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!
The Tulum and cenote tour was definitely one of the best moment of our holidays in Mexico. We chose a private to avoid waiting for other guests and move at our own pace. Claire explained us everything about the Mayan ruins and history, and made sure we were having a good time snorkeling. I can’t recommend Absolute Adventure enough!
Our guide was timely, knowledgable and passionate about his work. Although this tour starts quite early it is WELL worth it. They are treating guests to a unique experience to be away from the crowds. I highly recommend this tour.
So happy we booked with Absolute Adventure and not some other of the hotel. This is a small business where they give great service and attention to detail to their guests. Excellent service and safety shown throughout the day. Lovely lunch in the jungle. Private tour makes it even more special.
This tour was absolutely amazing and my favorite while visiting Playa del carmen Our guide Juan was very informative. We were alone at the Cenyote. Loved this tour and would do it again! Water was beautiful and amazing. Tour van was air conditioned with drinks in the cooler! We got pics by email after the tour.
I recently traveled to Riviera Maya with my family of 4 as well as my brother’s family of 4. One of the highlights of our trip was our day spent touring Tulum and snorkeling in a cenote. We had children ranging from 6-13 and all had a wonderful day. Chris, our guide, was fun, knowledgeable, and always working to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves. Our lunch in the jungle was wonderful too!
They made sure we had the best time! the guide that rowed us was amazing and super funny. He took care of us and also made sure we were safe in the cave. I can’t describe enough what an amazing time we had.
The tour starts early and there is a very legitimate reason! which is that we were able to visit the ruins before the crowds. The cenote was a unique experience, we were the only ones snorkeling! Well done
Athuro did an amazing job guiding us in Tulum and Tak Be Ha cenote! He was knowledgable and passionate about sharing his culture with us. Waking up early was 100% worth it. We got ruins and cenote for ourselves. We had such a great family moment, away from the crowds. Would definitly recommend this tour to families !
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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.
Haley –
The tour was AMAZING! We had a great time and both our driver Omar and our guide Daniele we’re super! Daniele was very informative and easy to talk to! Thanks a million!
Kevin –
We had a wonderful day with Chris. Loved visiting the ruins, 2 cenotes and lunch was delicious.
Stephanie –
Our private tour with JJ and Daniel was a blast. We had 18 people who wanted a “speed” tour of the ruins and then 2 cenote stops. We had a blast with them throughout the day and at all stops. Both JJ and Daniel were knowledgeable, fun and great tour guides. Booking the tour was easy and Claire was quick to make suggestions and respond to emails. We highly recommend Absolute Adventure.
Victor –
Perfect day trip! Our guide, Chris, was very knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend!
Jessica –
Amazing and relaxing adventure with Claire today exploring Tulum and swimming in an underground cenote. Absolute Adventures is absolutely the way to go for personal tours around Playa del Carmen. Claire even provided wetsuits for us. There was time to pick up gifts at artisan shops and lunch was delicious. I hope to return one day for another tour with my kids!
Penny L –
This was great and definitely worth the money!!
Amber –
did some research before deciding to book a private tour with Absolute Adventure, and this is the best decision we could have made! My boyfriend and I had our tour on October 22, 2019, and were picked up at our hotel in Cancun, at the recommended time of 6am. Ervin was our driver, and Hector was our tour guide. They were both so friendly and made the 2 hour drive to Tulum fly by quickly. The van was air conditioned and also had plenty of cold drinks to choose from. Hector is really knowledgeable about Mayan and Aztec culture, and educated us on the entire history on our drive over. He really made us feel as if we were close friends. When we got to Tulum, Hector took many amazing pictures of us, and knew exactly where we needed to stand to get the best shots. Hector was also very patient; we were not rushed at all and went at our own pace. After Tulum, we went snorkeling in the cenotes, followed by a lunch at a Mayan restaurant. I was not sure what to get, and ended up ordering a dish that Hector had recommended, which was absolutely delicious. Overall, this was the best excursion that we had ever gone on, and definitely recommend booking a private tour with Absolute Adventure. When we come back to Mexico, we will definitely be booking different tours with them!
Sean –
Great Tulum Adventure
I would highly recommend this group for private tours of Tulum. We selected the half day tour of the Mayan Ruins and a Cenote to tour. Nothing disappointed as they provided extensive knowledge and entertainment at each venue. Our tour guide Hector was great for the Cenote and Claire was very knowledgeable about the history of the ruins. The tour was reasonable in price and included waters, beers and sodas and a Mayan jungle lunch, which provide the best fish tacos I’ve ever eaten. They even take a ton of photos for you and send them to you the next day. Absolutely love it and would do it again!
Hillary C –
We started our trip at 630 am from our hotel, which I highly suggest! We were able to get to the Tulum ruins early and avoid the huge crowd that was lined up while we were leaving. We then visited 2 separate cenotes where our small group of 4 were the only ones there! They were absolutely breathtaking! My very favorite part of the whole week long trip to Mexico. It was a very laid back trip but we saw and learned so much. Our guide, Jose Manuel, was very knowledgeable and so much fun. And a big thanks to our driver, Rodrigo, for safely transporting us and watching our things so we could enjoy the day with lugging around a bunch of bags. The lunch at Juanita’s was fantastic and a great experience as well.
N.S. –
My fiance and I did a tour to Tulum and snorkled in a cenote. Juan was full of information and his passion for the Mayan culture showed. We had the best time and recommend Absolute Adventures 100%
Sir A –
Absolutely amazing!! We did a private tour for the two of us and was amazed at the level of communication before the trip as well as amazing service during our tour. We were able to leave super early to beat the rush of the other tourist and also literally had the cenote’s to ourselves (hello isnta worthy photos). Worth every penny and will always use when I am in the area! Highly recommended!!
Nick –
Absolute Adventure met all our expectations. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable, the whole experience was incredibly simple and fun.
LIZZ –
Juan and Pascual were nothing short of amazing. Juan was entertaining and adjusted to the family like he was a member of our unique family group. When my granddaughter was a little apprehensive about the underwater cave he led her through it while we explored on our own. She is 7 and was not bored one bit with this tour. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone!
Maria –
The Tulum and cenote tour was definitely one of the best moment of our holidays in Mexico. We chose a private to avoid waiting for other guests and move at our own pace. Claire explained us everything about the Mayan ruins and history, and made sure we were having a good time snorkeling. I can’t recommend Absolute Adventure enough!
Justin –
Our guide was timely, knowledgable and passionate about his work. Although this tour starts quite early it is WELL worth it. They are treating guests to a unique experience to be away from the crowds. I highly recommend this tour.
Mark –
So happy we booked with Absolute Adventure and not some other of the hotel. This is a small business where they give great service and attention to detail to their guests. Excellent service and safety shown throughout the day. Lovely lunch in the jungle. Private tour makes it even more special.
Curtis –
This tour was absolutely amazing and my favorite while visiting Playa del carmen Our guide Juan was very informative. We were alone at the Cenyote. Loved this tour and would do it again! Water was beautiful and amazing. Tour van was air conditioned with drinks in the cooler! We got pics by email after the tour.
Alex –
I recently traveled to Riviera Maya with my family of 4 as well as my brother’s family of 4. One of the highlights of our trip was our day spent touring Tulum and snorkeling in a cenote. We had children ranging from 6-13 and all had a wonderful day. Chris, our guide, was fun, knowledgeable, and always working to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves. Our lunch in the jungle was wonderful too!
Vic –
They made sure we had the best time! the guide that rowed us was amazing and super funny. He took care of us and also made sure we were safe in the cave. I can’t describe enough what an amazing time we had.
The tour starts early and there is a very legitimate reason! which is that we were able to visit the ruins before the crowds. The cenote was a unique experience, we were the only ones snorkeling! Well done
Andrea –
Athuro did an amazing job guiding us in Tulum and Tak Be Ha cenote! He was knowledgable and passionate about sharing his culture with us. Waking up early was 100% worth it. We got ruins and cenote for ourselves. We had such a great family moment, away from the crowds. Would definitly recommend this tour to families !