Tulum Ruins, Cenote & Akumal: Swim with Turtles Day Trip

Summary

Swim with turtles after exploring Tulum ruins and a cool cenote

You’ll wander ancient Tulum Ruins with a local guide, swim in Mariposa cenote’s clear waters, enjoy a buffet lunch surrounded by jungle sounds, and then glide alongside sea turtles in Akumal Bay. Each stop feels different—sometimes lively, sometimes peaceful—but always real enough to stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand on those cliffs at Tulum, looking out where the Mayans once watched the sea? We got there early—our guide, Jorge, joked about beating the crowds (and the sun). The stone felt warm under my hands, and you could smell salt in the air. There was this hush when we first saw the turquoise water below—nobody said anything for a second. I tried to imagine living here, but honestly, all I could think was how bright everything looked against that sky.

After wandering through the ruins (Jorge pointed out some faded carvings I’d have missed), we piled back into the van for Mariposa cenote. It’s half-open to the sky and honestly colder than I expected—my feet tingled for ages after jumping in. The water’s so clear you can see every ripple. Some local kids were laughing nearby; one splashed me by accident and just grinned. We dried off in patches of sun before heading to lunch—Canamayte buffet had these grilled things I still don’t know the name of (Jorge tried to teach us but I probably butchered it).

The last stop was Akumal Bay. There’s a soft hush when you put your head underwater—just your breath and then suddenly these turtles gliding past. They’re not bothered by you at all. One came so close I almost forgot to breathe out. Our guide kept an eye on us from above; he waved once when someone drifted too far but mostly let us do our thing. The light underwater is kind of greenish-blue—hard to describe unless you’ve seen it.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating there, watching fish dart around coral while a turtle munched on sea grass right below me. Sometimes I remember that quiet feeling when everything else is noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tulum, cenote, and swim with turtles

• Visit Tulum archaeological zone
• Travel to Mariposa cenote
• Swim and relax in cenote
• Arrive in Akumal and store belongings
• Swim with turtles in Akumal cove

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Tulum to Akumal take?

The tour lasts a full day, including stops at Tulum Ruins, Mariposa cenote, lunch at Canamayte, and swimming with turtles in Akumal.

Is swimming with turtles in Akumal included?

Yes, swimming with turtles in their natural habitat at Akumal Bay is part of the tour experience.

Are lockers provided for belongings during the swim?

Yes, lockers are included for storing your belongings safely during your swim in Akumal.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch at Canamayte is included after visiting Mariposa cenote.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No need; necessary equipment like vests is provided as part of the tour package.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or meeting point, entry fees for Tulum Ruins and Mariposa cenote, use of vests and lockers during your swim with turtles in Akumal Bay, plus a buffet lunch at Canamayte before heading back.