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

If you’re dreaming of plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera Maya’s most breathtaking cenotes, a private guided tour to explore Cenotes Sac Actún and other natural wonders might be just what you need. This experience promises a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation—all tailored to your schedule, with the chance to swim in two distinctly different cenotes, topped off with authentic Mexican cuisine.

What we love about this tour is how personalized attention makes the experience flow smoothly, and the focus on authenticity keeps it from feeling overly commercialized. You’ll get a chance to float in one of the world’s longest underground rivers and relax in a lush open cenote—a fantastic combination. But, as with all things, there’s a small consideration: some might find the longer duration a bit intense, especially if they’re not used to a full day of activities. This tour suits travelers who value customized experiences, want to avoid crowds, and love natural beauty with a cultural touch.

Key Points

• Fully customized private tour tailored to your schedule ensures a relaxed experience.
• Swim and snorkel in the longest underground river in the world—an extraordinary geological feature.
• Visit two very different cenotes: a cavern-style and an open, vegetated cenote.
• Enjoy authentic Mexican and Mayan cuisine with multiple food options and regional flavors.
• Your guides are certified and knowledgeable, providing insights and cultural stories.
• The tour includes all entrance fees, equipment, drinks, and snacks—great value for a half-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Unique Way to Experience Riviera Maya’s Natural Wonders

This private tour offers a chance to explore two of the most remarkable cenotes in the Riviera Maya, with the added touch of knowledgeable guides and personalized service. If you love natural beauty and authentic experiences, you’ll appreciate how this tour balances adventure with comfort and cultural insight.

Two things stand out immediately: first, the opportunity to visit Sac Actún, the world’s longest underground river, is truly one-of-a-kind. The underground cavern’s formations and the thrill of snorkeling through a subterranean world make it a highlight for many travelers. Second, the open cenote, surrounded by lush greenery, offers a perfect spot to relax, swim, and soak in the scenery.

One potential drawback is that the tour’s duration—about five hours—may feel a bit long for those who prefer shorter excursions. But if you’re eager to see a variety of sites without feeling rushed, this experience works well. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate private, flexible itineraries and want to avoid crowded tourist spots.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This tour is all about quality and authenticity. It’s crafted for those who prefer a private experience over a large group, allowing for a relaxed pace and tailored timing. The emphasis on human warmth and local knowledge ensures you’re not just ticking off sites but truly engaging with the environment and culture.

The visit to Sac Actún is the pièce de résistance. Being the longest underground river in the world, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to snorkel or swim through a cavern lined with stunning mineral formations and narrow passages. Guides are trained to ensure safety and to highlight the geological and cultural significance of this natural wonder.

The second cenote, a more open and vegetated space, provides a stark contrast—allowing you to relax in the sun, explore the lush scenery, or simply float in the cool waters. The combination of the two types of cenotes maximizes the experience, offering both adventure and tranquility.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Starting Point

Your day begins with convenient pickup options from four locations: Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, or Tulum. This flexibility is a big plus, as it means you won’t have to navigate unfamiliar transport or stick to a rigid schedule.

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First Stop: Cenote Xunaan Ha

The tour kicks off at Cenote Xunaan Ha for about an hour. Here, you’ll have photo opportunities and free time to swim or snorkel. This cenote is a great introduction—a more accessible spot to get comfortable with the cool waters before heading underground. Travelers tell us they appreciated the relaxed pace and the chance to take photos of the beautiful natural surroundings.

Second Stop: Cenotes Sac Actún

Next, you’ll visit Cenotes Sac Actún, where the real adventure begins. Expect a guided tour of the cavern, marveling at the stalactites, stalagmites, and the natural formations that have formed over thousands of years. You’ll have free time to swim or snorkel in the underground river, exploring its mysterious passages. One reviewer loved that they could appreciate the cavern’s formations in a “totally different world,” highlighting how surreal the experience is.

Lunch and Regional Food Tasting

After two cenotes, the tour shifts gears with a regional food experience—offering authentic Mexican and Mayan dishes. The tour includes a brunch or lunch with options to choose from, and drinks like beer, cocktails, or aperitifs are served on board. Travelers frequently comment on the quality of the food and the chance to taste regional flavors in a relaxed setting.

Final Drop-off

The tour wraps up with convenient drop-off options, returning you to your original pickup location. The entire experience lasts about five hours, balancing activity and downtime effectively.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

Considering the cost of $191 per person, the value is clear when you account for all entrance fees, equipment, drinks, and a local, high-quality meal. The private nature means you get to set your pace, ask questions, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or crowded.

The guides play a big role in elevating the tour. Multiple reviews praise guides like Ruben and Lalo for their knowledge, friendliness, and cultural insights, making the experience more meaningful than just sightseeing. The fact that the vehicles are insured and GPS-equipped adds a layer of comfort and security, especially important for a full-day adventure.

The highlight, of course, is swimming or snorkeling in Cenotes Sac Actún—a geological marvel that few travelers get to experience. Many reviewers mention how lucky they felt to visit such a pristine, less-crowded site, emphasizing the exclusive feel of this private tour.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Book early to secure your preferred start time, especially during peak season.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring swimwear, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Since drinks in the restaurant are paid for by the customer, consider bringing some cash.
• The tour’s flexible schedule means you can specify your preferred pickup time—just ask when booking or upon confirmation.
• The tour is conducted in Spanish, French, and English, so communicate your language preference upfront.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

This tour’s strength lies in its focus on authentic cultural and natural experiences. The guides are certified and committed to providing meaningful insights, and the visits are carefully curated to steer clear of overly commercialized spots.

Travelers have shared that they appreciated the personalized service and the chance to learn about Mayan culture while exploring natural wonders. The combination of adventure, local cuisine, and cultural storytelling makes this a well-rounded experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This private tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, personalized experience of the Riviera Maya’s natural beauty. If you love snorkeling or swimming in unique geological formations, the world’s longest underground river is a highlight that cannot be missed.

Those who enjoy local food and cultural insights will find the included Mexican and Mayan dishes a perfect complement to the day’s adventures. The tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for families, couples, or small groups wanting to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy a more intimate encounter with nature.

It’s especially recommended for adventure lovers who don’t mind a full five-hour outing and want a balanced mix of exploration, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. The knowledgeable guides, clean transportation, and high-quality inclusive amenities help ensure a seamless, memorable day.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves swimming and walking through caverns, it’s generally suitable for children who are comfortable with water and adventure. Check with the provider for age restrictions.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, and a hat. The tour provides all necessary snorkeling and safety equipment.

Can I choose my pickup location?
Yes, you can select from four pickup locations: Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, or Tulum. The schedule is flexible based on your preference.

Are drinks included during the tour?
Drinks on the vehicle, like water, soft drinks, and alcohol, are included. Drinks at the restaurant are paid for by the customer.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, which includes transportation, visits, and the meal.

Is this a private tour?
Absolutely. It’s designed for private groups, ensuring personal attention and a relaxed pace.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
Not necessarily. Snorkeling is optional, and guides assist with equipment. If you’re comfortable in water, you’ll enjoy the underground river experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak Spanish, French, and English, so you can communicate comfortably in your preferred language.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?
The tour offers several options for regional Mexican and Mayan cuisine, and you can inquire about special dietary needs when booking.

This private tour to Cenotes Sac Actún and the surrounding natural wonders offers an engaging, authentic way to explore the Riviera Maya’s underground marvels. Perfect for those who prioritize personalized service, cultural richness, and natural beauty—ensuring a memorable addition to your Mexican adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: