Tulum Ruins, Cenote Swim & Akumal Sea Turtles Day Trip

Summary

Sea turtles in Akumal, Mayan ruins at Tulum and a secret cenote swim

You’ll walk ancient stones at Tulum with a local guide, float through crystal-clear cenote water deep in the jungle, then snorkel beside sea turtles in Akumal Bay. With round-trip pickup and a laid-back lunch included, it’s a day that leaves you sandy-haired and quietly happy long after it ends.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you first see the Tulum ruins—just stone against that wild blue Caribbean. I was still rubbing sunscreen off my hands (which, by the way, don’t even think about using before the turtle swim), and our guide Ana was already telling us about Mayan trade routes. The sun felt heavy but not mean. Iguanas darted around like they owned the place. I tried to imagine what it sounded like here centuries ago—maybe drums, or just wind and waves. Ana pointed out a carving on one of the temples; I squinted, pretending I could make out the details she described. She laughed and said most people fake it too.

After Tulum, we piled back into the van—air conditioning never felt so good—and headed for this cenote tucked somewhere between tangled jungle roads. The water was glassy cold at first touch, almost shockingly clear. There were these weird roots dangling down into the pool, and when I floated on my back all I could hear was my own breathing echoing off limestone. Our aquatic guide (I think his name was Luis?) told us stories about how cenotes connect underground for miles. It’s hard to picture until you’re actually there, half-shivering but not wanting to get out.

Last stop: Akumal Bay for the sea turtles. You wade out with your mask on, hoping you’ll see something besides your own fins—and then suddenly there’s a turtle munching calmly on seagrass right below you. It’s quiet underwater except for your breath bubbling up. The guides keep an eye on everyone and joke around if someone gets nervous (which is fair—one guy in our group forgot how to use his snorkel entirely). We drifted for maybe half an hour? Time felt weirdly slow there. On shore later, someone handed me sweet pineapple slices while we waited for lunch—rice, chicken, tortillas—and I swear food tastes better after swimming like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tulum ruins, cenote, and sea turtles

• Explore Tulum Mayan ruins
• Swim in jungle cenote
• Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal

Top questions

How long is the Tulum Ruins Cenote & Sea Turtle tour?

The tour lasts a full day with morning pickup and afternoon return to your hotel.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included after swimming activities.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Are entry fees or taxes included in the price?

No, there are additional taxes for Tulum Reserve and Turtle Protection (about $20 USD each) paid onsite.

Can I use sunscreen during the turtle swim in Akumal?

No, sunscreen isn’t allowed during the turtle activity to protect marine life.

Is hotel pickup available for this Riviera Maya day trip?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included.

How physically demanding is this tour?

You should have moderate fitness; there’s walking at ruins and swimming involved.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits at each site (with both archaeological and aquatic guides), all snorkeling equipment provided for both cenote and Akumal swims, bottled water on board throughout the trip, plus a buffet-style local lunch before heading back home sandy but content.