PRIVATE TOUR: Explore the breathtaking Tulum ruins on a private guided tour! Afterward, dive into the crystal-clear waters of Akumal Bay for an unforgettable swim with turtles, followed by a tasty lunch at a local eatery!
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!
Tulum Snorlkeling with turtles tour … ! When it comes to making the most of your trip to the Riviera Maya, there are two things you should definitely do: visit a Mayan archaeological site and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea while snorkeling. This all-inclusive package, which combines a guided tour of Tulum with the chance to go snorkeling with sea turtles, will check both of those activities off your list. Better still, this private tour is ideal for families and those who are new to snorkeling!
We’ll start the day by visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, a key trading post that was used by the famous civilization during their Post Classic period.
They traded all kinds of items here, from honey and textiles to precious stones and coffee beans. Your professional guide will lead you to all of Tulum’s most popular attractions, including the main temple El Castillo and the fascinating artwork in the Temple of the Frescoes. You’ll also have plenty of time to soak in the amazing views of the nearby Caribbean Sea, and of course take as many photos as you like.
Once your group is finished enjoying the wonders of Tulum, we’ll head to Akumal, a nearby protected bay that’s one of the best places in the Riviera Maya to see sea turtles in the wild. Here, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to swim alongside these gentle, majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The swim is done directly from the shore—no boat needed—and it’s an easy, relaxed snorkel that lasts about one hour, making it perfect for beginners and families. We’ll provide all the necessary snorkeling gear, and a certified professional guide will be with you in the water to ensure a safe and fun experience.
There are very high chances of spotting several sea turtles during your swim, along with colorful fish and other marine life in the calm, clear waters of the bay. While sightings can never be guaranteed in the wild, it’s rare to finish the swim without seeing at least a few.
After a morning packed with exploring ruins on foot and swimming with turtles, you’ll undoubtedly be a bit hungry. That’s why our final stop is a local restaurant in Akumal, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch with your friends and family.
You will be back to your hotel beginning of the afternoon and still have plenty of time to enjoy the pool or the beach!
Other Private Tour Options and Combinations Available:
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.
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: Swim with turtles*
11:45am – 12:30pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:30pm – 01:15pm: 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: Swim with turtles*
11:45am – 12:30pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:30pm – 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: Swim with turtles*
11:45am – 12:30pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:30pm – 02:15pm: Transportation to your hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to a maximum of 1 hour, as per Akumal regulations.
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 and preserve the reefs, 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!
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Tulum Snorlkeling with turtles tour … ! When it comes to making the most of your trip to the Riviera Maya, there are two things you should definitely do: visit a Mayan archaeological site and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea while snorkeling. This all-inclusive package, which combines a guided tour of Tulum with the chance to go snorkeling with sea turtles, will check both of those activities off your list. Better still, this private tour is ideal for families and those who are new to snorkeling!
We’ll start the day by visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, a key trading post that was used by the famous civilization during their Post Classic period.
They traded all kinds of items here, from honey and textiles to precious stones and coffee beans. Your professional guide will lead you to all of Tulum’s most popular attractions, including the main temple El Castillo and the fascinating artwork in the Temple of the Frescoes. You’ll also have plenty of time to soak in the amazing views of the nearby Caribbean Sea, and of course take as many photos as you like.
Once your group is finished enjoying the wonders of Tulum, we’ll head to Akumal, a nearby protected bay that’s one of the best places in the Riviera Maya to see sea turtles in the wild. Here, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to swim alongside these gentle, majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The swim is done directly from the shore—no boat needed—and it’s an easy, relaxed snorkel that lasts about one hour, making it perfect for beginners and families. We’ll provide all the necessary snorkeling gear, and a certified professional guide will be with you in the water to ensure a safe and fun experience.
There are very high chances of spotting several sea turtles during your swim, along with colorful fish and other marine life in the calm, clear waters of the bay. While sightings can never be guaranteed in the wild, it’s rare to finish the swim without seeing at least a few.
After a morning packed with exploring ruins on foot and swimming with turtles, you’ll undoubtedly be a bit hungry. That’s why our final stop is a local restaurant in Akumal, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch with your friends and family.
You will be back to your hotel beginning of the afternoon and still have plenty of time to enjoy the pool or the beach!
Other Private Tour Options and Combinations Available:
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.
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: Swim with turtles*
11:45am – 12:30pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:30pm – 01:15pm: 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: Swim with turtles*
11:45am – 12:30pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:30pm – 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: Swim with turtles*
11:45am – 12:30pm: Lunch in a restaurant
12:30pm – 02:15pm: Transportation to your hotel
*Swimming with turtles is limited to a maximum of 1 hour, as per Akumal regulations.
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 and preserve the reefs, 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.
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.
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.
Turtle sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, as they are wild animals.
Akumal is one of the best places in the region to see them.
There is no boat involved. The swim starts directly from the shore, and you’ll enter the water with your guide to reach the turtle area.
Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.
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.
Sara –
We enjoyed the Tulum Ruins tour and swimming with turtles experience! Our tour guide Juan was excellent! He was knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and made our day unforgettable. He helped us avoid the crowds and tailored the tour to our needs.
Hailey –
Thank you Josh and Omar for an amazing tour!! My husband and I booked the Tulum Ruins Akumal Turtle Swim Taco lunch private tour with Absolute Adventure, and it was one of our favorite days of our honeymoon! The day started with Josh (our tour guide) and Omar (our driver) picking us up from our hotel in Playa Del Carmen. Right from the start both guys were very professional and welcoming, and we began the hour long drive to Tulum. The drive went by super fast and we arrived to the Tulum Ruins entrance in no time. We booked the early morning tour in hopes to beat the crowd – and I would definitely recommend doing the same because we were one of the first people in the park! We left our bags of swim gear and extra clothes in the van with Omar, and began our tour into the ruins with Josh. You could tell Josh was very passionate about the history of the ruins, and he was very knowledgable telling us about each ruin we came across. Josh even knew the best photo spots and took excellent photos of me and my husband in front of the ruins. One thing to note is that the ruins park is full of mosquitos, so be sure to bring your bug spray! After about an hour at the ruins it was time to depart and head to Akumal to swim with turtles. Once we arrived at Akumal Bay, Josh escorted us up to the turtle guide shack and introduced us to our guide. During this time, we left our valuables in the van with Omar. We spent an hour swimming with turtles and enjoying watching fish at the reef. We saw about 10 turtles in total which was awesome! When it was time to depart, Josh helped us gather our swim gear and then escorted us back to the van where Omar was waiting with cold waters and sodas for us. A short drive from Akumal Bay into the little town, and we were at our taco stop! We had a wonderful lunch with Josh, consisting of tacos and quesadillas. We ordered the shrimp quesadilla and the beef tacos, and they were the best food we had the entire trip. We also had chips, delicious salsa, and a couple of beers. After lunch, it was time to return back to the resort. Josh and Omar took us back and wished us well on the rest of our honeymoon. We are so grateful for Josh and Omar for the kindness and knowledge they shared throughout the day. We will definitely be booking with Absolute Adventure again!
Jennifer –
Informative ruins tour and unforgettable turtle swim
We booked the private tour of the Tulum ruins with Absolute Adventure Mexico and had a very good experience. Our guide was friendly, well-informed, and shared just enough history to give good context without overwhelming us. The real highlight of the day was snorkeling at Akumal Bay. Seeing the sea turtles up close in their natural environment was a wonderful experience. The pace of the day felt relaxed and well-organized. I would definitely recommend this tour if you’re looking for a more personal and well-run experience in the Tulum area.
alaynae –
Tulum and Turtles
What a fun experience!
Our guide was so knowledgeable. He answered any question we asked and then expounded on it.
It was great to be taken care of and to not have to worry about taxis, lines, and tickets.
We would definitely book with them again and recommend them to others!
Kent –
LOVE LOVE LOVE the team at Absolute Adventure Mexico! We did three different tours with them during our trip to Tulum! We had Juan as our tour guide for all three, Omar driving us around for two of them, and Rodrigo carting us around for the final tour! All three gentlemen were amazing! The tours were chose were 1) Snorkeling, swimming in a cenote, and lunch. 2) Chichen Itza and lunch and shopping at a nearby colonial Mexican town. 3) Tulum ruins and swimming with the turtles.
Each tour brought a little something different and showed us some amazing sites in the Yucatan area! I cannot recommend AA enough!
Nathan –
Joshua and Omar were great. We went on 2 tours, had them both days. Was a great time!
Robert –
Absolutely amazing! What an incredible experience we had. Juan was so knowledgeable of Tulum and made sure we saw all the different houses and temples, gave us lots of information around the area. The swimming with turtles was just the best. Saw loads of sea life and the turtles were beautiful. Finished with a local Mexican lunch that finished off an amazing experience.
I would highly recommend you book this Absolute Adventures they will give you the best experience.
Deena –
This trip was everything we could have asked for and more. Our first stop was the Tulum ruins which was not just beautiful and well maintained, but the historical perspective given by our guide Joshua was amazing and informative. I did not expect to learn so much about the area, development, and history!
Our next stop was Akumel where Joshua obtained a water guide to take us snorkeling to see some turtles. We were informed that the turtles are in freedom so it is not guaranteed however they usually do see turtles. We saw about 5 beautiful turtles, it wasn’t overly crowded at all, and our guide took us further out to the coral reef which was one of the nicest reefs we had seen in a while. With all the storms and wreckage that has really diminished the existence of many reefs, it was amazing to see this small area of beauty! It was even more amazing that our guide, Alex, offered to take us out further to see the reef! I saw amazing because he had three kids (8-9) in tow that he pulled on a ring the entire tour. That was tremendously appreciated.
After the beach we walked over to a quaint restaurant that made you feel as though you were truly in Mexico and not just as some fast food place or touristy place. I wish I could recall the name. This tour also include our choice of tacos or quesadilla and neither disappointed! We opted to indulge in some margaritas and they were really amazing! Highly recommend the passion fruit margarita! The portions also really large! Beyond our expectation!
Joshua and our driver, Rodrigo, took great care and time with us and literally took care of everything. We were clearly in great and informative hands. It was wonderful to also get to learn more about Joshua and his deep interest in the historical and marine perspectives!
I also need to add that this was a private tour- our own van, our own driver and tour guide that was with us most of the time (just not in the water) and we were able to select our departure time from the hotel. They recommend 7am but we chose 730am and it was perfect for us and not so hot yet in Tulum.
We highly recommend this trip “Tulum, Turtles, and Tacos” and will definitely use the company again when we are back!
Eric –
Book it!
Juan, our guide, was welcoming knowledgeable and accommodating. I highly recommend getting a private tour because I saw other tours getting cooked in the sun but Juan made sure we were walking through the sun to stop in the shade for pictures and explanations. The area of ruins is larger than pictures would have you believe and took about 90 minutes to get all the way around. We got out of the sun unscathed and we were taken to Playa Akumal to swim with sea turtles and other sea creatures. It was magical and my 10 year old and 12 year old absolutely loved seeing the turtles in their natural habitat. After, we got lunch at a nearby restaurant about 3 minutes up the road. The food was good and Juan knew the menu pretty well to suggest his favorites. We had been picked up outside our hotel in Playa del Carmen at 7 and were back by 1:30-2:00 pm. The perfect length of tour for our family. BOOK IT!
Jonathon –
Fantastic tour of Tulum with Alex. We learnt so much and had an amazing experience. Highly recommend this group.
Michelle –
Amazing. My husband and I had an amazing day with Arturo visiting the ruins and swimming with the turtles. He was extremely knowledgeable and we learned so many interesting things about the ruins. Arturo was also very accommodating and easy to talk to. We felt very comfortable with him and enjoyed a beautiful lunch as part of the tour.
The guide that took us snorkeling was excellent especially as neither of us have snorkeled and I’m a basic swimmer.
Well worth the cost of a private tour. This was the highlight of our time in Tulum
Karen –
Memories that will live on….
Best tour guide, Alex!!!! Gave you enough historical information without overloading us! We arrived at the ideal time when there were less tourists and left when the crowds arrived. Gave us do’s and don’ts tips, which was very helpful for our group! Our group had the best time in both Tulum and Akumal with a final stop for an authentic Mexican lunch at a local restaurant!
Tom –
Just perfect to relax and enjoy the sites.
Arturo, our guide, and the whole company experience was fantastic. We went early to avoid crowds and it was so worth it!!! We had the architectural sites to ourselves for photos and could hear the guide very well.
The turtle swim was exceptional, and the lunch to follow was close by and worth it to not have to pack extra things to take care of ourselves.
Arturo was amazing. Joshua was amazing. And I felt comfortable leaving my stuff with Carlos in the car.
Christine –
We did Tulum ruins & snorkeling with turtles in Akumal. A great day with Rodrigo and Alex! Rodrigo is a safe and courteous driver. Alex is very knowledgeable of the ruins and Mayan culture- our learning started right away on the drive to Tulum, he also takes great photos! We were blessed to see turtles, starfish & stingrays while snorkeling. Our lunch was relaxing and delicious. Claire was available to answer questions I had via email and on the phone. Highly recommend Absolute Adventure private tours. ¡Muchas gracias amigos!
Christine F –
We just had such a wonderful day yesterday! From pick up at our resort, to learning in the car on the way to the ruins, to our snorkel experience and then lunch! It was wonderful! No stress, no worries… just exploring and doing and seeing new things with our fabulous guide Alex. Definitely choose this company if you plan on doing of these outings. Can’t say enough good things. Gracias!
d’erra –
Literally the best experience EVER!!! If you want to learn more about Mayan culture this the tour for you!!! If you want to experience nature up close and personal this is the experience for you. The guides are the kind, warm and knowledgeable people. Definitely a must do!!!!
Toryunab –
Visited the Mayan ruins and swimming with turtles. Everything was amazing great views and experiences worth waking up at 6am for! Tour guides were great provided cold drinks and snacks!
Poozee S. –
The best guide/tour experience I have ever done. The guides were super kind, helpful, and made sure to accommodate us multiple times throughout the day. I felt very safe and had a good time
Nic B –
Organised a trip to Tullum and swimming with turtles with them. Alex G and Carlos really looked after us the entire day with both the history of the ruins and Mayan people as well as the tours themselves. The restaurant they chose for lunch was perfect also.
They organised all the tickets and entry details and we spent all our time doing things not waiting.
Prompt, efficient and answered all our questions and needs. Would recommend
James –
Great company, good value, and definitely recommended
We had a fantastic private Tulum and Turtle Snorkelling tour with Absolute Adventure. Right from the start, from booking and pre-trip communication, the service was slick, easy and professional. We were collected from out hotel on time and enjoyed a quick transfer to Tulum, without all the nonsense of having to drive around hotels collecting other guests. On the tour we had a great guide who looked after us and took us around the ruins and then the nature reserve. We finished with a lovely lunch of the best tacos we had eaten all holiday. Would definitely recommend this company.