Tulum: Private Tour 2 Cenotes Sac Actun, the longest underground river in the world

Imagine swimming through a natural cavern with formations that look like they’ve been sculpted by nature’s slow hand over thousands of years. Now picture drifting in an open cenote, surrounded by lush greenery and sunlight filtering through clear waters. These are the highlights of this private tour, which visits two distinctly different cenotes—one underground and one open—plus an authentic Mexican meal. At $191 per person and lasting around 5 hours, this experience offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

What we love about this tour is how flexible it is—being private means it can adapt to your schedule and pace. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll get insights into the sites and Mayan culture, enriching the experience beyond just swimming. The food, often praised as authentic and delicious, adds a satisfying finish. One minor consideration is that you might want to book early, especially in high season, to secure your preferred start time and avoid crowds.

This tour suits travelers who crave more than just typical sightseeing. If you’re eager to explore remarkable natural wonders while enjoying personalized attention, this is an excellent option. It’s especially popular among those who appreciate authentic experiences—from the guided commentary to the regional cuisine. Families, couples, or groups wanting a bespoke adventure will find this tour particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Fully Private & Customizable: Designed around your schedule and pace, offering intimacy and tailored experiences.
• Two Unique Cenotes: One cavern-style Sac Actun, the world’s longest underground river, and one lush, open cenote perfect for relaxing.
• Inclusion of Local Food & Drinks: Authentic Mexican and Mayan dishes, with drinks on board, make it a complete culture.
• Expert Guides: Certified, knowledgeable guides who share stories, history, and tips, making every stop meaningful.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickups from key locations, insured vehicles, and all necessary equipment included.
• Authentic & Non-Commercial: Focus on human quality, privacy, and off-the-beaten-path sites for genuine encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Itinerary

Your day begins with a pickup from one of four convenient locations: Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, or Tulum. This flexibility ensures you can start close to your accommodation, saving you transit time and hassle.

From there, the journey to your first destination is comfortable and relaxed, with drinks and snacks waiting on the vehicle. The tour is designed to be flexible, so your guide will adapt to your preferred schedule, making this a true private experience.

Cenote Xunaan Ha: A Photogenic and Refreshing Stop

Your first stop is Cenote Xunaan Ha, a beautiful open-water cenote. This site is ideal for a quick splash, some photos, and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. You’ll have around an hour here, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or simply marvel at the crystal-clear waters and surrounding vegetation. Reviewers rave about the tranquility and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds common at commercial sites.

Cenote Sac Actún: A World of Wonder Underneath

Next, the highlight—Sac Actún, the longest underground river system in the world. Here, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the cavern, appreciating spectacular formations like stalactites and stalagmites, and swimming or snorkeling in the cool, dark waters. The experience of traversing through a natural underground river is unlike anything else, and the guide’s insights make it all the more memorable.

One guest noted, “We loved the way Ruben adapted to our pace and explained Mayan stories related to the site,” highlighting the importance of knowledgeable guides. Another mentioned how the formations in the cavern created an otherworldly atmosphere—an experience that feels like entering a hidden, untouched realm. All necessary equipment, including masks and snorkels, is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.

The cavern has a unique, almost surreal ambiance, with light filtering through cracks in the rock and illuminating the water in mysterious ways. Be prepared for some light walking and swimming, but the focus remains on enjoyment and discovery.

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Relaxing at the Open Cenote

After the underground adventure, you’ll visit a second cenote, more open and lush. This site is perfect for relaxing, swimming, or exploring the vegetation around it. It offers a more tranquil, leisurely vibe—ideal if you want to unwind after the underground marvel.

Regional Food & Cultural Flavors

The tour culminates with a Mexican and Mayan meal. Many reviews praise the authenticity and quality of the food, describing it as a delicious highlight of the day. Options vary, and the guide can accommodate dietary preferences. You might enjoy regional specialties amid a relaxed atmosphere, with drinks and regional flavors enhancing your experience.

Flexibility and Comfort

The tour includes all entrance fees, equipment rentals, lunch, drinks on the vehicle, and transportation insurance. The pick-up and drop-off are included at your chosen location, making logistics straightforward. The vehicles are equipped with GPS, ensuring a smooth ride, and the guides are certified and friendly, often sharing anecdotes and cultural insights.

Authenticity and Personal Touch

A common theme in reviews is the human quality and personalized service. Visitors frequently mention guides like Ruben and Lalo, who go out of their way to share stories, explain sites, and adapt the pace to suit everyone. As one traveler from France put it, “Ruben shared Mayan history and culture, making the day truly authentic.”

This focus on personalized attention is a significant advantage over larger, commercial tours. It allows you to savor each moment and avoid the hurried feeling some group tours might bring.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing

At around five hours, this tour provides a rich experience without feeling rushed. It’s suitable for those who want a full day of exploration but also time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Flexibility in pickup times means you can tailor the start to your plans.

Price & Value

At $191 per person, this might seem steep compared to group excursions, but the private, customizable nature and inclusion of all logistics, equipment, and meals make it a solid value—particularly if you value authentic, personalized experiences. You won’t have to worry about extra costs or sharing limited time with strangers.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear are recommended. Since you’ll be in and around water, quick-drying clothes and waterproof cases for valuables are wise choices. The weather is typically warm, but shade and sun protection are essential.

Booking & Cancellation

Reservations are flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours beforehand. This flexibility offers peace of mind, especially if your plans are subject to change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for more than just sightseeing. If you appreciate natural wonders, enjoy cultural tales, and prefer private, tailored outings, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups who want a more intimate, educational, and delicious adventure. Those who value guides who share stories and insights—like Ruben or Lalo—will particularly enjoy the added depth.

This private tour in the Riviera Maya offers a memorable blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The chance to explore Sac Actún, the world’s longest underground river, provides a truly unique experience that few travelers get to enjoy. The combination of a cavernous, awe-inspiring cenote and a lush, open-water site ensures a varied day that caters to both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind.

The focus on authenticity, personalized service, and regional cuisine makes this tour stand out from mass-market excursions. It’s a chance to connect with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area in a way that feels genuine and carefully curated.

If you’re seeking a private, flexible experience that emphasizes quality and human connection, this tour is a top choice. It’s especially suitable if you want to avoid crowds, learn local stories, and indulge in delicious food—all while exploring some of the most breathtaking cenotes in the Riviera Maya.

What is included in the tour price?
All entrance fees, equipment rental (masks, snorkels), lunch, drinks on the vehicle, and transportation insurance are included in the $191 per person fee.

Where can I be picked up?
Pickups are available from Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, or Tulum, offering flexibility depending on your accommodation.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including travel time, site visits, and lunch.

Can I customize the schedule?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, your guide will adapt the timing and stops to your preferences, making it a personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and possibly a waterproof case for valuables are recommended. Weather is usually warm, so sun protection is key.

Are guides bilingual?
Guides speak Spanish, French, and English, ensuring clear communication and engaging storytelling.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. The varied activities and personalized approach make it family-friendly, especially for those comfortable with water activities.

What about food options?
The included meal is regional Mexican and Mayan cuisine, with options that can accommodate dietary preferences. Additional drinks at the restaurant are paid separately.

How do I cancel or postpone?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible, and you can reserve now with the option to pay later.

This private cenote tour in Riviera Maya offers a well-rounded mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and personal service. Whether you’re eager to swim in the underground river or relax in a lush open cenote, this experience promises genuine moments away from the crowds—perfect for travelers who want to feel connected to the land, water, and local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: