Tulum Ruins and Akumal Sea turtles Snorkeling Private tour

  • Price:

    From: $130 USD per person

  • Duration:

    5-6 hours

  • Destinations:

    Tulum Archaeological Zone, Akumal Bay

  • Availability:

    Monday to Saturday

  • Languages:

    English, Español, Francais

  • Tansfer:

    Pick up and Transfer included in tour

  • City Served:

    Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Cancun

Home / Private Tours Tulum / Tulum Ruins and Akumal Sea turtles Snorkeling Private tour

Description of Tulum Ruins and Akumal Sea turtles Snorkeling Private tour

The Tulum Ruins and Akumal Sea Turtles Snorkeling Private Tour combines the Riviera Maya’s most iconic coastal archaeological site with intimate sea turtle encounters in a half-day format perfect for travelers wanting to experience both culture and wildlife without dedicating an entire day. This Tulum private tour gives you guided exploration of ancient Maya structures dramatically positioned on Caribbean cliffs followed by swimming alongside wild green sea turtles feeding naturally in Akumal Bay’s protected shallow waters—all with the privacy, flexibility, and conservation-focused approach that mass group tours cannot provide.

As a family-owned local agency operating in the Riviera Maya since 1994, Carey Tours specializes in private experiences with certified guides who provide archaeological expertise and marine wildlife knowledge.

Private group enjoying a scenic view of the Caribbean Sea in Tulum during a relaxing day tour by Carey Tours
Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Carey Tours | Private tours in Playa del Carmen and Tulum

This Akumal private tour begins at Tulum’s walled city perched on 40-foot cliffs overlooking turquoise Caribbean waters—the only major Maya site built directly on the coast. Your guide explains the structures’ purposes, the site’s role as a trading port, astronomical alignments in the architecture, and how Maya civilization thrived here until Spanish arrival. After exploring El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Frescoes with original murals, and the Temple of the Descending God, you’ll have time to photograph the iconic views before continuing to Akumal.

The journey reaches Akumal Bay where resident green sea turtles feed daily on abundant seagrass beds just meters from shore. Your guide ensures ethical wildlife observation—maintaining required 2-3 meter distance per Mexican conservation law, never touching turtles, and positioning your group for optimal viewing while protecting endangered species. The tour includes private round-trip transportation, traditional lunch with regional flavors, all entrance fees, complete snorkeling equipment, and the flexibility to adjust time at ruins or with turtles based on your group’s interests. Perfect for families wanting culture and nature, first-time Tulum visitors, wildlife photographers, couples seeking romantic coastal experiences, and anyone wanting an authentic Tulum tour and Akumal sea turtle tour combination without the rushed pace of large groups.

Coastal History Meets Marine Wildlife

This Tulum tour and Akumal sea turtle tour combination delivers exceptional value—two of the Riviera Maya’s signature experiences in a compact half-day format that leaves afternoons free. The contrast between ancient Maya civilization at Tulum and wild turtle encounters at Akumal creates memorable diversity that appeals to multiple interests within one group.

As a family-owned agency with 4,000+ satisfied guests since 1994, we understand optimal timing for both Tulum visits (before crowds) and Akumal snorkeling (when turtles feed actively), plus the conservation protocols that ensure turtle welfare while delivering authentic wildlife observation.

Contact us to check availability, discuss photography priorities for ruins or turtles, or customize your Akumal snorkeling with turtles and Tulum private tour timing.

  • 1
    Stop 1: Hotel Pickup (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM) Private pickup from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, or Cancun. Your certified bilingual guide introduces Tulum's historical significance as a walled coastal city and Akumal's sea turtle population during the comfortable air-conditioned drive. Bottled purified water provided.
  • 2
    Stop 2: Tulum Archaeological Zone Guided Tour (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM) Arrive at Tulum archaeological site with strategic timing to avoid peak crowds and heat. Enter through the ancient wall surrounding the city—one of few fortified Maya sites. Your guide leads comprehensive exploration of major structures while explaining architectural features, astronomical knowledge, and maritime trading importance.El Castillo: The main pyramid perched on the cliff edge served as both temple and lighthouse for Maya navigators. Your guide explains its architectural significance and the stunning coastal position chosen for strategic reasons.Temple of the Frescoes: Observe original Maya murals protected inside this structure, depicting deities and cosmological scenes. Your guide interprets the artwork and explains the building's astronomical observatory function.Temple of the Descending God: Learn about the unique deity depicted diving downward—possibly representing the setting sun or bee god—found only at Tulum and a few other sites.Walk to the cliff edge for panoramic Caribbean views with El Castillo framing turquoise water and white sand beach below. This iconic vista combines archaeology with natural beauty unlike any other Maya site. Approximately 2 hours allows thorough exploration, photography, and absorption of Tulum's unique coastal character.
  • 3
    Stop 3: Drive to Akumal Bay (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM) Short scenic drive (approximately 20 minutes) to Akumal. Your guide explains the sea turtle conservation efforts, proper wildlife observation protocols, and what behaviors you'll witness when snorkeling with turtles.
  • 4
    Stop 4: Akumal Bay Sea Turtle Snorkeling (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Arrive at Akumal Bay—a protected area where green sea turtles feed naturally on seagrass beds. Your guide provides orientation covering snorkeling technique, sea turtle behavior, and conservation rules (2-3 meter distance, no touching, quiet observation). Enter calm, shallow waters ideal for all swimming abilities. Life jackets mandatory for turtle protection and swimmer safety.Your guide locates feeding areas and positions the group for optimal turtle viewing. Observe green sea turtles grazing on seagrass, surfacing for air every few minutes, and swimming gracefully through the bay. Multiple turtle encounters are highly probable (95%+) as Akumal hosts a significant resident population. Tropical fish, rays, and other marine life also frequent these protected waters. Complete snorkeling equipment provided. The shallow, calm conditions make this perfect for families and beginners while still delivering authentic wildlife encounters.
  • 5
    Stop 5: Traditional Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) Authentic Mexican lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional Yucatan flavors and preparations. Rest and discuss morning experiences before a comfortable return journey. Purified water and snacks available throughout the day.
  • 6
    Stop 6: Return to Hotel (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM) Relaxed drive back to your accommodation. Arrival times vary by location: Tulum by 1:30 PM, Playa del Carmen by 1:45 PM, Cancun by 2:00 PM. Afternoon free after comprehensive archaeology and wildlife day.

    • Private door-to-door service from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, or Cancun.

    Pickup times:

    • Tulum/Playa del Carmen (8:00 AM)
    • Cancun (7:00 AM)

     

    Exact time confirmed upon booking.
    Additional fee applies for Cancun and Puerto Morelos pickups.

    • Private tour guide (bilingual: English/Spanish/French)
    • Private round-trip transportation from hotel
    • Entrance tickets to Tulum archaeological zone
    • Entrance to Akumal Bay
    • Complete snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, life jacket)
    • Traditional Mexican lunch
    • Snacks provided
    • All-day access to purified water
    • Swimwear and towels
    • Comfortable walking shoes for ruins
    • Sandals or water shoes for Akumal
    • Hat or cap
    • Sunglasses
    • Biodegradable sunscreen (no chemical sunscreen allowed at Akumal)
    • Biodegradable mosquito repellent
    • Waterproof camera for turtles and ruins
    • Cash for souvenirs and guide tips
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Light coverup or rashguard for sun protection
    • Small waterproof bag

     

    CRITICAL: Chemical sunscreen is NOT allowed at Akumal Bay to protect sea turtles. Use biodegradable sunscreen or wear rashguards.

    From $130 USDPer person
    • Max Gests:

      10

    • Ideal for:

      Families, Groups & Friends, Couples, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

    Pricing (per person):

    • 2 people: $210 USD per person
    • 3 people: $180 USD per person
    • 4 people: $175 USD per person
    • 5 people: $160 USD per person
    • 6 people: $150 USD per person
    • 7 people: $140 USD per person
    • 8 people: $135 USD per person
    • 9 people: $130 USD per person
    • 10 people: $130 USD per person
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    FAQs

  • 1
    Will we definitely see sea turtles? Akumal Bay hosts a large resident green sea turtle population with extremely high sighting probability (95%+). Turtles feed daily in seagrass beds, but they're wild animals, so absolute guarantees aren't possible.
  • 2
    How close can we get to the turtles? Mexican conservation law requires maintaining approximately 2-3 meters distance. Never touch sea turtles. Your guide ensures ethical interaction protecting both turtles and guests.
  • 3
    Why are life jackets mandatory at Akumal? Conservation rules require life jackets to protect seagrass beds (no standing), prevent turtle harassment (maintain distance), and ensure swimmer safety in this protected marine area.
  • 4
    Is this suitable for young children? Yes. Tulum offers fascinating history and scenic views. Akumal's calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families. Children should be comfortable in water with mandatory life jackets provided.
  • 5
    Do we need snorkeling experience? No. Beginners welcome. Your guide provides complete instructions and stays with the group. Life jackets make floating effortless while observing turtles.
  • 6
    How long at each location? Approximately 2 hours at Tulum ruins, 1 hour snorkeling at Akumal. Private tours allow flexibility to adjust based on group preferences and turtle activity.
  • 7
    Can we swim at Tulum beach? Tulum archaeological site beach is part of the site. Swimming time is typically limited to maintain a schedule for Akumal turtle encounters at optimal timing.
  • 8
    Is this tour private or will others join? Completely private. Exclusively for your group with dedicated guides and private transportation. No strangers joining your experience.
  • 9
    What if someone in our group can't snorkel? Non-snorkelers can stay on the beach during turtle time. Life jackets allow floating support for those uncomfortable swimming. Your guide accommodates different comfort levels.
  • 10
    How does this tour support turtle conservation? We follow all conservation protocols, educate guests about protection needs, maintain respectful distances, and support local conservation efforts through responsible tourism practices that help fund habitat protection.