Rio Secreto is unlike any cenote you will ever encounter. Dave and I had already done a Cenote tour in Mexico and wondered how this one could possibly be different? I mean, once you’ve seen one Cenote, you’ve seen them all right? Wrong!
Rio Secreto Cenote
Rio Secreto is the Mayan Riviera’s newest Cenote. It was only discovered in 2007. Visiting this pristine cave system is an incredible experience. It is truly a wonder of Mexico and our choice for one of the top places to visit in Mexico.
Why is this cenote the most alluring nature reserve? Because it is the longest semi-sunken cave system in the Yucatan. There is 12 km of underground rivers to explore and you don’t need a dive certification. All you have to do is walk and float through the caves as you follow your experienced guide. Read more: The Best Things to do in Cancun
The Tour Experience
The magic of the Rio Secreto cave system is that there are 15 different entrances. You will never see other groups on your tour. Being split up into smaller groups allows for a more intimate experience and gives you the time to really enjoy the caves. You feel like you are on your own private VIP tour.
When we arrived, we watched a quick introduction to the caves then were split up into groups for our tour. We went to change rooms where we put on our wetsuits, booties, helmets, and headlamps and stopped for a photo before our tour.
It was then time to set off on a hike through the forest where we saw some creepy crawlies like tarantulas. There are jaguars in these woods, but our guide Raul told us that he has only seen one four times in his entire five-year career. Check out more: Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Hotels and Areas For Every Budget
Wildlife of the Yucatan
The easy walk ended at the entrance to the caves where we took part in a quick Mayan smoking ceremony. It is performed to cleanse our spirits allowing us to enter this sacred site. It was then off for some fun and excitement! Looking for more Mexico adventures? You will want to see: swimming with whale sharks!
Time to get wet – Swimming in the Cenote
If you are worried about closed spaces, beware. You will be swimming through some tight and low-hanging ceilings. But on the Rio Secreto Tour, you work your way up to that. We started off in huge caverns. As we ventured deeper into the caves, spaces became progressively tighter, but we didn’t notice. By the time we entered the narrow passages we were comfortable and secure in the water. Believe me, I suffer from a slight case of claustrophobia and I was completely comfortable. Check out: How to Overcome Your Travel Anxiety and Fears
The Rio Secreto Tour Experience
Our trip started by walking through the dry cenotes of Rio Secreto and learning all about them. Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes connected to an underground river system through limestone caves and passageways.
Some are huge caverns with stalactites hanging overhead. Some are narrow passages with simply a limestone ceiling. Both are just as equally thrilling to explore.
By the time we had to get into the water, we were ready. Before completely submerging, Raul had us all kneel in shallow water for a photograph and to take in the view of the ceiling filled with thousands of stalactites. Our private photographer (every tour gets one) set off his flash and it looked like an explosion over our heads.
We quickly got used to the temperature of the water and began swimming through the darkness with only our headlamps and Raul’s guidance. He made sure to guide us through the jagged rocks and low ceilings and we spent the next 3 hours discovering the caves. We felt like true explorers.
We saw unique fish that only live inside caves and are completely blind because there is no light and we saw fossils etched into the rock. It was fascinating.
We never once wondered, “When is this tour going to end?” Time flew by and the hours zipped past. We could have definitely done the full-day tour of Rio Secreto. And when we go back to the Yucatan, we’re going to make sure to see more of Mexico’s most magical Cenotes. Before we knew it, we were walking up the steps wishing for more Cenotes in Mexico!
Facts about Rio Secreto
- To book your Rio Secreto Cenote Tour in the Mayan Riviera of Mexico, check out their full day Rio Secreto tour.
- Rio Secreto is located in Playa del Carmen. They will pick you up at your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya
- Expect to spend at least 1 hour inside at Rio Secreto. Full day tours are available.
- If you suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia this may not be the right tour for you
- But if you love a great adventure, you are going to love Rio Secreto
Watch our Rio Secreto Video
Rio Secreto Cenote was a once in a lifetime experience. If you are looking for one amazing thing to do when visiting Cancun or the Yucatan Peninsual, put Rio Secreto at the top of your list. You won’t regret it.
Prices for a Rio Secreto tour direct through the Rio Secreto Website
Transportation not included: Adults: $79.00 USD / Children: $39.50 USD (4 to 12 years old).
Round trip from Riviera Maya: Adults: $109.00 USD / Children: $54.50 USD (4 to 12 years old).
Round trip from Cancún: Adults: $109.00 USD / Children: $54.50 USD (4 to 12 years old).
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