Tulum is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Riviera Maya, but it’s an expensive destination, plus many people (including me) prefer the beach in Cancun which doesn’t get as much seaweed as Tulum.
But that doesn’t mean Tulum can’t be visited on a day trip from Cancun! The town and attractions are compact enough that you’ll be able to see quite a bit in one day – in fact, this is one of the most popular excursions from Cancun.
If a day trip from Cancun to Tulum is in your plans, you can either drive yourself or join a tour. The latter option is ideal if you don’t have a car, as all the tours include roundtrip transfers from Cancun.
You’ll be taken to the most important Tulum attractions, learn about them from a local guide, and usually enjoy a delicious lunch.
I know Tulum well, and in this article, I’ve made a list of the excursions I consider to be the best ones available. Read on to find the ultimate tours to Tulum from Cancun!
➥ Why can you trust my recommendations for Tulum tours from Cancun? In my six months exploring Mexico (of which quite some time between Cancun and Tulum) and a decade in the travel industry, I’ve learned what makes a tour special. I’ve carefully selected these tours for their expert guides and the rich, safe experiences they provide.
I usually use Viator when booking tours during my travels. The platform is reliable and offers a fantastic free cancellation policy. If for any reason your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the ultimate options:
| THE BEST TOUR | Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote |
| BEST PRIVATE TOUR | Private Tour: Tulum and Cave Adventure |
| CENOTES TOUR | Tulum Ruins + 4 Cenotes |
| JUNGLE TOUR | Cancun Jungle Tour to Tulum |
| MAYAN RUINS COMBO | Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum |
OUR PICK: The BEST Tulum Tour from Cancun
The Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves promises a memorable excursion. It includes a guided visit to the Tulum Ruins, arguably the highlight of any trip to Tulum.
Besides being a site steeped in history, it’s gorgeous! Standing atop a cliff, it overlooks the blue Caribbean Sea and it’s incredibly photogenic.
After touring the ruins, you’ll enjoy the best natural attributes of the area. You’ll board a motorboat to the reef in the Caribbean Sea where you’ll snorkel. You’ll see colorful fish and corals, and you might even spot a turtle or a manta ray.
For your last stop, you’ll head to the reainforest to swim in a beautiful cenote surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites at Yax Muul. A local guide will be with you at all times, and you’ll enjoy a scrumptious lunch of fajitas to refuel.
➤ Why is this the best Tulum tour? Besides the fact that it has over 3,000 5-star reviews (which trust me, it’s impressive!) this tour offers immense value. It’s one of the only excursions to provide such a great combo of activities, showcasing all of Tulum’s best attractions. Most tours visit the ruins and a cenote, while this one also includes a third stop for snorkeling.
It’s not just me saying it! Read what the reviews say:
”Sergio and Toni were amazing tour guides! They’re so knowledgeable about the Mexican history. The excitement that comes from them made everything so fun. We had an absolute blast and will recommend this tour to everyone we know. Sergio and Toni made this all-day event worry free with tons of laughter. Memories were definitely made for a lifetime!!”
Tim_G – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a professional guide, entrance fees, all activities, water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Express Tulum Tours from Cancun
▶️ This Tulum Ruins Guided Tour from Cancun is a fantastic option for those with little time. It only takes 2 hours! You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken straight to the archaeological site.
Your entrance fee is included, so you won’t waste any time entering the ruins, which you’ll explore with an expert guide. Learn about the Mayans that inhabited this walled city, and the role of each pyramid as you walk past them. At the end of the trip, you’ll be dropped off back at your accommodation.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, snacks, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out the Ultimate Tulum Experience Mayan Ruins & Cenote Swim from Riviera Maya. This half-day excursion combines a visit to the Tulum Ruins with plenty of cenote time!
Explore the ancient archaeological site with a professional guide. After admiring the stunning views and structures, head to Casa Tortuga, home to beautiful cenotes. You’ll get to swim in the clear waters or rent snorkeling equipment to dive deeper. Cap off the tour with a tequila tasting!
This tour guided tour includes: Optional roundtrip transfers, entrance fees, and tequila tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Most Comprehensive Tour to Tulum from Cancun
This Tulum & Coba with Cenote, Buffet Lunch & Tastings is a full-day trip, so prepare to be gone morning til evening! You’ll visit the ancient ruins of Tulum, perched atop a cliff, with a professional guide.
Keep learning about the Mayans with a trip to Coba Ruins, where you’ll get to climb its main pyramid for astounding views. After the cultural part of the tour, it’s time to refresh with a cenote swim and refuel with a delicious Mexican lunch.
End the day with a visit to Playa del Carmen, walking its lively streets and doing some shopping.
This tour includes: Transfers, lunch, a guide, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tulum Ruins and Cenotes Tours from Cancun
▶️ The Tulum Ruins and Cenote Guided Tour plus Snacks combines a visit to two of Tulum’s main attractions. Start by exploring the ancient Mayan ruins with an expert guide, and learn about their rich history.
Then, you’ll head to the area’s natural sinkholes known as cenotes, where you’ll cool off in crystal-clear waters. Snacks will be provided to keep your energy levels up throughout the tour. It’s one of the most fun day trips from Cancun!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guided tour of the ruins, entrance fees, bottled water, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Tulum Ruins + 4 Cenotes & Giant Sculpture is a great alternative. The excursion first takes you around the Tulum Ruins, a landmark you can’t possibly miss in Tulum.
Your guide will be full of interesting facts and insights to share with you, making the tour all the more enjoyable. Afterward, pay a visit to Casa Tortuga, home to 4 different cenotes.
You’ll have some time to swim and snorkel, and then head for a photo op at the famous giant sculpture by Daniel Popper. Wrap up the day with a delicious lunch and drinks.
This Tulum Ruins excursion includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves takes you to visit the most magnificent underground river in Tulum. Known for its crystal caves and stalagmites, Rio Secreto is a natural marvel well worth visiting.
On this 3-hour trip, you’ll get you swim in this subterranean network, filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Marvel at its incredible caves, and learn about its formation from a guide.
You’ll also enjoy a tasty buffet lunch at the site’s restaurant. If desired, you can upgrade the tour to include a visit to the Tulum Ruins, as well as hotel roundtrip transfers.
This tour includes: Optional transportation, a guide, all equipment, lockers, towel rental, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The BEST Private Tours To Tulum from Cancun
▶️ If you’re traveling with a group, check out this Private Tour: Tulum and Cave Adventure from Cancun. It’s a full-day trip that begins with a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins.
Afterward, head to Ecopark Kantun Chi, where you’ll discover a mesmerizing cavern network. Prepare to admire rock chambers and learn about the site’s geology.
The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to enjoy some time in Tulum to go shopping or chill at a beach club. Indulge in a scrumptious buffet lunch before returning to Cancun.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a guide, a flexible itinerary, and a Mexican lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Tulum Private Tour VIP is a 6-hour trip that accommodates comfortably 15 people. With a customizable schedule and a professional guide by your side, your group is bound to have a memorable day exploring Tulum’s gems.
Start with a visit to the famous ruins, and after an informative lesson on the ancient Mayans, head to an open cenote for a refreshing splash. Explore an underground river, and indulge in ceviche for lunch, taking your time for each activity.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a Tulum guided tour, entrance fees, and snorkel equipment. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ With this Exclusive Private Tour of Tulum & Coba Just for You, your group will receive VIP treatment. After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll travel comfortably to the 13th-century Tulum Ruins for a tour.
Learn about the ancient civilization before you embark on another fascinating Mayan excursion at Coba. Your expert guide will provide live commentary, and you’ll be treated to snacks and refreshments throughout this fantastic trip on the Yucatan Peninsula.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, snacks, beverages, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tulum Jungle Tours from Cancun
▶️ The Cancun Jungle Tour: Tulum, Cenote Snorkeling, Ziplining, Lunch offers a great combination of culture and adventure. You’ll first visit the stunning Tulum Ruins, where you’ll learn about Mayan history from your guide.
Then, make a trip to the jungle to enjoy thrilling activities. From ziplining among the treetops to hiking beautiful trails and swimming in cenotes, the options are numerous!
You’ll also snorkel in underground caves, and rappel into a beautiful sinkhole. Top the tour off with a scrumptious buffet lunch.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, all activities, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Tulum Ruins, ATV Extreme and Cenotes Combo Tour from Cancun is a great choice for active people. You’ll not only visit the gorgeous archaeological site for a cultural dose, but also head into the jungle for adventure.
Try ATV riding, one of the most exhilarating activities in Tulum, and cool off in the cenotes. Keep your eyes peeled to spot marine life in the Caribbean Sea, swim in an underground river, and enjoy a delicious Mexican lunch.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, all activities, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tours to Coba & Tulum from Cancun
▶️ The Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Ceremony Full-Day Tour plus Lunch is one of the best tours for history lovers. You will learn about Mayan culture, archaeology, and history while wandering around the ruins of Tulum and Coba.
You’ll even get to climb one of the few pyramids in the country that allows it! Cap off the highly informative tour with a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear cenote, and recharge with a tasty lunch.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, life jackets, a Mayan ceremony, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A phenomenal alternative is the Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch. You’re in for a treat if you like Mayan history, because you’ll visit not one, but three ancient cities!
You’ll start with a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins, learning from your guide about the archaeological site. Then head to nearby Coba, where you’ll get to actually climb one of its pyramids!
Enjoy a comprehensive tour around the ruins before taking a lunch break and going for a swim at Cenote Ik Kil. Finally, visit the most famous Mayan site of all: Chichen Itza. Tickets for all the attractions are included, and the tour is catered solely to you and your group.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, pedicab rental in Coba, a guide, lunch, soft drinks, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Xel-Ha & Tulum Tour from Cancun
This Tulum and Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Day Trip from Cancun combines a tour of the Tulum Ruins with a visit to Xel-Ha. This aquatic theme park offers a great number of activities, so be prepared for a thrilling day!
You’ll go snorkeling in the river, hike through jungle trails, swim in an inlet, and relax in a hammock. Unlimited food and a domestic open bar will be available, along with the use of lockers and towels.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guided tour of Tulum Ruins, entrance fees, all activities, lunch, an open bar, and equipment. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
