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Rio Secreto Underground River and Crystal Caves: A Glance at Mayan Underworld on Yucatan Peninsula
4.7
814 Ratings
Playa del Carmen
Discover the mystical Rio Secreto, an underground river and crystal caves on the Yucatan Peninsula. Swim through stunning caverns and explore the Mayan underworld. Optional visit to Tulum ruins available.
Discover the mystical Rio Secreto, an underground river and crystal caves on the Yucatan Peninsula. Swim through stunning caverns and explore the Mayan underworld. Optional visit to Tulum ruins available.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Rio Secreto - Situated near Playa del Carmen, this attraction offers a glimpse into natural history spanning millions of years. Visitors can swim approximately one kilometer beneath stunning stalactites and stalagmites in groups of up to 10 people along the underground river.
- Rio Secreto - Following the swim, guests can savor a delightful…
- Rio Secreto - Situated near Playa del Carmen, this attraction offers a glimpse into natural history spanning millions of years. Visitors can swim approximately one kilometer beneath stunning stalactites and stalagmites in groups of up to 10 people along the underground river.
- Rio Secreto - Following the swim, guests can savor a delightful regional buffet at the Rio Secreto restaurant. (Please note that alcoholic beverages are not included).
- Tulum Archaeological Site - Selecting this option allows visitors to explore the remnants of an ancient clifftop fortress. Tulum was once a major trading center, enclosed on three sides with the front open to the Caribbean Sea. The views are spectacular. The tour guide will delve into the history of the main buildings and astronomical discoveries.
- Carretera Federal 307 - When choosing the tour with transportation, expect pick-up from major hotels in Cancun or designated meeting points downtown. Relax as the driver safely transports you to the Rio Secreto nature park.
- Zona Arqueologica de Coba - Opting for this tour, the guide will share the history and significance of the captivating Coba site. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about its history and view the main structures.
- Puerto Morelos - Selecting this option allows visitors to explore the world’s second-largest coral reef formation. Be amazed by the vibrant marine life, including colorful tropical fish, majestic sea turtles, and stunning coral formations.
What's Included
- Use of all necessary equipment (wet suit, hard hat, water shoes, life vest)
- Professional guide
- Lockers and towels
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Use of all necessary equipment (wet suit, hard hat, water shoes, life vest)
- Professional guide
- Lockers and towels
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected) for admision ticket only.
- Government fees
- Photos
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected) for admision ticket only.
- Government fees
- Photos
Additional Information
Journey into a cenote and marvel at ancient stalactites and stalagmites. As you wade through clear turquoise water, an expert guide explains the geological secrets and points out local flora and fauna. Back in the jungle, enjoy a buffet lunch with Mayan cuisine.
Admission to Río Secreto Nature Reserve, WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION:** Explore the cenote and…
Journey into a cenote and marvel at ancient stalactites and stalagmites. As you wade through clear turquoise water, an expert guide explains the geological secrets and points out local flora and fauna. Back in the jungle, enjoy a buffet lunch with Mayan cuisine.
Admission to Río Secreto Nature Reserve, WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION:** Explore the cenote and cave, then enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Mayan cuisine at your own pace.
Río Secreto + Transport Includes admission and transportation to and from select Playa del Carmen hotels. Enjoy the cenote, cave, and buffet lunch without worrying about logistics.
Río Secreto + PLUS: Enhance your adventure with a bike ride,, Rappel and Zip-Lines. Enjoy the cenote tour and a buffet lunch featuring Mayan cuisine.
Río Secreto + Tulum:: Combine your visit with a guided tour of the Mayan city of Tulum, led by archaeological experts. Enjoy both natural wonders and historical treasures, plus a buffet lunch featuring Mayan cuisine.
- Passengers must weigh less than 250 pounds (113 kg)
- The minimum age is 4 years. For the Rio Secreto Plus and Rio Secreto with snorkel options, the minimum age is 7 years due to the additional activities.
- The duration for the option Rio Secreto Admission tour is 03:30 hrs. (approximately)
- The duration for the option Rio Secreto Tour + Transportation is 06:00 hrs. (approximately)
- The duration for the option Rio Secreto + Tulum Tour is 08:00 Hrs. (approximately)
Location
Rio Secreto
Carretera Federal Libre Chetumal _ Puerto Juarez Km 283.5, Ejido Sur
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(814 Ratings)
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Lynn_b
Mar 17, 2026
So amazing and unique! - It was such a unique experience. You will be swimming in the river even though they provide everything, it’s easier if you have a bathing suit. You will not be able to take photos with your own camera. Marco was an excellent photographer. Everything to buy at the gift shop and the photo package was in US dollars. Jenn was an excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable about everything and answered all our questions. I also included going to Tulum which was so nice. Bring some comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle. It is a full day outing.
Review provided by Viator
R2314rnsamr
Mar 14, 2026
Incredible Experience - Just a phenomenal experience, one of the most special natural places I've ever experienced. Our guide Diana was particularly amazing, so smart and funny!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Damien_l
Mar 6, 2026
Wait til they turn out the lights - We found out this is the longest water cave in the world and is fascinating inside from start to finish. The water is drinkable for humans and we saw cat fish swimming in the clear water around our feet. We saw fossils and sleeping bats. When the guide got us to switch off all lights and experience the cave it was breath taking. We were well covered and equipped. Some caution needed with stepping in the water and some found the photos costly but rightly so visitors are not allowed to take phones and cameras in the cave and if the money' is used to continue fund this spectacular site then it is all good to us and worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Georgeai1528xh
Mar 6, 2026
I can't believe I did it. - This is not a stroll down the sidewalk through a park. It is much more interesting and challenging. If you are curious, enjoy the beauty of a world out of everyday view and possess a sense of adventure include this in your plans. Imelda will expertly and carefully guide to places you never imagined in your mind nor in your realm of possibilities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolynbq9242vl
Feb 28, 2026
Great experience! - We did the cave tour with Manuel as our guide. Transport from the hotel was right on time and easy. Upon arrival you check in and take a short ride into the jungle (it's a bit bumpy). After stowing stuff in lockers and doing a quick rinse (to remove oils and chemicals that can harm the formations) you gear up, and then it's a short trek to reach the cave.
The cave tour itself is challenging, even if you're spry and in shape. It can be slippery and narrow and you need to be able to swim as well as balance yourself so that you do not touch the formations as you navigate. It is such a cool experience and you will learn a lot though. The photographer is with you all along the way and there are several stops for photo ops, which you can review and purchase after. The water is definitely chilly at first but you get used to it quick, and it's not noticeable when you are taking in the sights of the cave.
After the tour there is a buffet style lunch with optional alcohol to purchase. They had soup, salad, veggies, fruit and really delicious tacos. I had read some reviews that set my expectations very low for the food, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable meal.
I was a little worried about this tour due to some of the reviews I read about value for price and food, but I feel that the tour and food were definitely well worth what we paid for. This was an excellent half-day excursion to a natural wonder that tourists should feel grateful they can experience so closely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Manel_r
Feb 23, 2026
An unforgettable experience at Río Secreto - The small group made the entire tour feel intimate and relaxed, allowing us to truly take in the beauty of the caves and underground river without feeling rushed. Every moment felt special — from the crystal-clear water to the incredible rock formations. It was simply fantastic from start to finish.
Our guide, Martin, was calm, patient, and attentive to everyone in the group. He created a comfortable atmosphere and made the experience both safe and genuinely fun. Everything was perfectly organized and ran smoothly.
What an extraordinary adventure — I loved every second of it.
Review provided by Viator
Hanna_y
Feb 22, 2026
Amazing day at Rio Secreto - Amazing and beautiful experience. Our guide, Memo was hilarious and so attentive! Gonzalo our paparazzi was super helpful as well. You don’t know what you’re missing out on until you go see for yourself!
Review provided by Viator
Aida_w
Feb 20, 2026
Beautiful - Beautiful experience. Hugo was fun, knowledgeable & sweet! Very organized, timely & the food was good.
Review provided by Viator
Torontond2447
Feb 19, 2026
Cool Caving Experience at Rio Secreto - It was very cool exploring the underground caves! Our guide, Driss, had a great sense of humour and made the tour so much fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Natalee_c
Mar 19, 2026
Shirley was very kind.... - Shirley was very kind. She was helping me when she saw that I was having trouble breathing and becoming anxious. She talked me through it and stayed beside me to help. My knee was braced and I couldn’t go fast. My tour guide Manuel tried to put me up front so he could help me and keep an eye on me, but that didn’t work, i felt even more pressure to go faster, I felt worse up front. He said we were going the easy way and we needed to be on time. I was there with my wife for our 20th wedding anniversary. They asked other couples to kiss and play for photos, but they posed us “back to back” assuming we are buddies, didn’t ask (like they did with others) if we are a couple. I’d still recommend the trip because it’s amazing to hear about the history. It is a very special place.
Review provided by Viator
