Tulum Ruins & Akumal Turtles Snorkel Tour: 3 Turtle Species

Three stops, three ecosystems, one day without arranging the route yourself

This full-day tour from Tulum covers the ancient Mayan ruins perched above the Caribbean, snorkeling in Akumal Bay to see sea turtles, and a freshwater cenote with underground formations. The guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German; round-trip transport, all snorkel gear, entrance fees and a taco lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options are included. Private and small-group departures are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tulum, Akumal, and Cenote

• Visit Tulum archaeological site
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal
• Swim and snorkel in cenote

The Experience

If you land in the Riviera Maya with a free day and no rental car, this tour solves the logistics problem: you get picked up, driven to three separate attractions that would take hours to reach on your own, and returned to your hotel. The day starts at the Tulum Ruins, a Mayan archaeological site built on a natural outcrop facing the Caribbean—the location is the draw, not just the stones. Your guide walks you through the site and explains what you're standing in front of, then you move on.

After Tulum, the tour heads to Akumal Bay for snorkeling. The water here is home to three of the world's seven sea turtle species; the guide knows where to look and you'll have snorkel gear, a life jacket and fins provided. The visibility is strong and the reef holds tropical fish, coral formations and rays. This is not a boat ride to watch turtles from a distance—you're in the water where they are, moving slowly so the animals stay calm.

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 here too, in water so clear you can see the formations reflected below. Lunch—fresh Mexican tacos with vegetarian and gluten-free options—happens between stops. Bottled water is complimentary throughout the day. The whole tour runs eight hours from pickup to return.

A few practical notes: bring biodegradable sunscreen and apply it only on exposed skin before you get in the water, since regular sunscreen damages the reef. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with a baby. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular conditions that limit physical activity.

What’s included

• Tulum Ruins entrance and bilingual guide in English, Spanish, French or German.
• snorkel gear, life jackets and fins for both Akumal and the cenote.
• cenote entrance and guide.
• fresh Mexican tacos with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• complimentary bottled water throughout the day.
• round-trip hotel pickup and transportation.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ocean Tours Mexico

Is this one for you?You'll move through Tulum ruins, Akumal's turtle waters, and an underground cenote on your own schedule with a guide, skipping the logistics of coordinating three separate locations yourself.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

2,275 verified traveler reviews

5 ★2,073

4 ★149

3 ★33

2 ★11

1 ★9

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly is the Tulum Ruins site like when you get there?

Tulum Ruins is a Mayan archaeological site built on a natural outcrop facing the Caribbean coastline, so the ocean backdrop is part of the experience. Your bilingual guide explains the structures and the history as you walk through; the location and the turquoise water view are what make this site distinct from inland Mayan ruins.

Will I actually see sea turtles in Akumal, or is it just a chance?

Akumal Bay is known for three of the world's seven sea turtle species, and the guide knows the waters well. You're snorkeling in their habitat, so sightings are common, though wildlife is never guaranteed. You'll have snorkel gear, a life jacket and fins provided, and the visibility is strong.

What's included in the taco lunch, and does it work for dietary restrictions?

The lunch features traditional regional Mexican tacos and includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the day as well.

Can I book this as a private tour, or does it run as a group?

You can choose between a private tour or a small-group departure at checkout. Both options include the same stops, guide, gear and lunch; the difference is who else is on the tour with you.

How long is the whole day, and what time does pickup happen?

The tour runs eight hours total from pickup to return to your hotel. Round-trip transportation is included, and your guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German depending on the departure you select.

Are there any fees I need to pay on top of the tour price?

The Tulum Ruins entrance, cenote entrance and snorkeling access are all included. Some departures may have a marine conservation fee for Akumal and Tulum National Park that you can choose at checkout; gratuities are not included.