W2W – Tulum Ruin’s, Cenote, Snorkeling, Lunch on Beach
If you are looking for some cultural experience while in the Tulum area, Cancun Adventures has a great trip that we recently booked through Lomas Travel. It is always advised when you are traveling on vacation to use the transportation companies to book your excursions. The guided experience we feel really helps and this trip was no exception.
Our day started with a pick up at 8am, and we stopped at 2 other hotels, with a group of 10 for the day. We love meeting people along the way, and in this case, we were the only ones from the USA. Spain, Germany, and Canada were represented with us on the trip.
A short 15 minute ride, and we were at the Tulum Ruins, which included Tequila tasting, shopping, and some good ice cream for the hot day. The Ruins was mostly guided by our tour guide Gina, who was fantastic. She gave the history of Ruins. Mostly made of Limestone, much of the building was dissolved by the force of water, which gave rise to the cenotes. Along the shores of Yucatan, the Ruins in Tulum are home to the shores of one of the largest coral reefs in the area.
Mid-morning, we were shuttled over to the jungle. Located about 15 minutes off the road, we settled on to a cave with a Cenotes. A brisk 70-degree temperature, the 1st feeling is a really cold bath. Once in, the water feels good, but the views are stunning to say the least. I would advise to bring along swimming shoes as some of the rocks under water and shallow areas can be rough on bare feet.
Next, you will travel for about another 20 minutes to a beautiful snorkeling area, where fish are everywhere. From smaller vibrant fish, to stingrays, and barracudas, this inlet of water was a great experience. Having snorkeled in open waters, this is very different as the waters of Yal Ku Lagoon are protected from the rough sea. Although the water is calm, the tour does offer lifejackets and you will be provided with snorkeling gear as well.
The 4th, and last part of the tour, is private group lunch on the beach at Punta Venado. The food was absolutely amazing! With multiple options for you, they covered all of the dietary needs. We had a couple of Vegans, and kids. From fish tacos, to vegetarian, to chicken tenders and fries, all were happy to eat. After lunch, relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, or like me, fall asleep after a full day in the sun. Just set your alarm so you don’t miss the shuttle back.
Booking – As mentioned, we booked through Lomas travel for the tour as we usually do. The day trip had a cost of $159 per person, kids under 12 are $129 as of March 2023.
What to bring – Make sure to bring sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, bathing suits, towels, a change of clothes, waterproof camera for snorkeling and cenote; phone camera is fine for Ruin and beach, and some tip money for the driver, the guide, and lunch. If you plan on shopping at the Ruins, bring some extra cash. You will be able to store your items on the van securely on each stop.
Time – we departed at 8am, arrived back at our resort at 4:45pm. Plan on the day, and to be tired when you return to the resort.