Tulum's VIP Secrets & Turtle Reefs: Private Coastal Escape

We had a fantastic experience guided by Irving. He has an excellent knowledge of Tulum and the surrounding area and many of the other mayan temples. He picked us up from the hotel in a very clean and comfortable car and drove us to Tulum, showed us all the buildings, and gave us a comprehensive tour. He was very relaxed and didn't rush us. He then took us to Akumal Bay to swim with the turtles, assisted by the guide Antonio. Antonio was also very helpful in spotting the turtles and other marine life, giving us plenty of time to take videos and pictures. After this, Irving let us have some free time to relax with a cold drink, then took us back to the hotel. It was nice to chat with him about life in Mexico and other sites we might want to visit in the future. Thank you, Irving and Antonio, for such an amazing day! PS bring mosquito spray!

Guide Heriberto picked us up bang on time. Very sweet gentleman. We had about an hours drive to Tulum. Parked up and he got us some water. Had to be done with before you actually go in as plastic single use is forbidden inside the park. There’s a few tourist trap jobs around the outside (people with animals for photos at a rip off) . National guard and police are absolutely everywhere and they are armed so don’t be funny. They were very nice and let my mother and I through the disabled access to the top of the fort, I guess you’d call it, although it wasn’t actually anymore friendly to walk it, just shorter. Steep uneven steps, rocks, be careful. There’s a newly built hut at the top with a couple of benches and spectacular views of the whole area. We sat there a while and Heriberto gave us an incredibly detailed history of how things were and came about to present times. Very informative and fascinating. We didn’t walk around as my mother’s mobility is very limited but tbh the views were plenty enjoyable enough. Back in car to the turtle swim. Heriberto provided us the snorkel kits and the turtle people provide life jackets. You are not allowed to wear sunscreen, even if classed as reef safe. So if you burn easily, consider a tshirt over your swim suit. You are made to shower before you go in to make sure any substance harmful to the turtles is off you. Then you get kitted up and in you go. The seaweed was pretty bad closer to shoreline but main thing is to watch out for stingrays whilst water is still shallow enough to walk. The guide (different guy) got a brush from one of the beasties. Then you swim out about 10 min to get to the holding pen (for the tourists not the turtles) where you then start to see the turtles. We saw a few, were able to witness them feeding then coming up for air, including one absolutely huge one, was absolutely stunning to watch. Messed about there for a little over half hour then time to swim back. Fight the seaweed again! Heriberto was waiting with the bags for us. He had water as well , which after a load of salt water, was much needed and appreciated! From there we had a choice to go to a restaurant somewhere for lunch or back to hotel. By that time we were tired from excitement and exhilaration so we went back to hotel. Heriberto had yet more water on hand for us, as by this point, the outside temperature had hit 36c! We arrived safely back at hotel, Heriberto is a very good driver. Now heading for shower! Book this trip!

Had an amazing time, turtles was awesome, cavern was out of this world. Our guide - heriberto was super helpful - great knowledge and made the tour so good - thank you!!

Absolutely amazing! Heriberto is amazing, he will take the time to explain all the attractions to you and show you all the things that the large group tours skip over. He also knows all the tips and tricks to see certain attractions at the best times before people arrive. What’s also great is he will take as many photos and videos for you, and watch all your things so you can just enjoy yourself without having to worry. Couldn’t be more pleased with how well the day went.

Absolutely amazing tour. Our guide Irving was brilliant. Very knowledgeable and informative about the local area and also friendly and helpful. Turtle swim was great. Saw many turtles close up. Ruben our guide for this part took many great photos and videos for us so we were free just to enjoy the turtles. Onto the cenotes, firstly a closed one which Irving expertly guided us through. Absolutely beautiful. Finally onto an open cenote, where we were able to dive in and swim amongst the fish. Many great memories made.

Our guide was attentive, courteous and very knowledgable of the historical facts. A wonderful experience! Will definitely book again when back in Tulum.

We had a fabulous day with Heriberto! We started early and were one of only two groups in Akumal when tours began—such a special experience. We saw at least 10 sea turtles, two squid, a stingray, and countless colorful fish along the coral reef. Heriberto then took us to a stunning open-air cenote, which we had entirely to ourselves, followed by an awe-inspiring visit to the underground cave at Dos Ojos. He was an excellent, kind, and knowledgeable guide who made the day seamless and memorable. Huge thanks to My Quest Concierge as well—they were incredibly accommodating and let us change our itinerary the night before. A fantastic company with top-notch guides. Couldn’t recommend them more highly!

Exceptional service - our tour guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Memories made for sure! Highly recommend.

We did a half day tour with Abraham. He was outstanding. Our original itinerary was to visit the Tulum ruins and then “swim with the turtles.” On the drive to the ruins, we spoke a bit about cenotes--pools of water in underground caves. My wife and I got really interested in the cenotes. It was a private tour, so I asked Abraham if we could visit a cenote instead of the turtles. After a quick call to his company, he confirmed that he could accommodate us. That was great! Abraham knew an incredible amount about the Mayan culture (as well as the Incas and Aztecs) and had a lot of fascinating information and could answer almost all of our questions. It was a great half day with him. He even laughed at my corny jokes.

Fantastic trip for two with private tour guide Irving. Very knowledgeable about Tulum and Mayan history. Also Turtle swim - amazing with our own guide. We saw 10 turtles and they swam very close to us. Loved it, highly recommend this tour.