Tulum Ruins & Swim With Turtles From Playa Del Carmen or Tulum

The allure of exploring ancient Mayan ruins and swimming alongside graceful sea turtles draws visitors to Tulum’s captivating coastline. This tour, departing from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, offers a chance to take in the region’s cultural and natural wonders. Guided by knowledgeable experts, guests will uncover the history of the Tulum Ruins before embarking on a snorkeling adventure in the vibrant waters of Akumal Bay. With a small group size, the experience promises a personalized and unforgettable journey. For those seeking to connect with Mexico’s rich heritage and marvel at its diverse marine life, this tour presents an irresistible opportunity.

Key Points

• Tour explores the ancient Tulum Ruins and provides opportunities to swim with sea turtles in the Akumal Bay, both located along Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
• Tour is operated by Cancun Bay Tours and has a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews with a 92% traveler recommendation rate.
• Tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a knowledgeable guide, snorkeling equipment, and lunch, but requires additional fees for Tulum admissions, Akumal tax, and Tulum CONANP fee.
• Pickup service is available from most hotels in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, with the meeting point and drop-off location at La Bodeguita del Medio in Playa del Carmen.
• Moderate fitness level is recommended due to activities involving snorkeling and exploring the ancient ruins on uneven terrain, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

This tour offers an opportunity to explore the ancient Tulum Ruins and experience a captivating swim with sea turtles in the Akumal Bay.

Operated by Cancun Bay Tours, the activity takes place in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With a maximum group size of 18 travelers, the tour has received an impressive 4.5-star average rating from 26 reviews, and 92% of travelers recommend it.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, snorkeling equipment, and a provided lunch.

Additional fees apply for Tulum Ruins admission, Akumal local tax, and Tulum CONANP fee.

Activity Details

Exploring the ancient Tulum Ruins is a captivating highlight of this tour. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved structures and learn about the rich history of this Mayan coastal city.

After the ruins, the tour takes travelers to Akumal Bay, where they’ll have the chance to swim alongside friendly sea turtles in their natural habitat. Snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing guests to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures.

The entire experience is guided by knowledgeable local experts, ensuring a seamless and informative adventure.

Whether it’s the architectural marvels of Tulum or the marine wildlife of Akumal, this tour offers a captivating blend of cultural exploration and natural wonder.

Location and Accessibility

Nestled along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the Tulum Ruins are a popular destination for travelers visiting Playa del Carmen. The tour includes pickup from select hotels, making it convenient for participants. However, the meeting point is at La Bodeguita del Medio in Playa del Carmen, where travelers must convene before the excursion begins. The tour concludes back at the meeting point, providing a seamless experience.

Meeting Point	Pickup Service	End Point
La Bodeguita del Medio, Playa del Carmen	Available for most hotels	Returns to meeting point

While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, a moderate fitness level is recommended to fully enjoy the experience, which includes snorkeling with sea turtles and exploring the ancient Mayan ruins.

Operator and Reviews

The tour is operated by Cancun Bay Tours, a reputable company that has garnered a strong reputation among travelers.

With a total of 26 reviews and an impressive 4.5 average rating, 92% of travelers recommend this experience.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the smooth process from pickup to activities.

However, some constructive criticism includes occasional overcrowding at the Tulum ruins and snorkeling locations, as well as occasional delays in pickup.

Inclusions and Fees

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, use of snorkeling equipment, and lunch. Gratuities are also covered.

However, there are a few additional fees to be paid at check-in. Visitors will need to pay $5.5 USD for Tulum admissions, $11 USD for the Akumal local tax, and $3.5 USD for the Tulum CONANP fee. These fees aren’t included in the tour price, so travelers should factor them into their budget.

The tour offers a convenient pickup service from most hotels, with the meeting point at La Bodeguita del Medio in Playa del Carmen. At the end of the day, the tour will return to the original meeting point.

Meeting and Pickup

Although pickup service is available from most hotels, the tour operator will notify travelers the day before if no pickup service is provided. The meeting point for the tour is La Bodeguita del Medio in Playa del Carmen, and the tour will return to the same location at the end. The tour pickup and drop-off information is as follows:

Pickup Service	Meeting Point	End Point
Available from most hotels	La Bodeguita del Medio, Playa del Carmen	Returns to the meeting point
Notification sent the day before if no service provided

Customer Experiences

Travelers have generally praised the tour guides for their knowledge and engaging interactions.

The overall process from pickup to the various activities has been reported as smooth.

Participants have enjoyed the snorkeling experience, which has provided opportunities to observe marine wildlife up close.

However, some constructive criticism has been provided, including concerns about overcrowding at the Tulum ruins and snorkeling locations, as well as frustration with occasional delays in pickup.

Key customer experiences:

1. Knowledgeable, interactive tour guides
2. Seamless tour logistics from start to finish
3. Memorable snorkeling with diverse marine life
4. Overcrowding at certain sites and occasional pickup delays

Additional Information

Moderate fitness is recommended for this tour, as it involves walking over uneven terrain at the Tulum ruins and snorkeling in open water.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. You’ll receive your booking confirmation upon completing the reservation.

Enjoy the air-conditioned vehicle transportation and the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide.

Be prepared to pay additional fees for Tulum admissions, the Akumal local tax, and the Tulum CONANP fee at check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Attire Should I Wear for the Tour?

For this tour, it’s best to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bringing a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes is also recommended, as you’ll be swimming with turtles during the excursion.

Can I Book the Tour for a Specific Time Slot?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a specific time slot. Customers can select their preferred departure time during the booking process to ensure they can participate in the activities at their desired schedule.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, there is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour package has a set itinerary and schedule that cannot be modified. Travelers must adhere to the allotted time frame for the activities included in the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour operator provides snorkeling gear, so it’s not necessary to bring your own unless you have a preferred set. The included equipment is suitable for the snorkeling activities on the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Snorkeling Activity?

The tour doesn’t specify any age restrictions for the snorkeling activity. However, it’s recommended that participants have a moderate fitness level to engage in the snorkeling portion of the tour comfortably.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and swim with sea turtles in the vibrant waters of Akumal Bay. Led by knowledgeable guides, the personalized experience promises both cultural and natural wonders along Mexico’s stunning Caribbean coast. Whether departing from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the region’s rich history and enchanting wildlife.