Tulum Ruins Cenote & Swimming With Turtles From Playa Del Carmen

The Tulum Ruins Cenote & Swimming with Turtles tour from Playa del Carmen offers an enticing blend of cultural and natural wonders. Visitors can explore the ancient Mayan site, swim in a refreshing cenote, and snorkel alongside vibrant marine life, including the captivating sea turtles of Akumal Bay. With knowledgeable guides and included amenities, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. However, as with any popular attraction, it’s essential to be prepared for potential check-in wait times. The real question is, what can one expect to discover on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Playa del Carmen takes visitors to the Tulum archaeological site, Cenote Zemway, and Akumal Bay for snorkeling with sea turtles.
• At the Tulum ruins, a 1.5-hour guided tour provides insights into the ancient Mayan civilization and its key structures like El Castillo.
• The tour includes 1 hour of swimming in the refreshing turquoise waters of Cenote Zemway, surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Snorkeling in Akumal Bay for 1.5 hours offers the chance to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• The tour package includes admission tickets, snorkeling gear, boxed lunch, a regional meal with drinks, and all necessary transportation.

Tour Overview

This tour, titled "Tulum Ruins Cenote & Swimming with Turtles from Playa del Carmen," offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Tulum’s ancient ruins and the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the region.

Operated by NS Tours Mexico, the tour takes a maximum of 18 travelers on a guided journey through the Tulum archaeological site, a swim in the Cenote Zemway, and snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Bay.

With a 4.5/5 rating from 258 reviews, the tour provides an immersive cultural experience at a price point of $119 per person.

However, it’s not recommended for those with limited mobility or medical conditions.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with a visit to the Tulum Archaeological Site, lasting approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Guests will embark on a guided tour through the ancient Mayan ruins, gaining cultural insights along the way.

Next, the group heads to Cenote Zemway, where they’ll have an hour to swim in the serene, freshwater cenote.

The experience concludes with a visit to Akumal Bay, where travelers can snorkel for an hour and a half, observing vibrant marine life and the opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a boxed lunch, and regional meal with drinks.

Tulum Archaeological Site

At the start of the tour, visitors explore the Tulum Archaeological Site, a captivating Mayan ruin perched atop rugged coastal cliffs.

The 1.5-hour guided tour provides insights into the site’s rich history and cultural significance.

Travelers wander through the well-preserved structures, including the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the seaside watchtower.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares stories about the ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived in this picturesque location.

With the admission ticket included, guests can enjoy the archaeological wonders without additional costs.

Cenote Zemway

After exploring the Tulum Archaeological Site, visitors then venture to Cenote Zemway, a captivating natural pool.

This cenote offers a refreshing respite from the Mexican heat, allowing travelers to enjoy its crystal-clear waters.

The experience includes:

1. Swimming in the serene, turquoise-hued pool.
2. Jumping from a platform into the cenote, providing an exciting thrill.
3. Marveling at the lush, verdant surroundings that frame the natural wonder.

With an allotted duration of 1 hour, guests can fully savor the beauty and serenity of this unique geological formation, creating lasting memories of their Tulum adventure.

Akumal Bay

From Cenote Zemway, the tour then takes visitors to the vibrant Akumal Bay.

Here, travelers can snorkel among the marine life and spot sea turtles in their natural habitat. The activity lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, though the admission ticket isn’t included in the tour price.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing guests to fully enjoy the colorful underwater world.

This portion of the tour offers a unique opportunity to observe the graceful sea turtles up close, making it a highlight for many participants.

With the array of marine life and the chance to swim with turtles, Akumal Bay provides an unforgettable experience.

Inclusions and Costs

Included in the tour price are the admission ticket to the Tulum ruins, snorkeling equipment, a box lunch, a regional lunch with a drink, bottled water, and gratuities.

The tour also includes mandatory $20 USD in local taxes that must be paid at check-in. Plus, there’s a $3 USD fee for renting a life jacket, which is required for swimming in the cenote.

The tour offers flexible booking options, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour provides several options for meeting up and getting picked up. Travelers can either meet at the designated meeting point or be picked up directly from their hotel. The meeting point is at La Bodeguita del Medio, located on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Departure is at 7:45 AM, with the tour returning to the same meeting point at the end.

Pickup Options	Meeting Point
Direct hotel pickup	La Bodeguita del Medio
Closest meeting point communicated prior	5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen
Departure Time	07:45 AM
End Point	Returns to meeting point

Regardless of the option chosen, the guide ensures a smooth and efficient start to the day’s activities.

Customer Feedback and Suggestions

Based on the customer reviews, the tour guides were widely praised for their knowledge and organizational skills, and participants thoroughly enjoyed the snorkeling and cenote experiences.

However, some critiques noted issues with mismatched expectations, such as the box lunch not being provided as advertised.

Plus, some customers expressed concerns about long wait times at check-in and for food, as well as a desire for more time to explore the Tulum ruins.

To make the most of the tour, the reviews recommend:

1. Bringing snacks, water shoes, and sun protection.
2. Wearing comfortable walking shoes for the Tulum ruins.
3. Being prepared for group sizes potentially exceeding the advertised limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes lunch and drinks, travelers can bring their own food and beverages if they prefer. However, they should check with the tour operator about any restrictions or policies regarding outside items.

Is There Any Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour does not have an age limit or minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for the activities involved.

How Do I Arrange Transportation to the Meeting Point?

The tour provider offers hotel pickup from most accommodations in Playa del Carmen. Alternatively, travelers can meet the group at the designated meeting point, La Bodeguita del Medio, located on 5th Avenue. Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting spot by 7:45 am.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Prevent Me From Participating?

The tour is not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those requiring wheelchair accessibility. A moderate level of physical fitness is required for the activities.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Tulum Ruins or Cenote on My Own?

Travelers can extend their stay at Tulum ruins or the cenote on their own, but this would not be included in the tour. Individuals would need to pay any additional admission fees and arrange their own transportation and timing.

The Sum Up

The "Tulum Ruins Cenote & Swimming with Turtles from Playa del Carmen" tour offers an immersive experience that blends cultural exploration and aquatic adventure. Visitors can discover the ancient Mayan ruins, swim in a refreshing cenote, and snorkel with sea turtles. With knowledgeable guides and included amenities, this tour promises a memorable day amidst stunning natural landscapes, though wait times for check-in should be considered.