El Castillo at Tulum seen over the ruins wall
Guests photographing the Tulum ruins
Tulum watchtower on the cliff above the sea
Guest walking through a stone archway in the Tulum ruins
Tulum ruins and palm trees on a sunny day
Tulum ruins with columns on a green lawn
Group of friends on the Tulum clifftop
Stone carving detail on a Tulum temple
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Home / Experiences / Tulum Ruins Experience

Tulum Ruins Experience

Private tour - Express Half Day Experience

About This Experience

Want to see Tulum without giving up your whole day at the resort? Start early and explore the iconic Tulum Ruins before the big crowds arrive. Walk through the ancient Mayan city, enjoy the incredible Caribbean views, and hear the stories behind it all from your certified guide. Cold drinks are included to keep you refreshed along the way.

Once you’ve seen Tulum, the rest of the day is yours. Head back to the resort and enjoy the pool, or stay a little longer to explore downtown or relax by the beach at no extra cost. No long stops, no wasted time, just an epic Tulum experience that leaves plenty of room for vacation mode.

What's Included & Not Included

✓ Included

  • ✓Tulum ruins guided visit
  • ✓Customizable cooler with water, soda, and beer
  • ✓Professional photos
  • ✓Certified Guide
  • ✓Private van with A/C
  • ✓Hotel pick-up & drop-off

✕ Not Included

  • ✕Add-on Option: Tacos lunch experience
  • ✕Add-on Option: Free-time in Tulum town or beach
  • ✕Tips
  • ✕Souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim?

Not necessarily! Many of our tours are suitable for beginners and guests who are not strong swimmers. Depending on the activity, we provide life jackets and safety equipment, and our guides are there to help you every step of the way. If you’re not comfortable in the water, just let your guide know. Your safety and comfort always come first.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, sandals or water shoes, cameras, and a change of clothes. Most importantly, bring your sense of adventure! We’ll take care of the rest.

Is the tour safe?

Absolutely. Your safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides will explain everything before the activity begins and stay with you throughout the tour. Safety equipment is provided when required, and our guides are trained to help guests of different experience levels. If you have any concerns or questions before the tour, just let us know.

What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?

A little rain usually won’t stop the adventure! Many of our tours can operate in light rain and may even be more fun with a little tropical weather. If conditions become unsafe or the tour needs to be canceled due to severe weather, we’ll contact you with the available options, such as rescheduling or a full refund*

Is the tour suitable for kids and families?

Absolutely! All of our tours are family-friendly and suitable for children and infants. We love welcoming families and making sure everyone can enjoy the experience together. If you’re traveling with little ones and want to enjoy the experience even more, we also offer professional nanny services upon request for private experiences. This gives parents the option to relax and fully enjoy their adventure while their children are cared for.

What is included in the tour price?

We believe in keeping things simple and transparent. The price you see is the price you pay, no surprise local taxes, dock fees, or unexpected charges added at the end. Everything included in your experience is clearly listed in the “What's Included” section of the tour page. We also clearly indicate anything that is not included, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my booking?

We understand that travel plans can change. Our cancellation and change policies depend on the tour and how far in advance you contact us. The specific cancellation policy is shown before you complete your booking. If something unexpected comes up, contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to help.

Where do we meet, and is transportation included?

Yes! We make it easy. We can pick you up directly from your hotel lobby or Airbnb, no need to worry about finding a meeting point or arranging your own transportation. Just provide us with your accommodation details when booking, and we’ll coordinate the pickup with you before your experience.

Do I need to bring cash?

You don’t need to bring cash for unexpected tour fees. We believe in transparent pricing, and everything included in your experience is clearly listed before you book. You may want to bring some cash for optional tips, souvenirs, or personal purchases during your trip. Tips are always appreciated but are never required.

Still have a question? Contact Us

Starting from

$69USD/person

30% deposit required, pay the balance by card or cash the day of the tour

Price drops automatically as group grows

Price per person$199 USD
Total price$398 USD

No charge yet. Next you'll review your reservation summary and pay the 30% deposit securely online.

Still have a question? Contact Us

Guest Reviews

What our guests say

Real reviews from travelers who explored the Riviera Maya with us.

  • Malika Begin
    ★★★★★

    One of the very best tours I’ve ever done, anywhere. Mika and his team are such pros. The exact personality and knowledge you dream of in a guide. I learned so much about the nature in the area and can’t wait to bring my family back to experience this well coordinated and well run experience. Thank you for sharing the local beauty with me in a way the I would never have experienced and will never forget!

  • Jennie Contreras
    ★★★★★

    We were SO happy with Mikael and Beyond the Reef! I had just cancelled a trip that I had booked through Trip Advisor as I realized that booking with a local would be a much better experience. I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for so I posted some details in a Facebook group and Mikael was one of the many who responded. After talking with 3 guides, I decided to go with Mikael. (Mind you, this was around 3pm the day before.) Here is why I’m giving a 5 star review: • Pricing was very fair. • It was a PRIVATE tour and fully customizable • Mikael is wonderful! We loved having conversation with him. My 18 year old son described him as “wholesome” :) • Trust his suggestions for timing! Getting up early with 4 teenagers isn’t easy, but we were very happy to have arrived at Tulum right when it opened. And we were pretty much the only ones at the cenotes! • The taco stop was amazing! Very authentic :) • We all appreciated the muffins, drinks and sandwiches too! • Pictures were amazing and included!!!! It was such a perfect day. We highly recommend Mikael and Beyond the Reef and will absolutely use him again on our next trip back :)

  • Box PS5
    ★★★★★

    Mikael is AMAZING! We had a day swimming with turtles. We got to see 8-9 turtles and that animal so big we were suprised. We also got to see squid and sting rays and a sting ray was also pregnant. Then we went to cenotes and zip lines. This place is amazing we were all alone just us 3 and Mikael. It was so relaxing and lovely. He did a great job. The place is beautiful. You won’t find a better guide and places to go.

  • Cynthia Girard
    ★★★★★

    If you're looking for a guide who will create a personalized excursion tailored to your expectations, Michael is the person who will make your day truly unique. There were six of us, and each of us loved it. Don't hesitate to contact him; he offers exceptional service.

  • lauren hillier
    ★★★★★

    Our excursion was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. Traveling with a 10-month-old and a 2-year-old can be stressful, but this team went above and beyond to make our entire family feel comfortable, cared for, and genuinely welcomed. What stood out most was that they were never pushy or focused on upselling. Their priority was clearly making sure we had the best possible experience. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the local culture, sea turtles, and cenotes, and shared everything with so much passion and care. The local cuisine, sea turtles, and private cenote experience exceeded every expectation we had. We are honestly still in shock over how incredible the entire experience was. Every part felt thoughtful, authentic, and unforgettable. A special mention to the nanny service they offered — she was absolutely amazing with our children. She was kind, attentive, and wonderful with both babies. Our kids were happy, comfortable, and very well cared for the entire time, which allowed us to truly relax and enjoy the experience. We are so grateful for the memories made and would highly recommend this excursion to families traveling with young children. Truly one of the highlights of our trip

  • Jordyn Fleet
    ★★★★★

    We did the snorkeling with turtles and explored the cenote, and it was honestly one of the best experiences of our trip! Miguel went above and beyond from start to finish and made the entire day absolutely perfect. He was incredibly kind, patient, helpful, and genuinely cared that we were comfortable and having a good time the whole day. He even stopped at the grocery store for us and constantly checked in to make sure we had everything we needed and that everyone was okay. You can tell he truly cares about the people he takes care of, and it made such a difference in our experience. We also had the nanny with us, and she was absolutely amazing with the kids. She was so sweet, attentive, and caring, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the experience knowing the kids were in such good hands. Everything felt stress-free, organized, and enjoyable because of them. This experience was unforgettable, and a huge part of that was because of Miguel and his incredible hospitality. We are so grateful and would recommend this to absolutely anyone visiting!

  • MsValery1982
    ★★★★★

    We had an absolutely unforgettable experience on this private tour combining a visit to a cenote and Mayan ruins. Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish, and we were exceptionally well looked after throughout the entire activity. The fact that the tour was private truly made all the difference: a personalized pace, detailed explanations, and no added time pressure, all in our own language. The guide was passionate, very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, accompanying us every step of the way and ensuring our comfort. The visit to the Mayan ruins was fascinating. The site is impressive and steeped in history, and the explanations made the visit even more enriching. The cenote was simply spectacular: crystal-clear water, a peaceful atmosphere, and a breathtaking natural setting. A magical moment of relaxation, perfect for refreshing ourselves and fully enjoying nature. I 100% recommend this tour to anyone who wants an authentic, relaxing cultural experience, enjoyed with complete peace of mind thanks to impeccable support throughout the day!

  • Nathan Ng
    ★★★★★

    Beyond the Reef and beyond my expectations! Our guides were incredibly experienced, personable, and truly invested in making the day special. Every step of the plan was thoughtful and intentional—exactly what sets a private tour apart from a big group or bus tour. They took care of all the details so we could simply show up, relax, and enjoy the moment. We’re already looking forward to coming back and booking another tour with them.

  • Martin Jette
    ★★★★★

    Quelle journée exceptionnelle que nous avons vécue grâce à Mikael! Plongée avec les tortues, baignade dans les cénotes, découverte du côté historique… tout était simplement incroyable. Mikael a été à la hauteur d’un guide hors pair, offrant un service 10 sur 10 du début à la fin. Son professionnalisme, sa passion et son attention aux détails ont vraiment fait toute la différence. Un immense merci à lui pour cette expérience mémorable! 🌊🐢✨

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