Tulum Ruins Akumal Turtle Snorkel and Cenote Tour from Cancun

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Tulum Ruins Akumal Turtle Snorkel and Cenote Tour from Cancun

Overview

This shared day tour combines three highlights of the Riviera Maya in one trip from Cancun: the seaside Mayan ruins of Tulum, a swim at Mariposa Cenote and guided snorkelling at Akumal Beach, where green sea turtles often feed. Hotel pick-up from Cancun and Puerto Morelos, an air-conditioned bus, a guide, life jackets, lockers and a regional buffet lunch are included. It suits families, couples and first-time visitors who want history, nature and swimming in one well-organised day.

Highlights

  • Guided visit to the Tulum archaeological site on the Caribbean cliffs
  • Swim at Mariposa Cenote, an open cenote in the jungle
  • Guided snorkelling at Akumal Beach, where sea turtles often feed
  • Regional buffet lunch and two bottles of water
  • Life jackets and lockers provided
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cancun and Puerto Morelos in an air-conditioned bus

Full Description

The Tulum archaeological site

Tulum is a Mayan walled city on limestone cliffs above the turquoise Caribbean, built in the late Post Classic period as a trading port. Its main temple, El Castillo, and the surrounding structures stand against the sea, which is why a Tulum ruins tour from Cancun is one of the most popular day trips in the region.

Your guide leads a tour of about two hours, explaining the walls, the temples and the daily life of the Maya, with time to take photographs. Tulum site, park and other fees are paid locally to the guide when boarding, and plastic bottles are not allowed on the site, so bring a reusable bottle.

Mariposa Cenote

Mariposa Cenote, also known by the name of its park Canamayte, is an open cenote surrounded by lush vegetation and clear water. After the heat of the ruins, it is a refreshing place to swim and rest, with lockers and life jackets provided so you can relax.

The stop is combined with a regional buffet lunch of local and international dishes and lasts about two hours. Use biodegradable sun cream, keep to the marked areas and follow the guide's instructions. It is a good introduction to cenotes for children and beginners.

Akumal Beach and snorkelling with sea turtles

Akumal means place of the turtles in the Mayan language, and its calm bay is one of the best-known places on the Riviera Maya to see green sea turtles feeding on seagrass. You snorkel for about an hour with a guide, wearing a life jacket, in shallow water that suits beginners.

Turtle sightings are very common but cannot be guaranteed, because the animals are wild. Please keep your distance and never touch a turtle. This snorkelling with turtles tour from Cancun follows local rules that protect the bay, so use reef-safe sun protection and follow your guide.

Planning your long day from Cancun

The tour leaves Cancun at about 07:00 and returns in the late afternoon, with around ten hours in total. Hotel pick-up is offered from Cancun and Puerto Morelos hotels, and the activity start time can differ from your pick-up time, so follow the time in your confirmation. The tour operates rain or shine.

Because this is a full programme, it suits travellers who want to see several sights without driving. The best time to visit Tulum and Akumal is in the dry season from November to April, and mornings are the coolest. Bring a hat, water and a towel.

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pick-upBe ready at about 07:00 in Cancun or Puerto Morelos.
  2. Drive to TulumTravel about an hour and a half in an air-conditioned bus.
  3. Guided visit to the Tulum ruinsSpend about two hours with your guide on the site.
  4. Mariposa Cenote and lunchSwim in the cenote and enjoy the regional buffet lunch, about two hours.
  5. Guided snorkelling at AkumalSnorkel with turtles for about an hour.
  6. Return to CancunRide back and be dropped off at your hotel.

What's included

  • Return transport in an air-conditioned bus
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cancun and Puerto Morelos
  • Guide
  • Guided tour of the Tulum archaeological site
  • Entry to Mariposa Cenote
  • Guided snorkelling at Akumal Beach
  • Life jackets and lockers
  • Two bottles of water
  • Regional buffet lunch

Not included

  • Tulum site, park and cenote fees (paid locally)
  • Drinks with lunch
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Children under 2 years
  • People with recent surgeries

Meeting point

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Cancun and Puerto Morelos, with departure at about 07:00. The exact pick-up time is confirmed after booking. For rentals, hostels, boutique hotels or places with restricted street access, a nearby meeting point may be assigned.

Important information

  • Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, biodegradable sun cream and a reusable water bottle.
  • Tulum site, park and conservation fees are not included and are paid locally when boarding the bus.
  • Plastic bottles, large bags, tripods and drones are not allowed at the Tulum site.
  • The tour runs rain or shine.
  • Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, and touching the animals is not permitted.
  • The activity start time can differ from your pick-up time; follow your confirmation.
  • Drinks with lunch and tips are not included.
  • Not suitable for children under 2 or people with recent surgeries.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Tulum and Akumal tour cost?

The price depends on the option you choose, the date and how many adults and children travel. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child, so you can compare before you pay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. The option on this page includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cancun and Puerto Morelos hotels, at about 07:00. A designated meeting point may be assigned for rentals, hostels or places with restricted street access.

How long is the Tulum and Akumal tour?

About 10 hours in total, including transport, a two-hour guided visit to the Tulum ruins, a cenote stop with lunch and about an hour of snorkelling at Akumal Beach.

Is the Tulum and Akumal tour suitable for children?

Yes for children aged 3 to 11, who have their own child price; the booking panel shows the age bands. Children under 2 are not suitable for this tour. Children snorkel with life jackets and a guide, and the day is long, so bring hats, water and snacks.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, biodegradable sun cream, a reusable water bottle and cash for the fees paid locally. Plastic bottles, large bags, tripods and drones are not allowed at the ruins.

Can I book the Tulum and Akumal tour for today or tomorrow?

Yes, when places are still open. Choose a date in the booking panel and it shows what is available for that day. Popular dates and school holidays fill up early, so we suggest booking as soon as your plans are fixed.

What is the difference between the options?

This page offers one option: the shared tour with hotel pick-up, an air-conditioned bus, a guide, the guided visit to Tulum, Mariposa Cenote entry, guided snorkelling at Akumal, life jackets, lockers, two bottles of water and a regional buffet lunch. The Tulum site, park and conservation fees are paid locally.

Will I see turtles at Akumal?

Sea turtles are seen very often at Akumal, but they are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Do not touch them and keep a respectful distance.

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Yes. The cliff-top setting above the Caribbean makes Tulum one of the most scenic Mayan sites, and the guided visit gives context to what you see.

How far is Akumal from Cancun?

Akumal is about 100 kilometres south of Cancun, and the drive from Cancun to Tulum takes around an hour and a half.

From 198 USD