Tulum VIP Private Tour with Sea Turtles & Cenote – Award-Winning
Active
6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Tulum, Cenote & Akumal Turtles – Private Tour with Lunch
Discover the very best of the Riviera Maya in one unforgettable day! Start with an early morning visit to the breathtaking Tulum ruins, where your private certified guide will share the fascinating stories of this ancient Mayan city—before the crowds and the heat.
Then, refresh yourself with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of a stunning cenote (choose from Jaguar, Nicte Ha, or Taak Bi Ha). Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant before heading to Akumal Bay for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of snorkeling alongside sea turtles.
All snorkeling gear is included, and with our award-winning private tour agency—trusted for over a decade—you can count on a safe, seamless, and exclusive experience designed just for you.
Available options
Private Van 3
Just you, your guide & driver: Pick up from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. We advise 7am pick up from Playa and 7:45 from Tulum to avoid crowds and heat.<br/>Pickup included
Private Van 2
Just you, your guide & driver: Pick up from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. We advise 7am pick up from Playa and 7:45 from Tulum to avoid crowds and heat.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Lunch at a local Mexican restaurant with one meal a la carte
Water and sodas provided in the cooler of the van
All taxes and commissions
Turtles cooperative fee and beach entrance bracelet
Snorkeling gear of the highest quality with life vests
Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or Airbnb by private air-conditioned minivan
Certified, experienced and dedicated private guide
Tulum ruins and Cenote entrance fees, National park bracelet
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Get ready for an exhilarating experience by avoiding the crowds with an early pick up (around 45 minutes transportation depending on your hotel-rental location)!
No more waiting in long lines because your guide has already secured the tickets. You'll have the privilege of being the very first to enter the breathtaking Tulum ruins and enjoy a private guided tour. Take your time to explore the entire site at your own pace, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will gladly answer your questions and help you capture those picture-perfect moments!
After this incredible adventure, take some well-deserved free time to browse and shop for unique souvenirs at the exit of the ruins.
2
Explore Breathtaking Cenotes: Take your pick from a range of stunning cenotes to enjoy a thrilling snorkeling experience:
- Plunge into the exciting Cenote Jaguar, an open-air cenote that offers cliff jumping and ziplining adventures.
- Or, if you're seeking relaxation, unwind in the peaceful Cenote Nicte Ha, a tranquil open-air cenote designed for ultimate serenity.
- For the daring explorers, embark on a fascinating underground river journey in the mysterious Cenote Taak bi Ha.
Uncover the wonders that await you in these magnificent cenotes!
3
You'll have the chance to savor a yummy lunch at a nearby restaurant nestled in the jungle close to the cenote. They offer an array of authentic Mexican delicacies that will leave you craving for more!
4
Stop 4
Experience the incredible opportunity to swim alongside magnificent turtles with your very own personal snorkeling guide! You won't even need a boat as the snorkeling takes place right from the shore, and the ocean in this protected bay is wonderfully serene. Prepare to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of sea turtles up close, and if fortune smiles upon you, you might even come across graceful stingrays and a variety of vibrant, colorful fish. Get ready for an adventure that you will never forget!
Remaining hour is transportation from hotel to first activities. time varies depending on their place.
What's not included
Drinks at the restaurant
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
19 reviews
5★
19
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Swimming skills mandatory
Important notes
• Swimming skills mandatory
• IMPORTANT: You must provide the tour operator:
1/ At the latest 3 days before the tour: T-shirt size (from XS to 3 XL) for each participant + kid's weights for the snorkeling equipment.
2/ No later than 4pm the day before the tour, your ROOM NUMBER. Otherwise the tour will be cancelled. Without your room number, they will not be authorized to enter in the hotel to pick you up. In case on condo/bnb sharing your location via whatsapp is mandatory.
What to bring with you:
- Beach Towels
- Swimsuit (please wear it from the morning and you can change after the snorkeling activities)
- Tennis shoes for the ruins and flip flops or sandals for snorkeling activities (water shoes not required but you can bring them)
- Hat/sunglasses
- Rash guard or UV shirt
- Cash (tips/souvenirs)
- Ruins: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 60 pesos per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) - Drones and tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
-Tulum Ruins: it is forbidden to enter the ruins with plastic water bottles. If you wish to bring water for the visit, please bring your own reusable water bottle. We'll have water in the van for you to fill or refill.
Since 2020, it is no longer authorized to access the beach located within the enclosure of the Tulum ruins.
This tour doesn't include the visit of Tulum center - Tulum Beach Club/Hotel zone area.
It is not allowed to put sunblock/mosquito repellent before snorkeling activities.
The tour can not be customized.
No show will apply 15 minutes after the confirmed pick up time.
About Tulum
Tulum is a unique blend of ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and modern bohemian-chic culture. Known for its stunning coastal cliffs and vibrant arts scene, it offers a mix of history, nature, and contemporary luxury.
Top Attractions
Tulum Ruins
The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the past.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate (around $10 USD)
Cenote Dos Ojos
A stunning cenote with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Nature
Half day
Moderate (around $10-$20 USD)
Playa Paraíso
A beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
Beach
Half day or more
Free
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage site with diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, lagoons, and coral reefs.
Nature
Full day
Moderate to Expensive (around $50-$100 USD for tours)
Gran Cenote
A large cenote with both open and cave areas, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Nature
Half day
Moderate (around $10-$20 USD)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cochinita Pibil
Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus, wrapped in banana leaves. A Yucatecan specialty.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork
Tikin Xic
Grilled fish or chicken marinated in achiote and citrus, cooked in banana leaves.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish or chicken
Panuchos
Fried tortillas filled with refried beans, topped with turkey or chicken, pickled onions, and avocado.
Appetizer
Contains beans, turkey or chicken
Mango with Chili and Lime
Fresh mango slices sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice, a popular street snack.
Snack
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Climbing the Nohoch Mul pyramid in Coba
Cenote diving
Jungle trekking in Sian Ka'an
Beach lounging at Playa Paraíso
Yoga at Aldea Zama
Spa treatments at luxury resorts
Exploring the Tulum ruins
Visiting local markets
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the peak tourist season with perfect weather, clear skies, and ideal conditions for exploring ruins, beaches, and enjoying outdoor activities.
22-30°C
72-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time Zone
GMT-5 (EST) or GMT-6 (CST) depending on daylight saving time
Electricity
127VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tulum is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious with valuables and avoid isolated areas at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Cancún International Airport • 120 km (75 miles)
By bus
Cancún Bus Terminal, Playa del Carmen Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses and collectivos (shared vans) are the most common and affordable way to get around Tulum.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Tulum Town
Tulum Beach (Zona Hotelera)
Aldea Zama
Day trips
Coba
45 km (28 miles) • Full day
Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba, including the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which you can still climb.
Playa del Carmen
60 km (37 miles) • Half day or full day
A vibrant beach town known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Muyil
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A lesser-known Mayan ruin with a beautiful lagoon and boardwalk through the jungle.
Festivals
Carnaval de Tulum • February/March (dates vary)
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) • November 1-2
Pro tips
- Visit the Tulum ruins early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Explore the cenotes for a unique and refreshing experience.
- Try local Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil and tikin xic.
- Stay in eco-friendly accommodations to support sustainable tourism.
- Rent a bike to explore the town and nearby attractions.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
