These are the 11 Best Merida Cenote Tours for a Stress-Free Experience
LOOKING FOR THE BEST CENOTE TOURS IN MERIDA?
You’re in the right place because I lived in Merida for several years, and visiting cenotes was my favorite thing. In fact, i’ve been to about 25 cenotes near Merida!
I know what makes a great cenote tour, and the best cenote tours in Merida are featured here.
Don’t have time to read the whole article? I recommend this Mayan World Tour to Chichen Itza Ruins, Yokdzonot Cenote & a Yucatan Cooking Class — a Merida cenote tour with a perfect 5⭐️ rating.
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the clear freshwaters of these natural sinkholes — and what better way to see the Yucatan’s famous cenotes than with a local?!
Having been on a few Merida cenotes tours throughout the years, I vetted all the tours in this article to ensure they’re highly rated and well-reviewed — so all you have to do is book a Mexico cenotes tour and enjoy.
Ready for a list of 11 of the best tours to Merida’s cenotes for your trip? Let’s get started!
1. Editor’s Choice: The Mayan World Tour to Chichen Itza Ruins, Yokdzonot Cenote & Yucatan Cooking Class
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | 🗿 BOOK NOW
Discover many Mayan wonders on this complete tour, where you’ll visit the Chichen Itza Archeological Site, dive into Cenote Yokdzonot, and take a cooking class with locals on the grounds of the cenote.
❤️ Note: A local co-op of women operates this cenote, and proceeds from the cenote entrance benefit this small community — so if you’re looking for tours to Chichen Itza from Merida that directly benefit the local community, this is it.
I cannot day enough about this amazing experience! Ismael was such a great guide. This excursion is a journey and a lesson rich in Mayan history and we are so deeply grateful for a perfect day.
-taylor (see more reviews)
After touring Chichen Itza with your guide, you’ll visit the small pueblo of Yokdzonot, Yucatan.
Here, you’ll swim in the beautiful Cenote Yokdzonot, which has a zip line and rappelling for the adventurous.
After a refreshing swim in the blue waters of Cenote Yokdzonot, you’ll participate in a cooking lesson with the locals to make a traditional Yucatan food lunch.
In the class, you’ll prepare some of the most popular and delicious Yucatecan foods from scratch.
This includes salbutes (puffy, fried tortillas) and panuchos (tortillas stuffed with black bean paste), which you’ll then eat in the on-site restaurant.
2. Top Rated Tour: Explore Cenotes with a Yucatecan Guide
⭐️ RATING: 4.97 out of 5 Stars — with 2,300+ positive reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
This all-encompassing tour takes you to the iconic, can’t-miss things to do in Yucatan Peninsula — cenotes and Mexican haciendas.
One of the top-rated and best Merida cenote tours, the guides for this tour (Miguel Ángel and Moises) was born and raised in the Yucatan Peninsula, so you’re in great hands.
Wonderful experience exploring cenotes – loved that they were not overly crowded / public cenotes which made the experience so much more pleasant. The lunch with the local family was also one of the best we’ve had… Highly recommend!
-ABBY (see more reviews)
On this tour, you’ll visit two of the four types of cenotes — a cave cenote located underground in a cavern, and an open cenote that’s above-ground and surrounded by trees.
You’ll also get to experience an authentic Yucatan hacienda to explore its beautiful historic buildings, before enjoying a homemade lunch with a Mayan family in their home.
3. Private Merida Cenotes Tour: Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche & Santa Barbara Cenotes
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Want to visit the famous Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche — and several more cenotes in a single day? Then this is the perfect tour for you!
As one of the mot beautiful cenotes in Merida, and one of the best restored haciendas in Mexico, you MUST book a tour to visit — like this Private Cenote Hacienda Tour Merida.
Two of the cenotes you’ll visit on this private, 5 cenote tour are located at Mucuyche Yucatan Hacienda. They are Cenote Carlota (pictured above) and Cenote Mayan Blue.
Blanca has been a great guide and we enjoyed the tour with her! She is very friendly and knowledgeable! All the cenotes are wonderful and it is surely an amazing experience.
-massimo (see more reviews)
Besides the swim, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche where you’ll learn all about the rich history of these large Mexican estates.
You’ll also visit three more cenotes near a hacienda in the charming pueblo (small town) of Homún, Yucatan, where you’ll marvel at the area’s natural beauty.
These are a well-known group of cenotes called the Santa Barbara Cenotes, and include Cenote Chacksikin, Cenote Xoch, and Cenote Pool Cocom.
If you’re looking to soak in some history, and (literally) soak in five different cenotes in the Yucatan (considered to be the 5 best Yucatan cenotes), don’t hesitate to book this tour!
From semi-open cenotes and an open cenote to caves, you’ll discover the remarkable diversity of these geological wonders, with each one leaving you in awe.
With an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guide to get you through the day, you can sit back, learn, and enjoy the stunning scenery at each stop.
4. Uxmal Ruins, Yaxcopoil Hacienda & Visit to Cenote Peba
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9-10 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Start your day with a historical journey on this Yaxcopoil Hacienda and Uxmal Day Trip from Mérida.
First, you’ll arrive at Yaxcopoil, where you’ll learn about the historic Hacienda and the significance of its name, the place of the green alamo trees.
Next, make your way to Uxmal, a lesser-known ancient Mayan city compared to Chichen Itza, but with no lack of history and incredible architecture.
Such a wonderful trip. Well planned. Uxmal was amazing, the hacienda definitely with seeing and the cenote was beautiful. Highly recommend it!
-cecilia (see more reviews)
Finally, you’ll head to the magically refreshing and beautiful underground cenote, Cenote Peba.
Ten hours may seem like a long day, but your tour guides will keep you engrossed in the history and beauty of the Yucatan the whole time, making this one of the best Merida hacienda tours.
5. Explore 3 Hidden Cenotes & Traditional Lunch
⭐️ RATING: 4.89 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Head off the beaten path with your new favorite local guides as they bring you to hidden cenotes nestled deep within the Mayan jungle.
These aren’t just any cenotes — they’re the local favorites you might not be able to find on your own. Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters or snap unforgettable Instagram photos.
Absolutely do not miss! If you’re interested in a non tourist, authentic, informative, amazing experience, you must take this tour! The fascinating cenotes are truly magical!
-angie (see more reviews)
Getting there is half the fun, too, as you travel on a unique form of transportation — a 4-person motorcycle taxi.
Your tour continues at a local village where you’ll immerse yourself in Mayan culture and enjoy an authentic meal. It doesn’t get much better than this!
6. Cenotes of Santa Barbara & Acanceh Ruins Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars — with 80+ positive reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-9 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Prepare for an exciting day exploring Merida Yucatan cenotes with a twist of captivating Mayan history on this Full Day Cenote and Ruins Tour.
Besides the cenotes, you’ll visit Acanceh Ruins. Steeped in history and heritage, this fascinating ancient site has numerous structures, ancient carvings, and pyramids to see.
Every aspect of the tour was spectacular. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and courteous. Every thing the pyramids the cenotes and the meal at the restraunt were better then expected.
-james (see more reviews)
There are numerous cenotes surrounding Acanceh Ruins that once provided water and agriculture to the locals.
On this tour, you’ll hop on a bike or a truck and discover nearby cenotes to cool off — like Cenote Cenote Cascabel and Cenote Xoch, two of the best Santa Barbara Cenotes.
You’ll end your day at Parque de Santa Lucía, a central city teeming with shops and restaurants. The overall consensus?
This tour is a fun, history-filled adventure that should not be missed because you’ll experience so much of the Mayan and Yucatecan culture, and see several sites, in a single day.
7. Chichen Itza Ruins, Private Cenote & Izamal Magic Town
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars — with 335+ positive reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Looking for Chichen Itza tours from Merida that include a cenote swim? Ever dreamed of seeing a World Wonder and a natural wonder all in one day?
Here’s your chance with this Cenote Tour to Chichen Itza and Izamal “The Yellow Town” near Valladolid.
On it, you’ll get an opportunity few do — the chance to swim in a private cenote in backyard of Mayan family home. This breathtaking cave cenote is located in the pueblo (small town) of Holcá.
Really great experience, one of the first groups to arrive at chichen Itzá — I literally have pics with no one in the background. Private cenote was also a lovely experience, and food was incredible.
-Davina (see more reviews)
After you’ve explored the Mayan’s most famous creation, Chichen Itza, make your way to Izamal, a magical town steeped in the Yucatan’s history that’s painted completely yellow 💛
On this Merida to Chichen Itza tour, you’ll combine these three stops for an epic day trip from Mérida to the Mayan Ruins and cenotes.
8. Explore Cenotes Santa Bárbara: 5 Cenotes Plus Lunch Included
⭐️ RATING: 4.97 out of 5 Stars — with 235+ positive reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7.5 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Experience the beauty of the Homún cenotes with this Santa Bárbara Cenotes tour. This all-inclusive tour means all you have to worry about is having fun.
Stop by three of the Homún cenotes — Cenote Xoch, Cascabel, and Chaksikín. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to see a few more.
From a solo female traveler, if you are looking for an incredible cenote experience with a kind, attentive and amazing guide, I highly recommend this tour!
-viviana (see more reviews)
Your host, Yasiel, loves sharing his passion on this tour. Visitors of all ages, solo travelers, and families rave about this unforgettable trip.
Transportation, cenotes entry fees, and food and drinks will be included throughout your day.
9. Private Tour for Just Your Group: Merida to Homun Cenotes Day Trip
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Escape the city and make your way to Homun village to explore a variety of natural sinkholes, also known as cenotes.
Five breathtaking cenotes within close proximity to one another await you on this all-inclusive tour.
Hop on a bike or truck and take in the scenery as you travel from one cenote to the next, visiting Santa Rosa, Santa Maria, Yaxbakaltún, Balmil, and Tza Ujun Ka Cenotes.
Juan (guide) and Manuel (driver) were excellent during our private tour. The information provided by Juan was very informative and interesting.
-allen (see more reviews)
This all-inclusive tour includes a buffet lunch and entrance to the cenotes.
You’ll have your own private tour guide to teach you about the significance of the cenotes throughout the region.
And if that’s not enough, your guides will even pick you up right from your hotel in Merida to begin this incredible adventure, and drop you off when it’s (sadly) all over.
10. Full-Day Trip to Cascabel, Chaksikin & Xoch Cenotes
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
This is your chance to visit three incredibly beautiful cenotes Merida Mexico offers nearby —Cascabel, Chaksikin and Xoch, otherwise known as the Cenotes Santa Barbara.
You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about their culturally significant history and geology from an experienced guide.
This was an excellent tour! The cenotes on this property were quite impressive, each one better than the previous.
-roberta (see more reviews)
These natural sinkholes are breathtaking, with clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be thrilled to enjoy a delicious 3-course authentic lunch included in this all-day tour.
Visitors on this tour loved the abundance of information they took during this trip, not just about the cenotes but about the history and culture of the region.
11. Full-Day Tour to Mayapan and Homún Cenote
⭐️ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9-10 hours | 💧 BOOK NOW
Mayapan, the shared capital of the Xiu and Cocom cultural groups, boasts an impressive 4,000 structures to explore, and on this full-day Merida Mexico tours experience, you’ll try to explore some of the more popular ones.
⚠️ Note: Mayapan Ruins have been closed, off and on, for a while. In the event they are closed during your tour, you will visit Acanceh Ruins instead (which I personally liked better).
At both of the ruins, you’ll notice the architectural similarities to Chichen Itza and Ek-Balam Ruins, so no matter where you end up, they both provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
It was a good tour of the cenotes as well as the Mayapan archeological site. Both my wife and I enjoyed swimming in the cenotes and visiting the Mayapan archeological site.
-hector (see more reviews)
After learning about these lesser-known ruins, you’ll head to Homun, a small town with various cenotes to explore.
See the sunlight shine underground at Cenote Cuzama and venture into the caves of Grutas and Cenote Candelaria.
Lastly, celebrate your adventure with a traditional Mayan dinner, the only way to end a day in the Yucatan peninsula.
Merida Cenote Tours: FAQs
What should you bring on a cenote tour?
Since this will likely be your first cenote experience and/or your first visit to any of the best Mexico cenotes, you might be unsure what to take and what to leave home.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help! If you want to be totally prepared on your cenote tour, you should have the items listed below with you.
- 🩱 Long sleeve bathing suit because ALL sunscreens are prohibited in cenotes — yes, even reef safe sunscreens and eco-friendly sunscreens
- 🩴 Water shoes
- 🧣 Quick-dry towel (AKA microfiber towel)
- 📲 Waterproof phone holder
- 🤿 Mask and snorkel
- 🎒 Dry bag for your wet clothes
- 🎽 Change of clothes
If you’re going on a particularly long tour, you might also want to bring drinks and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day (though most tours include lunch).
Before booking, check to see what your tour provides — some trips include lunch and water; some may even provide snorkeling gear to explore the cenotes from beneath the surface.
Can you visit cenotes from Merida?
Yes — There are many cenotes to visit from Merida; as in thousands.
You can choose from more than 300 cenotes around Merida, some of the most popular being the nearby Homun Cenotes and Santa Barabara Cenotes.
🗺️ If you’re looking for a Merida cenotes map to find them, check out my 30 Best Merida Cenotes You Must Visit article.
Whether you’re looking for underground cave cenotes or open-air cenotes, you’ll find that and more in and around Merida. There’s even the famous Costco Cenote, located in a Costco parking lot in Merida!
Want recommendations for some of the best cenotes in Merida to check out? I would recommend Mucuyche Yucatan Cenote and Cenote Chaksikin.
If you have to choose between the two, I would choose booking this Mucuyche Merida Cenote Tour. (💧 Note: You must book a tour in order to visit this cenote).
How do I get to the cenote from Merida?
To get to a cenote from Merida, you can rent a car or take a tour.
Endless tour options will take you to a few chosen Merida Mexico cenotes in the area. Many of them will also stop at historical sites along the way.
If you simply want to spend an entire day hopping around cenotes from Merida, your best option is to rent a car.
What is the closest cenote to Merida Mexico?
Cenote Xlacah is the closest cenote to Merida Mexico. You’ll also hear it referred to as the Dzibilchaltun Cenote.
This cenote offers the breathtaking clear waters of Mexico’s famous cenotes and allows you to see the Dzibilchaltun Ruins.
⚠️ Update: This cenote has been closed for some time now, but we will leave this information up in the hope that it reopens soon.
How deep are cenotes in Merida?
Some cenotes around Merida are just a few feet deep, while others can be as deep as 100-feet or more (about 30+ meters).
You can choose to bathe in the shallow waters, or swim through the deeper cenotes.
However, not many of the cenotes in Merida are deep enough for diving; you’ll want to head closer to Tulum for diving cenotes.
There are also plenty of Merida cenote tours from Tulum, if you are based out of Tulum.
What is a cenote?
Cenotes, pronounced sen-o-tays, are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone rock that once enclosed the ground.
Cenotes within the Yucatan get their water from the massive connected rivers that flow beneath the entire region — and there different types of cenotes.
What are the 4 types of cenotes?
With hundreds of cenotes near Merida to visit, you can explore all these different tyopes of cenotes.
- Open cenotes: Open-air, above-ground swimming holes that are sometimes called swimming pool cenotes
- Semi-open cenotes: Located in a semi-open cave that has a small- or medium-sized opening at the top which lets some light in
- Cave cenotes: Located fully underground in caves that are enclosed
- Diving cenotes: These deep-water pools are for scuba for diving only
Final Thoughts on the Best Merida Cenote Tours
There you have it! These are the best cenote tours Merida has to offer. Still wondering which Merida cenote tours to book?
I recommend this Mayan World Tour to Chichen Itza Ruins, Yokdzonot Cenote & a Yucatan Cooking Class — a Merida cenote tour with a perfect 5 Star rating.
Cenotes are some of the most beautiful attractions in the Yucatan region and hold a special significance within the Mayan culture.
Discovering the history, beauty, and fun with locals eager to share their culture with you will surely highlight your trip to Merida.