Tulum’s Treasures: A Day of Ruins, Cenotes, and Turtles
When I heard about the chance to swim with turtles and explore ancient ruins in Tulum, I knew it was a must-do for our family. Join me as I recount our unforgettable day filled with history, nature, and adventure.
A Journey Through Time: The Tulum Ruins
Our adventure began bright and early at 7 am, right outside our hotel, the Grand Oasis. We were greeted by a friendly guide who led us to our coach. The excitement was palpable as we embarked on our journey to the Tulum ruins. The coach was comfortable and well air-conditioned, making the two-hour journey a breeze. Along the way, we picked up fellow adventurers, each as eager as we were to explore the ancient Mayan city.
Upon arrival, we were given a quick briefing on what to bring into the ruins. Although the instructions were in Spanish, a kind fellow traveler helped us out. Armed with water, hats, and sunscreen, we set off to explore the ruins. Our guide, though not fluent in English, shared fascinating insights into the history of Tulum. The ruins, perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, were nothing short of breathtaking. However, the trek back to the meeting point was long and exhausting, especially after running out of water. A word of advice: bring plenty of water!
Refreshing Dip in a Cenote
Feeling faint from the heat, we were relieved to arrive at a nearby cenote. The cool, clear waters were a welcome respite from the scorching sun. After a quick cold shower, we donned our life vests and descended into the cenote. Our guide, fluent in English, explained the cenote’s depth and what to expect during our swim. The experience was magical, swimming through the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the natural beauty of the cenote.
The swim lasted about 30-40 minutes, and we emerged feeling refreshed and invigorated. It was the perfect way to cool down and prepare for the next leg of our adventure. The cenote was a hidden gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
Swimming with Turtles in Akumal
After our refreshing dip, we headed to Akumal, a short 20-minute drive away. We arrived at the beach around 3 pm, eager to swim with the turtles. Equipped with life vests and snorkeling gear, we made our way to the water. The anticipation was electric as we waded into the sea, eyes peeled for the majestic turtles.
Almost immediately, we spotted our first turtle, gracefully gliding through the water. Over the next hour, we encountered at least 20 turtles, along with a variety of exotic fish. It was an unforgettable experience, one that left us in awe of the ocean’s wonders. Our guide, a young woman, was incredibly helpful, even assisting with underwater photography.
After our swim, we quickly showered and changed, wishing we had more time to relax on the beach. The day concluded with a delicious meal at a local Mexican restaurant, where we savored beef fajitas and grilled chicken. The meal was the perfect end to an incredible day, and we returned to our hotel, tired but exhilarated.
The Akumal Adventure was a day filled with history, nature, and unforgettable experiences. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Tulum. Just remember to bring plenty of water and a sense of adventure!