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Tulum is famous for its pristine beaches and upscale nightlife, but it’s also one of the best places in Mexico to see turtles! In Tulum, there are tons of great tours that will take you to the best spots to see these beautiful creatures gliding through the water. Plus, you often get to combine this with other fun activities like swimming in cenotes and visiting beach clubs.
We’ve been snorkeling with turtles many times in Tulum, and it’s always an amazing experience. The turtles live in a small protected bay, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to see one whenever you visit. We saw five the last time we were here!
It’s definitely worth going with a guide to see the turtles in Tulum. You learn so much more about their lifecycle and behaviors that way, and some areas actually require a certified guide. Plus, tours can often pick you up from other parts of the Riviera Maya, such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
So if you’re ready to swim with turtles, keep reading! We’ve rounded up the top 5 tours to see turtles in Tulum. We included all the details of each to help you choose the best experience.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Tulum is one of the best places to swim with turtles. We especially like this small group tour that takes you to explore a gorgeous cenote before snorkeling alongside turtles at Akumal Beach and enjoying lunch at an exclusive beach club.
Can you swim with turtles in Tulum?
Yes, you can. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Mexico to do it!
I’ve done it so many times here, and I love it – it’s definitely a must-do experience in Mexico. That being said, some areas, including Akumal Beach, require a certified guide. This is why I often recommend a tour, and below, I’ve listed the best tours for swimming with turtles in Tulum.
Related Read: Want to see even more marine life? Here’s everything you need to know before scuba diving in Tulum!
Best Tulum Turtle Tours
1. Hidden Cenote Swim, Snorkeling with Sea Turtles and Beachside Lunch
We love this small group tour because it not only takes you to swim with turtles, but you also get to explore a beautiful cenote. Plus, you’ll finish the tour with lunch at a secluded beach club away from the crowds.
You’ll be picked up fairly early in the morning, and then your first stop of the day will be one of Tulum’s gorgeous cenotes. These underground swimming holes are famed for their clear blue water, and they’re so much fun to explore.
After spending about an hour swimming in a cenote, you’ll head to Akumal Beach to swim with the turtles. This was our highlight of this tour, as the snorkeling here is next-level amazing. As well as sea turtles, you’ll get to see lots of tropical fish and colorful coral.
You’ll end the tour at the Punta Venado Beach Club, where you’ll get lunch on the beach. This is less of a party beach club, so it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the private stretch of sand. A typical lunch here involves tacos and ceviche – yum!
We really like the fact that this is a small group tour with a maximum of 12 people, so you get a more personalized experience. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Tulum and see tons of turtles without having to worry about driving or handling the details yourself.
The tour costs $159 USD per person, including hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, water, and all snorkeling equipment. It’s available every day except Sunday. The experience itself starts at 9 am and lasts for around 4.5 hours. However, this doesn’t include drive time, so expect a longer day if you’re coming from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
This tour is very popular and sells out frequently, so make sure to reserve a spot online in advance.
2. Two-Hour Snorkeling in Two Spots of Tulum’s Reef
This tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to swim with turtles. You get to sail to two different reefs for incredible snorkeling – and you’ll pass by ancient ruins on the way!
This experience begins on Playa Paraiso in Tulum’s Hotel Zone, where you’ll meet your group. Then, you head out on a boat for a 2-hour snorkeling excursion. You get to cruise past Tulum’s famous Mayan ruins as you cruise out to sea, and then you make two different stops to enjoy snorkeling on the Mesoamerican reef.
This is a fantastic way to spot not only turtles, but stingrays, brightly colored coral, and lots of tropical fish. Your guides will help you to spot as many creatures as possible, and the boat crew is really attentive.
The tour costs $52 USD per person, including snorkeling equipment, water, and your awesome guides. It’s available daily and since it starts and ends at the beach, you can enjoy lounging there before and after the tour, too!
For a convenient and epic snorkeling experience, book this 2-hour excursion here.
3. Private Cenote and Snorkeling Tour with Turtles in Akumal
This private half-day tour is the perfect way to see the turtles if you don’t want to join a group tour but still want a hassle-free, guided experience! You can start at either 7 am or 8 am, which is great because it means you get to miss the midday crowds.
You start by visiting Cenote Taak Bi Ha, which is a stunning cenote hidden inside a limestone cave. Cenotes are freshwater pools, so you get to spot different fish and marine creatures here to the ones you see out on the reef. At this location, you get to spend an hour snorkeling. Your guides will be with you the entire time, so this is a great option for nervous swimmers or first-timer snorkelers who want a little more support.
Then, you’ll be taken to Akumal Beach before the crowds really start to roll in and go snorkeling with sea turtles. This is one of our favorite places to go snorkeling in Tulum because there are tons of turtles here. It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll spot at least one, but some people report seeing as many as 10! If you want to know more about this spot, just read our review of swimming with turtles at Akumal Beach.
This tour lasts about 5 hours and is available every day except Sunday. You also get tacos for lunch, which is always a bonus in our eyes. Plus, the guides will share lots of information about the history and culture of Mexico along the way. It costs $180 USD per person, including everything we mentioned. You can also turn this into a tour to swim with turtles from Playa del Carmen for an additional $25 USD or Cancun for $35 USD.
For a private, more personalized experience, reserve your tour online here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour
This tour is a half-day adventure that includes both a cenote AND swimming with sea turtles. These are two quintessential Tulum activities, and the exact destinations are absolutely idyllic!
To start your day, you’ll be picked up from either Tulum or Cancun. Then, you’ll head to the famous Akumal Beach for a guided snorkeling experience with the sea turtles. This beach boasts 3 different species of sea turtles, and the water is so clear. Trust me, you’ll definitely see plenty of sealife here!
Then, you’ll go to the Yax-Muul Cenote Park, where you’ll find two pristine cenotes. This is a pretty quiet area, and your guide will help you navigate the underground network. You’ll walk along a trail spotting stalagmites and stalactites, and then you also get to snorkel in the cenotes’ waters.
On this tour, I love how there’s a photographer with you. So no worries if you forgot your camera; you can purchase the professional photos afterward for an additional fee. This also means you can sit back and fully immerse yourself in the experience!
This tour is a great way to discover Tulum’s incredible marine life, and the guides take good care of you, so it doesn’t matter if you’re not a strong swimmer. There are also lifejackets and buoyancy aids available if necessary. For that reason, we think that this is a great option for families who want to snorkel together.
The tour costs $109 USD per person, including hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as light snacks and bottled water along the way. You do need to pay an additional $15 USD conservation fee in cash on the day off. Overall, this tour is incredibly well-rated, with over 800 5-star reviews, so you know you’re in good hands here.
For an awesome experience with a reliable company, book your spot on this half-day tour here.
Related Read: Little insider tip! If you fly into Cancun, you can take a Cancun Airport shuttle to Tulum.
5. Swim with sea turtles (self-drive)
If you’ve got your own vehicle, then this self-drive tour at Akumal Bay is perfect. We did this tour and had an amazing time. We were so glad we went with a guide because we got a more personal experience and learned a lot more about the beach and the turtles who live there.
Plus, since it’s a private experience, you get a lot of personal attention from your guide, so you won’t miss a thing! We saw 5 turtles when we went, which was just amazing.
The tour includes all of your snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to worry about arranging a rental once you get to the beach. It also includes all entry fees, which eliminates even more stress. I love not having to think about logistics or carry extra cash! Just bring a towel, wear sunscreen and a swimsuit, and meet your guide at the entrance to Akumal.
This private tour lasts for just over an hour, and you can choose a range of start times, so it’s very easy to fit into your Tulum itinerary. However, we do recommend going as early as you can, as Akumal Beach does get crowded later on in the day! We went at 9 am, which is probably the best time!
The tour costs $45 USD, which we think is a pretty good price for a private, guided snorkeling experience. We loved it and would definitely do it again. But don’t take our word for it. Experience it for yourself by booking this tour online here!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Tulum
Swimming with turtles should definitely be on your Tulum itinerary – but don’t forget to see more of what this awesome city has to offer before you leave! Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Tulum:
- Check out the Tulum Ruins – Honestly, if you don’t do anything else while you’re here, make sure to check out the Tulum Ruins! This is an amazing place to get a glimpse into the area’s Mayan history, and with a 90 pesos ($5 USD) entrance fee, it’s also pretty inexpensive. For the best experience, I’d recommend going with this private guide on a tour of the Tulum Ruins, which also includes early access to beat the crowds!
- Explore Tulum’s epic foodie scene – “Mexico” and “good food” might as well be synonyms. You’ll find out-of-this-world food everywhere, and there are awesome restaurants in Tulum. Whether you fancy learning how to cook your own authentic Mexican meal or sampling some of the best local spots on this walking food tour, it’s all up to you!
- Have a beach day – With all the adventuring and exploring you’ll likely be doing, a lazy beach day is a perfect activity to relax! Tulum has some of the best beaches in Mexico. The closest beach to Tulum is Paradise Beach, and the name speaks for itself. You can rent lounge chairs here for $10 USD and enjoy the nearby restaurants.
- Try a Temazcal ceremony – A fun and authentic way to experience Mayan culture is to try a Temazcal ceremony, which is a bit like a sauna where a shaman helps you rejuvenate and cleanse the body! I’ve tried one before in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, and had a blast. I’d recommend this Temazcal tour for Tulum, which offers both shared and private tours, great for bringing along friends for the journey.
- Go ziplining – Traveling with kids? Or maybe you’re a big kid like us and still get a huge kick out of swinging through the trees? You’re never too old to let your hair down, and this 4-hour ziplining, rappelling, and cenote tour makes for an epic half-day out.
Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico
Now that you know about some of the best tours to see turtles in Tulum, you’re going to want to stay a while. After all, there’s so much to explore in Tulum, so we recommend staying at least a few days.
No matter what you’re looking for in a hotel, Tulum has it! There’s everything from affordable hostels to luxury hotels to glamping! These are some of the best places to stay in Tulum for any budget.
Luxury – $$$
Hotel Boutique TerraNova is one of the top-rated in all of Tulum. They haven’t cut any corners when it comes to comfort, and the staff is wonderful. All rooms are spacious and have air conditioning and a garden patio. There is an outdoor pool, and the hotel is located right in town.
It typically costs around $300 USD per night for a deluxe queen room. However, we’ve seen prices as low as $71 USD per night when you book in advance online.
Kan Tulum is actually built around its own private cenote! The rooms here are uniquely designed and feel almost like a jungle treehouse. Every room is huge with a private seating area and terraces to watch the sunset from. This sustainable property also has an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant that can happily accommodate vegans. And although you feel completely immersed in nature, you’re super close to beaches and nightlife. Rooms here cost around $300-400 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
XscapeTulum is a moderately priced hotel, that’s super comfortable with huge rooms! It has a great location only a few minutes away from the city center, but it’s off of the main road, so it’s quieter at night. Plus, it has a beautiful pool and garden that it feels like an oasis in Tulum!
It’s great for couples and families as you can even rent an entire apartment. Prices are really good starting at only $60 USD a night – even in the peak season! But to take advantage of this awesome deal, you’ll want to book online well in advance!
Budget – $
Hostel Che Tulum prides itself on having a great social vibe and frequent events. They have a beautiful pool (and hot tub!) and an outdoor area to chill. The whole place is adults-only, and they have a bar, fully-equipped kitchen, large lockers, WiFi, and coworking space – so you really get all your needs met in one location. It’s also central, with cafes, restaurants, and minimarts just around the corner.
For only $19 USD a night, you can get a dorm bed in an air-conditioned room with breakfast included. Private rooms start around $95 USD. Easily book a stay on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com.
Oryx Hostel is just a few steps from downtown Tulum. Gardens surround the property, so you’ll feel like you’re staying in a tropical jungle. There are hammocks, a nice pool area, and fun activities like salsa dancing! Stays here are as cheap as $21 USD a night in a dorm room or around $82 USD for private rooms and can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re thinking about taking a tour to see turtles in Tulum, we say go for it! It’s a great way to increase your chances of seeing these beautiful creatures, and you’ll also get to spot a lot of other incredible wildlife. We’ve loved every time we’ve gotten an opportunity to swim with turtles. For a morning or afternoon filled with fun and adventure, we highly recommend all the tours on this list!
To learn more about Mexico, check out our other blogs here. We’ve traveled all over and fell in love with the country. After all, there are just so many gorgeous places to visit and fun things to do. To get started, you can check out one of the links below.
10 Things to Know BEFORE Booking an ATV Tour in Tulum
Tulum Ruins Review – Are They Worth Visiting?