exploring the area
maya tulum is an excellent location for activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and exploring...and photography!
you can rent a bike for $10 u.s. per day, and ride 30 minutes up the beach road to the tulum ruins. the reef here is an invitation to discover an underwater paradise of colored fish, coral, and other marine life. during may, june, and july you will find the caguama turtles making their arduous trek up the deserted beaches to lay their eggs in the sand.
our retreat includes photography-specific outings to the tulum ruins and sian kaan biospere, but you are free to chart your own course too! the maya tulum resort offers a wide variety of half and full day tours that are suitable for everyone. tours range from snorkeling to catamaran sailing to see the “eyes” of the tulum ruins. below are a few examples of the different day trips offered. the precise schedule and offerings may shift, and if you wish to take a certain tour on a different day, groups can be accomodated. here is a taste of what is available to you:
you can rent a bike for $10 u.s. per day, and ride 30 minutes up the beach road to the tulum ruins. the reef here is an invitation to discover an underwater paradise of colored fish, coral, and other marine life. during may, june, and july you will find the caguama turtles making their arduous trek up the deserted beaches to lay their eggs in the sand.
our retreat includes photography-specific outings to the tulum ruins and sian kaan biospere, but you are free to chart your own course too! the maya tulum resort offers a wide variety of half and full day tours that are suitable for everyone. tours range from snorkeling to catamaran sailing to see the “eyes” of the tulum ruins. below are a few examples of the different day trips offered. the precise schedule and offerings may shift, and if you wish to take a certain tour on a different day, groups can be accomodated. here is a taste of what is available to you:
sunday
tulum ruins
the tulum ruins sit atop white, sandy beaches on fortress-like limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the caribbean coast. it is the only mayan city to be found along the sea and was considered to be a trading center.
$40 usd p/p. includes entrance fees to the ruins, guide & water. min 4 max 12, from: 8:30am-12:30pm
the tulum ruins sit atop white, sandy beaches on fortress-like limestone cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the caribbean coast. it is the only mayan city to be found along the sea and was considered to be a trading center.
$40 usd p/p. includes entrance fees to the ruins, guide & water. min 4 max 12, from: 8:30am-12:30pm
monday
yal-ku
at the north end of akumal is yal-ku lagoon, a calm clear environment for beginner snorkelers. the lagoon is inhabited by multicoloured tropical fish and has lovely coral formations. if you are lucky you may see the huge king parrot fish. the lagoon is a mixture of fresh and salt water and is refreshing after a long day at the beach. it is a very special ecosystem, so please help to protect this resource by not wearing sunscreen or feeding any of the fish. this is a smaller version of its famous neighbor xel-ha.
1:30 - 5:30pm. $55 usd p/p includes round trip transport, guides, snorkeling gear and entrance fees where applicable.
at the north end of akumal is yal-ku lagoon, a calm clear environment for beginner snorkelers. the lagoon is inhabited by multicoloured tropical fish and has lovely coral formations. if you are lucky you may see the huge king parrot fish. the lagoon is a mixture of fresh and salt water and is refreshing after a long day at the beach. it is a very special ecosystem, so please help to protect this resource by not wearing sunscreen or feeding any of the fish. this is a smaller version of its famous neighbor xel-ha.
1:30 - 5:30pm. $55 usd p/p includes round trip transport, guides, snorkeling gear and entrance fees where applicable.
cenote 2 ojos
it means “two eyes," and is located 48km/30miles south of playa del carmen, near el jardin del eden where it is hard to miss the signs for dos ojos. enter through one of the two separate pools, which look like two large eyes, and explore an intricate, and surprisingly clear, maze of caves and decorations. experience the wonder of its expansive cavern, which is considered to be one of the longest, and most decorated, underwater cave systems in the world. the stalactites, stalagmites flowstone, and rim pools formed inside are true natural works of art. there are full bathroom facilities, snacks, and souvenirs available.
1:30 - 5:30pm. $55 usd p/p. includes entrance fees to the ruins, transportation, guide & water.
it means “two eyes," and is located 48km/30miles south of playa del carmen, near el jardin del eden where it is hard to miss the signs for dos ojos. enter through one of the two separate pools, which look like two large eyes, and explore an intricate, and surprisingly clear, maze of caves and decorations. experience the wonder of its expansive cavern, which is considered to be one of the longest, and most decorated, underwater cave systems in the world. the stalactites, stalagmites flowstone, and rim pools formed inside are true natural works of art. there are full bathroom facilities, snacks, and souvenirs available.
1:30 - 5:30pm. $55 usd p/p. includes entrance fees to the ruins, transportation, guide & water.
tuesday
sian kaan muyil experience
reaching the ruins of these coastal ruins, a guide will show you the muyil ruins and share with you the significance of this ancient mayan trading post and the importance of the Ixel moon goddess in this city. on the way to reach the muyil lagoon you will climb to the highest view point of sian kaan and enjoy a unique view of the reserve. once you meet your local skipper, you will go for a 2 hour boat trip across the wetlands. you will visit the secret maya temple and jump in an ancient canal where you will float in translucent fresh water; as the natural current carries you across the beautiful mangrove. once back to muyil we will share our experience of this wonderful day around a delicious appetizer of wine and cheese. $95 usd p/p. includes guidance english/spanish/french, a/c transportation, entrance fees, boat trip and appetizer. from: 11:00am-5:00pm
reaching the ruins of these coastal ruins, a guide will show you the muyil ruins and share with you the significance of this ancient mayan trading post and the importance of the Ixel moon goddess in this city. on the way to reach the muyil lagoon you will climb to the highest view point of sian kaan and enjoy a unique view of the reserve. once you meet your local skipper, you will go for a 2 hour boat trip across the wetlands. you will visit the secret maya temple and jump in an ancient canal where you will float in translucent fresh water; as the natural current carries you across the beautiful mangrove. once back to muyil we will share our experience of this wonderful day around a delicious appetizer of wine and cheese. $95 usd p/p. includes guidance english/spanish/french, a/c transportation, entrance fees, boat trip and appetizer. from: 11:00am-5:00pm
wednesday
coba ruins
coba is located among five lakes in the middle of the jungle and was once home to about 50,000 people. one of the most outstanding features of coba is the incredible number of sacbe (elevated roads) that connect parts of coba with other mayan cities many miles inland.
$50 usd p/p. Includes roundtrip transport, entrance fee, water and guide. min 4 max 11 bike rentals to explore ruins (highly recommended) are an additional 25 pesos p/bike. from: 9:30am-2:30pm
coba is located among five lakes in the middle of the jungle and was once home to about 50,000 people. one of the most outstanding features of coba is the incredible number of sacbe (elevated roads) that connect parts of coba with other mayan cities many miles inland.
$50 usd p/p. Includes roundtrip transport, entrance fee, water and guide. min 4 max 11 bike rentals to explore ruins (highly recommended) are an additional 25 pesos p/bike. from: 9:30am-2:30pm
thursday
aktun chen & cenote xunaan ha
visit the 5 million year old aktun chen caverns where one can enjoy thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and natural sculptures. the tour will start with an explanation of the local flora and fauna, followed by a short hike to the entrance of the caves. while inside the caverns, you will learn about their formation. later, enjoy a refreshing dip in the xunaan ha cenote (fresh water sink hole).
$55 usd p/p includes guided tour at aktun chen, entrance fee at xunaan ha cenote and roundtrip transportation. min 4 max 11 from: 10:30am-2:30pm
visit the 5 million year old aktun chen caverns where one can enjoy thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and natural sculptures. the tour will start with an explanation of the local flora and fauna, followed by a short hike to the entrance of the caves. while inside the caverns, you will learn about their formation. later, enjoy a refreshing dip in the xunaan ha cenote (fresh water sink hole).
$55 usd p/p includes guided tour at aktun chen, entrance fee at xunaan ha cenote and roundtrip transportation. min 4 max 11 from: 10:30am-2:30pm
