From Tulum: Tulum, Cenote and Turtle Swim Tour at Akumal

Explore Tulum, Cenote, and Turtle Encounters for $91

This 11-hour guided tour from Riviera Maya offers a comprehensive day of adventure and exploration for $91 per person. Starting with a hotel pickup, the journey takes you to Tulum’s ancient Mayan ruins, a refreshing swim in the Canamayte Cenote, and a memorable snorkeling experience with sea turtles at Akumal. The tour is ideal for those interested in combining history, nature, and marine life, with practical features such as round-trip transportation, guided tours, and lunch included.

While the tour provides a well-rounded experience, it involves a full day of activity and some walking, making it best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule. The tour duration of 10 hours ensures a rich day, but travelers should be prepared for a packed itinerary and potential crowds at popular spots.

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Key Points

• Duration: 10 hours, starting in the morning with hotel pickup
• Includes: Guided tour at Tulum archaeological site, entry to Canamayte Cenote, snorkel guide at Akumal
• Highlights: Swimming with sea turtles, exploring Mayan ruins, and relaxing in a natural cenote
• Transport: Air-conditioned bus with hotel pickup and drop-off in most Riviera Maya hotels
• Food & Drinks: Buffet lunch included, drinks during lunch are extra
• Additional Costs: Conservation taxes and attraction fees payable locally

Pickup and Transportation Details in Riviera Maya

The tour begins with hotel pickup outside Starbucks Tulum, located next to Domino’s Pizza, approximately 100 meters from Super Aki. Travelers are transported comfortably in an air-conditioned bus, making the journey between sites relaxing and straightforward. The bus ride to Tulum archaeological site lasts about 1.5 hours, allowing guests to settle in before the guided tour starts.

Round-trip transportation is included, with drop-off back at the same pickup point after a full day of sightseeing. For those staying outside the main hotel zones, a designated meeting point may be arranged. This setup simplifies logistics and makes for a smooth experience from start to finish.

Discovering the Ancient Mayan City of Tulum

The guided tour at Tulum National Park lasts about 2 hours, during which guides explain the significance of the ancient ruins. Visitors walk among well-preserved structures, including temples and walls, with impressive views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The guides’ expertise helps illuminate the history behind the site, making the visit both engaging and educational.

Tulum’s location offers stunning vistas, and the archaeological site itself is a highlight of the day. The tour’s arrangement ensures visitors see the most important features without feeling rushed. Since the site can attract crowds, arriving early helps enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Refreshing Swim at Canamayte Cenote

After exploring Tulum, the tour continues with a 30-minute bus ride to the Canamayte Cenote, also called Mariposa. This open-air cenote offers crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the cenote provides a natural oasis where visitors can relax after the archaeological exploration.

Entry to the cenote is included, and life jackets and lockers are provided to ensure safety and convenience. The cenote’s turquoise waters create a tranquil setting, ideal for unwinding before heading to the next activity.

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Turtles and Marine Life at Akumal Beach

The highlight for many visitors is the snorkeling experience at Akumal, lasting about 1 hour. Here, snorkel guides lead groups into the water to observe gentle sea turtles in their natural habitat. The opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures immerses guests in vibrant underwater scenery filled with tropical fish and coral reefs.

Snorkeling gear, including life jackets, is provided. This stop is designed to be accessible and safe, making it suitable for most participants. The marine environment at Akumal is often described as serene and magical, with many appreciating the chance to see sea turtles in such a natural setting.

Lunch and Local Flavors

A buffet lunch is included in the tour, offering a variety of local and international dishes. The meal allows guests to recharge after the morning’s activities before continuing with the afternoon exploration. While drinks during lunch are not included, ample water is provided throughout the day.

The lunch spot is carefully chosen to provide a comfortable setting, and the menu caters to diverse tastes. This break also gives travelers time to relax and chat about the morning’s highlights before heading to the final stop.

Managing the Schedule and Pacing

The tour operates on a strict schedule with designated times for each activity, ensuring a full day of exploration. The total duration of 10 hours includes transportation, guided tours, swimming, and lunch, with some time allocated for travel between sites.

Because the itinerary is packed, travelers should be prepared for physical activity, including walking and swimming. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years, wheelchair users, or individuals over 70 years or 275 lbs (125 kg). Proper footwear, swimwear, and towels are recommended, and all visitors must pay the conservation taxes at the start of the day.

Practical Details and Additional Costs

Along With the $91 price, there are optional charges for attraction admission fees—approximately $700 MXN per person or $600 MXN with Mexican INE ID. These fees cover entry to Tulum, the eco-taxes, and other site-specific expenses.

The tour includes life jackets, lockers, and 2 bottles of water per person, making the day both comfortable and convenient. Since the tour runs rain or shine, packing appropriate clothing and sun protection is advised. Large luggage, drones, tripods, alcohol, or drugs are not permitted on the bus or at the sites.

Knowledgeable Guides and Multilingual Support

Guides are available in English and Spanish, and their explanations help visitors appreciate the significance of each location. Notably, guides are attentive to language needs, with some guests noting that guides assist in directing non-Spanish speakers to English-speaking staff when needed.

This level of support ensures that all participants gain meaningful insights into the history and environment of Tulum, Cenote, and Akumal.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This full-day excursion suits travelers who want a mix of history, nature, and marine life in a single trip. It is especially good for those comfortable with a busy schedule and physical activity. The tour’s structure makes it less suitable for very young children, those with mobility challenges, or visitors seeking a more leisurely experience.

The combination of archaeological exploration, cenote swimming, and turtle snorkeling offers diverse experiences, making it appealing to families, couples, and solo travelers eager for a balanced day of adventure.

The Sum Up on the Tulum, Cenote, and Turtle Swim Tour

This 10-hour guided tour from Riviera Maya provides a comprehensive look at ancient Mayan ruins, natural cenotes, and marine wildlife. The inclusion of guides, transportation, and lunch offers good value for $91 per person, especially for those who enjoy active and educational outings.

While the schedule is full, the highlights—swimming with turtles and viewing Tulum’s iconic ruins—make it worthwhile. The tour’s success depends on good weather and timely arrivals, but the well-organized plan ensures a memorable day.

This tour is particularly suited for travelers seeking a balanced mix of history, nature, and wildlife, with practical features that simplify logistics. It offers a compelling way to experience some of the most beautiful and meaningful sites in the Riviera Maya region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for most hotels in Riviera Maya, with the meeting point outside Starbucks Tulum if necessary.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, guided tours at Tulum, entry to Canamayte Cenote, snorkeling at Akumal with guides, lockers, life jackets, and a buffet lunch.

Are drinks during lunch included?
No, drinks during lunch are not included, but water bottles are provided during the tour.

How long is each activity?
The Tulum archaeological site tour lasts about 2 hours, the Cenote swim is around 30 minutes, and snorkeling with turtles at Akumal lasts approximately 1 hour.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Swim with sea turtles, explore Mayan ruins, and relax in Canamayte Cenote with its turquoise waters.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
Yes, children under 5 years, wheelchair users, and people over 70 years or 125 kg are not suitable for this tour.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, and sun protection are recommended. No large luggage, drones, or alcohol are allowed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour available rain or shine?
Yes, the tour takes place regardless of weather conditions.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Spanish to accommodate most guests.

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