Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer a captivating blend of ancient Mayan history, stunning natural wonders, and vibrant cultural experiences. Exploring the well-preserved Tulum Ruins provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich heritage, while the opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles in Turtle Bay and take in the enchanting cenotes promise an unforgettable adventure. This comprehensive tour presents an ideal way for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike to uncover the true essence of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Whether you’re seeking cultural enlightenment or simply a day of breathtaking exploration, this itinerary promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This full-day excursion offers exploration of Tulum Ruins, snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, and discovery of mesmerizing cenotes in the Riviera Maya.
- The tour is priced affordably from €112.18 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, guided visits, snorkeling gear, and a taco lunch.
- The tour duration varies from 5.5 hours to a full day, providing ample time for sightseeing and activities.
- Advance booking is recommended due to high popularity, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour.
- Participants should be prepared for significant walking, swimming, and outdoor activities, and adhere to safety guidelines and restrictions during the tour.
Tour Overview
This tour offers visitors the chance to explore the ancient Tulum Ruins, swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, and discover the captivating cenotes (natural sinkholes) in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico.
Priced from €112.18 per person, this full-day excursion lasts between 5.5 hours to a full day.
Pickup and drop-off are available at 21 locations in Cancun and Riviera Maya, making it convenient for travelers.
The tour is popular, so it’s advised to book in advance as it’s likely to sell out.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and the option to reserve their spot without upfront payment.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Akumal.
Pricing and Duration
The tour is priced from €112.18 per person, making it an affordable option for visitors to explore the Tulum Ruins, swim with sea turtles, and discover the captivating cenotes in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico.
The duration of the tour varies from 5.5 hours to a full day, allowing ample time to experience the highlights.
Guests can conveniently book the tour and reserve their spot without upfront payment, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Given the popularity of this activity, it’s not surprising that the tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to secure your spot early.
Itinerary and Highlights
The tour begins with a convenient pickup from the guest’s hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya region, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of the area’s captivating natural and historical wonders.
The itinerary includes:
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Visiting the iconic Tulum Ruins, where a guided tour provides in-depth insights into the ancient Mayan civilization and its stunning seaside setting.
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Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Turtle Bay, offering a rare opportunity to encounter three species of sea turtles in their natural habitat.
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Discovering the mesmerizing cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with refreshing, azure-colored water, where guests can swim and explore the limestone caves.
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Savoring a delicious taco lunch, included in the tour, to refuel after the adventures.
Transportation and Pickup
One of the tour’s key conveniences is the complimentary pickup service, which transports guests from their hotels in Cancun or the Riviera Maya region to the various tour destinations.
With 21 pickup and drop-off locations available, the tour ensures easy accessibility for participants.
The air-conditioned transportation provides a comfortable journey to the first stop, the iconic Tulum Ruins.
After the guided tour and exploration of this ancient Mayan site, the group will continue to the next destination, Turtle Bay, where they’ll have the chance to encounter three different species of sea turtles while snorkeling.
The tour’s comprehensive transportation arrangements allow guests to focus on the exciting activities without worrying about logistics.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyIncluded and Excluded
This tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to enhance the overall experience. Participants receive a knowledgeable guide, bottled drinking water, round-trip air-conditioned transportation, snorkeling gear, a taco lunch, and access to the Tulum National Park.
However, guests will need to cover the costs of any photos, souvenirs, and gratuities during the tour.
Some key exclusions to note include:
- Photos and souvenirs (available for purchase)
- Tips for the guide and staff
- Accommodations for people with mobility impairments, respiratory issues, or who are non-swimmers
- Use of drones, intoxication, selfie sticks, or touching marine life
The tour operates rain or shine and involves significant walking and swimming, so participants should come prepared with appropriate attire and sun protection.
- Riviera Maya: Turtles Encounter at Akumal Beach
- Akumal: PADI Open Water Course
- Akumal: Private Van Transfer to Chiquilá (Holbox)
- From Cancun/Riviera Maya Snorkel With Sea Turtles & Cenotes
- From Tulum: ATV Ride With Monkey Sanctuary and Cenote Trip
- Private Tour: Great Snorkeling Adventure at the Riviera Maya
Recommendations and Restrictions
To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, the tour provides several recommendations and restrictions for participants.
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towels, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen are essential items to bring along.
Conversely, drones, intoxication, selfie sticks, and direct contact with marine life are strictly prohibited.
Sunscreen should be applied only on exposed skin before and after water activities to protect the delicate coral reefs.
The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should expect significant walking and swimming.
Guests with mobility impairments, respiratory issues, or who are non-swimmers may find certain aspects of the tour challenging.
Participant Requirements
The tour requires participants to be able to walk for extended periods and engage in moderate physical activity, including swimming in open water.
Guests with mobility impairments, respiratory issues, or who are non-swimmers may have difficulty participating in certain aspects of the experience.
To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, the following participant requirements apply:
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Ability to walk on uneven terrain and navigate stairs at the Tulum Ruins site.
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Capacity to swim and snorkel in the open waters of Turtle Bay.
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Tolerance for significant amounts of time spent outdoors in warm, humid conditions.
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Willingness to follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by the tour guides.
These requirements help maintain a positive and inclusive experience for all guests.
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences on this tour, praising the knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and the opportunity to see the impressive Tulum Ruins and interact with sea turtles.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 195 reviews, the tour earns high marks across various aspects, including the guide (4.9/5), transportation (4.8/5), value for money (4.5/5), and overall service (5/5).
While some customers noted concerns about occasional overcrowding during the snorkeling activity and limited time for shopping after the Tulum visit, the vast majority had a fantastic time exploring the ancient ruins, swimming with sea turtles, and seeing the natural beauty of the cenotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Is the Tour Departure?
The tour departure time is not explicitly stated in the information provided. However, it does mention the total tour duration is between 5.5 hours and 1 day, indicating a morning or early afternoon start time.
Can I Buy Lunch or Snacks at the Tour Stops?
The tour includes a taco lunch, but participants can also purchase additional snacks and drinks at the stops along the way. There may be opportunities to buy souvenirs or other items during the free time at certain locations.
Is the Tour Offered in Different Languages?
The tour is offered in multiple languages, typically including English and Spanish. Travelers should check with the tour operator to confirm the available language options before booking to ensure they can participate in their preferred language.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Yes, guests are typically allowed to bring their own snorkeling equipment on tours. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator beforehand as some may require the use of provided gear for safety or logistical reasons.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?
While swimming ability is recommended, it’s not always required to participate in activities involving water. Non-swimmers may still be able to join with proper safety precautions and assistance from guides.
Recap
This tour of Cancun and Riviera Maya offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of the region.
From the awe-inspiring Tulum Ruins to the magical cenotes and the chance to swim with sea turtles, this excursion provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
With comfortable transportation and a delicious taco lunch, it’s the perfect way to discover the hidden gems of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Akumal
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