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16 BEST Riviera Maya & Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours [2024]

Looking for the best Playa del Carmen cenote tours? You’re in the right place! Here you’ll find a list of the greatest cenote tours in the area.

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.

Whether you decide to visit them on your own or on a guided tour, it’s one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, so you really can’t miss it!

Image of Casa Tortuga cenote inserted in a list of the best Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya cenote tours.

If you decide to book a Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya cenote tour, it’s inevitable to ask yourself which one is the best.

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. All you have to worry about is enjoying as much as possible!

These tours offer a great quality/price ratio and have excellent reviews from previous travelers. Let’s check them out!

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.

In a rush? These are the best tours 👇

THE BEST TOURCenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya
PRIVATE TOUR Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum, Riviera Maya
XEL-HA ACCESSXel-Ha All-Inclusive Day Trip with Transportation
ADVENTURE TOUR Hidden Cenote Swim, Rappel, Zipline and ATV
CENOTE + TULUM RUINSTulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves

OUR PICK: The BEST Playa del Carmen Cenote Tour

We consider this Five Cenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya to be the best excursion. It’s a half-day trip that covers 5 different, stunning cenotes in Quintana Roo.

Nestled in the jungle, some of them still unknown to the masses, these glorious locations will blow you away. 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’re traveling with a group, you can opt for the private option!

 👉 Why this 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.

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: Round trip transportation, entrance fees, a guide, equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Other GREAT Cenote Tours in Playa del Carmen

▶️ On this Tour 4 Cenotes + Zipline (Optional) 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 cenote 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 Playa del Carmen tours. 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 Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret from Cancún and Playa del Carmen 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. Enjoy a refreshing swim, and snorkel in subterranean waters. Snacks and drinks will keep you refueled during this half-day 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 Playa del Carmen cenote 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 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.

📝 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 Priority Access: Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Day Trip with Transportation. 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 cenote tour Playa del Carmen 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. Clean off the dirt by taking a refreshing swim in its cool waters, and chill by the natural sinkhole.

Then, continue your ride to an authentic Mayan village. 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 so many 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 Coba + Cenote Riviera Maya 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 super-comprehensive day trip. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to Yucatan.

Explore 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

Playa del Carmen Cenotes Tours FAQ

What are the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen tours?

In my opinion, these are the indisputable cenote tours that you can enjoy from Playa del Carmen:
Five Cenotes Jungle Experience in the Riviera Maya
Private Tour The Best Cenotes in Tulum, Riviera Maya
Hidden Cenote Swim, Rappel, Zipline, ATV and Cenote Tour in Playa del Carmen

Is there a Tulum and cenote tour from Playa del Carmen?

Yes! Visiting the Tulum Ruins and a cenote in a combo tour is a fabulous idea. This Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves is the best option out there.

What are the best Playa del Carmen cave tours?

If you’re looking to explore the underground world of Riviera Maya, I recommend joining this Rio Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen. You’ll discover a striking cave system and swim in a subterranean river!

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

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.