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Kayaking in Tulum: The 7 BEST Tours [2024]

Are you looking for kayaking adventures in the Riviera Maya? Tulum is the perfect destination for that! Check out the best tours and experiences available for kayaking in Tulum. 

Tulum is a gorgeous destination located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula… but you probably already know it.

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, in Belize, Thailand, the Maldives… every place brings a different experience.

This is why in this article, I’ve compiled a list of the seven best tours for kayaking in Tulum. You’ll see there’s a range of different adventures that include kayaking through unique natural wonders.

A woman seen from behind, kayaking in Tulum.

You’ll visit places like Xenotes and Sian Kaan, and combine kayaking with exploring ancient ruins such as Coba. A day trip to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon is also a possibility!

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!

I generally use Viator to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. 

Not enough time? These are the best tours 👇

THE BEST TOURCoba 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 tour. This is a full-day adventure with transfers from both Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

The tour will take you ziplining above the tree canopy, hiking through the jungle, and kayaking on a crystal-clear lagoon. Punta Laguna is a mesmerizing place to enjoy outdoor adventures!

Later, learn about the Maya settlement of Coba as you bike around its ruins. You’ll get to climb up Nohoch Mul, and finally visit a local Mayan family. Enjoy a scrumptious homemade meal to cap off the tour.

👉 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.

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

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 kayak.

The adventure includes ziplining in the jungle, and a visit to a Mayan village. Relish a delicious homemade lunch with your group and tour guide.

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

A Tulum Kayaking Tour in Sian Kaan

Get ready to explore the magnificent Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on this Kayaking and Snorkeling Experience through Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. 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. 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

Kayaking in Tulum at Xenotes and Xavage 

▶️ Embark on an eco-adventure in the Yucatán jungle to explore the mystical cenotes with this Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret.

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 kayak Tulum 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 Xavage Admission *Official Product*. With a range of outdoor activities like kayaking, off-roading, rafting, and rope courses, you’ll get your adrenaline fix all in one place.

The best part? A buffet lunch is available to help you refuel between adventures! Plus, with basic admission and all-inclusive options available, you can customize your experience.

Avoid transportation logistics by adding hotel pick-up and drop-off.

📝 This tour includes: Entrance to Xavage Park, lunch, equipment, drinks, and use of dressing rooms and restrooms. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Day Tour to Bacalar with Kayaking

Hop on a cozy bus and get ready for a wild ride on this Bacalar Lagoon & Kayak Ride with Roundtrip Transportation from Tulum. Chow down on a breakfast feast during the ride, and enjoy free time at the lake for swimming and relaxing. 

You’ll also get to kayak around the lagoon, and swim in Cenote Azul. Then, head to a local restaurant for an authentic Mexican feast. A guide will be with you all along to show you the main attractions and answer all your questions. 

📝 This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, breakfast, lunch, a guide, and kayak rental from Tulum. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Kayaking Tulum FAQs 

How much does it cost to do kayaking in Tulum? 

Prices for kayaking in Tulum vary depending on the tour you choose, but they start at around $60.

Can you kayak in cenotes in Tulum? 

You can certainly go kayaking in Tulum’s cenotes. While not all of them offer the activity, you can kayak in cenotes with a tour like this 4 Private Cenotes, Ziplines, Canoes & Mayan Village.

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.