Tulum Ruins, Akumal Turtles & Cenote: Private Tour

Three stops, one driver, no planning required

A private seven-hour tour of the Riviera Maya combines the Tulum Ruins with snorkeling at Akumal and a cenote swim, including round-trip transportation from your hotel, a bilingual guide, Mexican lunch, and snorkel equipment. The group stays under ten people, and the itinerary is fixed so the day holds together without anyone building it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

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

Explore Tulum, Akumal, and Cenote

• Visit Tulum archaeological site
• Snorkel with turtles in Akumal
• Swim and snorkel in cenote
• Enjoy local lunch

The experience

The day starts at the Tulum Ruins, a Maya archaeological site perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. A bilingual guide walks you through the site and explains the cultural philosophy behind the buildings and their placement facing the rising sun. The Castle, the site's largest structure, frames the turquoise ocean behind it. The guide will point out why the Maya chose this exact location. After the ruins, you head to Akumal, a beach town known as "Place of the Turtles," where you'll snorkel in Turtle Bay with provided equipment in warm, shallow water close to a coral reef. The area is home to three of the world's seven sea turtle species, along with tropical fish, rays and rock formations.

The final stop is a cenote: a massive freshwater sinkhole in the Yucatan rainforest surrounded by thousands of stalagmites and stalactites. You swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water, and a life vest is provided. Between the cenote and the drive back, you'll eat a Mexican taco lunch (vegetarian or gluten-free options available on request). Private round-trip transportation picks you up from your hotel and handles all the logistics. Bottled water is included throughout the day.

Snorkeling in Akumal requires only basic comfort in the water: the reef sits close to shore and visibility is high. The cenote swim is in fresh water, not the ocean, and the life vest keeps you buoyant. Sunscreen applied before you leave your hotel works best. Reef-safe practices matter here, so the guide will remind you to reapply only on exposed skin after water activities.

What’s included

• Round-trip private transportation from your hotel.
• entrance to Tulum Ruins with a bilingual guide.
• snorkel equipment for Akumal and the cenote.
• a life vest for the cenote swim.
• Mexican taco lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and Russian

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$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ocean Tours Mexico

Is this one for you?Booking a private tour removes the need to arrange your own transport, guide, park entry and timing across three separate sites. The driver handles the route, the guide explains what you're seeing, and the day stays on schedule so you fit all three stops without rushing or backtracking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 will I see when I snorkel in Akumal?

Akumal's Turtle Bay is home to three of the world's seven sea turtle species, along with brightly colored tropical fish, coral formations, rays and rock structures. The water is warm and shallow close to the reef, with high visibility.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs seven hours total. Pickup from your hotel is included, so the start time depends on where you're staying and the operator's schedule for your date.

Is the cenote snorkel difficult?

No. The cenote is a freshwater sinkhole with a life vest provided, so you stay buoyant. The water is calm and clear, and the snorkel happens in a relaxed setting surrounded by the rainforest and rock formations.

What's included in the lunch?

Mexican tacos are served as part of the tour. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if you request them when you book.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Snorkel equipment is provided for both Akumal and the cenote. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer, though the operator supplies masks, snorkels and fins.