15 Best Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours in 2024
Looking for the best cenote tours in Playa del Carmen Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve personally been on many amazing cenote tours in the area.
What’s great about Playa del Carmen cenote tours is that they provide a totally hassle-free experience with transportation, guides, and equipment included.
So you don’t have to worry about renting a car or getting to remote cenote locations on your own–and you’ll have a knowledgable tour guide to show you the way.
MY TOP PICK
⌚️ Don’t have time to read the full article?
The best cenote tour in Playa del Carmen is Xenotes, an incredibly fun all-inclusive cenote tour that takes you to 4 private cenotes.
In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations for the best Playa del Carmen cenote tours, including group cenote tours, private cenote tours, and scuba diving tours.
So whether you’re looking for a private experience with your family, a group adventure with friends, or a solo activity, you’ll find the perfect Playa del Carmen cenote tour in this guide!
Ready to find out which of these best Playa del Carmen cenotes tours is right for you? Let’s dive in!
Top 3 Picks: Best Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours
Best Group Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours
These are the best group cenote tours Playa del Carmen has to offer:
1. Xenotes
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 670 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 9 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
My top recommendation for the best Playa del Carmen cenotes tour is definitely Xenotes!
Pronounced “Shay-know-tays”, Xenotes is an all-inclusive tour by Grupo Xcaret where you can visit four different types of cenotes (open, semi-open, ancient, and cavern) in one day.
At these private cenotes, you’ll also get to experience a variety of different water activities like rappelling, ziplining, kayaking, swimming, and cliff jumping.
Round-trip transportation, a certified tour guide, breakfast, and a picnic lunch are included in the admission. It’s so convenient and a ton of fun!
I personally went on the Xenotes tour and can’t recommend it enough–it’s the best option for a Playa del Carmen cenote tour and the easiest way to visit a cenote for the first time!
You can read my full Xenotes review for all the details!
What’s included in the Xenotes Tour:
- Visit to 4 different cenotes
- Water activities such as water ziplines, kayaking, snorkeling, water slides, and cliff jumping
- Assisted rappelling
- Local English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Use of necessary equipment
- Picnic lunch
- Non-alcoholic beverages en route
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Light refreshments (coffee, chocolate, sweet bread)
2. Rio Secreto
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars (with more than 220 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 5 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
Meaning “Secret River”, Rio Secreto is one of the most best things to do in Riviera Maya where you can swim through an impressive underground river with over 1 kilometer of stalactites and stalagmites.
At this totally unique natural attraction, you get to trek through underwater rivers, caves, and cenotes, as well as participate in additional activities like biking and rappelling.
And with it being underground, Rio Secreto is an all-weather activity and makes for a great rainy day activity in Riviera Maya.
It really feels like you are in another world! Plus, it’s not as commercialized as some of the other cenote parks in Playa del Carmen, which makes it feel more intimate and personalized.
You can read my full Rio Secreto review for all the details!
What’s included in the Rio Secreto Admission Ticket:
- Guided tour of the Rio Secreto underground river system
- Lunch
- Light refreshments
- Professional guide
- Use of bicycle
- All necessary equipment
- Round-trip transportation with pickup from hotels in Playa del Carmen available
3. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All Inclusive Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 14,000 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 12 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
With over 14,000 5-star reviews, this Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All Inclusive tour is pretty much the most popular of all the Playa del Carmen excursions.
Not only will you get to visit the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins–a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the the 7 Wonders of the Modern World–but you’ll also get to swim in Cenote Saamal.
Cenote Saamal is one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula, and it’s much larger and way more impressive than any of the cenotes in Playa del Carmen.
I personally went on this Chichen Itza and cenote tour from Playa del Carmen and visiting the cenote was definitely the highlight of the tour for me–it’s really unforgettable!
Plus, you’ll also get to visit the quaint colonial town of Valladolid, and round-trip transportation, a certified tour guide, and a buffet lunch are all included.
The Chichen Itza and Cenote tour from Playa del Carmen is a full day tour but definitely worth it for a hassle-free opportunity to see such an incredible cenote and impressive Mayan Ruins!
What’s included in the Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All Inclusive Tour:
- Guided tour of Chichen Itza
- Cenote swim at Saamal Cenote
- 30 minute stop at Valladolid main square
- Lunch buffet
- Roundtrip transportation with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen
- Certified bilingual guide
4. Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 580 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 8 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote tour is the perfect combo of exploring Mayan ruins, snorkeling with turtles in Akumal, and swimming in a cenote.
Start your day by exploring the oceanfront Tulum Ruins archeological site, with admission tickets included.
Then, as one of the best Playa del Carmen snorkeling tours, get an underwater peek at coral, tropical fish, and even sea turtles during a snorkeling trip to Akumal Bay.
Finally, you’ll get to take a swim in the private Xtun Cenote–a stunning underground cavern cenote with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen hotels is included, so you don’t have to worry about getting around.
This Tulum and Cenote tour from Playa del Carmen is a great option for anyone who wants to get the most bang for their buck by exploring ruins, snorkeling with sea turtles, and swimming in a cenote all in one day!
What’s included in the Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote Tour:
- Guided tour of the Tulum Ruins
- Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal
- Visit to Xtun Cenote
- Bilingual guide
- Round-trip air-conditioned transportation with pick-up from hotels in Playa del Carmen
- Equipment required for water activities
- Lunch: Traditional Mexican buffet
- Drinks: Fresh fruit water and bottle of water
5. Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 325 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 3.5 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure is perfect for anyone who wants a short day tour to explore cenotes and go snorkeling.
You’ll first get to explore an incredible cave cenote, where you’ll find incredible rock formations and can take a refreshing swim in the cool cenote waters.
Then, head to Yal Ku Lagoon–where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and explore the lagoon’s diverse coral reef ecosystem.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from select Riviera Maya locations is included in this Riviera Maya cenotes tour, as well as life jackets and snorkel equipment.
Plus, a certified guide will be there to help you make the most of your experience!
What’s included in the Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure:
- Visit to a cenote
- Snorkeling at Yal Ku Lagoon
- Life jackets and snorkel equipment
- Certified guide
- Bottled water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from select Riviera Maya locations
6. Small-Group Cenote Adventure Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 245 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 7 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Small Group Cenote Adventure Tour is the perfect way to explore a variety of cenotes near Tulum with a knowledgeable local guide in a more intimate setting.
Avoid the hassle of renting a car or arranging your own transportation–pickup is available from Playa del Carmen to three distinctive cenotes, along with all entrance fees.
You’ll visit Casa Cenote, an open-air lagoon cenote, as well as two underground cave cenotes–Cenote Taak Bi Ha and Cenote Aktun Yax Caan.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha is one of my favorite cenotes of the Riviera Maya and is so stunning with its bright turquoise water and incredible rock formations–it’s perfect for Playa del Carmen cenote snorkeling.
With a max capacity of 10 people, this tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the unique beauty of cenotes in a small-group setting. Plus, a picnic lunch and snorkeling equipment is included.
What’s included in the Small-Group Cenote Adventure Tour:
- Visit to Casa Cenote
- Visit to Cenote Taak Bi Ha
- Visit to Cenote Aktun Yax Caan
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- All entrance fees and activities
- Knowledgeable guide
- Pick up from Playa del Carmen hotels available for an added charge
7. Five Cenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 165 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 5-6 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
Enjoy a unique Playa del Carmen cenote tour away from the large crowds with this Five Cenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya!
You will explore five different cenotes, each with its own distinct features. You’ll have plenty of time to swim and explore the areas around the cenotes as well.
Forget the crowded cenote parks with big buses and hordes of tourists, this tour takes you off the beaten path to hidden gems in the jungle.
Plus, at the end of the day you’ll get to enjoy a delicious dinner at a nice international restaurant in Playa del Carmen.
What’s included in the Five Cenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya:
- Visit to 5 different cenotes in Riviera Maya
- Life jacket and goggles
- Lunch
- Transportation from Playa del Carmen
- All fees and taxes
Best Private Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours
These are the best private cenote tours Playa del Carmen has to offer:
8. 4 Private Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 500 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 4-6 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
Perfect for families, this top-rated 4 Private Cenotes, Zip lines, Canoes, and Mayan Village tour is one of the best private tours in Playa del Carmen and provides an action-packed adventure away from the crowds.
After getting picked up from Playa del Carmen, you’ll head to Tankah Beach, a secluded eco-park with different types of cenotes and adventure activities.
You’ll get to go snorkeling, canoeing, zip-lining, and swimming in secluded cenotes in the middle of the jungle–all at your own pace.
Plus, a visit to an adjacent Mayan village and delicious lunch are included for an added Mayan cultural experience.
And since it’s a private tour, you’ll have your own private driver and guide and can customize the itinerary according to your preferences.
What’s included in the 4 Private Cenotes, Zip-Lines, Canoes & Mayan Village Tour:
- Visit to private cenotes
- Ziplining
- Canoeing
- Mayan village visit
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Local taxes and national park fees
- Beverages and bottled water
- Lunch
- Professional driver and guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen
9. VIP Cenotes Private Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 250 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 6 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This VIP Cenotes Private Tour is the perfect way to experience the unique and beautiful cenotes in the Riviera Maya.
You’ll have private transportation and a bilingual guide to take you to three different cenotes, where you can snorkel, go cliff jumping, and participate in water activities.
This private cenote tour in Playa del Carmen includes visits to Yal-Ku Lagoon, Cenote Xunaan Ha, and Cenote Taak Bi Ha.
You’ll get to experience many different types of cenotes including an open-air lagoon, an open cenote, and an underground cavern–all with a knowledgeable guide to explain their history and significance.
Plus, this custom tour includes all equipment and transportation and can be personalized to your preferences.
What’s included in the VIP Cenotes Private Tour:
- Visit to Yal-Ku Lagoon
- Visit to Xunaan Ha
- Visit to Cenote Taak Bi Ha
- Bottled water
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private guide
- Round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen
10. Private Dream Underground World Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 275 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 3-4 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This top-rated Private Dream Underground World Tour gives you the unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the underground world near Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
You’ll visit the Cenotes Sac Actun underwater cave system, where you can swim and snorkel at your own pace in crystal clear waters while learning about the area’s ancient geology from a knowledgeable guide.
Next, you’ll explore a private cave at Dos Ojos Cenote, one of the most iconic underground cenotes near Tulum.
And since it’s just a half-day tour from Playa del Carmen, it’s perfect for those short on time and want to maximize their experience.
What’s included in the Private Dream Underground World Tour:
- Visit to Dos Ojos Cenote Park
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Beverages
- Snacks
- Professional guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Private tour
- Alcoholic beverages
- Roundtrip transportation from Playa del Carmen
11. Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum Riviera Maya
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 230 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 6 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum Riviera Maya provides a comprehensive exploration of some of the most beautiful cenotes in the Playa del Carmen area–without the big tour buses.
You’ll have a private guide to take you to 3 different cenotes (including Cenote Taak Bi Ha and Gran Cenote), where you can go snorkeling, swimming, and explore the underground caves near Playa del Carmen.
Your guide will provide insights into the geological formation of each cenote, as well as their cultural and spiritual significance to the Mayan people.
Plus, you’ll get to conclude the tour with a delicious Mexican lunch at a local restaurant. And round-trip transportation is included for a hassle-free time.
What’s included in the the Best Cenotes in Tulum Riviera Maya Private Tour:
- Visit to 3 cenotes
- Private guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Private transportation from Playa del Carmen
12. Private Tour–The Best Cenotes in Yucatan–Suytun & Oxman
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 185 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 8 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Best Cenotes in Yucatan Private Tour will take you from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid to see some of the best cenotes in the entire Yucatan peninsula.
You’ll get an early start to beat the crowds and get the best photos of these Instagrammable cenotes including Cenote Suytun, Cenote Oxman, and Cenote Xux Ha.
These cenotes are the best of the best and they’ll take your breath away with their crystal clear turquoise waters and limestone formations.
Your private guide will show you the best spots to take photos as well as explain the cultural history and significance of each cenote.
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy breakfast and free time in Valladolid, a quaint colonial town for a more authentic taste of Mexico.
What’s included in the Suytun & Oxman Cenotes Private Tour:
- Visit to Cenote Suytun
- Visit to Cenote Oxman
- Visit to Cenote Xux Ha
- Visit to Valladolid
- Private transportation from Playa del Carmen
- Private guide
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Access to all cenotes
13. Private Reef Snorkeling + 3 Cenotes + 5 Zip-lines + Mayan Lunch
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 95 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 6 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Private Reef Snorkeling + 3 Cenotes + 5 Zip-lines + Mayan Lunch Tour is a full day adventure near Playa del Carmen that combines snorkeling, cenotes, and ziplines.
You’ll start with reef snorkeling at the National Marine Park in Puerto Morelos, followed by a visit to Cenote Zapote, an eco-park along the famous “Ruta de los Cenotes”.
This beautiful eco-park is not very commercialized and is the perfect place to see some gorgeous cenotes and do some of the best ziplining in Playa del Carmen.
The three different cenotes you’ll visit on the tour offer all kinds of fun including overwater ziplines, extreme cliff jumping, and cave exploration.
I personally went on this tour with some blogger friends and it was such a memorable and unique experience–you can read my full Cenote Zapote guide for all the details!
What’s included in the Private Cenote Zapote Tour:
- Snorkeling at the Puerto Morelos National Marine Park
- Visit to Cenote Zapote Eco-Park with ziplines and 3 cenotes
- Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from Playa del Carmen
- Private tour guide
- All entrance fees and taxes
- Bottled water
- Use of snorkeling equipment
14. SUP Cenote Tour–Private Paddleboard & Snorkel Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 20 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 5 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This SUP Cenote Tour offered by Aloha Paddle Club combines the best of both worlds–standup paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkeling in a cenote.
During the tour you’ll paddle through Casa Cenote, the largest open cenote in Tulum, and you’ll get to explore the crystal clear waters, spot wildlife like birds, fish and crabs, and maybe even glimpse Panchito the resident croc!
Your guide will provide a short SUP intro and you’ll be given plenty of time to explore the cenote, as well as practice your paddleboarding skills.
The still and clear emerald fresh water of the cenote makes it perfect for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming.
I’m personally a member of Aloha Paddle Club for paddleboarding in Playa del Carmen and can’t recommend them enough!
What’s included in the SUP Cenote Tour–Private Paddleboard & Snorkel Tour:
- Paddleboarding tour to Casa Cenote
- All equipment
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Photos
- Lunch
Best Playa del Carmen Cenote Diving Tours
These are the best scuba diving cenote tours Playa del Carmen has to offer:
15. Scuba Diving in Cenote Kukulkan from Playa del Carmen
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars (with more than 250 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 7 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Scuba Diving in Cenote Kukulkan from Playa del Carmen Tour offers an amazing and unforgettable experience–scuba diving in one of the most impressive cenotes in Riviera Maya.
Cenote Kukulkan is a massive underwater cave full of crystal clear water and amazing limestone formations where you can explore the Mayan underworld.
Best suited for advanced divers, cenote diving is a totally unique and magical experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Your professional guide will provide expert instruction on cave diving safety, technique, and gear.
You’ll learn how to navigate the caves and explore the depths of the cenote with an experienced guide by your side.
What’s included in the Scuba Diving in Cenote Kukulkan Tour:
- Scuba dive in Cenote Kukulkan
- Professional multilingual guide
- Typical Mexican lunch
- Snacks and refreshments throughout the day
- Scuba equipment rental
- Transportation from meeting point in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cenote tours in Playa del Carmen:
Absolutely! Cenotes are one of the most unique and beautiful natural attractions in Mexico, and a visit to at least one is a must while visiting the Riviera Maya. The clear waters and spectacular rock formations make for an unforgettable experience.
Yes, many cenotes near Playa del Carmen are open to the public and don’t require a tour. However, cenote tours from Playa del Carmen offer a more hassle-free experience with a tour guide, transportation, and equipment.
Playa del Carmen cenote tours typically range from $70-$250 USD per person, depending on the type of tour and the number of people. Private Playa del Carmen tours will cost much more than group tours.
It is recommended to wear a swimsuit, coverup, and water shoes on a cenote tour from Playa del Carmen.
It’s also a good idea to bring a rash guard, as sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in cenotes. Plus, they provide extra warmth when swimming in the cold cenote waters.
Yes, almost all cenotes offer life jackets, which makes swimming in deep water very easy even if you’re not a strong swimmer. Plus, many cenotes offer shallow areas and platforms that are accessible to non swimmers.
Sunscreen is not allowed in cenotes as it can contain chemicals that can damage the delicate ecological balance of the underground ecosystem.
The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to wear a rash guard or other protective clothing.
Yes, it is highly recommended to wear water shoes in a cenote as the ground can be rocky and slippery. Plus, they will protect your feet from any sharp objects.
Conclusion: Best Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours
I hope that this article has helped you to discover the best Playa del Carmen cenote tour for you!
From group cenote tours to private experiences, there are many incredible cenote excursions in Playa del Carmen, which include added benefits like transportation, meals, and a knowledgeable guide.
That way, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of renting a car or getting to the cenotes on your own.
My top recommendation for the best Playa del Carmen cenote tour is Xenotes, which is an all-inclusive tour that takes you to 4 private cenotes. It’s so convenient and super fun!
But no matter which of these Playa del Carmen cenote tours you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience that will be one of the highlights of your vacation in Mexico!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.