Tulum: 3 hour Snorkel & sailing experience

If you’re planning a trip to Tulum and considering a boat-based adventure that combines stunning scenery, history, and underwater exploration, this 3-hour snorkel and sailing experience might catch your eye. Offered by FULL VISION TULUM, it promises a chance to sail along the famed Caribbean coast, enjoy panoramic views of the Tulum ruins, and snorkel in two vibrant reef spots.

What we find particularly appealing about this tour is its focus on a relaxed, scenic outing—no rushing from site to site, just a taste of the ocean’s serenity paired with a hint of history. The price point of $136 per person might seem reasonable considering the inclusion of sailing, two snorkeling spots, and a bit of local culture. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour does not include water on board, which could be a minor inconvenience if you’re thirsty during the trip.

This experience suits travelers who want a manageable, laid-back taste of Tulum’s natural and historic charms without committing to a full-day tour. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for a private group setting that feels personalized and intimate. If you love the idea of sailing with a view of ancient ruins and snorkelling in vibrant reefs, this might be just right for you—but if you’re after a more comprehensive exploration or a family-friendly outing, you’ll want to weigh that against some of the tour’s specifics.

Key Points

• Relaxed three-hour experience focusing on sailing, snorkeling, and scenic views.
• Includes two snorkeling spots with equipment provided—great for underwater enthusiasts.
• Offers a panoramic view of Tulum ruins from the water—an uncommon perspective.
• No water onboard—bring your own hydration if needed.
• Private group setting with flexible scheduling and options for mornings or afternoons.
• Additional costs include a small national park fee payable in cash.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

Starting at the Pocna Tulum Hotel beach, you’ll meet your crew and get a quick safety briefing. Right away, the excitement builds as you step onto a sailing boat ready to take you along Tulum’s coastline. The boat ride offers a rare close-up view of the Tulum ruins, including the famous Castle, which you’ll see from the water—an experience that many find strikingly different from the typical land-based visit.

Picture yourself gliding over the clear Caribbean waters, feeling the breeze, and taking in the panoramic vistas of ancient stone against a blue backdrop. The captain will point out notable landmarks, giving you insights into the history and significance of this once-important Mayan port. You might recognize that seeing the ruins from this vantage point adds a layer of perspective, especially if you’ve already visited the site on land.

Once the boat arrives near a reed-filled area, you’ll grab your snorkel gear and head into the water. Expect to spend around 45 minutes exploring the reef, which is part of the second-largest reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef. You’ll marvel at the corals, fishes, and underwater habitats teeming with life—an accessible way to experience Tulum’s vibrant marine scene without needing prior experience or deep diving skills.

After snorkeling, you’ll hop back onto the boat, enjoying more stunning views as you sail back toward the starting point. When you’re back on land, you’re free to stay at the beach club for food and drinks or explore the area at your own pace.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Meeting and Safety Briefing

Your day begins at the Pocna Tulum Hotel beach, where the crew will welcome you. The safety briefing is straightforward, covering essential instructions to ensure everyone feels comfortable on the boat. This quick intro makes the beginning smooth, especially if you’re new to sailing or snorkeling.

Sailing Along the Coast and Ruins

Once on the water, the captain will navigate the vessel past the Tulum ruins, giving you a rare perspective of these ancient structures from the sea. You’ll get a panoramic view of the castle, one of the most iconic features of the site, along with others that are less visible from land. This part of the tour combines sightseeing and leisure, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

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Snorkel at Two Different Spots

The highlight for many is the snorkeling segments. The first spot might be near the reed beds, where the reef comes close to the surface and offers an accessible underwater experience. Expect to see corals and a variety of fish, and enjoy the tranquility of floating above this vibrant aquatic environment.

The second snorkel location could be another reef area, giving you a chance to explore different underwater features. The total snorkeling time of about 45 minutes allows you enough freedom to observe marine life comfortably, especially if you’re a beginner or prefer a relaxed pace.

Return and Free Time

Back at the beach, you’re free to linger at the beach club, order a drink, or explore the nearby area. This flexibility makes the tour feel less rushed and allows you to soak in some sun or snap additional photos.

The Experience of the Boat and Snorkeling

The boat itself is described as comfortable and well-equipped, with the crew attentive and knowledgeable. Travelers have appreciated the private group setting, which makes the experience feel exclusive and personalized. The trip’s duration of roughly 3 hours is enough to enjoy the scenery and snorkel without feeling overly long or rushed.

However, a practical note is that the tour doesn’t include water on board—so be sure to bring your own hydration, especially on hot days. Also, the weather can impact availability, as bad weather cancels the tour, so flexibility is key.

Pricing and Value

At $136 per person, this tour offers a combination of sailing, snorkeling, and scenic views, which many find worthwhile. When you consider that it includes snorkel gear, a guided sail, and the chance to see Tulum’s iconic ruins from the water, the price feels justified, especially given the private group aspect.

Still, it’s a relatively short experience—if you’re after a longer or more immersive tour, you might want to consider other options that include additional stops or land excursions. But for a quick, scenic, and relaxing outing, this delivers quite well.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience rather than a packed itinerary. If you’re interested in sailing and snorkeling, and you’d like a view of Tulum’s ruins from a different angle, this fits the bill. It’s suitable for those comfortable with water activities and who are looking for a private, small-group setting.

If you’re traveling with someone who prefers a slower pace, enjoys coastal scenery, or is curious about marine life, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It might not be best for children under 5 or people with pre-existing medical conditions, but otherwise, it’s quite accessible.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced blend of scenic sailing, underwater exploration, and a glimpse of Tulum’s ancient past. It’s not overly crowded, and the private group setting makes it feel intimate. The views of the ruins from the water are an added bonus, providing a perspective you won’t get on land.

While it’s a relatively short outing, it packs enough to satisfy those seeking a relaxed day on the water without a full-day commitment. The snorkeling spots are accessible and colorful, perfect for anyone wanting a taste of the reef’s beauty.

If you’re someone who appreciates being on the water, enjoys snorkeling, and wants a laid-back experience with great photo opportunities, this is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your own water and check the weather forecast to avoid cancellations.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally not recommended for children under 5, mainly because of safety and water activity considerations. If you have older children who are comfortable around water, they should enjoy it.

Does the tour include food or drinks onboard?
No, water on board isn’t provided, but after the tour, you can stay at the beach club for food and drinks, which are available for purchase.

How long is the snorkeling?
You’ll spend approximately 45 minutes snorkeling across two different spots, giving you plenty of time to observe marine life.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear. Remember to hydrate, as no water is supplied onboard.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour isn’t available in bad weather conditions, and cancellations can occur, so keeping flexible is wise.

Are the group sizes private?
Yes, the experience is designed for private groups, making it feel more personalized.

How do I pay the national park fee?
The fee of 60 pesos per person is payable in cash at check-in and is not included in the tour price.

Is this tour available in the mornings and afternoons?
Yes, generally, the tour is offered in both time slots, giving you options to suit your schedule.

This experience offers an inviting way to enjoy Tulum’s coast, combining gentle sailing with accessible snorkel adventures and stunning views of the iconic ruins. Perfect for those who want a taste of the Caribbean’s beauty without overextending themselves—just pack your gear, bring some water, and get ready for a memorable day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: