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 just 7 years ago.
Visiting this pristine cave system is an incredible experience.
It is truly a wonder of Mexico and has recently been designated one of Mexico’s most distinct and alluring nature reserves.
Magical Rio Secreto Tour
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.
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.
Our Group begins our Rio Secreto 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.
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Wildlife of the Yucatan
Just your ordinary Tarantula walking by
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 gotta swim with whale sharks!
Smoking ceremony
Time to get wet
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.
Deb was fin in the tight spaces
The Rio Secreto Tour Experience
Our trip started by walking through 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.
Our Group in the giant cenote
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.
Dave and Raul
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.
Loving our Rio Secreto Exploration
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
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).
Heather says
This looks so awesome, thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to try it! What camera did you bring in there? A cellphone or go pro or?? I’d love to try to get some of those mysterious reflection shots. How much did the photographer charge for their photos?
Pedro @travelwithpedro says
Wow, swimming in these cenotes must be an amazing experience!
Dave and Deb says
It really was. At first I was a bit nervous because it’s quite tight in there, but it was magical and by the time you get to the smaller caverns, you are comfortable and ready for it.
http://sitesdecomprasdachina.com says
Amazing photos, thanks for sharing!
Samantha says
I would love to explore a cenote! I actually had never heard of them before even when we were in Mexico until a friend told me about them and now I want to go back to Mexico just to explore one. Looks like such a fun adventure!
Dave and Deb says
They are a completely unique place to visit. Hope you get the chance to go back, you’ll love it.
Mian says
wooow! amazing pictures of cave, Nice Post! looking forward to visit this place!
Simon says
Cenotes are one of the places I’ve been dreaming of for years. I searched several times for diving, but didn’t know that it was also possible to walk/swim.
Love the first photo, and I get it that you must have had a good light, otherwise the cenotes are dark and you only use your headlamp. Right?
Lunaguava says
One of my greatest travel memories is diving into the cenotes of the Yucatán. I immediately fell in love with them, so would obviously love to experience Rio Secreto. Good luck!
Rebekah Voss says
Wow, I had no idea there were so many amazing cenotes in the Mayan Riviera. Rio Secreto is definitely on my bucket list now. Great post, Dave & Deb!
Jennifer Cena says
Exciting post. I will definitely go to Mexico for this wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing.
De'Jav says
Wow that looks like a great and exciting time. I’ve heard about it Rio Secreto but don’t know anyone that has actually been. Definitely a must add to the list of places to visit.
Sand In My Suitcase says
We’d love to explore some of Mexico’s cenotes :-). But we wouldn’t want to see that tarantula…
Stef says
Great to know. Thanks for sharing. As I will be in Mexico from the end of November, it’s perfect timing. I will definitely check out Rio Secreto.