Riviera Maya Cenote Adventure: Snorkel, Zipline & Rappel from Cancun
Spend a full day off Cancun’s beaten path: snorkel a brackish inlet and clear cavern cenotes, rappel into underground pools, and finish with treetop ziplines that end with a splash. This guided small-group tour mixes Maya culture, geology, and active play.
The Experience
Before You Go
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before arrival and reapply only where permitted to protect cenote and reef ecosystems.
Expect water entries and climbs
Bring water shoes with good grip — many sites have wet, rocky approaches and slippery platforms.
Know the weight and age limits
Maximum weight for zipline and rappel is 300 lbs (135 kg); minimum age is 6, so plan accordingly for families.
Stay hydrated and pace yourself
Tropical sun and physical activity add up; carry a refillable water bottle and rest between activities.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Yalku inlet’s mangrove channels for quiet shallow snorkeling away from crowds
- •Nohoch Nah Chich cavern — a calmer chamber in the Sac Actun network with dramatic light shafts
Wildlife
- •Tropical reef and mangrove fish (sergeant majors, parrotfish)
- •Wading birds such as herons and kiskadees
Conservation Note
Tours contribute to local Maya communities; practice leave-no-trace, avoid non-biodegradable sunscreens in water, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Cenotes were vital freshwater sources and held spiritual meaning for the Maya, who used them for rituals and as community water supplies.
What to Bring
SwimsuitEssential
Worn under clothes for quick changes and multiple water entries.
Water shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky approaches and gives traction on wet platforms.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Prevents chemical damage to cenote and coastal ecosystems while protecting your skin.
Light quick-dry layer or rash guard
Adds sun protection between water activities and dries quickly after swims.
Common Questions
Is snorkeling experience required?
No — basic swimming skills are sufficient; guides provide masks, fins, and instruction for calm, guided snorkeling in shallow cenotes and the inlet.
Are transfers included from Cancun hotels?
Yes — the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan within the Cancun area as stated in the itinerary.
Can children participate?
Children aged 6 and up can join; guides will assess each child’s comfort in water and on aerial elements before participation.
What are the safety and weight restrictions for zipline and rappel?
The maximum weight limit is 300 lbs (135 kg); all participants receive safety briefings, helmets, and harnesses, and are supervised by trained guides.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
7 hours
Location
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable with short hikes, swimming in open water, and stairs or ladders for rappel and zipline access.
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