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Private Cenote Tour
A half-day trip for your group only, with your own certified bilingual guide. When you book, choose our Less Crowded Cenotes route or pick your own cenote.
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours, door to door
- Tour type: Private
- Guide: Bilingual, English and Spanish
- Physical level: Low
One tour, two ways to explore the cenotes
At Xaman-Ha Connections®, our private cenote tour takes your group to the cenotes of the Riviera Maya, around Tulum. It is one tour, and you book it in one of two ways. Less Crowded Cenotes is our usual route, with fewer visitors than the famous spots: Honorio and Yaxmulito, two caves with stalactites and clear water, plus Xunan-Ha, an open cenote in the jungle. Pick your own cenotes is for you if you already have one in mind. Choose it from a list of 12, like Dos Ojos or Gran Cenote, and add more if you want. Either way, the vehicle is just for your group. Your certified local guide shares the history of the underground river system at each stop.
It is a half-day tour: pickup is around 8:00 AM and you are back at your hotel between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM, depending on where you stay, so the rest of your day stays free. We pick up from anywhere in the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, and Puerto Morelos.
4 to 6 hours, door to door
Private
Bilingual, English and Spanish
Low
No hidden fees. Here’s exactly what’s included:
- Pickup from your hotel or condo (no walking to a meeting point)
- Private round-trip in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Bilingual certified guide and private driver
- Less Crowded Cenotes: entrance and swimming at Cenote Honorio and Cenote Yaxmulito (caves) and Cenote Xunan-Ha (open cenote)
- Pick your own cenotes: entrance and swimming at 1 cenote you choose from our list of 12
- Cooler stocked with bottled water, soda, and snacks
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Regional lunch
- Flexible itinerary
What’s not included:
- Turtle snorkeling in Akumal, an optional add-on at $69 USD per person, with either option (includes the transport, the entrance, life jackets and the turtle conservation fee).
- With Pick your own cenotes: up to 2 more cenotes from the list, an optional add-on at $49 USD per person, each, entrance included.
- With Pick your own cenotes: Yal-Ku lagoon, an optional add-on at $69 USD per person, all included.
- Cold beer, an optional add-on at $24 USD per 6-beer pack (12 beers $48 USD, 24 beers $72 USD).
- Tips and souvenirs, so bring some extra cash if you wish.
Daily Itinerary
Times are estimates. Because your tour is private, the schedule is flexible and pickup times are only suggestions. The stops below are for Less Crowded Cenotes. If you pick your own, we visit those instead, and depending on distances the day can run up to about 6 hours door to door.
Hotel pickup
Swim in an open cenote
Underground cave cenotes
Regional lunch
Back at your hotel
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is the same tour, at the same base price. Only the cenotes change. Less Crowded Cenotes takes you to Cenote Honorio and Cenote Yaxmulito, two caves, and to Cenote Xunan-Ha, an open cenote. Pick your own cenotes is for travelers who already know where they want to swim. You choose 1 cenote from our list of 12: Dos Ojos, Taak Bi Ha, Tak Be Luum, Jardin del Eden, Nicte Ha, Jaguar, Car Wash, Encantado, Escondido, Casa Cenote, Gran Cenote, or Kaan Luum. Entrance to every cenote is always included.
In the booking panel on this page, choose Less Crowded Cenotes or Pick your own cenotes. If you pick your own, select your included cenote from the list. You can add up to 2 more cenotes, the turtle snorkeling stop, or the Yal-Ku lagoon. With Less Crowded Cenotes, you can add the turtle snorkeling stop. Each extra is charged per person, as listed under What’s not included.
- Your own team: we take care of the details for the whole trip, from pickup to drop-off.
- Your choice of cenotes: go with our Less Crowded Cenotes route or pick the cenote you want from our list.
- Go at your own speed: other tours might rush you from place to place. Our tours let you decide the pace. If you want to float in a peaceful cenote for an extra hour, that is perfectly fine.
- They are stunningly beautiful. Cenotes are natural pools with crystal-clear fresh water, perfect for a refreshing swim in the middle of the jungle.
- They were sacred places for the Maya. The ancient Maya believed cenotes were portals to their heaven, called Xibalba.
- Visiting them is a unique adventure. You can explore everything from open-air swimming holes to amazing underground caves.
- The underground caves are incredible. Inside, you will find stalagmites and stalactites that have been forming for millions of years.
- Exploring cenotes connects you to history and nature, and lets you experience the natural beauty and rich culture of the Riviera Maya up close.
We pick up directly from any hotel, resort, or condo along the Riviera Maya coastline, including:
- Playa del Carmen: Fifth Avenue, the downtown area, and all hotel zones.
- Riviera Maya resorts: all properties between Playa del Carmen and Akumal, including Playacar, Puerto Aventuras, and Puerto Morelos.
For pickups outside these areas, message us with the WhatsApp button on this page or through our Contact Us page before booking and we will confirm availability.
- Do not touch stalactites or stalagmites. Oils from skin can stop their growth.
- No sunscreen or bug spray allowed. Rinse off before swimming.
- Caves may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, heart conditions, or claustrophobia.
- No food, drinks, or smoking allowed inside the caves.
- Bring some extra cash for tips and souvenirs.
- Pack light: comfy shoes, light clothes, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bring a towel and swimsuit.
- Skip the heavy backpack; keep it simple and easy to carry.
- If you have any health issues, tell us when you book.
- Eat a good breakfast so you have energy for the day.
Yes. Xaman-Ha Connections® is certified by SECTUR, the Ministry of Tourism of Mexico, and backed by over 10 years of experience. When you book with us, you are also covered by comprehensive liability insurance. See more about our team and credentials on our About page.
Yes. You can add a turtle snorkeling stop in Akumal when you book, with either option. Its price per person is listed under What’s not included and covers the transport, the entrance, life jackets and the turtle conservation fee.
Yes. Let us know about any dietary needs or allergies when you book. The regional lunch can be adjusted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Because the tour is private, the menu stays flexible.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup for a full refund. Cancellations are only valid by email. See our Cancellation Policy for full details.
We recommend booking at least one day in advance, with a minimum of 2 guests. For last-minute dates, message us with the WhatsApp button on this page or through our Contact Us page for a quick response. We will confirm availability and arrange your private pickup.
100% free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pickup
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