Private Tour to Tulum, Cenote and Swimming with Turtles
About Private Tour to Tulum, Cenote and Swimming with Turtles
This private tour packs three of the Riviera Maya’s best experiences into one day: the clifftop Mayan ruins of Tulum overlooking the Caribbean, a swim in the cave cenote of Taak Bi Ha, and snorkeling with wild sea turtles at Akumal Beach. You travel with your own group in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed guide, and snorkel gear is provided.
It’s the most-reviewed tour of its kind in the area, and it suits families and couples who want history, nature and the sea without joining a big group.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup
- Tulum archaeological site (about 1.5 hours)
- Cenote Taak Bi Ha (about 1 hour)
- Snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal Beach (about 1 hour)
- Optional lunch stop at a local taco restaurant
- Return to your hotel
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Licensed or certified guide
- Snorkel equipment
- Bottled water
- All fees and taxes
Meeting point
Hotel pickup; your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
What to expect on the day
After hotel pickup you head to Tulum, the walled Mayan port perched on the cliffs above a turquoise beach. Your guide spends about an hour and a half with you at the site, including El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes. Next is Cenote Taak Bi Ha, a cave cenote with clear water beneath a ceiling of stalactites, for about an hour of swimming.
The last stop is Akumal Beach, whose name means “place of the turtles” in Mayan. Green sea turtles graze on the seagrass in the shallow bay, and you’ll snorkel for about an hour with your guide. On the way back, you can add a stop at a local taco restaurant. Plan on five to seven hours in total.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: private transport, licensed guide, all entrance fees and taxes, snorkel gear and bottled water.
- Not included: lunch (optional taco stop, roughly $2 to $20 per dish) and tips.
- Price: check the booking page for today’s price for your group size.
What to bring
- Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes), towel and a change of clothes
- Biodegradable sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes for the ruins and water shoes or sandals for the cenote
- Cash in pesos for lunch, souvenirs and tips
- A waterproof phone case for turtle photos
Tips for a better day
- Respect the turtles: don’t touch, chase or feed them, and keep a few metres away.
- Go early: Tulum gets hot and busy by late morning.
- Sunscreen rules: most cenotes ask you to shower first and skip regular sunscreen to protect the water.
- Seaweed season: from roughly May to October, sargassum can affect Akumal Beach on some days.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: families, couples and small groups who want ruins, a cenote and turtles in one relaxed, private day.
- Consider another option if: you’re on a tight budget (shared tours cost less) or you want a full day just at Tulum.
Accessibility and children
The operator lists the tour as wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels. Infant seats are available and small children can ride in a stroller. It isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund. Later cancellations aren’t refunded.
FAQ about Private Tour to Tulum, Cenote and Swimming with Turtles
What does the Tulum, cenote and turtles tour include?
Private air-conditioned transport, a licensed guide, entrance fees, snorkel gear and bottled water, with stops at the Tulum ruins, Cenote Taak Bi Ha and Akumal Beach.
How long is the tour?
About 5 to 7 hours, depending on where you're picked up.
Will I really see sea turtles in Akumal?
Green sea turtles feed on the seagrass in Akumal Bay year-round, so sightings are very common, but they're wild animals and never guaranteed.
What is Cenote Taak Bi Ha?
A cave cenote near Tulum with crystal-clear water under a rock ceiling full of stalactites, lit from above. You'll have about an hour to swim.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. The tour suits all fitness levels, and life jackets are used in Akumal Bay. Let the guide know if you're not confident in the water.
Is lunch included?
No, but the guide can add a stop at a local taco restaurant, where dishes cost roughly $2 to $20.
Can I touch the turtles?
No. Touching, chasing or feeding the turtles is prohibited. Keep your distance and let them swim freely.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, cash for lunch and tips, and a change of clothes.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Infant seats are available and small children can ride in a stroller. The snorkel stop is easiest for kids who are comfortable in the water.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The operator lists it as wheelchair accessible. Contact them when booking to plan the cenote and beach stops.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
