Tulum is a gorgeous destination located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula… but you probably already know that.
What you might not know is that its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs make it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, and guess what? Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the area’s natural beauty up close.
While I’m not the biggest fan of adventurous watersports, I’ve grown to love kayaking! I’ve done it in multiple destinations in Mexico, Belize, Thailand, Maldives… every place brings a different experience.
This is why in this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best tours for kayaking in Tulum. You’ll see there’s a range of different adventures that include kayaking through unique natural wonders.
You’ll visit places like Xenotes and Sian Kaan, and combine kayaking with exploring ancient ruins such as Coba.
Each tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration, perfect for travelers who want to kayak in Tulum. So grab your paddle and get ready to add kayaking to your Tulum itinerary!
➥ Why can you trust me? I’ve been in the travel industry for a decade, and have plenty of experience identifying extraordinary tours around the world. What’s more, the six months I spent traveling around Mexico have made me a bit of an expert in all its adventure activities, mainly because I love to try them all!
I enjoyed kayaking in the area and know just what to look for when choosing kayaking tours in Tulum. You’ll only find the very best options below!
I generally use Viator to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve Tour |
| PRIVATE TOUR | 4 Private Cenotes, Ziplines, Canoes |
OUR PICK: The BEST Kayaking in Tulum
Our top pick is the Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cenote and Mayan Family excursion. This is a full-day adventure with transfers from both Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
You’ll first learn about the Mayan settlement of Coba as you bike around its ruins. This is one of my favorite ruins, much less crowded than Tulum or Chichen Itza. Until the pandemic, visitors could climb the main pyramid Nohoch Mul, the tallest in the Yucatán Peninsula at 42 meters (138 feet). It’s been forbidden for a few years now, but hopefully it reopens soon!
On your way there, you’ll pass through Coba village, surrounded by lakes and ancient white roads known as sacbé, which once connected key Maya cities. You’ll learn so much about the ancient civilization from your guide!
Then, this full-day tour will take you ziplining above the tree canopy, hiking through the jungle, and kayaking on a crystal-clear lagoon, which is what you came for!
Punta Laguna is a mesmerizing place to enjoy outdoor adventures, and if you’re lucky, you might spot spider monkeys swinging through the treetops.
This eco-reserve is managed by a local Mayan community, and the guides are passionate about preserving both the forest and their culture, so you’ll learn all about it from the experts. You’ll also visit a local Mayan family for lunch.
➤ Why is this the best tour? This kayaking experience takes place in a stunning nature reserve, offering the most beautiful scenery when you’re paddling on the lake. But besides the kayaking, the itinerary includes other adventure activities, Mayan ruins, and a visit to a local family. It’s the perfect combo of fun and culture, and it covers all your needs. Plus, it’s a small group tour, which is always a plus.
Read what the reviews say:
“This was an excellent excursion! Our tour guide Alonso was very personable, knowledgeable and overall an awesome guide. Our driver, was great as well. He took us to each location safely and in a timely manner. The food they gave us was delicious. I throughly enjoyed this excursion and highly recommended you book and request Alonso and Juan!”
Farah_P – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all activities, a guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Tulum Kayaking Tour in Sian Kaan
Get ready to explore the magnificent Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on this Kayak Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour. The UNESCO-listed site is a nature lover’s paradise with mangrove mazes, open cenotes, and diverse marine life.
By joining this small-group tour you’ll learn about the reserve and wildlife of Sian Ka’an, and discover its natural beauty by immersing yourself in it. This tour features both kayaking and snorkeling, so you can explore Sian Ka’an below and above the water.
Transportation can be arranged for an extra fee. Alternatively, you can follow the guide in your vehicle.
This tour includes: A guide, snacks, a lunch box, and all equipment for the activities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tulum Cenote Tours with Kayaking
▶️ The 4 Private Cenotes, Ziplines, Canoes & Mayan Village with Delicious Lunch gives you access to magnificent natural sinkholes. There, you’ll be able to snorkel, cliff dive, and of course kayak!
Ziplining in the jungle, and visiting a Mayan village will further enrich your experience. Finally, relish a delicious homemade lunch with your group and tour guide to refuel.
If you’re feeling up for it, you can add a visit to the Tulum archaeological site for an extra charge. The tour is a private experience, so you’ll share the adventure with your family or friends.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, lunch and beverages, National Park fees, and all activities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Get your outdoor adventure fix on this Tankah Park Five Cenotes Adventure Tour from Tulum. Kayak, zipline, and snorkel through five stunning cenotes, all nestled in the Caribbean jungle.
This family-friendly tour includes a visit to a Maya village and a private nature reserve.
It’s the perfect place to show off your adventurous spirit while soaking up some culture and nature. Bonus: no need to pack your lunch or worry about transportation, as both are covered in the tour.
This tour includes: Transportation, a buffet lunch, activities, a guide, and all taxes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Kayaking in Tulum at Xenotes and Xel-Ha
▶️ Embark on an eco-adventure in the Yucatán jungle to explore the mystical cenotes with this Xcaret – 4 Cenotes – Guided Tour – Snacks, Lunch and Drinks included.
Paddle through underground caverns on kayaks and snorkel in subterranean aquatic habitats. All the while, your guide will entertain you with fascinating Mayan folk stories about legendary protectors.
This small-group tour includes snacks, a gourmet picnic lunch, and round-trip hotel transportation. You’ll also get to visit four different cenotes representing the elements.
Rappel down rock walls, and zip-line over ancient cenotes for an adrenaline-pumping experience!
This tour includes: A guide, equipment, lunch, snacks, and hotel roundtrip transportation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Ready for some heart-pumping, adventure-filled fun? Look no further than the Xel Ha All-Inclusive.
With a range of outdoor and water activities that go from kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming to cycling through the jungle, hiking, and river tubing, it’s the perfect place to get your adrenaline fix!
The best part? Breakfast, lunch, and a domestic open bar are included to help you refuel between adventures. Plus, hotel pick-up and drop-off will make your experience completely hassle-free.
This tour includes: Entrance to the park, round-trip transportation, breakfast and lunch, an open bar, equipment, and use of facilities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
