Playa del Carmen Guide

Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours

Swim in mystical underwater caves and crystal-clear freshwater pools!

96+ tours
From $45
4-8 hours
Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours

Discover cenotes - mystical natural sinkholes unique to Yucatan Peninsula! Cenote tours explore stunning freshwater pools like Gran Cenote (famous snorkeling!), Dos Ojos (two connected caverns), Ik Kil (near Chichen Itza), Cenote Azul, and countless hidden gems. Swim in crystal-clear water (visibility 100+ feet!), snorkel among stalactites, dive into open-air pools, explore underwater cave systems, and experience magical light beams. Tours include transportation, entrance fees, snorkel equipment, and expert guides explaining cenote formation and Mayan sacred significance. Learn about limestone geology, underground river systems, and ancient rituals. It's otherworldly swimming!

Featured Cenote Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for cenote tours in Playa del Carmen

Coba, Tulum & Cenote swim
From $20
Free Cancellation

Spend the day knowing the mayan ruins and special places of the riviera Maya at the best price and in the less time posible.

3.7(7)
8h
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Tulum & Cenote Adventure
💸Special Offer
$109From $87.2
Free Cancellation

Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, located on the beautiful Caribbean coast. These ruins sit on a cliff and offer amazing views of the turquoise sea. After exploring Tulum, visit our exclusive Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. Discover an underground river system as you swim and snorkel through caves and caverns. Relax and enjoy the cenote, a natural pool, surrounded by stunning rock formations.

5.0(178)
4h 30m
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Snorkeling with Turtles and Cenotes
From $89
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a snorkeling tour in the Caribbean Sea in search of 3 of the 7 species of sea turtles in the world, accompanied by the beautiful barrier reef where you can discover the infinite variety of marine fauna of this region. Travel to the low jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula and explore the unforgettable world of underground rivers and "cenotes". Snorkel in the crystal blue waters of these unique limestone pools and relax among the thousands of white stalactites and stalagmites that surround you at every turn.

4.8(15)
7h
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Private Cenotes Adventure in Tulum
From $109
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Private 4 Cenotes Adventure in Tulum & Authentic Mexican Tacos. Embark on a private adventure to explore 4 breathtaking cenotes in Tulum, where you'll experience the best of nature and culture. This tour takes you to two open cenotes and two stunning cave cenotes, each offering a unique experience. Swim in crystal-clear waters, jump into the refreshing pools, or simply relax surrounded by lush jungle. The beauty of these hidden gems will leave you in awe. After your cenote exploration, enjoy a delicious meal with authentic Mexican tacos, made with traditional fillings and served with freshly made salsas. Complement your meal with agua de horchata or agua de jamaica, or refresh yourself with a soft drink or cold beer. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, this tour is the perfect way to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the culture of Tulum.

5.0(3)
4h
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Cenote and Akumal Snorkel
From $99
Free Cancellation

Explore the fascinating underwater world of Turtle Bay on a leisurely snorkel tour in search 3 of the world’s 7 sea turtle species. Brightly colored tropical fish, spectacular coral, amazing rock formations, rays and unbelievable visibility makes this an unforgettable experience. Then journey deep into the subtropical rainforest of the Yucatan to relax, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear fresh waters of a massive “cenote”, and marvel at the thousands of spectacular stalagmites and stalactites that surround you at every turn.

5.0(1)
5h
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Tulum Coba cenote swim
From $42
Free Cancellation

Discover amazing 4 places of the Riviera maya in on day Tulum , Coba , Cenote, Playa del carmen enjoy a delicious meal in the vip experience.

4.0(1)
11h
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Tulum Coba cenote
From $20
Free Cancellation

Discover amazing 4 places of the Riviera maya in on day Tulum , Coba , Cenote, enjoy a delicious meal in the vip experience.

11h
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Tulum and Cenote Experience
From $109
Free Cancellation

Emotions, adventure and learning! Take this tour to appreciate two important sites for the Mayan culture: Tulum and Cenote. The ancient architecture and knowledge of the Mayas are alive in Tulum, an old city built at the seashore. We’ll visit its important vestiges such as El Castillo, the most representative place of the archaeological site. And finally, we’ll visit a marvelous Cenote , a natural pit with crystalline water. You can explore and swim there to have a relaxation time.

5.0(2)
5h
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Cenote Expedition: Discover 3 Secret Cenotes with Mayan ritual
From $109
Free Cancellation

Dare to discover the wonders of the Mayan underworld as you snorkel in breathtaking cenotes. Participate in a traditional Mayan ceremony, connecting you with the area’s ancient culture. Immerse yourself in their crystal-clear waters and experience the beauty underneath he rainforest while enjoying the soothing, mineral-rich properties of these natural pools. Explore three different cenotes, snorkel and swim among stalactites and stalagmites that filters the rain water drop by drop for millenia.

5.0(98)
4h
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Tulum Coba cenote 3x1
From $51
Free Cancellation

Discover amazing 4 places of the Riviera maya in on day Tulum , Coba , Cenote, Playa del carmen enjoy a delicious meal in the vip experience.

11h
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Private Cenotes tour
From $242
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Swimming and snorkeling in a Cenote is a lifetime experience which can only be done in this part of the world. BTM has chosen the best cenotes (caves and sinkholes ) for you to enjoy. First we are going to visit a cave cenote with a breathtaking underground river with pristine waters and impressive rock formations, then we will visit an open cenote that looks like a huge natural swimming pool surrounded by mangroves and full of fish. You can follow our recomendations or if you have done your own research we can go to any cenote that you prefer.

5.0(148)
4h
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Horseback, Ziplines and Swim in a Cenote
From $74.67
Free Cancellation

This is a great activity for everyone to try. The staff provides the best service and will help you enjoy the activities. You will have an amazing adventure while still feeling safe.

7h
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Yucatan Cenotes Tour: Suytun + 3 Cenotes + Valladolid + Food + Transportation
💸Special Offer
$160From $152
Free Cancellation

The cenotes are one of the attractions that distinguishes the state of Yucatan. Cenotes are unique formations in this region, and in addition to being a primary resource for obtaining fresh water in the jungle, they were sacred places for the Mayans, representing the entrance to the spiritual underworld. The spectacular underground landscape makes each cenote a place worthy of admiration; the sunlight filtered through holes between the rocks and projected onto the green, crystalline or turquoise waters combine to offer a visual delight to visitors. To all those people who enjoy the aquatic world, they will live a unique experience by immersing themselves in the depths of these underwater galleries, in addition you can also enjoy a dip and swim. To end the tour day, you will be able to visit the beautiful city of Valladolid, where you will have free time to explore its streets, its history, and take photos.

4.3(11)
8h
View Details
Cenotes snorkeling excursion
From $104
Free Cancellation

Snorkeling in the fresh crystal clear waters of the cenotes is an incredible adventure. Let’s get you mesmerized!

4.6(17)
6h
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Half Day Cenotes Tour
From $109
Free Cancellation

This is a perfect tour if you are looking for something natural where you can admire the different colors, formations and cool down in this waters.

3.5(4)
6h
View Details

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Why Choose Cenote Tours in Playa del Carmen?

Mystical Experience

Swim in underground caves - unique to Yucatan!

Crystal Clear Water

Visibility 100+ feet in freshwater - like swimming in aquarium!

Light Beams

Magical sunlight streaming into caverns - incredibly photogenic!

Mayan Sacred Sites

Ancient Maya performed rituals in cenotes - spiritual significance!

Types of Cenote Tours in Playa del Carmen

Multi-Cenote Tour

Visit 3-4 different cenotes in one day.

6-8 hoursMultiple cenotesSwimmingSnorkelingComprehensive

Gran Cenote & Tulum

Combine famous cenote with Tulum ruins visit.

6-7 hoursCenote + ruinsSnorkelingCulturalPopular combo

Dos Ojos Snorkel

Snorkel two connected underwater caverns.

4-5 hoursCave snorkelingSpectacularClear waterUnique

Private Cenote Experience

Visit less-touristy cenotes with small groups.

5-6 hoursHidden gemsFewer crowdsPhotosExclusive

What to Expect on Your Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours

Duration

Tours: 4-8 hours depending on number of cenotes. Include transport time (30-60 min each way).

Crystal Water

72-78°F freshwater, visibility 100+ feet - incredibly clear!

Cave Swimming

Open-air cenotes and underground caverns - both spectacular!

Light Beams

Midday sunlight streams into cenotes creating magical effect!

Stalactites

Ancient formations hanging from cave ceilings - swim among them!

Mayan Significance

Learn why Maya considered cenotes sacred portals to underworld.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Midday (11 AM-1 PM) best light beams in cenotes - most photogenic!

2

Bring biodegradable sunscreen only - chemicals harm cenotes (many ban regular).

3

Life jacket provided and often required (cenotes deep!).

4

Gran Cenote near Tulum most famous - very touristy but gorgeous.

5

Dos Ojos better snorkeling with cave systems - incredible!

6

Hidden cenotes (Chikin Ha, Nicte-Ha) less crowded, more authentic.

7

Water cool (72-78°F) - refreshing but some find cold for extended swimming.

8

Morning tours (8-9 AM) beat crowds at popular cenotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is a cenote?

A: Cenote is natural sinkhole where limestone bedrock collapsed revealing underground water. Unique to Yucatan Peninsula! Crystal-clear freshwater pools, some open-air, some in caves. Maya considered sacred. Over 6,000 cenotes in region! Swimming, snorkeling, diving available. Extraordinary natural phenomenon!

Q:Can you swim in cenotes?

A: Yes! Most cenotes allow swimming and snorkeling. Some require life jackets (provided). Water 72-78°F (cooler than Caribbean). Incredibly clear and refreshing! Safe - no currents. Cave cenotes require guide. Essential Riviera Maya experience - don't skip!

Q:Which cenotes are best?

A: Gran Cenote: Most famous, excellent snorkeling. Dos Ojos: Best cave snorkeling. Ik Kil: Near Chichen Itza, dramatic. Cenote Azul: Open-air, cliff jumping. Chikin Ha: Less touristy, underground. Each unique - tours visit multiple for variety!

Q:Are cenotes safe?

A: Very safe! Life jackets provided, guides monitor. No currents in most. Cave cenotes require guide (mandatory). Millions swim safely. Only risk: Cold water for some (72-78°F). Avoid touching formations. Follow rules. Safe and incredible!

Q:How much do cenote tours cost?

A: Single cenote entry: $10-20. Multi-cenote tours: $45-95 (4-8 hours, transport included). Dos Ojos: $25-35. Gran Cenote: $25. Private tours: $150-300. Good value - transport, multiple cenotes, guide expertise. DIY cheaper if you have car.

Q:What should I bring to cenotes?

A: Biodegradable sunscreen (required!), towel, water shoes, underwater camera, change of clothes, cash. Snorkel gear provided. No regular sunscreen or insect repellent allowed (harms cenotes). Life jackets provided. Lockers available ($3-5). Come prepared!

Q:Can you dive in cenotes?

A: Yes! Cenote diving is world-famous (especially Dos Ojos). Requires dive certification. Crystal-clear water, dramatic stalactites, unique experience. Tours for certified divers $100-180. Snorkeling accessible for everyone though - equally amazing!

Q:When is the best time for cenote tours?

A: Year-round! Midday (11 AM-1 PM) best for light beams in open cenotes. Morning (8-9 AM) fewer crowds. Summer water warmest. Winter cooler but still swimmable. Always accessible - cenotes don't depend on weather. Visit anytime!

Don't Miss the Perfect Playa del Carmen Experience

Book your cenote tours today - 96+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Playa del Carmen?

Famous Fifth Avenue with shopping and dining

Beautiful Caribbean beaches and water sports

Crystal-clear cenotes for swimming

International cuisine and vibrant nightlife

Perfect location for exploring the Riviera Maya

Perfect blend of beach life and urban excitement

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Playa del Carmen enjoys a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. Average temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) in winter to 90°F (32°C) in summer.

Best Months

November to April offers the best weather with warm temperatures, low humidity, and perfect conditions for all activities.

Peak Season

December to April brings peak tourist season with ideal weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

May to October offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with hot, humid weather and hurricane season.

Plan Your Playa del Carmen Trip

Transportation Tips

Walking is perfect for exploring Fifth Avenue and the beach. Public transportation connects to nearby destinations, and organized tours include transportation.

Car Rental Deals in Playa del Carmen

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Playa del Carmen adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Playa del Carmen

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