Tulum cenotes and ruins tour: 4 Casa Tortuga pools

Four cenotes, one ancient city, a sculpture, and lunch in a single day

This 12-hour tour from Tulum combines a guided swim through 4 cenotes at Casa Tortuga (two semi-open and two closed) with a walk through the Tulum archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean, a stop at the "Come to Light" sculpture, and a buffet lunch at Nohoch Muul restaurant. Round transport, a certified guide in English or Spanish, and vests are included. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the tour stops in Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue for guests staying between Cancun and there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore cenotes, ruins, and local culture

• Swim in Casa Tortuga cenotes
• Admire "Come to the Light" sculpture
• Tour Tulum archaeological site
• Stop at Playa del Carmen
• Enjoy regional buffet meal

The experience

The day starts with pickup and transport to Casa Tortuga, where you'll swim in four cenotes surrounded by Riviera Maya vegetation. Two are semi-open to the sky. Two are closed underground. The water is clear and fresh, and vests are provided during the guided portion. If you're staying between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the itinerary includes a stop at Quinta Avenida to walk the shops and beach there before moving on.

From the cenotes, the tour heads to Tulum's archaeological site, where a guide explains the temples, walls and buildings of this ancient Mayan city built on a cliff above the sea. You'll learn about the strategic importance of Tulum in Mayan civilization and the daily life of its inhabitants. Along the way, you'll see the "Come to Light" sculpture (a contemporary work symbolizing the connection between humans and nature) set within the natural landscape.

Lunch is a regional buffet at Nohoch Muul restaurant, where you taste authentic local cuisine. The full day is 12 hours from pickup to return, with a certified guide managing the pace and the stops. Lockers and additional vests during free time at Casa Tortuga are available as add-ons at checkout.

What’s included

• Round transport with pickup.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.
• guided swim through all 4 cenotes with vests.
• entry to Tulum's archaeological site with guide.
• the "Come to Light" sculpture.
• a stop at Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue (for guests staying between Cancun and there).
• regional buffet lunch at Nohoch Muul restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (12 to 79 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 13 Baktun Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want cenotes, Mayan ruins, and contemporary art in one full day with included transport. Choose a half-day cenote tour if you prefer a shorter outing or want to focus on just one element.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What are the 4 cenotes at Casa Tortuga like?

Casa Tortuga has two semi-open cenotes and two closed cenotes, all with clear, fresh water surrounded by vegetation. You swim in all four during the guided portion of the tour, with vests provided.

Will I have time to explore Tulum's ruins on my own, or is it only a guided walk?

A certified guide leads the tour through the archaeological site, explaining the temples, walls and history of the Mayan city. The guide sets the pace and shares knowledge about Tulum's strategic location on the cliff and its cultural significance.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, a regional buffet lunch is included at Nohoch Muul restaurant, featuring authentic local cuisine. Drinks at the restaurant are available as an add-on choice at checkout.

Does the tour stop in Playa del Carmen?

Yes, if you're staying between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the tour includes a stop at Quinta Avenida, where you can walk the shops and beaches. Guests staying elsewhere may not have this stop.

What's included in the price?

Round transport, a certified guide in English or Spanish, entry to the 4 cenotes with vests, the Tulum archaeological site, the "Come to Light" sculpture, and a regional buffet lunch are all included. Lockers and extra vests during free time are optional add-ons.