Tulum Ruins, 3 Cenotes Swim & Tequila Tasting Small Group

Summary

Swim cenotes taste tequila and see Tulum ruins by sea or foot

You’ll start your Tulum adventure with fresh mimosas before exploring ancient ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Swim in three unique cenotes—cave, semi-open, and open—and taste real Mexican tequila with your small group. Lunch is local and lively; expect flavors you’ll remember long after you’ve left. It’s not polished or fancy—just warm, real moments all day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the pop of the mimosa bottle—right there in Tulum, sunlight catching the orange juice as our guide (Miguel? Or maybe it was Marco—I’m bad with names) handed out glasses. It was early but nobody seemed to mind. The ruins were just ahead, that pale stone against wild green and the sea so blue it almost looked fake. Our guide started telling stories about obsidian trade and Mayan rituals; he pointed at a carving I’d have missed on my own. There was this moment where the breeze carried salt and something sweet—maybe from the trees?—and for a second I just stood there, not listening, just feeling how old everything was.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a tequila tasting before noon (my pronunciation got roasted, for sure). After that we headed to these cenotes tucked away on some ranch—three different kinds, all weirdly beautiful. The first was a cave where the water felt colder than I thought it would be. You could hear your own splashes echo off the stone. Then one open to the sky with birds darting overhead. Floating there with borrowed snorkel gear, watching light shift underwater—it’s hard to explain but it sticks with you.

Lunch happened when we were all sun-warmed and hungry—tacos piled high, mole that tasted like someone’s grandma made it (maybe she did). Our guide kept suggesting places for later—bars, beaches, even a bakery if you’re into pan dulce. I still think about that day sometimes when I smell oranges or hear someone say “cenote” wrong (like me). If you’re after a day trip from Tulum with ruins and swimming and food that isn’t just for tourists, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tulum ruins, cenotes, and local dining

• Welcome with fresh mimosa drink
• Guided walking tour of Tulum Ruins
• Enjoy ice-cold Corona and snacks
• Participate in tequila tasting ceremony
• Swim and explore three cenotes
• Stop for traditional Mexican lunch

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Tulum tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Tulum hotels; other areas like Playa del Carmen or Cancun have an extra fee per person.

How many cenotes do we swim in during the tour?

You’ll visit three cenotes: one cave cenote, one semi-open, and one fully open cenote.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant with traditional Mexican/Mayan dishes is included.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you let them know in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided for the cenotes?

Yes, snorkel gear and life vests are provided for swimming in all cenotes.

How long do we spend at the Tulum ruins?

The guided walking tour of Tulum ruins lasts about 1.5 hours.

What’s different about seeing Tulum ruins by boat?

You get unique views of the ruins from the water side and can snorkel near the reef afterward.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, families are welcome; infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes morning mimosas with fresh juice, hotel pickup from central Tulum (other areas available for a fee), bottled water and snacks throughout, guided entrance to Tulum Ruins by land or boat option, tequila tasting at a private ranch before swimming in three distinct cenotes—with all snorkel gear provided—and finally a hearty lunch at a local spot before drop-off back in town.