Snorkeling in Tulum with sea turtles: Private boat tour

Lunch by the ocean and sun-soaked moments on Tulum’s best beach

A full-day private snorkeling tour in Tulum combines time in the water with sea turtles and reef wildlife, a guided visit to the Tulum Ruins perched above the Caribbean, and a long afternoon at Paradise Beach with lunch included. A professional guide leads the boat and explains the Mayan history. The Tulum Mayan Museum is available as an optional add-on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tulum and Paradise Beach

• Visit Tulum archeological site
• Snorkel with sea turtles
• Admire Mayan temples from ocean
• Relax at Paradise Beach
• Enjoy lunch by the ocean
• Optional visit to Tulum Mayan Museum

The experience

The day starts on the water. You board a private boat with a professional guide and head out to snorkel in the Caribbean, where sea turtles and other reef wildlife move through the shallows. The boat then circles back so you can see the Tulum Ruins from the ocean: the temples sit right at the cliff edge, and your guide explains what you're looking at from the water before you head ashore.

At the ruins, you walk the site with your guide, who covers the Mayan history and the layout of the temples. The ruins sit on a bluff above a small beach, so you get the archaeology and the view at once. After that, the day opens up: you have free time at Paradise Beach, one of the best stretches in Tulum, with lunch served in front of the ocean. You can swim, rest in the sand, or just stay in the water as long as you want.

If you want to add the Tulum Mayan Museum, your guide can arrange that as an optional stop. You'd tour it by electric golf cart. The whole day runs eight hours from pickup to drop-off, and your guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German. All snorkeling gear, transportation, lunch and park fees are included.

What’s included

• Private boat transportation.
• professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish, French or German.
• snorkeling equipment.
• lunch served at Paradise Beach.
• entry to the Tulum Ruins.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 18:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 48 years) · Senior (49 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (1 year): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by dreamus

Is this one for you?Eight hours is enough to cover the snorkeling, the ruins, and a full afternoon at the beach without rushing, but it leaves little room for other stops in Tulum that day. If the Mayan Museum interests you, it's available as an add-on your guide can arrange.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (1 year): free.

What wildlife will I see when snorkeling off Tulum?

Sea turtles are the main draw, and you'll see them in the shallows along with other reef fish and marine life. The exact species varies by season, but the Caribbean waters off Tulum are home to green and loggerhead turtles year-round.

Can I visit the Tulum Ruins and snorkel on the same day?

Yes, the boat circles the ruins from the water so you see them from offshore, then you go ashore to walk the site with your guide. You get both the ocean view and the ground-level tour of the temples and their history.

Is Paradise Beach included, or do I pay extra to go there?

Paradise Beach is included in the full day. You have free time there after the ruins, and lunch is served on the beach as part of the tour.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No experience is required. All snorkeling equipment is provided, and your guide will help you get comfortable in the water. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.