Cenotes are the highlight of any trip to Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen for most people…I know they are for me! No vacation in the Yucatan Peninsula is complete without at least one many cenotes. Which is why I’ve previously written in detail about the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen.
Whether you decide to visit them on your own or on a guided tour, it’s one of the best excursions in Playa del Carmen, so you really can’t miss it! While it’s very easy to plan a DIY cenotes adventure if you have a car, reaching them using public transportation is not as convenient, which is why organized trips are such a popular option.
If you decide to book a cenote tour, it’s inevitable to ask yourself which one is the best. The options are many, and sadly not all cenote tours are up to your expectations or offer the excursion you deserve.
That’s why I have selected the very best Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen cenote tours. This way, you can choose your favorite knowing that you’re in for a good time. All you’ll have to worry about is enjoying as much as possible!
➥ Why can you trust my selections? I’ve been curating travel guides and tours for 10 years, and my extensive travels around Mexico made me a bit of an expert in the region. I can confidently say I’ve been to way more cenotes than the average visitor! (I’m crazy about them, after all).
I’ve used my expertise in the travel industry and my personal experience in Riviera Maya to select high-quality tours that stand out for their quality/price ratio, excellent reviews, and expert guides.
I personally use (and trust) Viator to book tours around the world. I especially recommend it for its great cancellation policy. If you cancel most experiences at least 24 hours in advance, you’ll get a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Cenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum, Riviera Maya |
| XEL-HA ACCESS | Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Day Trip with Transportation |
| ADVENTURE TOUR | Hidden Cenote Swim, Rappel, Zipline and ATV |
| CENOTE + TULUM RUINS | Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves |
OUR PICK: The BEST Playa del Carmen Cenote Tour
This Five Cenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya is, in my opinion, the best excursion. It’s a half-day trip that covers 5 different, stunning cenotes in Quintana Roo.
Nestled in the jungle, the cenotes are still unknown to the masses, but they aren’t any less stunning than the most popular ones. This way you get to skip the crowds and you might even have the cenotes all for yourself!
You can go swimming in the natural sinkholes (life jackets and goggles will be provided) and relax amidst beautiful scenery.
After visiting all the cenotes, you’ll go to a restaurant in Playa del Carmen for lunch if you’ve selected the meal option when booking the tour. Lunch is served at a restaurant and includes 3 courses and a drink if you’re visiting during the week.
Traveling with friends or family? Then you might want to opt for the private option to enjoy a more personalized trip.
➤ Why is this the best tour? It takes you to five different cenotes, introducing you to the various types that exist. You’ll be led by an expert guide, getting to learn the mythological side of sinkholes along with their geology and flora.
Plus, there will be plenty of time to relax, swim, and splash around. It offers the ultimate cenote fun!
Read what the reviews say:
“Such a nice tour. We got to explore each of the Cenotes as a small group and took as much time as we wanted at each one. It wasn’t rushed it was just a nice exploration. Fabio was fantastic and had a lot of knowledge and respect for the culture. 10/10 recommend. The lunch was also phenomenal, each option chosen tasted fantastic. This was a great experience!”
Sarah_F – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, a guide, equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other GREAT Cenote Tours in Playa del Carmen
▶️ On this Tour 4 Cenotes with Pick Up Service, you’ll get to visit the phenomenal location known as Casa Tortuga. Home to 4 different cenotes (open, semi-open, and cave types) it allows you to enjoy the best of each of them.
There will be enough time to go snorkeling and swimming, and to relax in the middle of the jungle. Ziplining can also be added to the itinerary.
Most tours only visit one or two cenotes, making this one of the best options out there. Especially for those with little time or who can’t decide on what type of cenote to settle for!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fee, snorkeling gear, water, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Xcaret – 4 Cenotes – Guided Tour – Snacks, Lunch and Drinks included is a full-day excursion. You’ll leave the city behind and immerse in the Yucatan jungle, where numerous adventures await.
There will be plenty of time to swim in the cool waters of the Riviera Maya’s cenotes. Plus, kayak through incredible underground caverns, snorkel, and learn about fascinating Mayan myths.
The tour also includes activities such as rappeling into a cenote, ziplining over another one, and enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all activities, equipment, a guide, lunch, and refreshments. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A fabulous alternative is this Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure. In just 3.5 hours, you’ll visit one of the most ancient subterranean river systems that exist. Filled with stalactites, it offers a mesmerizing sight to behold.
You’ll get to swim in cenotes and underground rivers, check out a limestone rock, and go snorkeling at Yal Ku Lagoon. It’s the perfect trip if you have limited time, or want to experience cenotes in an untraditional way!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
BEST Private Cenote Tours from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya
▶️ Check out this Private Dream Underground World (Off-the-beaten-path Cenote Cavernous Exploring). It takes you into what the Mayans considered the Underworld to explore the underwater cave system of Sac Actun.
Learn about what sinkholes meant to the ancient civilization, and all about the site’s geology. Then, enjoy a refreshing swim and go snorkeling in subterranean waters. Snacks and drinks will keep you going during the trip!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, all fees, snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum, Riviera Maya is a great trip for large groups. It accommodates up to 12 people and takes you to three beautiful cenotes along the Riviera Maya.
You’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in the freshwater sinkholes while enjoying a personalized experience. At the end of the tour, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
This private tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, a guide, snorkel gear, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The 4 Private Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village with Delicious Lunch is another great tour. You and up to 14 friends or family members will embark on an adventure-filled day in the jungle!
Snorkel, canoe, and cliff-dive in gorgeous cenotes surrounded by lush vegetation. Go ziplining among the treetops, and swim in crystal clear waters. Being a private excursion, it allows you to customize your itinerary.
A homemade lunch in a Mayan village is included to help you refuel after all that fun. It’s an amazing tour to enjoy with your favorite people!
This tour includes: Transportation, National Park fees, a guide, all activities, equipment, snacks, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Swim in an Underground River in Riviera Maya
Ready to explore the underground world of Quintana Roo? This Rio Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen Entrance or Tour is just the trip you need.
You’ll be exploring an impressive cave system on foot and by water! Get geared up with a helmet, a swimsuit, and a headlamp, and splash your way through the limestone tunnels as you walk and swim on them.
A knowledgeable guide will explain Rio Secreto’s geology as you admire the striking stalactites. Refuel with a traditional Mayan lunch, and relax in the jungle before it’s time to go back.
At check out, you can opt for Admission Only if you’d rather visit on your own.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a tour guide, entrance fees, all equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit Xel-Ha from Playa del Carmen
Check out this Xel-Ha Tickets Food & Beverages and Transportation All-Included. Known as a natural aquarium, Xel-Ha is the ultimate destination for water lovers.
All the park’s activities will be at your disposal, so get ready for a thrilling day! Go snorkeling in lagoons and cenotes, explore natural caves, cliff-jump, and float down a river. You’ll also have a chance to meet the curious wildlife and relax on a hidden beach.
Make use of the shower and changing facilities, and relish a scrumptious buffet lunch with beverages. This excursion promises so much fun!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, priority access, all activities, equipment, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Cenote Tour to Dos Ojos
▶️ This VIP Dos Ojos Private Tour with Mayan Lunch / All-Inclusive allows you to escape the crowds as you enjoy a very early morning trip to Cenote Dos Ojos. Possibly one of my favorite cenotes in the Riviera Maya, this spectacular location is also one of the most popular!
Led by an instructor, you’ll snorkel in two sinkholes and learn about their underwater formations. After the visit, have lunch in a local restaurant with your group of up to 12.
This tour includes: Pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, snorkel gear, water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Adventure Cenote Tours in Riviera Maya & Playa del Carmen
▶️ Looking for an adrenaline-pumping tour? Book this Hidden Cenote Swim, Rappel, Zipline and ATV Outdoor Adventure in Riviera Maya. You’ll spend a half day rappelling into cenotes, ziplining above the treetops, and ATVing through mud paths in the jungle.
Unwind with a relaxing swim in two cenotes, one open-air and the other underground. Once you’ve recovered from all the thrill, start again with cliff-jumping and snorkeling!
This tour includes: Transfers, all activities, equipment, insurance, bottled water, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Take a look at this Playa del Carmen Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit. You’ll either drive or ride in a 2-seat buggy through beautiful jungle off-roads in this half-day trip.
Take in the passing scenery as you make your (bumpy) way to a beautiful underground cenote. Then, clean off the dirt with a refreshing swim in its cool waters, and chill by the natural sinkhole.
Your trip continues with a ride to an authentic Mayan village, where you’ll meet the locals and learn about their traditions and culture.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a tour guide, all activities, equipment, water, and a snack. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Mayan Ruins + Cenote Tours from Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen
With so many cenotes and ruins in the region, it’s no surprise that many tours combine a visit to both attractions! These are the best options out there.
Tulum Ruins + Cenotes Combo Tours
The Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves is a full-day, super comprehensive trip. Start your day with a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins, located atop a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea.
Learn about the Maya civilization and the settlement’s history before setting out to the sea. You’ll go snorkeling in the colorful coral reef, and then make your way to the jungle.
Visit a cenote, where you’ll get to snorkel and leisurely swim, and explore fascinating underground caves. Refuel with a buffet lunch and drinks before returning to your hotel. It’s one of the best tours to visit Tulum!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, equipment, water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Coba Ruins + Cenote Tour in Riviera Maya
This Coba Multun-Ha Cenote Tulum and Paradise Beach Small Group is a 10-hour trip that caps its groups at 12 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
You’ll visit the vast archaeological site of Coba, which features one of the only pyramids that can still be climbed, and the Tulum Ruins. Learn about the sites’ fascinating history from a knowledgeable guide as you wander around their structures.
Then, you’ll head to Multun-Ha Cenote to cool off in its refreshing waters. Finally, relax on the white-sand Paradise Beach and relish a buffet lunch with drinks.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, bottled water, drinks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chichen Itza + Cenote Day Tour from Playa del Carmen
This Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid: All-Inclusive Tour is a jam-packed trip. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to Yucatan, where you’ll explore all its wonders!
Start with a visit to the world-famous Chichen Itza ruins, learning about the structures’ history and purpose. Once you’re done, you’ll get to cool off in a stunning nearby cenote.
Cap off the tour with a visit to Valladolid, a colonial city where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch to savor local cuisine. It’s one of the most memorable Playa del Carmen excursions!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a tour guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Playa del Carmen Cenote Diving Tour
Eager to explore the depths of the cenotes? If you’re a certified scuba diver, this Scuba Diving in Cenote Kukulcan from Playa del Carmen is for you.
You’ll learn about cenote diving from your guide, and discover the Mayan stories about these sacred locations.
Enjoy two dives at Cenote Kukulcan, a gorgeous natural sinkhole nestled in the jungle, and then relish a Mexican lunch at a local restaurant.
This tour includes: Transfers from a meeting point, scuba equipment, a guide, snacks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
INTERESTED IN CENOTE TOURS FROM OTHER DESTINATIONS?
15 Best Cenote Tours from Cancun
13 Fun Cenote Tours from Tulum
6 Best Cenote Tours from Valladolid
6 Best Merida Cenote Tours
