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Home » North America » Mexico » Underground Oases — An Adventurous Tour of Cenotes in Mexico

Underground Oases — An Adventurous Tour of Cenotes in Mexico

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: August 25, 2023

“Embrace nature, not snakes!”

The warning came from just over my shoulder from my tour guide, Eduardo. Treading water, all the participants in our group of 10 quickly glanced around the sleek surface hoping not to see any serpentine figures headed our way. With a fast perusal of the area, we breathed a sigh of relief. We were already neck-deep and weren’t looking for any surprises. At least not of the animal variety.

We were mid-way through our first experience in a cenote when the warning came. We had already jumped from a short zip line to the cool water below and were up for almost anything. Tiny catfish circled our toes as we made our way to the next stop at the opposite side of the large cenote sinkhole–an eight-foot-high ledge from which we willingly hurled ourselves, diving and flipping on the way down.

Purchase your discount Xenotes tickets here

This first brilliant stop was only one of four during our day visiting the cenotes near Cancun . Exploring cenotes–whether swimming, diving, or snorkeling–is one of the more popular activities in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico.

These giant natural pits are created over time when limestone bedrock collapses to expose the groundwater below. There are three types of cenotes–open, semi-open, and cave–all of which we visited on our tour with Xenotes Oasis Maya.

Unlike many of the other offerings from Grupo Xcaret (Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xenses, and Xplor), the Xenotes Oasis Maya experience is not a park. Instead, it is a tour that includes stops at four different cenotes along the Ruta de los Cenotes, a road that stretches inland from Puerto Morelos and connects many cenotes.

A couple of stops on the cenote tour are practically within walking distance of each other, and a couple require a brief drive down a rather bumpy road that offers a “Mayan massage.” Each stop comes with restrooms and a snack or drinks, so you stay super comfortable while exploring the natural environment of Mexico.

Activities on the Xenotes Oasis Maya Tour

Across the four stops, there are four main activities.

Both of the open cenotes offer the opportunity for zip lining. And lots of it! There are two options, both of which land you squarely in the refreshing water below. The first is a traditional bar on cables strung across the cenote. You hang on as you quickly zip across the lines just before dropping off into the water.

The second is a swing that lets you glide easily toward the surface. Both are a lot of fun, and our group discovered new ways to hang, flip, and sail our way down.

Groups head out in a two-man kayak for a short but beautiful ride through a cenote with sheer walls drenched with lush vegetation. As a relatively novice kayaker (only one somewhat painful experience under my belt), this was a perfect spot to refresh my skills without currents or other challenges.

Swim and Snorkel

Swimming at each of the cenotes gives you a nice break from the heat of the Mexican sun. There is even an opportunity to snorkel in the semi-open cenote. Because the cenotes are full of freshwater, you won’t see the type of fish you might expect in the ocean.

Instead, there are only small catfish and turtles along with some lily pads and rock formations. If that’s not impressive enough, take off your mask and float along while gazing at the unique, above-water scenery.

How do you get through the small hole in the roof of a cave cenote? Rappelling, of course. If you’ve never tried rappelling before, which I hadn’t, the tour offers a controlled opportunity to try this intimidating-looking activity. The employees have control of the ropes and harnesses the whole time, so you descend safely and easily into the (pretty darn cold) water below. You can even go upside-down, if you want to.

There are two main options for visiting cenotes near Cancun. One is to rent a car and explore the Ruta de los Cenotes on your own (cell-phone based apps/GPS can be limited in this area). The other is to go with a tour like Xenotes Oasis Maya.

Normally, we would probably opt for doing it on our own. But sometimes there is something so great about not needing to arrange a rental car or worry about where you’re going, what you’re going to do when you get there, or where you’re going to eat. With this tour, everything is provided and the experience is easy, fun, and adventurous.

Xenotes Oasis Maya Tour

A regular-priced ticket costs $130 for adults (age 12 and older) and $97.50 for children (age 6 to 11). You can save substantially by booking your ticket online and by booking tickets at other Grupo Xcaret attractions .

The price includes:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off with a bilingual guide
• Coffee, soft drink, sweet breads, and fruit
• Lunch of vegetable soup, deli meats and cheeses, breads, salads, wine, and beer
• Life jacket, snorkel equipment, and rappel gear

More Xcaret attractions

When people are debating what to do near Cancun and Playa del Carmen, they are often considering visiting cenotes and/or nearby theme parks in the Grupo Xcaret. We’ve been fortunate to visit Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, and Xenses. For (much) more detail, you can read our reviews of the other parks in these articles:

• Xcaret and Xel-Ha

We were the guests of Xenotes Oasis Maya. All opinions of the adventurous and wet are our own.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Sunday 7th of January 2024

We are headed to Occidental in 2 weeks. We plan to do the Xenotes tour. Thanks for the review. We have already done the Xplor park on a cruise excursion last year. What I am wondering is what your recommendation would be about taking a day to attend Xcaret park as well? We want some good snorkeling. But have already experienced ziplines and some cave swimming at Xplor, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Plus we will be getting a fun cenotes tour. Should we spend the extra money to do Xcaret park or will we have a good taste of it with the Xenotes tour, Occidental resort and Xplor Park last year?

Laura Longwell

Monday 8th of January 2024

I loved Xplor and Xenotes, and I think you'll really enjoy the upcoming tour since you liked Xplor. Xcaret has a lot to offer, but I wouldn't really recommend it as a snorkel spot, and you will have already had a taste of the underground rivers that are there. For the time and money you would spend at Xcaret, I think you might be disappointed. I would suggest seeing if you could take a snorkel tour from Playa del Carmen or -- better yet -- take a day trip to Cozumel. The ferry is about 40 minutes. We dove with a shop there called Dive with Martin, which we highly recommend, and they have lots of options for snorkel tours on their website. (You are REALLY making me wish I were in Mexico right now.) Have a great time.

Dan Dascalescu

Sunday 3rd of November 2019

What do you mean that GPS doesn't work in "rent a car and explore the Ruta de los Cenotes on your own (GPS doesn’t work in this area)"?

GPS works everywhere with a view of the sky. Google Maps has complete coverage of the Riviera Maya.

Lance Longwell

Tuesday 5th of November 2019

Yes, you are correct. SATELLITE GPS does work everywhere. We should have been more specific. Mobile phone, app-based mapping software is reliant on cellular service, which can be spotty and limited on the Ruta de los Cenotes.

Friday 22nd of January 2016

How fun! I've been to Cancun once before, but never made it to the cenotes. If I return one day, I'll definitely be sure to check them out.

Jeff Dobbins

Wednesday 11th of November 2015

I SO wanna do this! You've just added another site to my "must-do" travel list. Thanks for the inspiration.

It was the top thing I wanted to do in Mexico (other than eat all the tacos, of course) and did not disappoint! I hope you get there soon!

• Tours & Excursions /

Xenotes Tour

Enigmatic waters.

Description

Live nature at its best visiting four different cenotes and enjoy fun activities and extreme adventures like Kayak, Zip-line, Inner tubes, Rappel and Snorkel

The word cenote comes from the Mayan dzonot, meaning cave with water. There are cenotes open, semi-open and closed or grottos. The cenotes constituted the largest supply of fresh water for the Mayans and were used as natural burial chambers, you will be amazed by the mysticism and beauty that surrounds the cenotes in Riviera Maya. Activities Rappel Whether you've practiced this activity or is your first time doing rappel, we assure you will enjoy it to the fullest. This activity is taken in the cenote "Lu'um". There will be no location or surroundings that can compare to the rock formations found in this unparalleled cenote. Snorkel Get amazed with the flora and fauna inside the cenote "Ha", an open cenote with great visibility, let yourself be surprised by the underwater gardens of water lilies and enjoy this landscape. Zip line Feel the wind in your face as you slip through zip lines over the enigmatic jungle in the cenote Lik. Feel the adrenaline of flying high and feeling free in this amazing environment. Kayak Paddle a kayak surrounded by lush jungle and admire the exotic flora that surrounds the cenote Kâak There are inner tubes available for those who prefer a more relaxing ride.

What's included

• Round trip transportation from your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya
• Reduced groups
• Chocolate, coffee and oatmeal cookies after the first cenote exit.
• Glam Picnic: Delicious lunch including fusilli-vegetable soup, fresh bar with premium quality cheeses and deli meats, a variety of rustic breads, dressings, fresh salads, water, coffee, chocolate, wine and beer
• Equipment: life jacket, snorkel equipment, rappel gear and/ or inner tube.
• Gratuities (optional)

What to bring:

• We recommend that you bring water shoes, swim suit and a towel
• Avoid using makeup or chemical repellents that affect the ecosystem of the cenotes, use only chemical-free sun blockers.

Additional information

• The use of safety vests is required for water activities
• If you have heart or lung ailments, asthma, back problems, diabetes, hypertension or you are pregnant, we do not recommend this tour
• Children must be at least 6 years old to participate
• Children under 6 are not allowed in this tour
• Children 6 to 11 years pay child price

Pick-up Information:

• Pick-up is available for hotels located in Cancun and Riviera Maya from Monday to Saturday. Your pick-up schedule will be sent by email after booking.
• In case we don't have pick-up service for a specific hotel or location, you will be asked to meet us at the nearest meeting point available.

Other tours you might be interested in:

Xplor Fuego Tour

Bonanza Horseback Ride

Jolly Roger - The Pirate Show

Chichen Itza Private Tour

Book this tour, select a tour option, select participants, select a date, pick me up at:.

Exclusivity

Included in your admission, escape into a tour made for you.

Live a personalized adventure in small groups, so you can enjoy a cosmopolitan and private tour .

• Round trip transportation from the comfort of your hotel.

• Reduced groups.

• A certified guide will accompany you during the whole tour, sharing information about the cenotes, their characteristics and the importance of their preservation.

• Photographer during the tour to capture special moments.

• Picnic in the middle of the jungle with food and drinks included.

• Lifeguard and doctor at each cenote.

• Use of towel, restrooms and dressing rooms.

Online Price

From 10% to 25% Off In Your Purchase

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About Xcaret Park

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XENOTES TOUR FAQS

Find the answer to the most frequently asked questions about Xenotes Tour

About Xenotes

Xenotes Price

Xenotes admission, facilities and services at xenotes, xenotes activities, xenotes promotions, xenotes packages, additional information, what is the price of the xenotes tour, what does the picnic at xenotes include, how can i get the best price for xcaret, does the entrance to xenotes include transportation.

Yes, transportation on the Xenotes Tour is included. Pickup is from your hotel and there will be a guide with you during the visit to all the cenotes.

What happens if I cannot take my printed coupon?

It is not necessary to print your coupon to enter the park. You only have to show your purchase coupon and an official I.D. of the visitors and the coupon’s holder.

Can I show my purchase coupon on a tablet or mobile instead of a printed one?

Yes, you can present your digital coupon to the Xenotes tour operator before boarding the vehicle with an official I.D. with photograph.

What are the Xenotes hours?

Xenotes Tour is available from Monday to Saturday and has a duration of about 9 hours, including transfers.

What recommendations to visit Xenotes do you have?

Among the recommendations for the Xenotes Tour, we can highlight bringing a swimsuit, water shoes, Bermuda shorts, a T-shirt and a change of clothes. The tour includes a towel, however, we recommend that you bring another.

Can I enter with food or beverages to Xenotes?

Food or beverages are not allowed on the tour, however, a delicious picnic in the middle of the jungle is included that you can accompany with a glass of wine or beer, as well as soft drinks or water.

Can I enter with my baby food?

It is not a tour recommended for children under 6 years of age.

How to get to Xenotes?

Xenotes Tour takes place in the area known as Ruta de los Cenotes and due to its characteristics, it is not a park but a tour of cenotes separated from each other. Transportation from your hotel is included in the tour.

Are there restrooms where I can change clothes?

Yes, we have restrooms, showers and dressing rooms.

Are there lockers in Xenotes available?

No, since it is a tour where you visit four different types of cenotes, there are no lockers in Xenotes available. Your belongings are kept inside the van used for transfers.

Can I use any type of sunscreen or sunblock at Xenotes?

No, we ask you to only use sunscreen and sunblock containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide at the park. Help us minimize the environment impact by using products without chemicals.

What is the clothing and footwear recommended for the Xenotes Tour?

The footwear recommended for the Xenotes Tour is water shoes. You should bring a swimsuit, shorts, a t-shirt and a change of clothes for the end of the tour. Although it includes a towel, we recommend you bring another one.

How many cenotes do we visit at the Xenotes Tour?

During the tour you will visit four different types of cenotes with different activities in each. Get ready for the remarkable Xenotes Tour.

How much time is spent in each cenote at Xenotes?

The time spend in each cenote is approximately 45 minutes, for you to enjoy the different activities. Transfers between cenotes are by van.

What are the activities in each cenote at Xenotes Tour?

The activities in each cenote at Xenotes Tour are:

Where can I get discount coupons for Xenotes?

What are the xenotes packages, can i take the xenotes tour at this moment.

Yes, Xenotes operates from Monday to Saturday, including holidays. We hope to see you very soon and make your day an unforgettable moment.

What do I need to book my Archaeological Tour?

If you are ready to purchase the Xenotes Tour, choose the date of visit, add how many adults and children under 12 years old are coming with you. For your payment, you can use your credit card or PayPal account to then receive your purchase confirmation and coupon by email to present it with an official I.D. the day of your visit.

Welcome to Grupo Xcaret Customer Service

Choose the contact option of your preference. We recommend you access to your Xcaret account to speed up the service.

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