Akumal means "place of the turtles" in Mayan — its bay is home to green and loggerhead sea turtles feeding on the seagrass. We snorkel with them early, when the water is calm, then visit Tulum, the only Maya city facing the Caribbean.
What's included
Private transport, a certified English-speaking guide, the Tulum entrance fee, the Akumal national park fee and professional snorkel equipment. Cold water all day.
✓ Certified archaeological guide
✓ English-speaking driver
✓ Tulum archaeological site entrance fee
✓ National park fee to swim with turtles
✓ Premium snorkel equipment (disinfected)
✓ Passenger insurance
✓ Free time in every activity
✓ Cold bottled water all day
Your day, hour by hour
Turtles first while the bay is calm, then the ruins of Tulum — and you are back in time to relax by the pool.
Hotel pickup & road trip
Your English-speaking guide picks you up — pickup time depends on where you are staying.
Swim with sea turtles
Snorkel Akumal Bay with your guide and spot green and loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat.
Tulum archaeological site
Explore the ruins on the cliffs above the Caribbean, with time for photos and a swim if you like.
Optional brunch & back
Stop for a Mexican brunch if you like, then head back to your hotel.
Pickup & departure cities
We offer private hotel pickup from Cancún, Playa Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum and anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Duration and the suggested pickup time depend on where you are staying — your guide tailors the departure time to your hotel.
Pickup area
Suggested pickup
Duration
Playa & Costa Mujeres
6:30 AM
8–10 h
Cancún
6:30 AM
8–10 h
Riviera Maya
6:30 AM
7–9 h
Playa del Carmen
7:00 AM
6–8 h
Akumal
7:15 AM
5–7 h
Tulum
7:30 AM
5–7 h
Exact times depend on you — everything happens at your own pace — and can vary with traffic and whether you stop for lunch.
Why book a private tour
On a private tour the day moves at your pace. You skip the long waits, get personal attention, stop for the photos you want and travel only with your own group. For families, couples and small groups, it's the difference between seeing Tulum and the turtles of Akumal and truly experiencing them. Rated 5.0 by 3,500+ travelers on TripAdvisor.
Full price list
Group size
Price per person
2 adults
$250 USD
3 adults
$210 USD
4 adults
$175 USD
5–7 adults
$145 USD
8–10 adults
$135 USD
Kids (3–10): $125 USD each · Babies (0–2): $25 USD · All federal & state taxes included
Good to know
✓ What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Towel & swimsuit
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- A big smile
✕ Not included
- Brunch (optional)
- Souvenirs
- Tips (optional)
Frequently asked questions
“How long is the Tulum & Turtles private tour?”
Between 5 and 10 hours depending on your hotel — 5–7 h from Tulum or Akumal, 8–10 h from Cancún.
“What time is hotel pickup?”
Between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. depending on your location.
“What is included in the price?”
Private transport, your guide, Tulum entrance fee, the Akumal national park fee and snorkel equipment.
“Is seeing turtles guaranteed?”
Turtles live in Akumal Bay year-round and we see them on almost every tour, but they are wild animals so sightings are never 100% guaranteed.
“Is this a private or a shared tour?”
100% private — only your group, with your own guide and vehicle.
“Do I need to pay a deposit?”
No. You reserve online and pay on the day of your tour in cash (USD or MXN), card, PayPal or Zelle.