YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Tulum ruins and Swim with Turtles

37 tour reviews
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!
  • Exclusive Experience: Just you, your personal local guide, and driver!
  • Private Transportation: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or rental.
  • Escape the Crowds & Beat the Heat: Skip the lines & enjoy a relaxed, stress-free ruins guided tour.
  • Encounter Sea Turtles: Snorkel from shore in Akumal for an unforgettable aquatic journey!
  • Lunch at local restaurant: Mexican flavors await you!
  • Set your own pace: Discover and snorkel based on your skills!
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, gear, lunch & more!

Early bird discountBook 60+ days ahead and save 10%.

Multi-tour discountBook 2+ tours and save 10%.

Offers cannot be combined. Holiday exclusions apply. See terms and conditions.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The details of your private day.

Tulum ruins and Swim with Turtles Private 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!

  1. Discover the Ancient Ruins of Tulum

    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.

  2. Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal Bay

    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.

  3. Savor a Delicious Mexican Lunch

    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!

     

Price includes

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • Tulum ruins entrance fees (INAH + CONANP + JAGUAR) with pre-purchased tickets for direct entry
  • Optional electric shuttle from the parking area to the ruins entrance (750 m / 0.5 mile), for guests who prefer not to walk
  • Akumal bay cooperative fee and Akumal CONANP fee (mandatory)
  • High quality snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life jackets)
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte

Price excludes

  • Ruins: If you bring a GoPro, video camera, or phone with a selfie stick, a fee of 60 pesos (about USD 3) per device is charged at the entrance to each archaeological site and must be paid in pesos (INAH fee). Drones and camera/video tripods are prohibited.
  • Drinks at the restaurant
  • Tips

General info

Private Tour:
Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
Duration:
 5 to 7 hours (check the itinerary tab, as it depends on your pick-up location)
Physicality:
 Easy
Age:
 4+
Snorkeling:
Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
Swim with turtles:
Absolute Adventure is working with a local cooperative according to the Mexican law.(Consult Akumal Swim with Turtles regulation.)
In the event of the port being closed by the authorities making swimming with the turtles unauthorized, the tour will be amended to the Tulum Cenote tour and the price adjusted according to the option chosen.
What’s on the menu?
Selection of quesadillas, tacos,fajitas, grilled chicken, grilled fish … with vegetarian, fish, shrimp, chicken & meat options. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!

Itinerary options

Times at each stop are estimates. Driving and your exact pickup location affect the schedule.

Tulum ruins and turtles

  1. Tulum ruins — 90 min
  2. Akumal turtles — 75 min
  3. Lunch at La Cueva del Pescador — 40 min

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.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Tulum and Akumal, moving at your own pace.
Want a faster tour? Free time can be reduced or skipped; your guide can adjust the pace on the day of the tour.

Discover the 3 benefits of an early departure to visit Tulum.
This tour doesn't include Tulum centro/Tulum beach-hotel areas. Only Tulum Mayan ruins.

What to bring

  • Resusable water bottle: at Tulum Ruins, it is forbidden to enter the ruins with plastic water bottles. If you wish to bring water for the visit, please bring your own reusable water bottle. We’ll have water in the van for you to fill or refill.
  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 37 tour reviews

Showing reviews 10–18 of 37

Fantastic tour of Tulum with Alex. We learnt so much and had an amazing experience. Highly recommend this group.

Jonathon · Feb 2024

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…

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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

Michelle · Jan 2024

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…

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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!

Karen · Nov 2023

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…

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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.

Tom · Nov 2023

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…

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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 · Sep 2023

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…

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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!

Christine F · Aug 2023

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!!!!

d'erra · Aug 2023

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!

Toryunab · Aug 2023

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

Poozee S. · Aug 2023

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Tulum Turtles tour private or shared?

This is a private tour, just for you and your group.

You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.

Is the driver also the guide?

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.

How long does a private Tulum tour take?

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.

Pickup & transport

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

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.

What vehicles do you use for your tours?

We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Visit our fleet page for more details.

Can I change the pick up time?

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!

Activities & facilities

How much walking is there at the Tulum ruins?

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.

Can we spend some time at Tulum beach during the tour?

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.

Is snorkeling experience required for this tour?

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.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed in Akumal?

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.

What type of boat is used to swim with the turtles?

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.

Are there showers or changing rooms at the cenote or at Akumal beach?

Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas at both locations.

Planning & booking

What should I bring for the tour? Where can I leave my belongings?

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.

Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?

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.

What is the cancellation policy?

Go ahead and plan with confidence—your booking is fully flexible!

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.

More questions?

Visit our main FAQ page or contact us by email, WhatsApp or via chat, we're happy to help!

Come explore the Riviera Maya with us.

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Coupon terms & conditions

EARLY2MONTHS — 10% off
Book at least 60 days before your tour date.

MULTITOUR — 10% off
Book at least 2 tours in one transaction.

If part of a multi-tour booking is canceled and only one tour remains, the discount becomes void and the remaining balance will be adjusted.

Enter your coupon code at checkout.

Tour photos

MAKE IT YOUR DAY

Book with Confidence

Tulum ruins and Swim with Turtles

Choose your date, number of guests and pickup location to see your exact price.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.