10 Best Private Tours in Tulum Mexico (2023)
Are you looking for the best private tours in Tulum, Mexico?
You’ve come to the right guide because I live in Playa del Carmen, just north of Tulum, and am here to share with you my top Tulum private tour recommendations.
A Tulum private tour is the perfect option for families, larger groups, and those looking to avoid the crowds and create their own customized itinerary.
You’ll be treated to a more intimate experience with the option to go at your own pace and make stops along the way.
MY TOP PICK
⌚️ Don’t have time to read the full article?
The best Tulum private tour is this Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling with over 140 5-star reviews!
Plus, private tours often come with added luxury features like private transportation, elevated food and beverage, and exceptional tour guides.
And in Tulum, there is a private tour option for every interest, whether it be snorkeling in freshwater cenotes, exploring nature reserves, or discovering ancient Mayan ruins.
In this post, I’m going to share with you the top private tours in Tulum including private snorkeling tours, private Mayan ruin tours, private boat tours, and more.
Ready to ditch the crowds and have a private, personalized experience in Tulum?
Let’s dive in, starting with my top pick – this Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling – the most deluxe way to see the only beachfront Mayan ruins in the state of Quintana Roo.
Best Private Tours in Tulum
1. Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 140 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
A trip to Tulum wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Tulum Ruins, the only beachfront Mayan ruins in the state of Quintana Roo with ancient pyramids overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
This private full day Tulum Ruins combo tour provides early access and private transportation so you’ll beat the crowds.
Tulum ruins were beautiful, the cenote was so interesting, and fun, and we saw turtles in their habitat. Arturo was knowledgeable and easy going but had a great way of informing us about our stops. He made sure tailor the stops to our needs. We felt like we were with friends.
–Katherine (See more reviews)
You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ancient Mayan city with a local tour guide to explain its history and significance, while getting to check out the incredible view.
Plus, you’ll get to visit Dos Ojos Cenote (one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum) and snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal Bay–all in one day!
What’s included in the Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling:
- Private tour with a professional guide
- Early access to the Tulum Ruins archaeological site to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Dos Ojos Cenote
- Snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal Bay
- Use of snorkel equipment
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Soda, bottled water, and beer
- Round trip private transportation from all hotels in Tulum
2. The Best Cenotes in Yucatan – Suytun & Oxman Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 120 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
This VIP cenote private tour will take you from Tulum to Valladolid to see some of the best cenotes in the entire Yucatan peninsula.
You’ll get an early start to beat the crowds and get the best photos of these Instagrammable cenotes including Cenote Suytun, Cenote Oxman, and Cenote Xux Ha.
Best trip ever! Our guide was amazing! We got to see and do so much. The cenotes were just stunning and the food was delicious!
–AManda (read more reviews)
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy breakfast and free time in Valladolid, a quaint colonial town for a more authentic taste of Mexico.
What’s included in the Best Cenotes in Yucatan – Suytun & Oxman Private Tour:
- Visit to Suytun Cenote
- Visit to Oxman Cenote
- Visit to Xux Ha Cenote
- Access to all cenotes
- Free time in Valladolid
- Local guide
- Roundtrip private transportation to Valladolid
- Breakfast
- Bottled water
3. Skip-the-Line Chichen Itza Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 640 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
A trip to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Chichen Itza Ruins — one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But as one of the most visited Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico, it can be a hassle to navigate the crowds on your own.
This full day Chichen Itza private tour from Tulum solves that problem with VIP skip-the-line access and private transportation.
Fantastic! The private Chichen Itza tour is definitely worth it! Our certified guide, Alex, was professional, very knowledgeable and a very nice man. His English was perfect! The Cenote was awesome too!
–Mary (read more reviews)
You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ancient Mayan city with a licensed archaeological guide to explain its history and significance.
Plus, enjoy a private Yucatecan lunch at a local restaurant and a swim in Cenote Chukum–one of the most impressive cavern cenotes in Valladolid with cliff jumping and overwater ziplines.
What’s included in the Skip-the-Line Chichen Itza Private Tour:
- Private tour with a professional archaeological licensed guide
- Early access to the Chichen Itza archaeological site to avoid the crowds
- Cenote swim at Cenote Chukum
- Yucatecan lunch at a local restaurant
- Local taxes & National Park entrance fee
- Soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages
- Round trip private transportation from all hotels in Tulum
- Snacks
- Free time if desired
4. Private Turtles and Cenotes Adventure
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 130 positive reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
This private turtles tour will take you to Akumal Bay, known for its abundance of sea turtles and coral reefs which can be found right off the beach.
Turtle sightings in their natural habitat are guaranteed on this fun-packed tour with undivided attention from your professional tour guide.
We had an amazing experience – Our group was here for a bachelorette party, and they went above and beyond for us. Overall – I can’t recommend this tour highly enough.
–Jessie (read more reviews)
You’ll also get to trek through the private Xtun Cenote, a stunning Tulum cenote full of other-worldly stalactites and stalagmites.
I’ve personally done this Akumal snorkeling tour with Ocean Tours Mexico and can honestly say it was unforgettable!
What’s included in the Private Turtles and Cenotes Adventure Tour:
- Private sea turtle snorkeling in Akumal Bay
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Visit to the private Xtun Cenote
- Private round-trip transportation from all hotels in Tulum
- Private bilingual guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
5. Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 270 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
Perfect for families, this top-rated private cenote tour is the best way to experience outdoor adventure activities in Riviera Maya without the crowds.
You’ll get to go snorkeling, canoeing, zip-lining, and swimming in a secluded cenote in the middle of the jungle — all at your own pace.
Excellent Tour! Our tour guide Marianna was SUPERIOR!! Her knowledge and expertise on the culture was excellent! Thank you for giving my husband and I memories together to last a lifetime!
–Christine (read more reviews)
Plus, a visit to an adjacent Mayan village and delicious lunch are included in this VIP Tulum private tour for an added Mayan culture experience.
What’s included in the Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village Private Tour:
- Private visit to Tankah Beach and cenotes in the Mayan jungle
- Snorkeling, canoeing, zip-lining, and swimming in a secluded cenote
- Visit to an adjacent Mayan village
- Mayan Lunch
- Beverages and bottled water
- Private transportation with pickup form hotels in Tulum
- Private guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- All taxes and entrance fees
6. Private Dream Underground World Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with 148 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
This TripAdvisor top-rated private cenote tour gives you the unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the underground world near Tulum.
You’ll visit the Cenotes Sac Actun underwater cave system, where you can swim and snorkel at your own pace in crystal clear waters while learning about the area’s ancient geology from a knowledgeable guide.
Fantastic authentic experience! Highlight of trip. Really felt like these kind of adventures were bespoke to Tulum vs Cancun experience. Spend the money to do it private. Much better experience.
–Vincent (read more reviews)
Next, you’ll explore a private cave at Dos Ojos Cenote, one of the most iconic underground cenotes near Tulum. And since it’s just a half-day tour, it’s perfect for those short on time.
What’s included in the Private Dream Underground World Tour:
- Private visit to Sac Actun Cenotes
- Visit to private cave at Cenote Dos Ojos
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Professional guide
- Water and alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
- Round-trip private transfers from Tulum
7. Discover Tulum and Coba Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with over 145 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
This private Mayan Ruins tour offers the perfect combination of history and nature as you explore two of the most famous ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico – the Tulum Ruins and the Coba Ruins.
Great way to spend the day! This was a wonderful trip – Claudia was very knowledgeable. It was a great way to explore the area’s ruins, and lunch was a real treat too. Would highly recommend!
–Sarah (read more reviews)
Your private guide will share informative insights about each location while giving you plenty of time to wander and explore on your own.
Plus, you can choose to experience Coba by bicycle or bike taxi.
What’s included in the Discover Tulum and Coba Private Tour:
- Guided tour of the Tulum Ruins
- Guided tour of the Coba Ruins
- Beachside Lunch
- All taxes, entrance fees and handling charges
- Beverages and bottled water
- Snacks
- Private driver
- Local guide
- Private round-trip transportation from all hotels in Tulum or the Riviera Maya
8. Private Paddleboard Tour to Kaan Luum Lagoon
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with over 15 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
Located just south of Tulum, Kaan Luum Lagoon is a natural swimming hole and hidden gem in Riviera Maya.
This private paddleboarding tour allows you to explore the entire lagoon on a paddleboard, normally off limits to the general public.
Loved it! We went out with Tania and Claudia for a fantastic day. The lagoon was a great experience followed by lunch and mojitos.
–Brenden (read more reviews)
Plus, the lagoon’s calm cool waters are the perfect place for beginner paddleboarders. And you’ll get to end the tour with a tasty taco lunch!
The tour operator, Aloha Paddle Club, is a family-owned business and the absolute best standup paddleboarding provider you’ll find in Riviera Maya.
I’ve been a member of their standup paddleboarding club in Playa del Carmen for several years and can’t recommend them enough!
What’s included in the Private Paddleboard Tour to Kaan Luum Lagoon:
- Private standup paddleboarding tour at Kaan Luum Lagoon
- All paddleboarding equipment
- Expert instructors
- Private transportation from hotels in Tulum or the Riviera Maya
- Bottled water
- Taco lunch
- Photos
9. Private Yacht Rental from Puerto Aventuras
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with over 125 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
Departing from the marina in Puerto Aventuras, this private yacht rental offers the ultimate Tulum luxury private tour experience.
You’ll have a private captain and crew to take you on a private cruise for four hours, with options for snorkeling, paddle boarding, or just relaxing on deck with drinks from the open bar.
Book it! Amazing time on this cruise! It’s well worth it! The food and drinks were fresh and Santos was the best snorkeling guide!
–Millicent (read more reviews)
And on this Tulum private boat tour, you can even customize your own itinerary with the boat’s captain and crew.
It’s one of the best yacht rentals in Tulum for families and groups looking for a totally exclusive experience on the Caribbean Sea.
What’s included in the Private Yacht Rental from Puerto Aventuras:
- 4-Hour Private Yacht Rental on a 51′ Sea Ray
- Snorkeling at Inah Reef
- Use of paddle boards
- Use of snorkel equipment
- Lunch
- Open bar with unlimited alcoholic beverages
- Private captain and crew
- Bluetooth sound system and Spotify
10. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with over 10 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours
🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices & availability here →
Why book this tour?
Perfect for nature lovers, this private tour to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) provides a unique opportunity for a wildlife expedition in the largest protected nature reserve in the Mexican Caribbean.
Plus, you’ll start the day early with a visit to the Muyil Ruins before continuing on to the next stop at Sian Kaan.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience! An excellent tour led by a knowledgeable, friendly guide. The boat ride in the lagoons within Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the experience of floating within an ancient Mayan canal were especially wonderful and memorable. Highly recommended.
–Saad (read more reviews)
Once there, you’ll get to swim and float down a natural lazy river surrounded by lush lagoons and wetlands.
What’s included in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Private Tour:
- Visit to the Muyil archaeological site
- Boat visit to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Float down a natural lazy river
- Bottled water
- Vegetarian picnic with seasonal fruits
- Private tour guide
- Private transportation with pickup from hotels in Tulum
What to Bring on Tulum Private Tours
No matter the private excursion you choose, there are some essentials to bring along with you. These include:
You’ll also want to wear a swimsuit and comfortable clothes, bring a change of clothes, and don’t forget cash for tips.
Private Tours in Tulum: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about private sightseeing tours in Tulum:
Some popular private tour spots near Tulum include the Tulum Mayan Ruins, the Chichen Itza Ruins, Akumal Bay, Kaan Luum Lagoon, and many different nearby cenotes.
Many private Tulum tour packages can be customized to fit your preferences or specific requests. It’s best to discuss any customization with the tour company before booking.
Some private tours that are ideal for couples include private yacht rentals, private snorkeling or scuba diving trips, and private catamaran cruises.
The cost of private tours in Tulum can vary depending on the activity, length of the tour, and level of luxury desired.
Tulum luxury private tours often cost more than group tours due to the added convenience of private transportation, elevated experiences, and personalized attention.
Tulum tours that are great for families include private sailing excursions, private Mayan ruins tours, and private snorkeling trips.
The Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village Private Tour is one of the best Tulum private tour options for families!
🛥 Related Reading: Top 10 Private Tours in Playa del Carmen
Conclusion: Best Private Tours in Tulum
Overall, private tours in Tulum offer a unique and personalized way to explore the beautiful region and all it has to offer.
From exploring ancient Mayan ruins to snorkeling in cenotes and standup paddleboarding adventures, there are countless private tours to choose from.
The Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling is my top pick and shouldn’t be missed when visiting Tulum!
From my experience, a private tour is definitely the way to go for a more intimate and customized experience without sacrificing your precious vacation time.
While they are more expensive than group tours, the added convenience and personalized attention is more than worth it!
Be sure to bring along all the essentials and discuss any customization with the tour company before booking. No matter which Tulum private tour you choose, you will no doubt have an unforgettable experience!