Tulum Tour + Akumal Turtle Snorkeling + Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern
- ExperienceTop
- 7-10h
Description
Tulum is one of the star destinations in the Riviera Maya, thanks to the ruins of an ancient port city of great importance to Mayan culture. The main structure, «El Castillo» (The Castle), is a large building perched on a rocky cliff that drops down to a beautiful white-sand beach with turquoise water.
You'll also get to snorkel and swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay and take a dip in cavern-style cenotes, snorkeling among stalactites and stalagmites.
Tulum Tour + Akumal Turtle Snorkeling + Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern: Your adventure begins
Our first stop takes you to the Tulum Ruins, where a certified guide will lead you on a fascinating tour. You'll have time to admire the impressive ruins and take in panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from this historic setting.
Next, we'll head to an eco park to visit the Caracol cenote. There you can swim in its crystal-clear waters on an underground route where you'll discover tunnels, caverns, caves and vaults, along with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. You'll also see marine fossils embedded in the rock, formed over millions of years.
Then we'll walk through the jungle to the amazing Sayab cavern, following a route of about 250 meters (820 feet) to discover its incredible natural formations.
After this experience, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to our last stop.
Finally, we'll head to Akumal for a truly unique experience: snorkeling with sea turtles in beautiful Akumal Bay. Together with a certified guide, you'll wade in from the shore into the crystal-clear waters of this marine sanctuary, known as one of the best places to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
At the end of the activity, we'll head back to your hotel.
Details
- 7-10h
- *Tour duration may vary depending on your hotel's location and daily operations.
- Hotel pickup
- Exceptions and meeting points:
- Tulum (Downtown and Hotel Zone): The meeting point is Super Akí Tulum.
- Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos and Tulum area: Monday to Sunday
- Cancún and Costa Mujeres area: Thursday
- Transportation from your hotel
- Travel insurance
- Certified guide in your language
- Admission to the Tulum archaeological site
- Admission and snorkeling with a water guide at Caracol cenote
- Admission and tour of Sayab cavern
- Lockers included at the eco park
- Snorkel gear and life jacket
- Snorkeling with turtles in Akumal with a certified guide
- Traditional local lunch
- Federal natural reserve fee (30usd/person)
- Tips (optional)
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Change of clothes
- Flip-flops
- Cash
- The order of activities and the itinerary may change depending on the day's operations and organization, but all planned visits and activities will always be kept.
- For safety reasons and due to weather conditions, the snorkeling activity in Akumal may be changed and replaced with a similar activity. These decisions are made directly by the port authority regarding port/beach closures. Such changes do not entitle you to a refund.
- Federal fees are paid at the destination on the day of the activity. They must be paid in cash in € (bills), USD or Mexican pesos. The provider's exchange rate at the time of the tour will apply. Where card payment is possible, it will be charged in local currency with an extra 5% fee.
- The customer is responsible for any possible increases in the federal fees for archaeological sites and natural reserves.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book?
We recommend booking this tour in advance, since it's in very high demand, spots are limited, and they're assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply complete the booking process with the required information, including your preferred date and the number of participants.
What is Akumal famous for?
Akumal has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination in the Riviera Maya thanks to one unique attraction: snorkeling with turtles. This coastal town is famous for being one of the few places where you can have a close encounter with sea turtles in their natural environment. The crystal-clear waters of Akumal Bay are home to a steady population of turtles, making it a unique marine sanctuary. Nature lovers and snorkel enthusiasts come here to dive into the underwater beauty and watch these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
What are the Caracol cenote and Sayab Cavern that you'll visit on the tour like?
Caracol, a cavern-type cenote, is a unique natural wonder that offers a truly amazing underground experience. These cenotes are located in underground caves, which means getting to them involves diving into a mysterious and fascinating world. These cenotes are usually cooler and darker than open cenotes, which adds a touch of adventure and mystery to swimming or diving in them. Plus, the peacefulness and the feeling of being somewhere truly one-of-a-kind make visiting a cavern cenote an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature and exploration. Sayab Cavern is a cavern-type cenote with both an underground section and an open section. It's about 250m long and features giant formations.
What will you see on the visit to Tulum?
On this exciting tour to Tulum, you'll get to explore the impressive archaeological ruins that rise majestically atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. These Mayan ruins, with their ancient structures and temples, offer a window into the glorious past of this civilization, while their scenic location facing the bright blue sea gives them unmatched charm.
Where is Tulum in the Riviera Maya?
Tulum is located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, about 130 kilometers south of Cancún and about 65 kilometers north of Playa del Carmen.
Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance to guarantee spots on the tour. Exploring Tulum and Akumal Bay is a very popular experience, so it's essential to book with enough time.
What clothes should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a dry change of clothes for after the cenote, and cash for extra purchases or tips.
Is this tour safe?
Your safety is our top priority. We have guides and proper safety equipment, and we follow strict regulations to make sure you enjoy the tour responsibly. All our tours include travel insurance, which protects you in case of any unexpected event during the journey or the outdoor or water activities.
Do I need previous snorkeling experience for this activity in Akumal?
You don't need previous snorkeling experience, but you do need to know how to swim. Our expert guides will provide instructions and snorkel gear and will be available to help participants of all experience levels. You'll enter the water for snorkeling with turtles in Akumal directly from the beach, unless exceptional circumstances related to sea or weather conditions, or instructions from the authorities, require changing the entry point.
How can I pay for tours with Xplora Riviera?
At Xplora Riviera, we don't want booking and paying for your tours to be a hassle. That's why we offer multiple ways to book our tours: MasterCard, Visa, Maestro. We also accept PayPal or bank transfer. Start planning your dream trip with us today! Shall we talk?
How long is the Tulum + Snorkel with Turtles in Akumal + Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern tour?
The tour lasts about 7 to 10 hours, from pickup at your accommodation until you're dropped back off. The Riviera Maya is very large, so it will depend on your hotel's location and distance.
What does the Tulum + Snorkel with Turtles in Akumal + Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern tour include?
Our tour includes transportation from your accommodation (we pick up at hotels up to the area just before Puerto Morelos, including Hotel Vidanta), a visit to the Tulum ruins, a snorkeling experience with turtles in Akumal, exploring a private cenote and a cavern, and the return to your hotel.
Which services are not included?
Our Tulum, Akumal, Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern tour does not include the federal natural reserve fee, which costs 30 USD.
Which operator will run this tour?
Your provider's name will appear directly on the confirmation voucher after you book. We work hand in hand with local partners for shared experiences, while at Xplora Riviera we operate our private tours directly. Either way, we are your main point of contact: message us on WhatsApp when you arrive at your destination and we'll take care of anything you need.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the Tulum + Snorkel with Turtles in Akumal + Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern tour can be a great option for families traveling with kids. Plus, the chance to explore ancient Mayan civilizations and immerse themselves in nature at the cenote can be educational and exciting for younger travelers.
What's the best time of year to see turtles in Akumal?
Although turtles live in Akumal's waters all year round, the best time to see them is usually from May to September or October, when they come to the bay to nest and feed.
Do I need to go as a group on the Tulum + Snorkel with Turtles in Akumal + Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern tour?
You don't need to go as a group on the Tulum + Snorkel with Turtles in Akumal + Caracol Cenote and Sayab Cavern tour. At Xplora Riviera, we offer options for both solo travelers and groups, and we guarantee an unforgettable experience no matter the size of your group. If you'd like a more intimate, personalized experience, you can choose a private tour. Want to know more?
Cancellation
- Free! Cancel at no cost up to 72 hours before the activity. If you cancel later:
- Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance: a 30% penalty of the total amount applies.
- Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance: a 100% penalty of the total amount applies.
- No-shows: 100% penalty, except in case of an accident or a justified medical reason.
- If you need to reschedule your tour, we'll do everything we can to move your booking to the new date you choose, as long as there is real availability on the date you want.