Don’t you both love it and hate it when something that used to be super cool and kind of secret becomes famous? Well, it’s official: cenotes are definitely not a secret anymore. They have taken over social media and everyone is raving about them. Even Chichen Itza – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is jealous of all the attention they’re getting!
And you’re lucky as there are tons of incredible cenotes in Merida. As geology would have it, most cenotes in the Yucatan region are located around the Chicxulub Crater in the area around Merida. So it’s definitely one of the major highlights of a trip there.
While visiting them all would be impossible, you can definitely check out a few – and I highly recommend that!
Even though many cenotes are easy to reach, the vast majority of them are outside (even far) from the main towns. You’ll either need to have your own transport to get there or hop on a colectivo or bus (which can be a bit of a pain depending on where you’re going).
And while that is certainly possible, many people choose to spare themselves the hassle and book a tour. Especially if you want to check out several sinkholes in a single trip. So I have put together a list of the best tours of cenotes around Merida, in case you choose to set up base in this beautiful colonial city.
➥ Why can you trust my suggestions? I’ve been curating travel guides for 10 years, have gone on countless tours myself, and I can identify high-quality experiences. Besides, I’ve traveled extensively through Mexico and I’m very familiar with the Yucatan area, so I know which are the best cenotes, and what cenote tours need to offer to be worthwhile.
I use and recommend Viator for booking tours around the world. I particularly like its cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, it allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Cenotes Private Tour Mucuyche & Santa Barbara |
| SHARED CENOTE TOUR | Cenotes Santa Barbara and Acanceh Ruins |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Tour: Homun Cenotes Day Trip |
| CENOTE + RUINS | Chichen itza, Private Cenote & Izamal |
OUR PICK: The Best Cenote Tour from Merida
Can you get cenoted out? I don’t think so! This Private Tour Cenotes of Mucuyche & Santa Barbara in One Day is one of the best cenote tours from Merida because it’ll bring you to 5 (yes, five!) cenotes in a single day.
After being picked up in a private vehicle, you’ll start the trip by visiting an 18th-century plantation, Hacienda Mucuyche, home to two cenotes.
You’ll first swim in a semi-open cenote, and then swim to the next one through a beautiful, lush canal. The second cenote is a cave one, so a totally different experience. This was believed to have links to the Mayan underworld! You’ll also get to visit the colonial building of the hacienda.
After stopping at a local restaurant for lunch (at your own expense), you’ll head to Santa Barbara cenotes to swim in three or four other sinkholes. You’ll travel on a traditional truck to get from one to the other, and get to swim in some stunning cenotes (two are cave cenotes, one is semi-open, and one is open).
A knowledgeable guide will be with you the whole time, enlightening you about the myths surrounding cenotes. You’ll learn why they were sacred for the Mayan civilization and their interesting geology.
Why is this the best tour? This is an incredible tour for first-time visitors and cenote lovers. That’s because you’ll get to visit five different sinkholes, unlike most excursions that only take you to one or two.
The activity is private for your group, so no need to wait for other people or share your guide’s attention. You’ll get to travel at your leisure and enjoy each location for the time you desire.
Read what the reviews say:
”Absolutely would recommend this tour. Loved that it was a private tour for just our family so we could go at our own pace. The tour to the cenotes was beautiful and not packed with tourists so you get to take in the beauty. Our tour guide was wonderful and knowledgeable about the area. A must see and must book if you go to the Yucatán area.”
Jason_K – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, acold beverages and beers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Options To Consider
Maybe you like the first option but it’s out of budget. Well, no worries, I found a few other shared tours that are also great options but shared, so they are more affordable.
▶️ An alternative is this Tour to Cenotes of Santa Barbara and Acanceh Area from Merida. You’ll spend a whole day exploring Santa Barbara’s network of cenotes and the ruins of Acanceh.
An informative guide will provide interesting insights into the region’s history and geology. You’ll explore the Mayan archaeological site in Acanceh, and then get to relax in three beautiful cenotes.
You’ll swim in the fresh water of two caves and a semi-open sinkhole, and ride a bike from one to the other – a perfect way to get around! Finally, refuel with a Yucatecan lunch and visit Santa Lucia Park.
This tour includes: Transfers, entrance fees, a tour guide, use of a bicycle, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Cuzama Cenotes Adventure Day Trip is a full day tour in which you’ll visit a group of three cenotes, known as Santa Barbara Cenotes. Located near the town of Cuzama, the site features two cave cenotes (Cascabel and Chaksikin) and a semi-open cenote (Xoch).
You’ll have time to swim in each of them, and learn about the geology and formation of these incredible sinkholes. Enjoy a brief stop at the Acanceh Archaeological Site, and relish lunch in a local restaurant.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, life vests, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Tour of 4 Cenotes + Izamal lasts a full day, taking you to visit three different types of cenotes in the Yucatan. You’ll swim in the underground Rattlesnake cenote, explore the semi-open Chacsinkín and Xooch cenotes, and relax in Pool Cocom, an open cenote.
After all the swimming, refuel with a tasty lunch a la carte and head to the Magical Town of Izamal. Wander around its picturesque streets as you discover its highlights, and return comfortably to Merida at the end of the day.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, entrance fees, lunch, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cenote Tours in Merida
▶️ Traveling with your gang? Check out this Private Tour: Homun Cenotes Day Trip. Accommodating up to 6 travelers, the tour takes you to visit a collection of 5 incredible, very unique sinkholes.
Still relatively unknown and off the beaten track, the Homun Cenotes are a dream! You’ll get to swim in cave and open cenotes, taking your time in each of them. Then, explore the church and colonial convent in Homun.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a guide, a bicycle, life jackets, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Tour of Uxmal and Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche 2 Cenotes caters to groups of up to 9 people. You’ll depart from your hotel in Merida and travel to three important sites for the Mayan culture.
Your first stop will be the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal where you’ll explore the ruins and its main pyramid with a professional guide. You’ll then relax and swim in two beautiful, sacred cenotes: Cenote Azul and Cenote Carlota.
Finally, visit Hacienda Mucuyche for lunch (own expense) before returning to Merida.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Merida Cenotes + Ruins Tours
How about adding some culture to your cenote tour from Merida? Mexico is a very eclectic country after all, with a lot to offer! As you might have seen above, I’m a big fan of tours that combine historical sites and Yucatan cenotes.
▶️ If it’s your first time in Mexico, you can’t miss visiting the Chichen Itza pyramids. This Chichen itza, Private Cenote, Food Experience & the Magical Izamal is a super comprehensive excursion of the region.
You’ll first visit the archaeological site, accompanied by a guide. Learn about the fascinating history of the ruins, and then head to the colonial town of Izamal.
There you’ll get to see another Mayan temple before you visit a Mayan family, who will offer you traditional homemade food. There’s a private cenote pool on their property, and you’ll be able to cool off with a swim at the end of the day.
This tour includes: Transportation, entrance fees, a guide, a meal, and purified water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
I personally love the Uxmal ruins, located close to Merida. There are no crowds at all – you can almost have the whole site to yourself! Luckily, there are many tours that take you there, including combo tours of the ruins and cenotes.
▶️ This Yaxcopoil Hacienda, Uxmal & Cenote from Merida starts with a visit to Hacienda Yaxcopoil. It boasts lush gardens and great architectural value, and you’ll get to discover the legends that surround it from your guide.
Then, make your way to Uxmal, one of the few sites where you can still climb a pyramid. Enjoy a guided tour around the ruins and free time to roam at your leisure, and indulge in a tasty local lunch to refuel.
Cap off the trip by swimming in Cenote Peba, an off-the-beaten-path, beautiful freshwater cenote.
This tour includes: Round-trip transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Day Trip: Izamal, Aké & Cenote Yokdzonot from Merida by Yucatan Concierge is a fantastic tour for groups.
You’ll start the day by exploring the small archaeological site of Aké. There you’ll learn about its history as you wander around the pyramids.
Then, continue your journey to Izamal, a small town also known as the Yellow City. As you probably guessed, most of its buildings are yellow, which gained it the nickname. Stroll along its charming streets, and visit its main highlights.
Finally, go for a refreshing dip at Cenote Yokdzonot and be dropped off back at your hotel in Merida.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
