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.
Tara –
Tulum and cenotes w/o hassles. We fit two cenotes into this day trip (We got to choose from three possibilities) including a spectacular swim through a cave filled with stalactites. We chose this tour hoping to fit a lot in one day and Arturo made that happen, expertly getting us through throngs of tourists to enjoy the highlights of Tulum. It was great to be picked up and to be able to leave our items without worry in the van with our driver. All snorkeling equipment was provided. Thanks Arturo for your insight into Mayan culture! Wonderful day.
Peter –
We had such an incredible time on our tour with Alex as our guide and Carlos as our driver! We started the day touring the Tulum ruins, then went snorkeling in a beautiful cenote, and finished with a tasty Mayan lunch. Alex was a very knowledgeable tour guide and made the ruins come alive with interesting facts and stories. He also was able to answer all of our many questions. Carlos was professional and friendly. We highly recommend this tour!
Jose –
We went jan 2nd 2023 with Arturo as our guide. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, spoke English well, and took time to explain things to our 8 and 10yo. Would highly recommend thos service with Arturo. Easy well paced tour. Well worth the money and much better than a group guided tour.
Whitney –
Had a wonderful tour of Tulum and a relaxing cenote swim. Arturo was a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide. I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone visiting the area!
Sofia –
Great experience! We had private tour Tulum and cenote with guide Alex, Was really great experience. The tour provided also snorkeling gear, wet suit and Mexican lunch. Highly recommended
Jamie –
We booked with absolute adventures because of what they offered and all of the reviews we saw were highly praised the tour and tour guide. I can not tell you enough how awesome our tour and guide were. Arturo was absolutely wonderful and knowledgeable. He took his time, answered all of our many questions, was very helpful and was even taking pictures for us. We went to the tulum ruins and 2 cnotes. Lunch in the jungle was beautiful juanitas restaurant was set up for everyone to enjoy. The views were breathtaking. We felt safe and cared for Carlos our driver stayed with our personal belongings the whole day. If we could give more stars we would..
James –
We had a wonderful tour with Dulce as our guide and Carlos as our driver. Both were professional and courteous. Dulce was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions. After a very interesting tour of the ruins we snorkeled at a beautiful denote. The beauty of the area was sensational. We then had a delicious lunch topped off by a shot of tequila. Dulce is an excellent guide and a pleasure to spend the day with.
Jennifer –
We had an incredible time on our excursion! We had a group of 10 and the private tour with Arturo as our guide was top notch 🙌🏼 The lunch restaurant was absolutely delicious and a fun ambiance. Arturo was very accommodating with my handicap dad throughout the whole day!!
So thankful we found this excursion with Absolute Adventure!!
Luke –
So much fun! Learned a lot, clean vehicle with great AC, never felt rushed and Arturo was awesome !! Would highly recommend.
Yan –
One of the best things of our vacation! This private tour has ruined us for any group tours from here on out. Alex the tour guide and Omar the driver were the best dynamic duo! Alex was very knowledgeable and Omar was a very safe and steady driver! They picked up us on time, plenty of community and confirmation through WhatsApp days before, and never rushed us during the whole trip. Would recommend 100%.
Lisa –
My sister and I went on a private tour to the ruins and had originally booked a tequila tasting. The morning of the tour we were not feeling quite up to a bunch of tequila so we asked our guide, Arturo, if it would be possible to switch to go to a cenote instead. Arturo was so accommodating and was able to change for us. We had an amazing time touring the ruins, swimming in the cenote, and having a great lunch afterwards. Arturo was super knowledgeable, kind, accommodating, and most of all delightful to spend time with. We would for sure book another tour (and request Arturo) on our next trip to Tulum!!!
Gramma –
Don’t even know where to start with this review! Wish we could give our guide Alex and driver Omar 10 stars! BEST TOUR EVER!!! The whole day was perfect!.We were picked up at our hotel at 7am. As Omar drove us to Tulum, Alex began sharing interesting facts and stories about the Mayan culture and people. When we arrived, it was as if we were the only ones there. It was great being there before the heat and the crowds. Alex was so knowledgeable about everything we were seeing, and he pointed out things we would have never noticed. The walk around the ruins was so beautiful and peaceful. After a very leasurely walk around the grounds we were driven through the jungle to Nicte-Ha Cenote. Again, we were the only ones there except for some scuba divers who came out from the caves as we were snorkeling. The water was clear, cool and so refreshing. Again, we stayed as long as we wanted and we never felt hurried. On the way out of the jungle we were treated to a delicious lunch at a tiny family-owned restaurant.
S O –
We had an excellent experience with Absolute Adventure. Our tour guide Juan is incredibly knowledgeable and hospitality. When we first arrived at the Tulum ruins, he brought us to the viewpoint and took the photos without the crowd. After that, he walked through the Mayan culture with us. He had a booklet with him that included some pictures to help us better understand. His explanation was easy and clear to understand. Meanwhile, he took many high-quality photos of us. The two cenotes he recommended to us was fantastic.
Our tour driver is also very professional and caring. He prepared drinks in the car and snorkelling equipment when we arrived at the cenotes. He is also very polite and gentlemanly. It is my unforgettable tour experience in Cancun. Thank you, guys!
Jennifer –
We had a wonderful time on our tour! Our guide Juan was so friendly and super informative! It was like spending the day with a friend. Carlos was a great driver who navigated the freeway great!!
Joey –
Our tour guide Dulce was really nice and knowledgeable. Dulce picked us up from the Hilton in a van with a driver who stayed while we visited Tulum and a Cenote. They provided lunch as well as waters and cola in between stops. We had a great time! Highly recommend this tour company.
Ashley R. –
Excellent tour guide!! Very informational, patient, and kind
Jared –
Tulum & Cenotes
We had an amazing tour led by Dulce of Absolute Adventures Mexico. We started our day at the magical ruins of Tulum, where Dulce gave us an exceptionally thorough education in the history of this unique Mayan community. She was happy to answer our questions, patient with us when taking photographs, and also acted as a great photographer for us to be included in photos.
Following Tulum, we visited two cenotes: Nicte Ha and Taak Bi Ha. Each were exquisite and unique. Dulce expertly guided us through and around each. We finished our tour with a fun lunch at a local restaurant where we were able to further enjoy Dulce’s delightful personality.
If you are considering a tour of Tulum and/or the cenotes, do not hesitate to book with Absolute Adventures Mexico; and ask for Dulce!
Dee W –
We went to the tulum ruins not chicken itza due to our time schedule for a wedding, but this was still one of the best tours ever!! Ask for Juan, he was amazing!! We had the time of our lives! Juan was so informative and fun, he was simply amazing.
The experience of swimming in the cenote was not to be missed. And lunch was delicious. I highly recommend this tour and this tour company.
Natasha –
We had a great time on our excursion with Dulce (our guide) and Omar (our driver). We were picked up on time at 7:30 a.m. We got to Tulum about five minutes before it opened. Dulce guided us through the ruins, gave us a lot of historical information and took pictures of us. Then we went to two cenotes where she swam with us. Highly recommend going to the cenote in a cave. That was a very unique experience. Omar also came along to take pictures of us. Then we had a nice lunch at the restaurant with Dulce and returned to the hotel by about 12:30. We loved doing this completely private tour and would use this company again.
Lynn –
We had a great private tour with Juan! We beat the crowd at the ruins and then headed to two Cenotes. The Sac Actun Cenote exceeded our expectations. It was huge and spectacular! Every turn was a visual wonder and exhilarating! Totally recommend this Cenote. Thanks Juan for being such a great sport with our daughter.