Tulum: Snorkeling Sea Turtles, Cenote & Beach Lunch

Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal, Then Drop into a Mayan Cenote

You visit Tulum's clifftop ruins with a bilingual guide, swim in an underground cenote surrounded by cave formations, snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal's warm waters, and finish with lunch at a beach club. Transport, snorkeling gear, and meals are included. You just show up at your hotel at pickup time and spend the day moving between three distinct stops without arranging anything yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Tulum Ruins2h · entry included
2. Akumal1h 30m · entry included

Explore Tulum, Cenote, Snorkel, Lunch

• Visit ancient Tulum ruins
• Swim in Mayan cenote
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal
• Enjoy lunch at beach club

The experience

So you're standing at the Tulum Ruins, and your guide is pointing out how the Mayans built this whole city right on the cliff edge: like they knew exactly what they were doing with the view. The architecture is sharp, the stone is pale against the Caribbean, and you're already thinking about what comes next. The cenote part is what gets people talking, though. You're going down into this underground freshwater pool surrounded by cave formations, and the water is so clear it's almost unreal. No phones allowed in there, which honestly makes sense once you're actually in it, you're just present, you know?

Then you head to Akumal, which literally means "place of turtles" in Maya, and that's not marketing. The turtles are actually there. You get snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel included), and you're in the water with these gentle creatures moving around you like they own the place, which they do. The water is warm, the visibility is good, and there's other marine life too, but the turtles are what you came for. Your bilingual guide stays with the group the whole time, so you're not figuring out logistics on your own. The whole snorkeling part moves at a pace that works for moderate swimmers. It's not a race.

By afternoon you're at Punta Venado Beach Club, an actual exclusive spot right on the coast where lunch is included. You sit there with the Caribbean in front of you, food that's actually good, and you're basically done. Round-trip transport picks you up from your Cancun or Riviera Maya hotel, so you're not renting a car or negotiating with a taxi driver. The day is structured but not rushed. It's about six to seven hours total depending on where you're staying, and the pickup time shifts based on your hotel location.

One thing: bring a refillable water bottle because single-use plastic isn't allowed at the ruins. You'll want water anyway. Also, if you're thinking about bringing a GoPro or any camera gear, there are fees at the box office: professional equipment and drones are off-limits entirely. Minimum age is six, and you need to be at least 3.9 feet tall for the cenote. If you have mobility issues or cardiovascular concerns, this one's not the right fit because there's climbing, swimming, and uneven ground.

What’s included

Round-trip hotel pickup from Cancun and Riviera Maya properties, professional bilingual guide for the full day, entrance fees to Akumal and the cenote, snorkeling mask and snorkel, lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club, and snacks (water, fruit, crackers) during transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 69 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Cancun Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to hit three major Tulum highlights (ruins, cenote, and sea turtles) in one day without renting a car or coordinating timing yourself. The fixed itinerary and included transport are what make all three stops fit into a single afternoon.

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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 (6 to 11 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the total time for this tour?

Around 6–7 hours depending on your hotel's location in Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Pickup time varies.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, mask and snorkel are included. You don't need to bring your own.

Can I bring my phone or camera into the cenote?

No devices are allowed inside the cenote. GoPro, tablets, and selfie sticks can be brought to the Tulum Ruins but incur fees at the box office.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

Turtles are native to Akumal and regularly present, but sightings depend on conditions and timing. Your guide will take you to the best spots.

What's included in lunch?

A meal at Punta Venado Beach Club is included. Specific menu details depend on the day's offerings.

What's the minimum age?

Six years old. Children must also meet a minimum height of 3.9 feet (1.20 meters) for the cenote.

Is this suitable for weak swimmers?

You need at least moderate fitness for swimming and some climbing. The snorkeling is in shallow, calm water, but you should be comfortable in the ocean.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a refillable water bottle (single-use plastic isn't allowed at the ruins), sunscreen, and a towel. Snacks and water are provided on the van.