Riviera Maya: Private Cenotes Tour & Jungle Swim with Lunch

Summary

Swim five secret cenotes in Riviera Maya then relax over lunch

You’ll swim in five secluded cenotes near Playa del Carmen, guided by someone who knows these jungle pools inside out. All transport is sorted for you, plus life jackets and goggles if you want them. After exploring the Riviera Maya’s quieter side, you’ll end with a fresh local meal and fruit water — simple comforts after an honest adventure.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d seen “cenotes” before, but this was different — no crowds, no line of selfie sticks, just us and the sound of cicadas. The van picked us up outside Los Bisquets de Obregon (I almost missed it because I was distracted by the smell of fresh bread wafting out). Our guide, Luis, greeted everyone with a grin that made it feel like we were old friends heading out for the day. It’s only a short drive south from Playa del Carmen, but honestly, the world changes fast once you turn off the main road and bump along into the jungle. I kept thinking: how are there still places like this?

The first cenote was cool and glassy — not icy, just enough to wake you up. Luis handed out life jackets and goggles (I’m not a strong swimmer so that helped), then pointed at these tiny fish darting around my toes. He told us some Mayan stories about cenotes being sacred gateways; I tried to picture ancient ceremonies here while my friend splashed me with water. Each pool had its own vibe: one was deep blue with roots hanging down like curtains, another felt almost hidden under thick trees. At one point I just floated on my back listening to nothing but birds and my own breathing — weirdly peaceful.

By the time we’d finished swimming through all five cenotes (yeah, five — I lost count at three), I was starving. We headed back to Playa del Carmen for lunch at Lara & Luca Restaurant. The fruit water tasted like someone squeezed sunshine into my glass (I think it was guava that day). Luis joked about how hungry we looked and honestly, he wasn’t wrong. The meal was simple but really good — maybe it’s just food tastes better after you’ve spent hours swimming? Still not sure.

I keep thinking about that quiet moment floating in the last cenote — sunlight flickering through leaves overhead, water cool against my skin. If you want a day trip from Playa del Carmen that feels private without being fancy or fussy, this is it. Oh, and don’t stress about rain; Luis said they run tours rain or shine… which somehow makes sense here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore five private cenotes and dine

• Pick up outside Los Bisquets de Obregon
• Drive south to jungle cenotes
• Explore five unique cenotes
• Use life jackets and goggles
• Return to Playa del Carmen
• Enjoy a 3-course meal at restaurant

Top questions

How many cenotes do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit five different cenotes during the tour.

Is transportation included from Playa del Carmen?

Yes, roundtrip transportation from Playa del Carmen is included.

Are life jackets and goggles provided?

Yes, both life jackets and goggles are provided for all guests.

Is lunch included in the experience?

Yes, a meal at Lara & Luca Restaurant is included after swimming.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes, the experience operates smoothly even in rainy weather.

Can I book a private option for just my group?

Yes, there’s a private option available for exclusive groups.

Where does pickup take place?

The main pickup spot is outside Los Bisquets de Obregon on Constituyentes street at 20th avenue.

What kind of food is served at lunch?

You’ll get either a 3-course meal (Mon-Fri) or a main course (weekends/holidays) plus fresh fruit water.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum town, access to five private cenotes with life jackets and goggles provided, all entry fees covered, bottled water throughout the adventure, and a full meal with fresh fruit water at an international restaurant before heading back to town.