I took the tour with my 13 year old daughter. Rafael was our tour guide and Chucho (Jesus) our driver. Pick up was a breeze (we were staying in an airbnb so decided to simply meet at a main hotel location nearby). We paid the $13 required each (in US$ which was super practical for us). We were about 10 in our tour. We first headed to the Akumal to see the turtles (snorkels and life vests are provided).. we saw a few turtles, a large starfish... Rafael was great at finding the turtles and guiding us to them while respecting their space as as well. We then drove to Tulum to visit the ruins. Rafael gave us a brief history recap and then let us do the tour alone.. to meet him again at a specific meeting point 30 minutes later. I wish we had a bit more time to walk around and more details about the ruins and history of the Mayans/site personally. It was hot in Tulum and there are many tourists around.. it's however beautiful and inspiring. No one was in the water as the sea was intense when we went. I think the access to the beach was actually closed.
After that, we drove to the underground Cenote (my daughter's favorite part of the tour). It's pitch black in so one of us (me) held the flashlight at the end of the line while Rafael was in the front, explaining quite a bit about the cenote (it was awesome). we wear in our bathing suits only (and they provide water shoes and life vests).. You can't take your phone inside. The cenote was really amazing, we swam in (a bit cold at first but totally fine for everyone in the group).. We then had lunch on site and it was super yummy.
Lastly, since a photographer is with us and takes pics of the group along the way, we got to see all the pics (Akumal + Cenote).. The photographer was super sweet and he did a great montage of everything. Cost to get the pics (full montage of pics of you, not others in the group obviously) starts at $60. We didn't get it but others did. It makes a nice souvenir for sure. We then were dropped off at ourpick up points around 3:30-4pm.. We were all exhausted from the day but what an AMAZING day.
Rafael was super friendly, knowledgeable (you can tell he LOVES his job) and professional. We felt very lucky to have him and Chucho as our guide/driver for the tour.
Tipping is only in cash (many of us which they would take Venmo, which would allow bigger tips easily).
Would definitely tour again with Rafael. He's the type of tour guide you want on your tour! Thanks Rafael and Chucho. Hasta luego!
