Playa del Carmen: Rio Secreto Cave Tour & Mayan Lunch

Summary

Swim through Rio Secreto’s caves then taste Mayan flavors

You’ll slip beneath the surface near Playa del Carmen to swim in Rio Secreto’s crystal caves, guided by locals who know every twist of the underground river. Expect moments of silence broken by laughter, fossil discoveries by lamplight, and a hearty Mayan lunch in the jungle air before heading home.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the hush — like someone pressed pause on the jungle just outside Playa del Carmen. Our guide, Sofía, handed us helmets and water shoes, and I could smell the limestone even before we ducked into the cave. It felt cool on my skin after the sticky heat above ground. I’m not usually claustrophobic, but that first step down? My heart thumped a bit faster than I’d admit. The only light came from Sofía’s headlamp, which caught these wild shapes overhead — stalactites hanging like frozen chandeliers, older than any story I know.

The water was clearer than I expected — almost glassy blue-green, so when we waded in (with life vests, thankfully), it felt like floating in a secret world. Sofía pointed out tiny blind fish darting around our ankles and traced her finger along the rock to show us fossils. She told us how this underground river connects to cenotes all over the Yucatán. At one point she had us turn off our lights and just listen — total blackness except for the drip-drip of water echoing off stone. It was weirdly peaceful. Someone behind me whispered “wow” and it sounded huge in there.

After about an hour or so (I lost track), we clambered back into daylight with squinting eyes and soggy hair. Lunch was waiting — a buffet of cochinita pibil, tortillas still warm, and some kind of spicy salsa that made me cough (in a good way). The cooks laughed when I piled my plate too high; apparently you’re supposed to go back for seconds instead of loading up at once. There was sweet hibiscus tea too — tart and cold after all that underground quiet.

I didn’t expect to feel so small down there, or so curious about rocks of all things. If you’re looking for a day trip from Playa del Carmen that’s more than just sunbathing, this Rio Secreto underground river tour is worth it — especially if you want something you’ll keep thinking about days later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rio Secreto and buffet lunch

• Swim in underground river
• Enjoy regional buffet lunch

Top questions

How long does the Rio Secreto cave tour last?

The standard Rio Secreto Admission tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is transportation included from Playa del Carmen hotels?

Yes, transportation is included if you select the option with hotel pickup and drop-off.

What should I bring for the Rio Secreto underground river tour?

All necessary equipment is provided (wetsuit, helmet, water shoes, life vest), but bring dry clothes for after and maybe a towel.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch featuring Mayan cuisine is included after your cave exploration.

Are there age or weight restrictions for this tour?

The minimum age is 4 years (7 years for Plus/snorkel options) and passengers must weigh less than 250 pounds (113 kg).

How big are the groups inside Rio Secreto?

You’ll explore in groups of up to 10 people per guide inside the cave system.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all equipment for exploring Rio Secreto’s caves—helmet, wetsuit, water shoes—and guidance from local experts. Depending on your booking choice, hotel pickup and drop-off are available from select Playa del Carmen hotels. After your swim through the underground river system, enjoy a buffet lunch with classic Mayan dishes before heading back above ground.