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.
Victoria –
We did a full day private excursion out to the Mayan ruins and cenotes near Tulum. JJ was a fantastic tour guide — very knowledgeable and friendly! Swimming in the cenotes was an incredible experience — JJ took us to a less popular spot and we had the entire cave to ourselves! Highly recommend.
James –
Tulum Ruins and Snorkeling in Cenote with Absolute Adventure Mexico – GREAT EXPERIENCE!
The Tulum Ruins and Snorkeling in Cenote tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico was the first of two that my wife and I booked for our week in Playa del Carmen (the second was the Chichen Itza Express, which is also highly recommended). This was our first trip to Mexico, and because we were staying at an all-inclusive resort, the two excursions were our opportunity to embrace Mayan culture and see more of the region.
Our tour guide Alex and driver Omar arrived promptly at 7 a.m. stocked with plenty of cold water and the snorkeling equipment we would use for our cenote visit. While this may seem an early start, the benefits of arriving at these sites early cannot be underestimated. Crowds build up through the day, so visiting with fewer other tourists is worthwhile. I will also note that it was just the four of us for the excursion, so it really was a private tour, affording an intimacy with our guide Alex that one can only get in a small group.
We began by driving to the Tulum ruins. Alex proved extremely knowledgeable and congenial. While en route, he expounded upon the Mayan civilization and what we would see at the Tulum ruins. He even taught us how the Mayan numbering system worked and how to write different numbers. Who knew that Mayans used a base 20 numbering system? We also learned that Tulum had been razed by Spanish conquistadors and was essentially forgotten for centuries, only rediscovered in 1841. Mangrove forests continue to be pushed back as more of the ancient city is rediscovered. Alex taught us how important the seasonal calendar was to the Mayans and how they used window placement to inform the day relative to the equinoxes or summer solstice (think crop management). The fact that Tulum is situated at the top of a cliff makes it a picturesque place; wandering the site listening to Alex’s patient narration was a treat.
Leaving Tulum, Alex gave us the choice of three cenotes: Nicte Ha, Taak bi Ha, or Jaguar. Alex explained what each was like, and we selected Taak bi Ha because we liked the idea of snorkeling in a cavern cenote. We arrived at Taak bi Ha on schedule (around 11 a.m.) and prepared for snorkeling. Here, I will note that the equipment provided by Absolute Adventure Mexico was excellent, better than what I own at home. Alex also volunteered that the snorkeling equipment is sanitized after every use, which was appreciated. We snorkeled in the cave for over an hour. Alex snorkeled, too, which was helpful since he could point out a few things before allowing us alone time. It was really a remarkable experience exploring the cavern, though seeing the guidelines that scuba divers use to enter the dark depths impressed upon me that I have zero interest in ever doing that. One other point to make is that our driver Omar remained with the van throughout our time in the cenote, so we never had any concerns about the security of our phones, wallets, etc.
At no point did Alex rush us through our adventure. When we were done snorkeling, we returned to the van and drove a short distance to the local restaurant where we enjoyed the lunch that was part of the excursion. Very good, traditional food in ample quantities! And having the opportunity to ask Alex more questions and learn about his life was a privilege.
In summary, the Tulum Ruins and Snorkeling in Cenote tour with Absolute Adventure Mexico is strongly recommended. Alex and Omar were fantastic, and we learned at the end of our excursion that Alex would be taking us on the Chichen Itza Express in two days. Suffice it to say, we were ecstatic to see him again. Guides make the experience, and hiring the best guide talent appears to be a priority for the company. Great job!
Kaitlin –
We had two incredible tours with Absolute Adventure Mexico during our family trip to Tulum. We went on an informative tour of the ruins followed by snorkelling in a cave cenote – the highlight of our trip! We also enjoyed an outdoor cenote and snorkelling with turtles in Akumal Bay. Arturo took such good care of us, sharing local tips, and made our tours relaxing and fun. I would recommend his team to everyone and look forward to reconnecting when we return. Thanks Arturo!
Hikari –
It’s was a perfect service!
The guide Joshua was very professional!!
His explanation of the Mayan history and guides in the cenote was fabulous.
I would definitely recommend this tour company!!
thalloranelon –
Arturo was an amazing tour guide along with our drivers Omar and Rigo, and the tours we went on (Tulum ruins, underground Cenote first day, followed by snorkeling and then swimming with sea turtles the second day) were all amazing and included delicious lunch at local spots. Highly recommend this wonderful tour company and staff.
790jenniferz –
Excellent Choice
Today we did the Tulum Ruins and Taak Bi Ha Cenote with Absolute Adventure. Our guide Juan and driver (sorry forgot your name) were so wonderful and seriously beyond 5 stars. We felt so safe the entire time. Booking a private tour was the best decision. After taking the transfer from the airport who wants to spend your vacation with 50 random people on a bus. Juan’s knowledge of the ruins was a real treat and his sense of humour kept us laughing. When we return with our husbands in the future we’ll definitely be booking another excursion with Absolute Adventure (and requesting Juan and hopefully he doesn’t remember our faces ;^) lol
llessac15 –
Awesome experience!
We had a great time during our Tulum ruins tour and cenote swim. I would highly recommend it to anyone and we would do it again if we went back. Alex was an outstanding tour guide!
Eugene –
What a tour!! Arturo and Omor were awesome. Arturo was very knowledgeable and just a great person to tour around with. Highly recommend taking this tour…you won’t regret it!
Emily –
We had a great time with Joshua and Rodrigo! We loved the various tour options, went for a private tour of Tulum with Joshua and a stop at cenote of our choice from their list. They picked us up right on time, and we were back in time for a late-ish lunch as planned!
The van was in pristine condition inside and out, (Rodrigo was actually detailing it even more while we swam and zip lined!) with cold drinks and great air conditioning.
Jennifer –
What an absolutely amazing experience we had with this company! We just got back from a day exploring Tulum and some cenotes with our private tour guide, Alex, and our driver Omar. They are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and welcoming individuals. The entire experience from booking this tour a month ago, to the pick-up at the ferry terminal, and the actual tour could not have been more perfect! Thank you guys so much for making our trip so memorable <3
Tarama –
Great way to experience Tulum and a cenote 🙂
We had such a good day on our private tour with Juan. Juan was extremely knowledgeable and great with our 3 and 5-year-old children. Juan and our driver picked us up from our hotel in PDC and took us to the Tulum ruins early before the crowds started and before it got too hot. He provided a lot of history and the views were incredible. Next, he took us to a cave cenote- Taak Bi Ha. We had the place to ourselves! We enjoyed snorkelling in the cenote while the kids explored the cave. Lastly, we had a mexican lunch before heading back to our hotel. There were not a lot of options at the restaurant we went to as alot was apparently not available eg chicken. The restaurant seemed annoyed we did not purchase a drink as we were happy to hydrate with our water. Lunch was nice though, and I would highly recommend the tour and Juan!
Crystal –
Great private tour for our family!
We had an amazing experience touring the Tulum Mayan ruins, swimming in a cenote, and having lunch. Juan was a very personable tour guide, and Omar was a great driver. It was well worth it to do the private tour, get to the ruins early with nearly no one there, and get pictures without crowds in the background. Snorkeling in the cenote was a neat experience as well. Juan really helped make the whole experience fun with his stories and insights–by the end of the half day together, he seemed more like an old friend of our family than a guide.
Sarah –
Highly recommend Absolute Adventures
This was a perfect tour for our family of 10. It was both informational and recreational. Juan
(J.J.) was a great guide and captured memorable family photos. Claire is terrific to help
organize and deal with last minute changes. I highly recommend Absolute Adventures!
Laetitia –
We went to Tulum ruins, and 2 cenotes. We were 3 adults, 2 teenagers and one child. Arturo and Paolo did everything to give us the best day! From the first contact to the real day we had a great experience , Claire was answering all questions very quickly! Arturo were accommodated and so patient to answer all our girl’s questions! He made sure there was something fun for each of us! All is well organized and relax, the lunch was very good in a paradisiac place. We loved everything and hope to book again for our next trip
Thanks Claire, Arturo and Paulo!!
Fiona –
Fantastic day with Alex (Guide) and Omar (driver) – they were so helpful and gave us loads of info. We visited Tulum and the Jaguar Cenote. Unfortunately the weather was atrocious
(can’t be helped) but Alex went above and beyond to make our day perfect
Clark –
Terrific experience for our family of 11
We were a family of 6 adults and 5 children (ages 7-14) on a private tour with just our group. The tour van arrived 10 minutes early, which was great as it gave everyone time to get loaded so we were able to take off at 7:30 am. We first visited the Tulum ruins, which was a great time to be there as it wasn’t very crowded and it didn’t get too hot. There was quite a bit of walking to get into the ruins and back out again. Artudo, our guide was fantastic. The pace was very nice and he was informative in a manner that was easy for us all to understand. From there we visited 2 cenote’s, the first was the Jaguar cenote that had a zip line across the cenote which you could ride 2 times. There were also 2 platforms you could jump off of into the cenote. One was close to 15 feet high and the other maybe 10 feet. The water was clear and beautiful. Artudo then took us on a swim through a carved out rock area to the other end of the cenote. He was always very encouraging and made sure we had plenty of time to enjoy the experience before proceeding to the next cenote. The second cenote was Nicte-Ha, which had a large cave area as well as beautiful underwater plants. Finally we ate at a very peaceful restaurant, which is part of a lodge that was peaceful and delicious. Our family had a fabulous time are Artudo was the BEST!!!!
BKLIERZ –
Arturo is out of this world. His English is perfect, his knowledge is amazing, and he was so kind to our group. Highly recommended this tour especially with Arturo!
Alicia –
Seriously best tour and tour guide in the area! Joshua was fantastic! We did Tulum and two different Cenotes. Amazing places and Joshua was very knowledgeable about the history and locations. We had 8 adults, 3kids, and a baby, So lots to manage. 🤪 He was beyond patient and accommodating. The lunch stop was phenomenal as well. Honestly beautiful location and delicious tacos! Best food I had on the entire vacation!!
matthewbY3967JZ –
Perfect day trip, ask for Joshua
Our day was perfect as we went to the ruins of Tulum and two very different types of cenotes, all navigated and highlighted by our wonderful guide, Joshua. One of the cenotes was a beautiful open pool with mangroves, a jumping platform and a super fun zipline. The other was an underground cenote with stalactites and snorkeling I’m crystal clear water. The grounds of the ruins were absolutely stunning. I noticed Joshua, our guide, was significantly more engaged than the other guides. Our group, which included four children, felt particularly cared for as we got historical notes and pro tips for the experiences at every turn. We were fortunate for perfect weather. We also stopped for lunch at a hidden treasure of a boutique hotel with ridiculously good food and drinks in a very cool outdoor dining area. While traveling between stops another great thing about Joshua was how he prepared us for what to expect and gave us instructions on do’s and don’ts. He did everything in such a friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming way it really made the experience so much better.
allnightpwny Butt –
This was an amazing trip. Joshua was our guide and he made the trip. It was astonishing to see the other tour guides not saying much and our tour guide who was friendly and informative. We actually could see other tours in Tulum listening to Joshua. The Cenotes were experiences of a lifetime. We took Joshua’s recommendations and it didn’t disappoint. The company was super responsive and professional. They picked us up on time, were very friendly, and were always aware of bathroom breaks, head counts, and lines. Amazing company. As an aside, lunch was the best meal we had for our entire 10 day trip. It’s not some “tacked on” thing. It was really delicious