The 12 Best Private Tours From Cancun in 2023
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Are you looking for the best private tours from Cancun? If so, this is the post for you! Learn what to expect from a private tour to see why it might be worth it for you, and then read my curated list of the best 12 Cancun private tours available.
In this post, I’ll cover the best Tulum ruins and Chichen Itza private tours from Cancun, and the best private boat tours. All of these tours offer the opportunity to get out and get exploring just you and your party, or on your own if you are traveling solo to Cancun.
Enjoy the beauties of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the mysterious ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, and the fabulous underwater world of the Caribbean.
Temples, mysterious cave cenotes, islands full of birds, exclusive beaches, and snorkel tours await!
I’m confident you’ll find a perfect Cancun private tour for you on this list, whether you like adventure, relaxation, or deep-sea fishing.
Let’s dive in!
Cancun at a glance
Cancun is one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico, and for a good reason. Cancun is a mecca for all-inclusive resorts, white-sand beaches, sparkling water, and easy access to many nearby tourist attractions.
The popular Caribbean Mexican destination has been called the “portal to the Yucatán Peninsula” because it is a great jumping-off point to visit Mayan ruins, go on jungle adventures to gorgeous cenotes, and explore the beautiful waters of the Bay of Cancun.
Although it might be tempting to stay in your resort, it is definitely worth visiting some of the top area destinations such as Chichen Itza, the Tulum Ruins, and Isla Mujeres. Water sports are also a big draw, with amazing snorkeling, swimming, diving, and sailing opportunities.
There are many group tours available for exploring from Cancún, but sometimes it’s nice to tailor the itinerary to your preferences and time constraints (or lack thereof), and enjoy VIP amenities. If that sounds like you, you may enjoy the highly-rated private tours from Cancun I cover in this post.
What to expect from a Private tour from Cancun
Private tours from Cancun are all about customizable itineraries, great service, and top-notch amenities. Booking a private tour gives you the freedom to choose departure times, go at your pace, and decide where and when you want to stop.
Many of these tours include guides, drivers, and captains (in the case of boats) all of whom are dedicated to giving you the best possible experience.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, traveling with kids, exploring solo, or journeying as a group of friends, a private tour can make for a once-in-a-lifetime day.
Your voice and your preferences come to the forefront on these catered-to-you adventures.
The best private tours from Cancun: Tulum
Check out my top two favorite private tours from Cancun. Not only do these two tours have amazing ratings, but they also offer all the best benefits of a private tour: customizable itineraries, attentive and personalized guides, and top-notch service.
1. Tulum ruins private tour
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If you love archaeology and nature, this wonderful Tulum private tour from Cancun could be a great choice for you. This tour includes visiting Tulum, a cenote, and snorkeling!
Visit the ancient temples of Tulum during the cool morning hours, beating the heat and the worst of the crowds. Your professional guide will share intriguing details about the ancient Maya and the ruins.
Next, you can go snorkeling in a mystical cenote of your choice! For example, you can choose to visit Jaguar Cenote, Nicte Ha Cenote, or Taak Bi Ha Cenote for your snorkel experience. If you want to visit a cave cenote, this is your chance! No matter what you decide, your guide will be with you to help you enjoy the experience fully.
Next, you’ll head to lovely Akumal Beach where you can swim with sea turtles! You may also see tropical fish, coral, and manta rays.
Finish off with a delicious a la carte lunch at an area restaurant.
This tour lasts 7 to 8 hours and is offered in German, English, Spanish, and French. It includes entrance fees, hotel pickup and dropoff, private transportation with A/C, a professional guide, lunch, beverages (water, soda, and beer), and the use of life jackets, wetsuits, and snorkel gear. It also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers loved their guides and the ability to control the pace and choose the itinerary on this amazing tour.
Best private tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun
If you’re considering visiting Chichen Itza, these private tours may be just what you’re looking for. Explore the ancient ruins with your own personal driver, or nab the luxury flight tour. Read on for details!
2. Chichen Itza & Ik Kil Private Tour from Cancun
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Tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun can be cookie-cutter and crowded. One way to avoid those pitfalls is by booking a private tour instead. One wonderful private tour option is this day trip to Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote.
During this 8 to 11-hour excursion, you’ll have the freedom to customize the itinerary with feedback from your personal guide.
Choose what time you want to leave your hotel and how long you want to spend in Chichen Itza. You can also choose which cenote you’d like to visit, such as Ik Kil, X Cajum, or Saamal Cenotes.
Want to drop by Valladolid as well? No problem!
This tour includes a delicious buffet lunch, entrance fees, beer and soda on board your air-conditioned transport, a professional bilingual guide, and bottled water.
Travelers loved the mixture of free time to explore plus time spent with their warm and welcoming guide.
They had a great time learning the history and stories of the Maya, swimming in a refreshing cenote, and eating a delightful buffet lunch.
They felt like they were in great hands between the guide and driver, and loved modifying the itinerary to their preferences and needs.
This tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
3. Chichen Itza Private Tour
I love the freedom of private tours, and this Chichen Itza option is no exception! If you choose this Private Chichen Itza tour, you’ll have the freedom to go at your own pace, choose all the stops, and decide when and where you’d like to eat.
This tour is all about catering to your needs and preferences so you can have an amazing time visiting the ruins of Chichen Itza.
Want an early start time? No problem! You can choose to leave as early as 6 am if you’d like to. That way you can get to the ruins right as they open, and beat the biggest crowds and the worst of the heat.
Once you’ve explored the ancient temples to your heart’s content, you may want to head to a delicious Mexican restaurant or go for a swim in a mystical and refreshing cenote.
Or perhaps you’d like to make a stop in the historically intriguing colonial city of Valladolid? Whatever you want to do is perfect!
This 10-hour tour includes private transportation with A/C, an English-speaking driver, an onboard cooler stocked with water, ice, and beers, and the toll road and parking fees at Chichen Itza.
Food and beverages at the restaurant are not included. Neither are the entrance fees to Chichen Itza or the cenote, a guide in Chichen Itza, and gratuities.
4. Chichén Itzá flash: private flight, private guide, lunch, and cenote swim
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Spending lots of time driving can get annoying. Why not take the boring out of the transfer, and make it part of the fun? You can do that on this Chichen Itza Flash tour!
Hop in a private plane and enjoy sweeping panoramas of the Yucatán Peninsula from the air. Once you land, your private ground transportation will be ready and waiting. Take a seat inside, and enjoy a quick trip to the ruins.
While at Chichen Itza, you’ll get an excellent guided tour with a professional guide.
After your visit, eat a yummy lunch of typical Yucatecan food. Then head back to the airport for your return flight to Cancun.
Travelers loved the attention to detail, the VIP treatment, and the great amenities. One traveler called it “the experience of a lifetime” and the highlight of their trip.
This 3 to 5-hour tour includes private transportation, lunch, airport departure tax, landing and facility fees, fuel surcharge, and a certified guide.
Cancun private boat tours
Sun, sparkling turquoise water, snorkeling, and luxury yachts–don’t they sound lovely? If so, you may want to book one of these fabulous Cancun private boat tours. What a way to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean!
Travel Essential on a boat tour⤵️
5. 4 Hours Private Cancun, Isla Mujeres Yacht Experience Luxury meal
Experience a magical day on the water on this private yacht experience from Cancun. Enjoy the beauties of the Caribbean, eat delicious dishes freshly prepared by the onboard chef, and drink cocktails while you soak in the lovely scenery.
This tour will take you from Marina Hacienda del Mar in Cancun to the tranquil waters of a reef off Isla Mujeres. Swim, snorkel, or simply dangle your feet and breathe deep.
This is sure to be an unforgettable experience, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
This four-hour Yacht Experience includes private water transportation aboard a yacht, alcoholic beverages, lunch made by the onboard chef, and the use of snorkeling gear. Taxes, fees, dock fees, and tips are not included.
You may choose a 9 am or 2 pm departure time.
6. Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour From Cancun with Open Bar
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Sailing on a Catamaran from Cancun could be just the thing to make your vacation super special. This tour gives you that opportunity!
Spend time cruising through the Caribbean Sea on this private catamaran. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Isla Mujeres, stop at hidden beaches, and go snorkeling above the coral reefs.
It sounds like a dreamy day, doesn’t it? Lots of other travelers agree with that sentiment because this tour has a 5-star rating and over 267 reviews.
This tour lasts 4 to 7 hours and is perfect for groups of up to nine people. It includes private transportation on a 32-foot catamaran, unlimited drinks (open bar), a captain and guide, and the use of snorkeling equipment. Lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the dock fee and reef tax ($15 USD per person) are not included.
Travelers loved the attentive staff, open bar, amazing snorkeling, and customizable itinerary.
Tip: Opt to sail around Isla Mujeres to take in the gorgeous views.
7. Private Customizable Sailing Tour in Cancun
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Explore the bay of Cancun aboard a luxurious Bavaria Boat! If you’re looking for private boat tours from Cancun, this could be the best option for you! Sail around the bay of Cancun, explore Isla Mujeres, or go deep-sea fishing. What you do is up to you!
Protect yourself from the sun while saving the environment ⤵️
This tour is fully customizable, giving you the option to choose the duration, departure time, and activities. Want to catch the sunset? Go snorkeling? Make a shopping and lunch stop in Isla Mujeres. No problem! This tour is about ensuring you have a fabulous day on the water.
You can even learn how to change the sail positions while you’re exploring the bay. That sounds like fun!
This tour lasts 4 to 8 hours (depending what length of tour you book) and includes a sailing boat, professional crew, snacks, and beverages. Gratuities and transportation to the marina are not included. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers raved about this sailing tour. They loved the fantastic staff and the fun of the excursion.
8. Cancun 4-hour Private Yacht Experience with Lunch and Open Bar Onboard
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Get out on the sparkling water of the Caribbean on this private Cancun boat tour! This yacht tour offers great service and the opportunity to make your own adventure.
Relax on the sundeck while sipping cocktails, snorkel in the jaw-dropping coral reefs of El Meco, go paddle boarding along Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte, and eat a delicious gourmet lunch on board. All this and more is available to you on the four-hour private yacht experience!
Travel essential for a boat tour ⤵️ (click on the image to check the product on Amazon)
Travelers adored this tour. They loved the staff, the free-flowing drinks, and the gorgeous ocean.
This tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff in an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch on board, alcoholic beverages, soda, and use of snorkeling gear. It is ideal for groups of up to 12 people and can be canceled at any time up to 24 hours before the tour begins.
9. Private Sunset Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling
Hit all the prime tourist destinations off Cancun on this private sunset catamaran tour!
Start off your tour by enjoying the beautiful views. Next, don a mask and snorkel, and swim through the incredible underwater world at El Meco National Reef Park.
You’ll also get to see the famous Isla Mujeres Submarine Museum. This underwater museum contains many sunken statues that are being integrated into nature. It is quite the sight!
The next stop is Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres, one of the most iconic spots on the island. It features a beautiful garden, striking views, and an intriguing memorial to the Mayan goddess Ixchel.
Visit Playa Norte next for the chance to swim or simply lounge in the sunshine.
Finish off with a delicious lunch in colorful downtown Isla Mujeres. (With the option of souvenir shopping.)
This four-hour tour includes bottled water and an open bar with unlimited drinks including alcoholic beverages. It does not include ground transportation, tips, and the reef conservation tax ($15 USD per person).
Travelers loved this memorable tour and the thoughtful staff.
10. Private Luxury Yacht Tour to Punta Norte Isla Mujeres
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This Luxury Yacht tour is definitely one of the best Cancun private boat tours available! Spend four, six, or eight hours living the life from the decks of a 43-foot Sea Ray Flybridge Yacht. Yowsa!
This tour is fully customizable and bound to be awesome. Staff will tailor the tour to your experience and requests, choosing the perfect departure time and route for your tour length and preferences.
Not only will you have the chance to enjoy eating snacks and drinking cold beverages from the decks, you can also listen to music, relax, and jump off the boat for a refreshing dip.
Want to snorkel and swim? You can do so! The staff will work with you to figure out the best itinerary for your group. They can even drop you off at a seaside restaurant, or order food from one of the top restaurants on Isla Mujeres for you to eat on board.
Enjoy Playa Punta Norte to your heart’s content!
This tour includes a two-man crew, 24 beers, 24 bottles of water, 24 sodas, 4 bags of ice, coolers, a bluetooth sound system, snorkel equipment, and life jackets. The $6 USD per person dock fee is not included.
Travelers loved the top-notch service, floating bar, and wonderful experience. Great for kids and adults alike.
11. Private Cancun Boat Tour to Holbox Paradise Island
If you love nature, bird-watching, and going off the beaten track, this private boat tour from Cancun to Isla de los Pajaros and Holbox Island is a great choice.
Hop onboard a sturdy boat for private water transport to Isla de los Pajaros, a small island teeming with birds. Spend time seeking out the egrets, herons, pelicans, cormorants, and pink flamingos.
You’ll also head to Holbox Island where you can see more wildlife and go swimming!
This five-hour tour includes entrance tickets, a bilingual guide, snacks, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and brunch. You may cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour begins. Alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, and tips are not included.
12. Private Fishing Charter Tour
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If you love fishing, this private fishing charter tour will get you out on the glistening waters of the Caribbean in search of sailfish, tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, and more!
Trolling and bottom fishing are both available from this 48-foot sleek fishing boat. There is room for up to 14 passengers, and they can all fish!
The waters around Isla Mujeres are ideal for year-round fishing. At different times, you can find blue marlin, dorado, wahoo, and shark.
This tour includes an experienced crew, rods, bait, life vests, ice, water, and sodas. Dock fees and fishing licenses are not included, but you can pay for them at the marina before heading out. Alcohol and tips are not included either.
Spend four hours trolling up to 35 miles offshore!
Travelers loved this tour. The staff knew where to find the fish and worked hard to get everyone nabbing a great catch.
Cancun Private Tours: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are private tours better?
The reason why I love private tours more is that you have more space for yourself on the boat or the bus and you can adjust the schedule at your convenience within certain limits, of course.
Also, you don’t need to depend on other people’s needs and you can ask your guide all the questions you want.
In the case of a boat, you have more space to move around and sit where you want. In my case, as a photographer, it’s my main priority to be able to move around as I please.
Why is Cancun Mexico so popular?
Cancun is one of the most popular destinations in the Mexican Caribbean because of the spectacular turquoise waters, the stunning all-inclusive resorts, and the many activities you can do.
It’s also the getaway to the Yucatan Peninsula, for its highly trafficked International Airport and it’s one of the top spring break destinations for the exciting party scene!
What kind of excursions are there in Cancun?
In Cancun, there are all sorts of excursions, from snorkeling to diving, land tours, adventure, tours to cenotes, food tours, you name it.
Is it better to book excursions online or at the resort?
I would rather book them online because you can choose among many different tours and decide which one it’s best for you. Resorts tend to make deals with one specific company only so your choice is limited. Also, unless it’s a private tour, the resort tours tend to be more crowded, although not always.
Is Chichen Itza worth it from Cancun?
Yes, totally worth it, especially if you have never seen it. You could also rent a car and go on your own, choose a group tour or a private excursion from Cancun. Whatever suits you best, but Chichen Itza is a must-visit!
Do excursions get cheaper closer to the date?
Generally, they don’t but it can be the case when they need people to fill the bus. It’s less likely that it happens for private tours, though.
Which site is best for booking trips?
I always use either Viator or in the case of Chichen Itza, I use Chichenitza.com.But I always check the reviews first and I would book all those that have at least 4 stars or more.
Is it cheaper to pre-book excursions?
I don’t think it’s cheaper, but it gives you the chance to secure the tour in the day you want to do it before it gets full. So if you have limited time I would pre-book a tour to make sure you can do it when you want. If you are more flexible it’s not that necessary but, still, I love to be organized.
The best Private tours from Cancun: final thoughts
There are many wonderful options when it comes to private tours from Cancun. Spend four to eight hours enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters off of Cancun for an extra special vacation.
You can go deep-sea fishing, explore small islands teeming with bird life, relax with an open bar aboard a catamaran, or learn a bit about sailing. Hop off the deck to go swimming and snorkeling, discover the underwater world of tropical fish and sculpture gardens, and eat catered delicacies while watching the sunset.
I hope you’ve found a Cancun private tour to love on this list, and that the experience will be a highlight of your time in the Mexican Caribbean!
If you’re wondering what else to do while you’re in Cancun, consider checking out these top Cancun activities or booking a Mayan Ruins tour or some amazing cenote tours that you can join if you don’t want to rent a car in Cancun.
About the Author
Hey there! This is Isabella, the owner, and writer of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 12 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun’s spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!
