already talking about our next trip with them to Chichen Itza 😊
Pin-Yu K. –
I can’t recommend this company enough. We did a private half-day tour to Tulum + Cenote Nicte Ha + Cenote Dos Ojos with Arturo. We beat the crowd and had the highest tour quality. Arturo is very professional and knowledgeable, and he is great at taking pictures. The whole tour was chill while super interesting and breathtaking the whole time. They never rush us through anything, which makes the private tour better than the group tours.
Trevor –
We went on the Tulum Ruins tour with a visit to a cenote with Absolute Adventures Mexico and we had a blast! Our day started out at 6:30 am with our guide Arturo and our driver Carlos meeting us in our hotel lobby. They showed up on time, and extremely friendly. We had about an hour and a half drive down to the Tulum ruins where we were the first to arrive. Arturo and Carlos offered us water and soda before we entered the ruins. Being the first people to walk in the ruins that day was an amazing experience seeing all the history up practically all to our selves. Arturo was full of facts and knowledge, being able to answer all the questions we threw at him. He is also quite the photographer taking excellent photos of us. After walking through the ruins and absorbing all the knowledge, we walked back to the van seeing hundreds of not thousands of tourists walking towards the ruins, making us glad we had opted for the private, early tour. It is worth all the money to see the ruins to yourselves. We were offered cold soda, juice and water after getting back to the van and headed to Cenote Nic Te Ha. We were given the option to choose between 3 cenotes but after discussing with Arturo we figured based on the weather and what we wanted this would be the best one. The Cenote was beautiful with lots of different fish and plants. We snorkeled in a cave and enjoyed the crystal clear water. We had to all to our selves for about 75% of the time we spent there. Arturo again shared all his knowledge with us and swam around with us to show us all the cool spots. We were never rushed and Arturo reassured us that there is no rush and we can swim how ever long we like. When we decided to head to lunch Carlos offered us more beverages and we drove down the bumpy road with Carlos navigating extremely well to avoid as many bumps as possible. The lunch spot was a very authentic Mexican restaurant that was delicious. We got to choose what we wanted to eat and had some greats chats with Arturo who at this point felt like a family member! Once done lunch we were again offered beverages before the hour and a half drive back to our resort.
I have to say Arturo and Carlos provided A+ Service. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. They were so professional yet personable, and full of knowledge and fun that I would recommend to anyone I know to request to tour with them! Next time we are in the area I would love to go on another tour with Absolute Adventures Mexico.
Katherine –
Tulum ruins and cenote- great private tour!
Great half day adventure with Joshua! We did the tulum ruins and 1 cenote tour. We learned so much and really enjoyed our time exploring. We never felt rushed at any point. Joshua was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend them to anyone!
Peter –
Great experience! With our tour, we were able to learn a lot about Tulum while we toured it. Our guide, Arturo, was amazing — very friendly, and very knowledgeable! We also felt very safe, as there was a dedicated driver who stayed with the vehicle and our belongings. We snorkeled in a Cenote, and our kids loved jumping in from the cliff. Our tour ended with a great meal near the Cenote… couldn’t be happier!