The 15 Best Cenote Tours from Cancun in 2023

Wondering what the best cenote tours from Cancun are? We’ve got you covered.

If you’re itching to see crystal clear water in something a little more unique than the ocean, then one of these excursions might just be the best option for you. 

Cenotes are natural wonders filled with unique rock formations, lush vegetation, and blue water. These popular attractions are the perfect place to truly bask in the wonder of nature and explore a side of Mexico away from the white sand beaches and all-day drinks.

These are by far the best Cenote tours from Cancun with the highest ratings.

Cenote adventure tours from Cancun

1. Tour Cenotes Maya by Xcaret from Cancun

5⭐️ 582 Reviews

Duration: 9 hours 

Experience an unforgettable adventure with the Tour Cenotes Maya by Xcaret. Snorkel, kayak, and swim among exotic aquatic flora and fish.

Get adventurous by zip lining over an ancient cenote and repelling down a rock wall — all before indulging in a gourmet picnic lunch.

With tour groups limited to 19, you’ll enjoy plenty of personalized attention from your Spanish and English-speaking guides.

You’ll head to Xenotes Oasis Maya, an incredible park with four of Mexico’s best cenotes that each provide you with different experiences:

• K’aak the fire cenote: swim or bob around in inner tubes while admiring the lush, jungle around you
• Iik’ the wind cenote: zipline or cliff jump into this gorgeous ancient cenote
• Lu’um the earth cenote: repel down through a hole in the roof of this closed cenote and enjoy the gorgeous waters
• Ha the water cenote: swim or kayak in this semi-open cenote and admire the underwater gardens

Not only do you get an opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous waters, underground river, and scenery, but you get to have a gourmet jungle picnic.

This is one tour you truly don’t want to miss.

What’s included

• Local English and Spanish-speaking guide
• Equipment use
• Picnic lunch
• Non-alcoholic beverages en route
• Hotel pick-up and drop-offs
• Light refreshments
• Priority access

What’s NOT included

• Gratuities
• Souvenirs
• Photos

2. Snorkel, ATV, Zipline, and Cenote Adventure from Cancun

4⭐️ 38 Reviews

Duration: 7 hours 

Experience the ultimate adventure in Puerto Morelos with an all-day snorkeling, 4-wheeling and zip-lining tour.

Explore not one, but two, coral reefs, before taking an ATV through the jungle, and zip-lining through the treetops.

This day-long tour includes your lunch, drinks, and transportation. Plus, they’ve got all the equipment you need to participate.

Reviews say this trip is an amazing experience, but the ATV ride can seem a bit short and you’ll probably want extra cash for souvenirs.

However, while this tour does include a visit to a gorgeous cenote — if that’s your primary goal for participating, consider a Cenote focused tour instead.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation (in Cancun from the hotel zone or downtown)
• Speed boat (2 people)
• Snorkel in the “Angel” coral reef
• ATV tour (shared ATV for 2 persons on the same reservation)
• 5 zip lines (included at interactive cenote)
• Necessary equipment
• Lunch

What’s NOT included

• No transport in Riviera Maya or Costa Mujeres
• Doc and reef tax ($15 USD per person)

3. Discover 3 Cenotes and 1 Lagoon from Cancun

5⭐️ 1 Review

Duration: 12 hours 

Located south of Tulum, you’ll find the tranquil water of Laguna de Kaan Luum strikingly clear and just a hint of turquoise. It’s the ideal place to start your day on this four-stop tour.

Next, you’ll visit Cenote Zacil-Ha, the famous swimming hole known for its crystalline waters. Then finally you’ll visit Cenote Cristalino where you’ll see incredible crystal clear fresh water and Gran Cenote which has a spectacular descent down the stairs before you get to swim or dive through a tunnel guided by a rope.

This day-long excursion provides you with two meals (a boxed meal and a restaurant lunch), and a round-trip to Cancun.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation from Cancun
• Includes box lunch
• Entrance to the Kaam Lumm Lagoon for bathing and relaxing
• Entrance to the Cenote Zacil-Ha to bathe and refresh (Cenote, pool, zipline)
• Entrance to a grand cenote to bath and refresh
• Entrance to the cenote Cristalino for bathing and refresh
• Includes food 1 dish to choose

What’s NOT included

• Drinks in the restaurant
• Lifejackets

4. ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park Cancun

4.5⭐️ 1,372 Reviews

Duration: 4 hours 

Looking for an unforgettable Cenote tour from Cancun? This tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park combines zip lining, ATV off-roading, and swimming in gorgeous natural waters.

This is THE PERFECT pick for families that want to take a shorter excursion but still experience something unforgettable together.

This is an exciting excursion that provides exceptional value for your money. But make sure you wear thick, high socks while on the ATV and leave your phone at home (it’s not allowed!).

And be warned there are LOTS of bugs, but your average bug sprays aren’t always welcome during eco experiences.

Have fun with the family, make the most of your time and money, and do something you can talk about for years to come!

What’s included

• Admission to Extreme Adventure Eco Park
• Zipline Circuit and Cenote with 1 zipline
• 50-minute ATV ride through the Mayan jungle
• Ride in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Security gear for Zipline and ATV
• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel or meeting point

What’s NOT included

• Gratuities
• Pictures (available to purchase)
• Alcoholic beverages

Half-a-Day Cenote Tours Cancun

5. Zip lining and Cenote Tour from Cancun

5⭐️ 4 Reviews

Duration: 4 hours 

Who doesn’t want an opportunity to explore and adventure with the family?

This half-day tour is kid-friendly and includes swimming, ziplining, and riding on an ATV. With hotel pickup and drop-off, you don’t have to worry about the logistics.

Plus snacks and bottled water are included.

A truly fun-for-the-whole-family experience, your knowledgable, bilingual guides will help make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable while you swim, zip line, and ATV through the jungle.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide
• Swimming in a cenote
• Ziplines in the jungle and in the cenote
• Snack and a bottle of water
• Medical insurance
• Transfer with A/C

What’s NOT included

• Any other activities in Riviera Maya
• Any meals, snacks, or beverages during the ground transportation trip
• Souvenirs or additional purchases
• Photo or video services
• Gratuities

6. 5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling Tour: Swim with turtles, reef, Musa, shipwreck, and cenote

4.5⭐️ 821 Reviews

Duration: 3.5 hours 

This 5-in-1 snorkeling tour allows you to swim with turtles, see the reef, enjoy part of the underwater art museum, and see both a shipwreck and a cenote.

It’s appropriate for both novice and experienced snorkelers.

You’ll get a chance to experience underwater life, from the exotic water creatures to the interesting scene of a shipwrecked boat.

The best part is, it’s an easy activity for most people to participate and is fun for the whole family!

What’s included

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation
• Bottled water
• Showers and lockers
• Passenger insurance
• Fuel surcharge
• Use of snorkeling equipment

What’s NOT included

• The dock fee is not included ($10 USD per person)
• Tips for the crew (optional)
• $5 USD deposit for locker key (refunded when you return the key)

7. Tulum Guided Tour, Magical Cenote, Lagoon Snorkeling, and Beachside Lunch

5⭐️ 519 Reviews

Duration: 7 hours 

This incredible tour is jam-packed with activities. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Tulum, the Magical Cenote, snorkel in Yal Ku Lagoon, and enjoy a beachside lunch.

You’ll have to sacrifice a day of your vacation, but it’ll be well worth it!

Snorkel in Yal Ku Lagoon where the fresh and salt waters merge, and be guided through the Tulum Archaeological site where you’ll learn about the ancient Mayan city that used to be there.

And end at Punta Venado Eco-Adventura where you can enjoy gorgeous turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

What’s included

• Hotel pick-up and drop off
• Professional guide
• Snorkeling gear
• Life jacket
• Lunch
• Bottled water

What’s NOT included

• Gratuities
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

8. Rio Secreto Plus Admission Ticket with Transportation from Riviera Maya Hotels

4.5⭐️ 262 Reviews

Duration: 5 hours 

Rio Secreto is an unforgettable adventure that will transport you to the Xibalba (the Mayan Underworld).

Experience a light and sound show projected on the geological formations inside, then take the opportunity to hike, bike, and swim, leaving you with incredible memories.

This excursion is perfect for those visitors looking to spend time in nature and see a little adventure. However, it’s a demanding day — so you’ll want to make sure you have time to rest up.

You also are only allowed limited spots to take photos, so you might want to opt for the photo option provided by the guides.

What’s included

• Lunch
• Light refreshments
• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Use of bicycle
• Use of helmet

What’s NOT included

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• Gratuities
• Private Cenotes Tours in Cancun 

9. Private Snorkeling Tour in 2 Cenotes with Mayan Lunch

5⭐️ 18 Reviews

Duration: 6 to 7 hours 

Among the private tours available in Cancun, this snorkeling tour is perfect if you’re looking for a fun and unique experience.

You’ll be matched with knowledgeable, bilingual guides that can help you make the most of your day.

You’ll have the opportunity to swim in two different cenotes — choose between Jaguar, Nicte Ha, or Taak bi ha.

After which, you can enjoy a delicious lunch in the jungle.

This tour is perfect for people who are very interested in checking out cenotes during their trip to Cancun. If swimming and adventure-seeking are on your to-do list, this is the Cancun day trip for you.

What’s included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Private transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Professional guide
• Lunch (one meal a la carte) with water, soda, beer
• Beverages: water, soda, beer
• Use of snorkel equipment including life jackets and wet suits

What’s NOT included

• Gratuities
• Access to Cenote Dos Ojos

10. Xenotes

5⭐️ 7 Reviews

Duration: 8 hours 

The Rita de Los Cenotes Xenotes Only tour provides an opportunity to experience all four different types of cenotes:

• semi-open
• open crystalline cenote
• great old cenote
• blue cavern cenote

This tour gives you the opportunity to zip line, kayak, swim, and explore, all before settling down for a picnic. It’s the ideal tour for those who want to discover the best of Mexico’s natural beauty and have an unforgettable adventure!

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation with a certified guide
• Equipment
• Picnic lunch
• Access to toilets, dressing rooms, towel

What’s NOT included

• All fees and taxes

11. Coba Ruins and Cenote Private Tour from Cancun Hotel Zone

5⭐️ 5 Reviews

Duration: 8 to 9 hours 

Explore the Coba ruins, swim in Cenotes, and enjoy lunch at a local Mexican restaurant with this private full-day tour.

Arrive early and take in the views from the summit of the ancient pyramid, before heading to Tamcach-Ha and Coo-Ha cenotes where you’ll have an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the middle of the jungle.

Then, end the day with a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Your professional guides and hassle-free round-trip will make the logistics a piece of cake. You’ll cut costs because the lunch, snorkel gear, and souvenir photo are all included.

And you’ll have a day that you and the family will remember forever!

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Professional guide 1 bike per person / 2 people per tricycle Rental in Coba
• Lunch (one meal a la carte) with water, soda, beer
• Life jackets

What’s NOT included

• Gratuities

Best combo ruins + cenote tours in Cancun

12. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

5⭐️ 9,078 Reviews

Duration: 12 hours

Chichen Itza is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of the Yucatan Peninsula, and this combo tour gives you a chance to see it along with the historic town of Valladolid and a spectacular cenote.

This full-day tour starts when your group arrives at Chichen Itza where you’ll have a chance to see the impressive step pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo).

You’ll then head to the open Saamal, where you’ll descend the stone steps and have time to capture all your photo keepsakes.

Your journey through history continues at the popular stop, the historic town of Valladolid, a great place to visit that’s seen its fair share of indigenous risings, like the War of Castes in 1847.

Today, it’s a favorite of visitors. From street markets to luxury boutiques, Valladolid offers something for everyone.

This is truly a must-experience if you want a chance to see it all but are only here for a short time. Run by knowledgeable guides, it’s an unforgettable trip — and don’t forget to swim in the cenote!

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Cancun and Riviera Maya or meeting point
• Certified bilingual guide
• Visit an amazing Mayan Cenote
• Entry/Admission – Cenote and Access to the restrooms and dressing rooms at Saamal
• Special area reserved for the buffet meal
• A 30-minute stop at Valladolid main square

What’s NOT included

• Beverages
• Chichen Itza access tax
• Lockers and life jackets
• Optional tips

13. Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves

5⭐️ 2,524 Reviews

Duration: 8 hours

This full-day excursion is jam-packed with things to do. Not only do you get a chance to visit the Tulum ruins, but you’ll head to the reef to snorkel and check out a cenote!

Your day starts at the Tulum Archeological site where you’ll learn about history and culture, and see the gorgeous Mayan ruins.

Then you’ll head to the reef to snorkel and see some truly breathtaking underwater sights. From there you’ll head to the third stop, the Xtun Caves.

Here you’ll have a chance to swim and snorkel in the limestone-filled water of the cenote.

This is one of the best tours if you’re looking for an unforgettable all-in-one Yucatan Peninsula experience.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide
• Roundtrip transportation with AC
• Equipment
• Lunch
• Water bottle

What’s NOT included

• Natural Marine Reserve Fee
• Gratuities
• Souvenir photos

Cenote diving tours from Cancun

14. Scuba Diving Cenote Chac Mool from Cancun

5⭐️ 2 Reviews

Duration: 1 day

Explore the crystal clear, underground waters of Cenote Chac Mool on a small group guided diving tour!

Due to its small 6-person limit, this is one of the best things you could do for first-time Cenote divers. However, you’ll have to be certified to dive in the first place to participate (don’t forget to bring your card).

This easy and relaxing 2-tank dive is perfect for certified divers looking for a unique adventure with some of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in the Riviera Maya.

This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. But before booking remember that you need to take a 24-hour break before boarding a plane after a dive — so this isn’t the best pick for your last day in Mexico!

What’s included

• Transportation from the meeting point (Real Inn, Cancun)
• 2 tank dives in cenote Chac Mool
• Full SCUBA equipment
• Tanks, weight, torch
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• All fees and taxes

What’s NOT included

• Photos
• Hotel pickup

15. Cenote Diving — Private Scuba Diving in Cenote Kukulkan

5⭐️ 160 Reviews

Duration: 6 hours 

The private diving tour in Cenote Kukulkan is for divers only — at the very least you need to be certified for open water dives. But pending you are, this half-day diving excursion is for you.

The day starts at 8 am at the pickup spot, after a short drive you’ll land at Cenote Kukulkan — a beautiful place you’ll only see underwater.

Gear is provided, and after a brief security briefing and gear check, you’ll head out on your dive.

This is a truly amazing and unforgettable experience. Most travelers who’ve been on a dive to these sacred places say it’s the highlight of their trip.

It’s packed with great, knowledgeable guides, and filled with breathtaking underwater visuals. Not to mention, lunch is included!

What’s included

• Professional multilingual guide
• Typical Mexican lunch
• Snacks and refreshments
• Scuba equipment rental
• Transportation from the meeting point (Plaza las Perlas, Playa del Carmen)

What’s NOT included

• Cenote entrance fees (expect to pay 250 Mexican pesos)

Cenote Tours Packing list: what to wear for a cenote tour

Your cenote packing list is pretty simple, here is a list of things you will need.

☑️ Bathing suit (and an extra one to change)

☑️ Microfiber Towel

☑️ Snorkeling gear

☑️ Water shoes

☑️ Mosquito repellent (to wear after you swam)

☑️ Light clothes

☑️ Water

☑️ Snacks

☑️ Comfortable shoes to walk in the jungle

Cenote Tours from Cancun FAQs

How much should I tip my tour guide?

Generally speaking, it’s customary to tip between 10-20% of the cost of the tour or activity. However, it is ultimately up to you to decide how much you feel is appropriate based on your overall experience.

If you had an especially good tour and enjoyed your guide’s company, then a larger tip may be in order.

Where is the best cenote in Cancun?

The best cenote in the Cancun area depends on what you’re looking for. However, some of the popular picks include:

• Cenote Azul (Playa del Carmen)
• Gran Cenote (Tulum)
• Cenote Zaci (Valladolid)

Can you visit cenotes without a tour in Cancun?

Yes, you can visit cenotes without booking a tour in Cancun. The best way is going to be to get a rental car. You will have to cover your own entrance fee, equipment, and anything else a tour might cover. 

Actually, I always recommend renting a car and driving on your own to discover all the best Cancun cenotes at your own pace.

However, if you don’t feel comfortable driving in a foreign country, it’s understandable and that’s where organized tours come in handy.

Do I need water shoes for cenotes?

A pair of sneakers or tennis shoes are great for this kind of tour. However, if you’re planning on spending time in the natural pool of water, you might want to consider water shoes as well.

Are cenotes cold in Cancun?

The average temperature of 23.5 C (75 F), making it cooler than the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Are there crocodiles in cenotes?

Yes, crocodiles can sometimes be found in cenotes but it’s very rare to see them.

Is swimming in a cenote dangerous?

Swimming in a cenote is not dangerous perse, but you should be careful when you swim in its deeper areas and wear a life jacket if you are not a good swimmer, in case something happens.

Also, you should pay attention to the rocks underneath as sometimes it’s difficult to determine how far they are.

Especially if you love to jump from a platform, do it only when it’s allowed and in the designated areas.

Wrap-up: Best Cenote Tours from Cancun

Whether you want to cool off in the refreshing water of a cenote, have a jungle adventure, or simply explore the unique Mexican Cenotes, these cenote tours will help you do exactly that.

From full-day tours built for scuba divers looking to explore the deep water of this natural habitat to family-friendly experiences to some of the most beautiful cenote locations in the country.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, there’s a blue cenote out there for you.