Tulum & Cenote Tour
Discover one of Mexico’s most spectacular Maya sites and swim in a mystical cenote on this unforgettable full-day tour from Cozumel with Bakadi Dreams. Tulum is the only major Maya city built directly on the Caribbean coast, and its clifftop temples overlooking the turquoise sea are among the most breathtaking sights in the whole of Mexico. Paired with a refreshing swim in a sacred freshwater cenote, this excursion combines history, nature and adventure in one perfect day.
Accompanied by your friendly English-speaking guide, you will explore the ancient world of the Maya in a wonderfully authentic way – including a traditional lunch in the jungle and a swim in a beautiful cenote, one of the sacred natural wells that the Maya believed to be gateways to the underworld.
Sample Itinerary
- 08:30 – Pick-up at the cruise port in Cozumel
- 09:00 – Ferry crossing to Playa del Carmen (about 40 minutes)
- 10:00 – Drive to Tulum (about 1 hour)
- 10:15 – 12:00 – Guided visit of the Tulum ruins
- 12:15 – Transfer to the cenote
- 12:45 – Traditional lunch in the jungle
- 13:00 – Swimming and exploring the cenote (about 1 hour)
- 14:30 – Return drive to Playa del Carmen
- 16:00 – Ferry back to Cozumel (a later return is possible on request)
The Maya City of Tulum
Perched dramatically on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was once an important port and trading centre for the Maya. During your guided walk through the archaeological zone you will admire the iconic El Castillo temple, the Temple of the Frescoes and the ancient city walls, while your guide explains the history, astronomy and daily life of this remarkable civilisation. The combination of weathered stone temples and the brilliant blue sea below makes Tulum one of the most photogenic places in Mexico.
Swimming in a Mystical Cenote
After exploring Tulum, you enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch deep in the jungle before cooling off in a crystal-clear cenote. These enchanting freshwater sinkholes, formed by collapsed limestone caves, were considered sacred by the Maya. Surrounded by rock formations and tropical greenery, and equipped with life vests and torches, you can swim, float and simply marvel at this magical natural wonder.
This private Bakadi Dreams excursion is perfect for cruise guests with limited time but a great sense of adventure, and always ensures a comfortable, well-organised day.
Tour Highlights
- Guided visit of the clifftop Maya ruins of Tulum
- Swim in a mystical, crystal-clear cenote (life vests and torches included)
- Scenic ferry crossing to the mainland and the Riviera Maya
- Traditional Mexican lunch in the jungle
- Soft drinks, water, beer and tequila included on tour
- All tour photos as a free souvenir
What’s Included
- Friendly English-speaking guide
- Pick-up at the cruise terminal and ferry to Playa del Carmen (ferry tickets included)
- Breakfast roll to start the day
- Guided tour of the Tulum archaeological site
- Traditional lunch in the jungle
- Visit to a cenote with life vests and torches
- Soft drinks, water, beer and tequila during the tour
- All tour photos as a gift
- All entrance fees and taxes
Good to Know
- Duration: approximately 5.5 hours plus ferry crossings (about 40 minutes each way)
- Group size: 6 to 14 guests
- Meeting point: cruise port in Cozumel (please tell us the name of your cruise ship when booking)
- Please bring: sunglasses and a sun hat, swimwear and a towel, comfortable shoes and water shoes or flip-flops for the cenote, comfortable clothing, a reusable water bottle, mosquito spray, camera and some cash
- Please note: single-use plastic bottles are not permitted in the Tulum archaeological zone – bring a reusable bottle, which we are happy to refill
- Video cameras and GoPros incur a small fee (65 MXN) in the archaeological zone
- Not included: personal expenses, gratuities and the short taxi transfer from the ferry pier back to the cruise port in Cozumel (taxis are readily available, about 10 minutes)
