Snorkeling Riviera Maya: Private Cenotes Tour

Three cenotes, one morning: jump, swim, and snorkel before the tour groups arrive

A private snorkeling tour of three cenotes in the Riviera Maya (Yal-Kú Lagoon, Cenote Xunaan Ha, and Cenote Taak Bi Ha) with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, and snorkeling gear included. The tour runs six hours and departs early to avoid crowds. The itinerary is customizable if you want to swap a cenote for another one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Riviera Maya Cenotes

• Visit Open Sky Cenote
• Jump and swim in open cenote
• Walk and swim in underground river

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel and a drive to Yal-Kú Lagoon, where you snorkel in turquoise water before the crowds arrive. The lagoon sits where a freshwater cenote meets the sea, so the water stays calm and clear. From there the guide takes you to Cenote Xunaan Ha, an open-air cenote ringed by jungle where you can jump and swim, then to Cenote Taak Bi Ha, an underground river cave with crystal-clear water. All three stops are included. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water come with you.

The tour runs six hours total and keeps to a relaxed pace: no rigid schedule, no rushing between stops. Because you're the only group, the guide adjusts the timing to what suits you. If you'd rather visit a different cenote instead of one on the standard route, you can ask. Entry fees for a swap would be your own cost. An air-conditioned vehicle handles the transport, which matters in the Riviera Maya heat.

Lunch isn't included, though the guide can point you to a local restaurant if you want to eat along the way. Bring a towel and sunscreen. The gear and water are provided.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• private English-speaking guide.
• snorkeling equipment for all three cenotes.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Information

Lasts 6h, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 225 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate3 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Senior (76 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by My Quest Concierge Private Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Playa del Carmen or nearby without a rental car. The pickup from your hotel means you skip the logistics of getting to three separate cenotes, and the early departure time is what makes the calm water and empty stops possible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Yal-Kú Lagoon and the two cenotes?

Yal-Kú Lagoon is where fresh water from an underground cenote meets the Caribbean Sea, so it's an open lagoon with calm, shallow snorkeling. Cenote Xunaan Ha is an open-air cenote surrounded by jungle where you can jump and swim. Cenote Taak Bi Ha is an underground river cave with still, clear water: the only one that's inside a cave formation.

Do I need snorkeling experience to do this tour?

No experience is required. The tour includes all snorkeling equipment and the guide is with you at each stop. You do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness, since you'll be swimming and moving between cenotes.

What time does the tour start?

The tour departs early to beat the crowds and avoid the heat. Your hotel pickup time will be confirmed when you book.

Can I customize which cenotes we visit?

Yes. If you'd prefer to visit a different cenote instead of one on the standard route, let the operator know. Any entry fees for a cenote swap are your own cost.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but the guide can recommend local restaurants along the route if you want to eat during the tour.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off; private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle; English-speaking guide; snorkeling equipment; and bottled water. Lunch and gratuities are separate.