Tulum Cenotes Bike Tour: Swim, Cave & Jungle Adventure

Summary

Swim in wild cenotes near Tulum by bike with local guides

You’ll pedal jungle trails with a local guide from Chemuyil, swim in three very different cenotes—including one hidden cave—and share fruit and stories with your group. Expect cool water on your skin, laughter echoing off stone walls, and a real sense of connection to this part of Tulum.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the day wiping jungle dust off my shoes, but that’s how it goes in Chemuyil. We met our guide—David, I think?—right at the edge of town. He handed us bikes that looked like they’d seen a few adventures already (in a good way), and we pedaled straight into the green. The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. David kept pointing out birds I’d never notice on my own—he grew up here, so every path meant something to him.

The first cenote was half-hidden behind tangled roots. Cool air hit me as soon as we ducked inside the cave, and honestly, it felt like stepping into another world. My toes curled against slippery stone while sunlight flickered on the water. I hesitated before jumping in—it’s darker than you think!—but David just laughed and splashed first. The second stop was open to the sky; floating there, looking up at palm fronds waving overhead, I forgot about everything else for a minute.

By the third cenote, my arms were goosebumped from swimming and nerves (there’s a jump if you want it—I did, after some nervous pacing). The water tasted faintly mineral, and someone handed around slices of juicy fruit while we dried off. There was this easy silence among us then—the kind that happens when everyone’s just happy-tired. I still think about that quiet blue light under the rocks sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore cenotes with local guide

• Meet at Chemuyil community
• Prepare for adventure
• Ride bicycle to jungle
• Visit first cave cenote
• Swim in semi-open cenote
• Jump into open cenote
• Learn about Bejil-Ha project

Top questions

How far is Chemuyil from Tulum?

Chemuyil is close to Tulum City; it’s just a short drive or taxi ride away.

Are all three cenotes different?

Yes—one is a cave cenote, another is semi-open with sunlight filtering in, and the last is an open cenote where you can jump in.

Is this tour guided by locals?

Yes, all guides are locals who grew up in Chemuyil and know these cenotes well.

What should I bring for swimming?

You don’t need much—they provide snorkel gear and lockers for your things.

Is food included on this tour?

You’ll get seasonal fruit plus coffee or tea during the experience.

Can I get to Chemuyil by public transport?

Yes—public transportation options are available nearby if you’re not using hotel pickup.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with recent surgeries or heart issues.

How do we travel between cenotes?

You’ll ride bicycles provided by the guides along jungle paths connecting each spot.

What’s included

Your day includes bicycle use for getting between Chemuyil and all three cenotes, entry fees and access to each swimming spot, snorkel equipment if you want it, lockers for your things, bottled water to keep you going in the heat, plus fresh fruit and coffee or tea shared with your group before heading back out onto the trails.