10 Best Cancun Tours to Tulum You Won’t Want to Miss in 2024

tulum ruins on one of the best Cancun tours to Tulum

LOOKING FOR THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM CANCUN TO TULUM?

You’re in the right place because the 10 best Cancun tours to Tulum are all featured here. How do I know they’re the best? I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and I visit Tulum A LOT.

I have traveled from Cancun to Tulum several times, so I’ve vetted all the day trips in this article to make sure they’re highly rated and well-reviewed — so all you have to do is book a Cancun tour to Tulum and enjoy!

mom with her two kids posing in front of Tulum ruins

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Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this Tulum Ruins & Cenote Guided Tour — a full-day Cancun to Tulum excursion with a perfect 5 Star rating.

Tulum offers gorgeous white sand beaches, one of the most fascinating (and visually striking) ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, and tons of incredible outdoor adventures.

You can swim in a cenote or go snorkeling in lagoons, above coral reefs, and in underground rivers.

A day trip from Cancun to Tulum will make your Mexico vacation all the more spectacular. Who knows; these Tulum Mayan Ruins tours might even be the highlight of your trip.

Ready to book your Tulum tour experience? Check out the top Cancun tours Tulum has to offer, all listed below, and find your next Mexico adventure!

Top 3 Picks: Best Cancun Tours to Tulum

#1 TOP PICK

woman swimming in tulum cenote

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Tulum Ruins Tour & Cenote Swim
✔️ Guided tour of Tulum Ruins
✔️ Cenote swim and lagoon snorkeling
✔️ Round-trip transportation

#2 PICK

underground river in yucatan, mexico

Rio Secreto Underground River Tour & Tulum Ruins
✔️ Buffet at Rio Secreto Restaurant
✔️ Buffet at Rio Secreto Restaurant

#3 PICK

chichen itza mayan ruins, one of the seven wonders of the world

Private Tour of 3 Mayan Ruins Sites
✔️ Visit all the best ruins: Chichen Itza Tulum & Coba
✔️ Traditional buffet lunch included

The Top 10 Best Cancun Tours to Tulum

1. Tulum Guided Tour: Cenote, Lagoon Snorkeling & Beachside Lunch

Tulum ruins, cenote, and turtle watching - activities you will do in Tulum ruins tour
Swim in the cenote, snorkel in the lagoon, and visit the Tulum ruins when you book this Ultimate Tulum Guided Tour, one of the best Tulum tours from Playa del Carmen.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, with more than 1,200 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Join this amazing Tulum Guided Tour from Cancun, which one reviewer called a great family adventure because you go to so many Tulum attractions in a single day (yet, never feel rushed).

Not only will you tour Tulum Ruins with your guide, but you’ll also have free time to explore them on your own and snap some photos — and then, you’ll head to a hidden beach.

Our guide Jonathan was great! As was the driver!! It was one of the best excursions we’ve taken yet! Would definitely recommend booking this tour!

Nicoleta (see more reviews)

Next, you’ll swim in a refreshing cenote, then go snorkeling at Yal Ku Lagoon. This lagoon is an edge system where freshwater and saltwater mingle, creating a habitat teeming with wildlife. In fact, it’s known as one of the best snorkeling spots in Yucatan.

For a full day of adventure where you see the Best of Tulum and its must-see sights, don’t hesitate to book this one now. Trust me, the best Tulum tours from Cancun or Playa del Carmen don’t get better than this!

best Cancun tours to Tulum

2. Rio Secreto Secret Underground River and Tulum Ruins Tour

rio secreto mexico underground river
Looking for one of the best Mayan Ruins of Tulum tours? By booking this Rio Secreto and Tulum Tour, you’ll tour an underground river and the Tulum Mayan Ruins near the beach.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5.5 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Visit the archaeological site of Tulum and explore a fascinating network of underground caverns during this Rio Secreto and Tulum Tour from Cancun.

First, you’ll visit the Tulum Ruins, where your guide will give you a 40-minute guided walk. Next, spend an hour of free time doing whatever you’d like, like snapping some photos at the famous Tulum state, Ven a la Luz, which isn’t far from the ruins.

Our guide, Diana was awesome. The whole experience was well worth the time!! Transportation was arranged for us from our hotel and we felt well taken care of through the entire experience.

Julie (see more reviews)

Take pictures of the ruins, walk down to the hidden beach, or simply enjoy the amazing view from the clifftop.

Afterward, you’ll go to Río Secreto (Secret Rivier), a nature reserve featuring an underground river. On this day trip to Tulum from Riviera Maya, you’ll also tour the natural reserve, where you’ll walk and swim through a beautiful underground river.

best Cancun tours to Tulum

3. All-Inclusive Private Tour: Cenote Ik-Kil, Chichen Itza Ruins, Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins & Lunch

people swimming in cenote ik-kil mexico
Visit several different amazing spots, including Ik Kil Cenote and Coba Pyramid, by booking this Cancun to Tulum Day Tour.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Get ready for a day immersed in archaeology and ancient history. One of the best Private Tulum Tours from Cancun, it includes traveling from Cancun to Tulum Ruins, Coba, and Chichén Itzá all in one day. If you love Mayan Ruins, this one’s for you.

Tulum, Chichen-Itza and Coba were all fantastic! The cenote was beautiful. Arturo was very accommodating and knowledgeable.

Gregory (see more reviews)

During one of the most comprehensive Tulum Ruin tours around, you’ll also enjoy swimming in Ik Kil Cenote, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and receive fascinating explanations and information from your top-notch guide.

This incredible Private Tulum Tour from Cancun is a great way to see the world-famous Chichen Itza site without booking separate Chichen Itza tours. In case you didn’t know, Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

best Cancun tours to Tulum

4. Cancun to Tulum Combo Tour: Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote & Caves

playa ruinas tulum ruins beach
Book this Cancun to Tulum Tour and visit the Tulum ruins, snorkel in the reef, and swim in the beautiful cenotes.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, with more than 3,300 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Check out one of the Top-Rated Cancun Day Trips to Tulum available! This tour combines A LOT of activities into one day, so you really get to see the Best Of Tulum Mexico. 

Begin by snorkeling through a healthy coral reef in the Caribbean Sea — this vibrant underwater world teeming with life. Then step back in time with a visit to the awe-inspiring Tulum Archeological Site, standing majestically on a rocky cliff overlooking the azure sea.

The tour was more than we expected. The best part was swimming through the cenote caves. And the guide Luisa was amazing with our kids. Strongly recommended.

Vidyananda (see more reviews)

Next, cool off with a refreshing swim in a cenote at Parque De Cenotes Yax-Muul. This eco-park also offers visitors an opportunity to explore a limestone cave and do a jungle walk.

The tour includes all entrance fees, a delicious buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen for a seamless and memorable journey.

With the unique addition of a snorkeling experience, this tour offers an unbeatable combination of adventure and history in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

best Cancun tours to Tulum

5. Akumal Turtle Swim & Private Tulum Tour from Cancun

man snorkeling with turtle in Tulum
Visit the IG-Worthy Spots of Tulum and capture those Instagrammable pics on one of the best tours to Tulum from Cancun.

⭐️ RATING: 4.94 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Get ready for a Tulum full-day tour of a lifetime. This Cancun to Akumal Turtle Swim & Tulum Tour is the perfect private tour that won’t break the bank.

On it, you’ll join an expert guide from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on a tour of the Tulum Ruins as well as the popular swim with the turtles in Akumal.

What a GREAT experience. My husband and I booked this tour because we wanted a unique experience without the hassle of large tour groups and rushed itineraries. Boy did we hit the jackpot!

Cliffondra (see more reviews)

After snorkeling with the turtles, you’ll enjoy a meal by the sea at one of the oldest restaurants in Akumal. On a personal note, I have done the turtle swim in Akumal, and it was an unforgettable experience to swim alongside so many Green Sea Turtles in Mexico.

Led by a local named Enrique, he’ll also take you to places off the beaten path for tourists, like Marina Puerto Aventuras. When it’s time to return, you’ll be dropped off at your place since roundtrip transportation is includedso don’t worry about hotel pick up.

best Cancun tours to Tulum

6. Tulum Adventure Tour: ATVs, Ruins & Underground River

tulum ruins & ATV tour
Are you looking for one of the best Tulum Cancun adventure tours? Book this Mayan Ruins Tulum Tours Adventure to swim in a cave, visit the ruins, and ride ATVs too.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Adventure and archaeology combine on this Cancun Ruins Tulum Adventure Tour that combines Mayan Ruins with ATVs in the jungle, underground rivers, and of course, delicious food.

After pickup from your Cancun hotel or Riviera Maya hotel, you’ll head to Tulum for a fascinating time exploring the Mayan Ruins with a knowledgeable guide.

The event staff were friendly, energetic, very informative of what to expect and safety conscious… I WOULD DO IT AGAIN, IT WAS THAT FUN!

Reggie, Tripadvisor review (see more reviews)

After you take pictures of the incredible buildings, picturesque cliffs overlooking the beautiful beaches below and learn about the rich history of the site, you’ll head on to an adventure park for some adrenaline-pumping ATV rides in the jungle.

Here, you can ride your ATV on a dirt path, walk across jungle canopies and take a dip in a hidden underground river. You’ll finish the day off with a delicious lunch that includes traditional Yucatan foods and drinks.

best Cancun tours to Tulum

7. Private Tulum Tour from Cancun to 2 Mayan Cities

woman climbing coba pyramid in mexico
Book this Private Tour of 2 Mayan Cities and get the best of both worlds — Tulum and Coba Ruins.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-9 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Looking for the best private Cancun to Tulum day trip available? This one is worth considering, especially if you love learning about the Mayan civilization and culture.

Avoid the misery of a crowded big bus trip by booking this Tour to Tulum Ruins and Coba Ruins. It’s a long 11-12 hour day, but absolutely worth it because you get a comfy private van for just your group.

We loved the tour of Coba and Tulum. Mario was the most knowledgeable and patient guide. He answered all of our questions and provided many interesting facts about the Mayans.

Justine (see more reviews)

You’ll travel in the comfort of a private air-conditioned vehicle with wifi on board. Explore the beautiful ruins in Tulum, then head to Coba Mayan Ruins.

If you choose, you can rent bicycles at Coba Ruins and zoom from temple to temple — as one of the largest Mayan Ruins in Yucatan, bikes are a fun way to see everything. When you’re all done, you’ll see why this is definitely one of the best Riviera Maya tours available.

best Cancun tours to Tulum

8. 4-in-1 Cancun to Tulum Tour: Ruins, Cenote, Playa del Carmen & Lunch

colorful sign that says Playa del Carmen
Looking for a tour that has some of the best excursions in Tulum? Book this 4 in 1 Tulum Coba Tour with a stop in Playa del Carmen to get just that.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Enjoy a memorable day on this 4-in-1 Tour from Cancun Mexico to Tulum. Embark on a journey through the Archaeological Zone of Tulum, where you’ll marvel at ancient edifices under the guidance of a professional.

You’ll then experience the thrill of climbing the majestic pyramid in Coba, offering breathtaking views and a deeper understanding of Mayan architectural prowess. The adventure continues as you take a refreshing dip in El Gloria Cenote (AKA Cenote La Gloria).

There was enough free time to quickly walk around and get pics after and Pablo made sure to educate us on the Mayan culture. He went above and beyond. A great way to see quite a few popular sites.

Dusti (see more reviews)

Savor a delicious local lunch included in your tour before heading to your last stop, the vibrant city of Playa del Carmen. Here, enjoy ample time for shopping or sipping on a cold drink while soaking in the local vibes.

The tour includes comfortable, air-conditioned transportation from your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free day of exploration.

Best Cancun tours to Tulum

9. Ultimate Cancun to Tulum Full-Day Tour: Ruins & Cenotes

woman at Cenotes Casa Tortuga Tulum
Book this Ultimate Tulum Experience from Cancun to enjoy the majestic Casa Cenote Tortuga and Tulum Ruins in one a day.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

Enjoy a fun day trip from Cancun to Tulum on this Ultimate Tulum Tour from Cancun.

Kick off the fun with an informative and fascinating visit to the Tulum Ruins Archeological Site. Here, you’ll learn all about Mayan history and admire spectacular clifftop buildings. 

The tour guide Edwin and driver Luis were incredible! Very informative and interactive. The ruins are definitely worth seeing and the cenote was such a fun experience! 10/10 would recommend!

NAtalie (see more reviews)

By the time you’re done enjoying the ancient buildings, it’ll be time to cool off with a swim at
Cenotes Casa Tortuga
. This deliciously-refreshing natural pool is one of the best cenotes in Tulum Mexico.

💰 Note: Travelers recommend taking cash to buy pizza at the cenote, and pay the $15 USD conservation fee. This must be paid in cash, and is collected at the time of the tour.

best Cancun tours to Tulum

10. Rio Secreto Underground River & Tulum Ruins Tour

rio secreto mexico underground river
Book this Rio Secreto and Tulum Ruins Tour from Cancun to see an underground river and gorgeous Mayan Ruins by the beach.

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-8 hours | ✅ Check Rates and Availability

On its own, this is one of the best Rio Secreto Tours from Cancun, however, you can easily turn it into a Cancun to Tulum tour for a truly amazing experience. To do so, you must choose the Tulum Ruins upgrade when you book this Rio Secreto Underground River Tour.

Kick off the day by exploring a spectacular underground cave system. Gear up in a hard hat with a lamp, a wetsuit, water shoes, and a life jacket. Next, follow your guide underground to explore the crystal caves of Rio Secreto Mexico.

This was the most impressive excursion/tour. Omar was very knowledgeable and spoke English very well. This is a very must do adventure, and he was constantly concerned about our safety and needs.

Trina (see more reviews)

You’ll walk, wade and swim as you explore fabulous stalagmite, stalactite and crystal formations in the caverns. As you go, you’ll learn about the geology of these crystal caves as well as some Mayan history.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Rio Secreto Restaurant, then (if you choose to upgrade), you’ll head to the Tulum Archaeological Site for a guided tour of this fascinating Mayan archaeological site in Mexico. Afterwards, you’ll be dropped off at your Cancun hotel.

Cancun Tours to Tulum: FAQs

How to get to Tulum from Cancun?

You don’t technically need Tulum tour packages to visit from Cancun. You can get from Cancun to Tulum by shared shuttle, private shuttle, rental car, or ADO bus. The bus is the cheapest option.

🚙 Cancun to Tulum via Private Shuttle

private cancun to tulum suttle van
Wondering, How far from Cancun to Tulum? It’s about 1.5-2 hours, and choosing this private shuttle is a convenient way to travel Cancun to Tulum.

If you choose the private transfer Cancun to Tulum option, you’ll have your own driver for the day.

This is perfect if you want the convenience of a quick trip without the bother of driving yourself. It can also be ideal for families and groups of friends.

In my opinion, this Cancun Airport Transportation private shuttle is the easiest, fastest, most stress-free, and hassle-free way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum with door-to-door service!

🚐 Cancun to Tulum via shared Shuttle

The shared shuttle is another good choice if you aren’t comfortable with public trip transportation.

Keep in mind the shuttle often makes multiple stops, so it is not always the quickest way to travel from Cancun to Tulum. (But neither is the bus).

🚘 Cancun to Tulum via Rental Car

Cancun to Tulum drive options?

Rental cars will put you in charge of the itinerary and are a quick way of traveling from Cancun to Tulum, and back from Tulum to Cancun.

Cancun tours to Tulum

Can you do a day trip to Tulum from Cancun?

Yes — You can do a Tulum day trip from Cancun. Depending on which transportation option you choose, the drive for day trips to Tulum from Cancun will take 1.5 to 2 hours one way.

car rental tulum mexico locations
How far is Cancun from Tulum? It’s approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive in your rental car.

It’s a good idea to start early and already know which stops you’d like to make, such as Tulum Beach, the Tulum Ruins, and Tulum cenotes.

The easiest hassle-free day tours Tulum from Cancun are organized by tour companies. They usually include transportation, multiple stops, and food.

You can sit back and enjoy the day, minus logistics.

Cancun tours to Tulum

Is it worth going to Tulum from Cancun?

Yes — Tulum excursions from Cancun are absolutely worth it! Tulum is an amazing natural paradise offering incredible beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, adventure parks, swimmable cenotes, and striking clifftop Mayan Ruins.

snorkeling in Yal Ku Lagoon Mexico
Aside from swimming in the cenote and visiting the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, another fun activity you can do is snorkeling in a lagoon.

The vibe in Tulum is laid-back, chill, and artsy. It’s a perfect destination for everyone from luxury travelers and solo travelers, to families and backpackers doing budget travel in Tulum.

Not to mention the Tulum Mexico excursions and day trips are great. Plus, the distance from Cancun to Tulum isn’t far.

The Cancun to Tulum distance is actually only 81 miles (131 km), so it’s super easy whether you choose to find your own transportation or go on a Tulum tour from Cancun.

Cancun tours to Tulum

How much is a day trip to Tulum from Cancun?

About $75 USD to $350 USD — The cost of a day trip from Cancun to Tulum can vary widely depending on many factors, including how many stops you want to make on your Cancun and Tulum itinerary, and the sites you want to see.

man on the cenote calavera rope swing
Some of the Cancun tours to Tulum from Tulum include visits to different types of cenotes, including Cenote Calavera.

You also have to consider whether you are traveling on your own, what travel method you are going to use, what you want to see along the Tulum Cancun route, and what activities you will do while you’re there (ie. will you join a Tulum Ruins tour or not).

Also, private tours cost more than group tours (but they’re of course more comfortable on any day trip Tulum you book).

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into determining the Cancun tours to Tulum cost.

Cancun tours to Tulum

What is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum?

Are you wondering what your Cancun to Tulum travel options are? You can travel to Tulum from downtown, from the hotel zone, and from the airport.

Cancun private shuttle
How do you get to Tulum? How about booking private shuttles from Cancun to Tulum is a great option for those who want a shorter drive.

You can travel by ADO bus, rental car, private shuttle, or hire a private driver. Private tours are also an option.

Going on a Cancun to Tulum Mexico tour is the best and easiest way to take Tulum trips from Cancun, for a half day or full day. If you don’t have a lot of time, a Tulum half-day tour from Cancun is ideal.

However, if you are planning to spend a while in Tulum, consider booking this private shuttle through Cancun Airport Transportation. This option is quick, convenient, and safe Cancun travel option.

Cancun tours to Tulum

Are the Tulum Ruins worth seeing?

Absolutely — The Tulum Ruins are one of the most unique archaeological sites in the Mayan world. Its most distinctive feature is its striking cliffside location. 

Tulum Beach Mayan Ruins
Tulum Ruins is right by the beach, and it’s even more beautiful in person.

The ancient walls rising high above the splashing surf of the Caribbean and the white sand beach below are unforgettable. 

The buildings themselves are known for their murals, architecture, and fascinating history. The site is small enough that you can see most of it in only 1.5 to 2 hours.

Cancun tours to Tulum

What day of the week is best to visit Tulum?

There is no best day of the week to visit Tulum, even on a Tulum half day tour. However, you may want to avoid Sundays if you are planning to visit the Tulum ruins.

Entrance is free for Mexican residents on Sundays, so it may be more crowded than usual. Note that the ruins receive more than 2,000 tourists daily.

If you are going on one of the Cancun tours to Tulum, your best bet is to visit the ruins as early as possible on any day of the week so you can beat the tourist buses (which often arrive around 10 am). Alternatively, go in the late afternoon before closing.

Final Thoughts: Cancun Tours to Tulum

Cancun or Tulum — How about both? Tulum is a vibrant boho chic town with lots to offer, from eye-catching sculptures and colorful artwork to underground rivers festooned in crystal formations. Traveling from Tulum Mexico to Cancun (and vice versa) is a perfect travel plan.

visitors at tulum ruins archeological site

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Still unsure about the best Cancun tours to Tulum? I suggest this Tulum Ruins & Cenote Guided Tour — which has a perfect 5-Star review.

The Tulum Ruins are a huge draw, as are the many spots in Tulum to snorkel, enjoy ziplining, and go rappelling.

Tulum is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Mayan history buffs, and travelers looking for memorable adventures.

Now all you have to do is choose a Cancun Tulum Mexico adventure! Which of these Cancun tours to Tulum caught your fancy?

Additional Tulum Tours

woman on a bike in tulum mexico
Biking is one of the best ways to get around Tulum, but I also love the bike tours in Tulum.

Looking to take more tours in Tulum during your visit? Tours are so convenient because you don’t have to worry about planning anything — you just show up and enjoy!

Here are all of my recommendations for the top-rated Tulum tours:

Tulum Travel Planning Guide

1. Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

2. Can you drink the water in Tulum?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)

3. Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)

4. Will my phone work in Tulum?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy this Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)

5. What’s the best way to book my Tulum accommodations?

For Tulum hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

6. What do I pack for Tulum?

Head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

7. What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

8. Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.