Gran cenote, Taak-bi-ha and Xunan-Ha Cenotes Private tour

  • Price:

    From: $135 USD per person

  • Duration:

    5-6 hours

  • Destinations:

    Gran Cenote, Cenote Taak-Bi-Ha, Cenote Xunan-Ha

  • Availability:

    Monday to Saturday

  • Languages:

    English, French, Spanish

  • Tansfer:

    Pick up and Transfer included in tour

  • City Served:

    Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Cancun

Home / Private Tours Tulum / Gran cenote, Taak-bi-ha and Xunan-Ha Cenotes Private tour

Description of Gran cenote, Taak-bi-ha and Xunan-Ha Cenotes Private tour

The Gran Cenote, Taak-Bi-Ha and Xunan-Ha Cenotes Private Tour explores three distinct cenote types in a single day—open, cavern, and semi-open—offering comprehensive immersion in the Yucatan’s unique underground water system. This private cenote tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the geological and visual diversity of cenotes beyond single-location visits, understanding how these sacred Maya water sources vary in formation, atmosphere, and swimming experience.

As a family-owned local agency operating in the Riviera Maya since 1994, Carey Tours specializes in private experiences with certified guides who provide cenote geological knowledge and Maya cultural context. 

Group of women enjoying a tranquil moment while dipping their feet in a crystal-clear cenote during a private tour by Carey Tours.

This cenote tour begins at Gran Cenote—Tulum’s most famous open cenote featuring crystal-clear turquoise water, visible limestone formations, abundant freshwater fish, and occasional turtles. The journey continues to Cenote Taak-Bi-Ha, an enclosed underground cavern where you swim surrounded by impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and tree roots penetrating the ceiling—the name means “hidden water” in Maya language. Finally, Cenote Xunan-Ha offers a tranquil semi-open environment perfect for relaxed swimming and snorkeling in calm, pristine waters.

Each cenote provides distinct visual experiences and swimming conditions: Gran Cenote’s open design allows natural sunlight to illuminate the water dramatically, Taak-Bi-Ha’s cave atmosphere creates mystical underground exploration, and Xunan-Ha’s peaceful setting offers serene relaxation. 

The tour includes private round-trip transportation, traditional Yucatecan lunch at a popular local restaurant, all entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, and the flexibility to spend extra time at whichever cenote captures your group’s interest most. 

Perfect for families wanting variety, photographers seeking diverse cenote imagery, couples exploring nature’s wonders, and anyone seeking an authentic Gran Cenote tour combined with lesser-known gems that showcase cenote diversity.

Experience Cenote Diversity in One Day

This three-cenote tour offers a comprehensive understanding of the Yucatan’s underground water systems that single-cenote visits can’t provide. By experiencing open, cavern, and semi-open cenotes, you’ll appreciate the geological diversity, atmospheric variations, and swimming condition differences that make each cenote unique.

Whether you’re fascinated by geology, seeking varied photography opportunities, or simply want to maximize cenote experiences during your Riviera Maya visit, Carey Tours provides the local expertise and unhurried pacing that transforms cenote hopping into genuine discovery rather than rushed sightseeing. As a local agency with 4,000+ satisfied guests since 1994, we know these cenotes intimately and design itineraries that balance swimming time, rest, cultural education, and flexibility.

Contact us to check availability, discuss swimming comfort levels across different cenote types, or customize your Cenote Xunan-Ha tour and Gran Cenote experience.

  • 1
    Stop 1: Hotel Pickup (6:00 AM - 7:50 AM) Private pickup from Cancun (6:00 AM), Playa del Carmen (7:00 AM), or Tulum (7:50 AM). Early start ensures arrival at Gran Cenote before crowds. Your certified bilingual guide introduces cenote formation geology, Maya cultural significance as portals to the underworld (Xibalba), and what distinguishes each of today's three cenotes during the scenic drive.
  • 2
    Stop 2: Gran Cenote Swimming (8:10 AM - 9:10 AM) Arrive at Gran Cenote, Tulum's most renowned open cenote. Enter crystal-clear turquoise waters with excellent visibility. Swim among limestone formations, observe abundant freshwater fish, spot occasional turtles, and explore underwater caves accessible to swimmers. Natural sunlight penetrates the open design creating stunning light effects on rock formations. Snorkel equipment available. Life vests optional. The early timing means fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography.
  • 3
    Stop 3: Cenote Taak-Bi-Ha Exploration (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM) Short drive to Cenote Taak-Bi-Ha, an enclosed cavern cenote offering complete contrast to Gran Cenote's open atmosphere. Descend into this underground chamber to swim in crystal-clear freshwater surrounded by impressive stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and tree roots creating dramatic natural sculptures. Natural light filters through small openings above, illuminating the water in mystical patterns. The name "hidden water" reflects the cave-like enclosure. Perfect for photography and experiencing cenote geological diversity.
  • 4
    Stop 4: Traditional Yucatecan Lunch (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM) Authentic Mexican lunch at Restaurant Osorios, a popular local establishment. The traditional meal features Mayan food including tacos and one included drink. Regional specialties and handmade tortillas. Rest and refuel after morning swimming before the final cenote. Bottled water and snacks available throughout the day.
  • 5
    Stop 5: Cenote Xunan-Ha Swimming (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) Final stop at Cenote Xunan-Ha, a semi-open cenote offering tranquil, peaceful swimming conditions. This cenote features calm waters perfect for relaxed floating, gentle snorkeling, and appreciation of serene natural beauty. Less dramatic than the morning's cenotes but ideal for winding down the experience. Excellent for those who want extended swimming time in the calmest conditions.
  • 6
    Stop 6: Return to Hotel (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) Comfortable drive back to your accommodation. Arrival times vary by location: Tulum by 1:30 PM, Playa del Carmen by 2:00 PM, Cancun by 3:00 PM. Afternoon free after comprehensive cenote exploration.

    • Private door-to-door service from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, or Cancun.

    Pickup times:

    • Tulum (7:50 AM)
    • Playa del Carmen (7:00 AM)
    • Cancun (6:00 AM).

    Exact time confirmed upon booking. Additional fee applies for Cancun and Puerto Morelos pickups.

    Additional fee applies for Cancun and Puerto Morelos pickups

     

    • Private bilingual guide (English/Spanish/French)
    • Private round-trip transportation from hotel
    • Entrance fees to Gran Cenote, Cenote Taak-Bi-Ha, and Cenote Xunan-Ha
    • Traditional Mexican lunch (tacos and one drink included)
    • Bottled water and snacks throughout tour
    • Snorkeling equipment provided
    • Swimwear and towels for three cenote swims
    • Comfortable sandals or water shoes
    • Biodegradable sunscreen (required for cenote protection)
    • Biodegradable insect repellent
    • Hat and sunglasses
    • Rashguard for sun protection
    • Waterproof camera or GoPro to capture three distinct cenotes
    • Cash for souvenirs and guide tips
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Small waterproof bag for personal items
    • Change of dry clothes
    From $135 USDPer person
    • Max Gests:

      10

    • Ideal for:

      Families, Groups & Friends, Couples, Bachelors' party

    Pricing (per person):

    • 2 people: $195 USD per person
    • 3 people: $180 USD per person
    • 4 people: $180 USD per person
    • 5 people: $170 USD per person
    • 6 people: $160 USD per person
    • 7 people: $155 USD per person
    • 8 people: $145 USD per person
    • 9 people: $140 USD per person
    • 10 people: $135 USD per person
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    Travelers´ Photo Gallery

    FAQs

  • 1
    Why visit three cenotes instead of just one? Each cenote offers distinct geology, atmosphere, and swimming experience. Gran Cenote (open), Taak-Bi-Ha (cavern), and Xunan-Ha (semi-open) together showcase cenote diversity that single visits can't convey.
  • 2
    Which cenote is best for children? All three are suitable for families with appropriate supervision. Gran Cenote and Xunan-Ha have calmer, more open conditions. Taak-Bi-Ha's cave environment may overwhelm very young children but fascinates older kids.
  • 3
    Do we need swimming experience? Basic comfort in water recommended. Life vests available at cenotes. Each cenote has varying depths—shallow areas available for less confident swimmers.
  • 4
    How much time at each cenote? Approximately 1 hour per cenote with flexibility. If your group particularly loves one cenote, your private guide can adjust timing.
  • 5
    Are the cenotes crowded? Early morning arrival at Gran Cenote beats peak crowds. Taak-Bi-Ha and Xunan-Ha are typically less crowded than Gran Cenote. A private tour means your own guide and pace.
  • 6
    Is lunch included in the tour? Yes. Traditional Mexican lunch with tacos and one drink at Restaurant Osorios, a popular local establishment, included in tour price.
  • 7
    Can we skip one cenote if we want more time elsewhere? As a private tour, the itinerary is flexible. Discuss preferences with your guide who can adjust based on your interests and energy levels.
  • 8
    What makes Gran Cenote special? Tulum's most famous cenote features stunning turquoise water, excellent visibility, limestone formations, fish, occasional turtles, and dramatic natural light—quintessential open cenote experience.
  • 9
    What does Taak-Bi-Ha mean? "Hidden water" in Maya language, reflecting the enclosed cavern nature where water is hidden underground surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
  • 10
    Is this tour private or will others join? Completely private. Exclusively for your group with dedicated guides and private transportation. No strangers joining your cenote exploration.