Tulum Ruins, Akumal & Cenotes: private tour with sea turtles

Tulum's ruins on the Caribbean, then cenotes and turtles instead of a resort pool

A private guided tour of Tulum combines the clifftop Mayan ruins, snorkeling at Akumal bay where sea turtles swim, and four cenotes for swimming and jumping. The guide speaks English and Spanish, the day runs ten to eleven hours, and you set the pace at each stop. Pickup is included; regional food, bottled water, snorkel gear and the Tulum zone government tax are part of the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tulum, Akumal, and Cenotes

• Tour Tulum Mayan ruins
• Take photos and shop at Tulum
• Relax at Akumal beach
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal
• Visit and swim in four cenotes

The Experience

The tour starts at Tulum's archaeological zone, the only Mayan ruins that sit directly on the Caribbean shore. The guide walks you through the site's history and points out the structures perched on the cliff above turquoise water—the most photographed angle in the region. You have time to explore on your own, take photos and browse the small market before moving on.

Next is Akumal bay, a shallow, calm stretch of water where sea turtles feed and rest. You'll snorkel here with the gear provided, moving at your own pace among the reef, fish and turtles. The name means "turtle nest" in Mayan, and the animals are a regular presence, not a guarantee—but the bay is designed around them and the snorkeling is the main reason people choose this stop over a standard beach break.

The day ends at four cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. At each one you can swim, snorkel or jump from the cliff if you want to. The guide explains the cenotes' role in Mayan culture and their geology. You choose how long to spend at each and whether to jump; nothing is forced. The whole experience runs ten to eleven hours, and because it's private, the timing bends to what you want to do.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• air-conditioned vehicle with pickup.
• snorkel equipment.
• regional food.
• bottled water.
• Tulum archaeological zone entry and government tax.

Operated by Viajes Tours Maya

Is this one for you?Choose the private option if you need flexibility to spend extra time at ruins or in the water without waiting for others, and want your guide to navigate the route while you control the pace.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What are the Tulum ruins like when you get there?

Tulum is a clifftop Mayan archaeological zone overlooking the Caribbean—the only major ruins in Mexico built right on the seashore. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the combination of structures and turquoise water below makes it the most photographed archaeological zone in the region.

Will I actually see sea turtles at Akumal?

Akumal bay is an important habitat for sea turtles and they are regularly observed there while snorkeling. The bay's name means "turtle nest" in Mayan. Sightings are common but not guaranteed on every visit, since the animals move freely in the water.

What happens at the cenotes?

You visit four cenotes where you can swim, snorkel and jump from cliffs into the freshwater pools. The guide shares the history and geology of the cenotes, which were sacred to the Mayan people. You decide how long to spend at each one and whether to jump.

Is the snorkel gear included?

Yes, snorkel equipment is provided. Bottled water, regional food, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the Tulum zone government tax are also included in the price.

Can I book this tour for just myself, or does it have to be a group?

The tour is private, so you can book it for one person, two people, or any size group you choose. You set the pace and the timing at each stop, and the guide is bilingual in English and Spanish.

How long does the whole day take?

The tour runs ten to eleven hours from start to finish, including all four stops and travel time between them.