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Tulum Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Tulum Cruises & boat tours

From Tulum: Mayan ruins & Sian Kaan Nature Reserve Tour

1. From Tulum: Mayan ruins & Sian Kaan Nature Reserve Tour

Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Muyil and the Sian Kaan Nature Reserve on a half-day tour from Tulum. You will encounter a variety of birds, plants, and animals before wandering through the ruins to discover the incredible history of this ancient civilization. After being picked up from Tulum you will be transferred to the Sian Kaan Nature Reserve. Walk through this inspiring eco-preserve to the highest point in the reserve and gaze out at an unblemished jungle filled with hundreds of species of birds, plants, and animal life. Enjoy a small hike before a boat ride through the trading canals of the ancient Maya civilization and visit the Maya temple of Xlapak. You will see the detailed facades of these old ruins, located at the bottom of the river valley. Next, float and swim back down through the canals between mangroves and gently make your way back out into the crystal-clear waters around the peninsula. Onboard, enjoy an assortment of Mexican snacks and lunch as the sun sets over this beautiful landscape. Experience the very best of this region. The food, the culture, the nature, and a bit of relaxation in the water make this a perfect day trip.

Tulum: Private Snorkel and Sailing Experience

2. Tulum: Private Snorkel and Sailing Experience

Enjoy a sailboat ride in front of the Tulum ruins before dipping into the water to snorkel and explore the reef to see corals and fishes in their natural habitat. Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities to remember your experience. The experience starts at the Pocna Tulum Hotel beach, where your crew for the day will be waiting for you. After meeting the staff, seeing the boat, and getting a short safety introduction briefing, set off on your sailing adventure. Once on the water, immediately start taking in views of the clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean. During the tour, the captain will show you the famous ruins of the Castle in Tulum. See the ruins from a rare up-close perspective on the water. Learn about ancient Mayan people who used this important city as a port. Stop near the reed and grab your snorkel equipment to start the snorkel activity. Marvel at the flora and fauna of Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world. Enjoy approximately 45 minutes of snorkeling. After your sailing adventure, get taken back to the Pocna Tulum Hotel beach, after which you are free to stay at the beach club to purchase drinks and food and explore at your own pace.

From Riviera Maya: Sian Ka'an Discovery Tour with Lunch

3. From Riviera Maya: Sian Ka'an Discovery Tour with Lunch

Get picked up from your accommodation in Riviera Maya or Tulum and head to Sian Ka’an, a rich and diverse nature reserve south of Tulum. Board a small boat to visit Boca Paila lagoon and spot the local wildlife. Head out a short distance on open water to snorkel, if weather permits, on the Mesoamerican Barrier reef and be delighted by the healthy corals and abundance of fish. If the weather does not permit you to snorkel, visit an open cenote instead. See tropical saltwater canals, mangrove islands, and flooded sinkholes.  Return to the beach where your homemade lunch awaits you. Relax amongst the coconut groves or go for a swim in the sea before going back on the road. Get dropped off at your accommodation and reflect on the unique landscapes you just encountered.

From Riviera Maya: Turtles & Cenotes Adventure Half-Day Tour

4. From Riviera Maya: Turtles & Cenotes Adventure Half-Day Tour

After pickup, on the way to Tulum, learn from your guides about the sea turtles and diverse marine life of the Great Mayan Reef, as well as the unique natural conditions of the cenotes. In Tulum, snorkeling equipment is provided and as you head out on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, you get a rare view of the impressive Mayan city of Tulum. Swim with sea turtles, and admire the colorful Mesoamerican reef, full of fish and wonderful corals. After your scuba dive, it’s time for a snack and a drive to Chikin-ha. There, explore the fantastic underground world of caverns and natural sinkholes as you visit cenotes. In some of the cenotes, enjoy a refreshing swim in their crystal-clear waters, surrounded by natural scenery. Last, experience a guided tour by foot of the last cenote to discover stalactites, stalagmites, sacred plants, and learn about the rituals of the ancient Mayans.

Riviera Maya or Cancun: Sian Ka'an Jeep Expedition

5. Riviera Maya or Cancun: Sian Ka'an Jeep Expedition

See the wilderness of Sian Ka’an from the driver’s seat of a Jeep. The wilderness roads will take you around the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The park is one of the largest eco reserves in the world at the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, protected by UNESCO. The tour starts at Boca Paila. Explore the estuary and take in its lovely views, then enjoy refreshments before starting out once more. Upon arrival in Punta Allen, you'll enjoy snacks and beverages and begin the boat ride into the Caribbean Sea. A swim in a tranquil, warm, natural spring pool will be your reward for the hike it took to get you out to the water! Later, arrive on Bird Island—a place to see cormorants, herons, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and osprey, to name just a few. Birders, get ready to check many species off your lists! If this isn’t enough, this tour includes snorkeling along the Mesoamerican Reef. More beautiful eco-system and marine life await underneath the clear, turquoise waters. You'll encounter starfish, sea turtles, dolphins and more! To finish, a buffet is provided, with views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Drive back along wooded, coastal roads and return to Tulum and your hotel.

From Playa del Carmen: Bacalar and Lake Tour with Lunch

6. From Playa del Carmen: Bacalar and Lake Tour with Lunch

This Bacalar tour from Playa del Carmen immerses you in the natural beauty, culture, and history of a “Magic Town” of Mexico. Explore the charming village of Bacalar known for its famous Lagoon of Seven Colors and relax with lunch provided on the tour. With round-trip transportation and an expert guide, explore the lagoons and canals looking for pirate treasure and learning about the fascinating history of this place. Sail in a small boat with your guide who will introduce you to Bacalar's fascinating history dating back to the ancient Maya, the Spanish conquistadors, and the pirates of the Caribbean too. Cruise down Pirates Channel and listen to tales of days gone by. Swim in the natural beauty of Bacalar and immerse yourself in the Cocalitos and Esmeralda cenotes to refresh from the heat and take in the perfect day in paradise.

Quintana Roo: Whale Shark Swim, Private Boat Trip, and Lunch

7. Quintana Roo: Whale Shark Swim, Private Boat Trip, and Lunch

Enjoy a private boat tour with plenty of time to swim with whale sharks. Try fresh local food for lunch. Following pickup from your hotel in Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, climb aboard the air-conditioned private van to be taken straight to the port. Enjoy a quick breakfast at the marina. Then, listen to your expert guide share the activity briefing and safety rules. Next, set sail to an area popular with whale sharks near Isla Contoy. Swim with these incredible fish. Enjoy the perks of a private tour: more chances to jump in and swim with the sharks and no waiting for other travelers. After your swim, sail to Playa Norte at Isla Mujeres for lunch. Taste fresh fish ceviche and relax on the top-rated beach. Finally, relax on the sail back to Punta Sam Port before taking your van transfer back to your hotel.

Riviera Maya: Muyil and Sian Kaʼan Guided Day Trip

8. Riviera Maya: Muyil and Sian Kaʼan Guided Day Trip

Do you want to be part of a magical adventure that combines history and nature? Let our professional guide take you to the archaeological area of Muyil and the nature reserve of Sian Kaan. Indulge yourself in an unparallel nature exploration, and don't miss the chance to explore the Mayan history hidden in Muyil. Through mangroves, appreciate a different sunset submerged in the water. Start this adventure exploring the archeological site of Muyil with the comments and tales of your experienced guide. Don't miss the chance of taking a picture of impressive Mayan buildings such as El Palacio Rosa, El Castillo, and La Plaza de la Entrada. Walk into the jungle and be amazed by its natural beauty. Freely explore and look for a local restaurant to keep on with your adventure recharge. Navigate on the waters of Sian Kaan enclosed by mangroves that draw the bath through the water. Your guide will take you to a freshwater cenote where you will have the chance to search for manta rays. Be aware and search for crocodiles, birds, and even manatees! Keep sailing through the lagoon until you meet the sea. The sun will be set so don't miss a second and jump into the water to appreciate the sunset floating.

Frequently asked questions about Tulum

What are the best day trips and excursions from Tulum?

The best day trips and excursions from Tulum are:

Chichén Itzá

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Other Sightseeing Options in Tulum

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What people are saying about Tulum

After a stroll among the mayan ruins near Tulum, we took a path in the middle and low forest. After an awesome home-cooked lunch (the best I've had during day tours in Mexico!), we took a boat and took a path among mangroves, where we could float. Very chill and interesting experience. The tour is for a small group of people (less than 12). That's why it is slightly more expensive than similar tours, which includes 50 people. So this tour it's worth the money.

This tour was spectacular, and mainly due to one thing: our tour guide, Ursula. She was warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. It felt like a good friend was sharing her world with us. We loved the whole tour: the ruins at Muyil, the walk through the jungle, the delicious lunch, the boat rides to and from, and most especially the relaxing, magical float down the canal. Ursula gave us a memory that we will long remember and cherish.

Amazing trip!!! Highly recommend if you want a moment out of time. We did the 6 hour tour and saw all kind of animals. The lunch was good with an amazing view and access to a private beach.

The Biosphere was beautiful and Lea was an incredible guide. We learned a lot about the area and the Maya. I will recommend this to my friends.

A really nice tour, the guide was really knowledgeable and her abd the drive were more then nice.