Cenotes Sac Actún

Amazing experience, probably the highlight for our whole trip to Mexico. Water was much warmer than we expected, though we used wet suits.

I read a lot of reviews before choosing this place and I did not regret it. Don't look at the photos, they don't tell the full story. The fun part starts when you swim / snorkel into the caves.

40 USD / 650 MXN per person for 1 hour tour.

We had an amazing experience here. I searched for lots of reviews and chose Sac Actun. The water was super clean which is an incredibly stunning emerald color and nice for refreshing. 11yrs my son said it was the most memorable thing in Mexico and good to know real geology. Highly recommend this place.

Not a tourist trap!! THIS is the genuine cenotes experience we were looking for! It’s not a simple swimming hole like a lot of the surrounding cenotes are - you are given wetsuits and life preservers and flashlights because you are guided deep into the caves. If you are afraid of bats (we love them) or if you get claustrophobic (we are not) or if you can’t swim (we can) this might not be the experience for you! But this was exactly what we were looking for. It’s an hour guided tour for $40USD which was the perfect length and a completely fair price in our opinion.

We went around 2:45, later in the afternoon, so there was only 1 other couple with us on our guided tour. They genuinely want to preserve the natural formations of these caves so they take active measures to ensure it doesn’t become an overcrowded tourist destination. There are no restaurants or shops here for that reason. We’d recommend it to our friends and family!

This cenote was a unique experience and not like any other visit to a cave that I've done elsewhere. It really exceeded expectations, we had planned to visit Dos Otros but at the last minute a local suggested this instead. Very happy we switched plans. If you are a reasonable swimmer and don't have kids under 12 the longer trip is worth the extra time. The water isn't cold but you will be in it for 45+ minutes so if you want to enjoy it, then use the wetsuits provided. Of course there are other types of cenote which are fully or semi open, some of which have aquatic wildlife, if you don't like the idea of swimming in caves, but this is really beautiful and a truly special place. Bany was our guide, he was excellent and helped to guide us through the caves and added further light to the already partially lit caves, which allowed us to take some good photos and videos. We took a group tour at 650 pesos per person. There are much more expensive private tours which you could do. We were happy with our group but i can imagine it being less enjoyable with the wrong group.

I'm glad I listened to the great reviews! This place is very magical. You can see many different depths underwater and above the water. The stalagmites and stalactites are amazing in their formations. You can see tree roots coming all the way through the ground into the caves to reach the water, it's amazing. There are bats the cave. The water isn't too cold with the wetsuits they provide, and they are very sanitary and professional. I let my keys with them, and everything was VERY SAFE. I can't believe that person left a review saying someone went into their car and took their credit card. I think they were just trying to deter business from this place. They're very honest and great people. I WEAR GLASSES and I was able to take them into the cave. My guide Carlos kept them for me when I put my snorkel mask on. You might want to bring some glasses cleaner with you for afterwards since they get wet.

We almost went to Cenote Dos Ojos but after a little more digging online, we came across Cenotes Sac Actun.
Although it's a little further inland (and if you take a taxi you may want to arrange for them to wait for you - which it turns out they're very happy to do without that much added cost!), it is very worth it.
You go on a wonderful cave tour (with life vests, wetsuit, and goggles included with your cost of $40 USD) that is mesmerizing with the most helpful/friendly guide.
We did the public tour around 10:30 on a weekday and ended up in a lovely group of 6.

*Note: There are some parts that get somewhat narrow and enclosed so if you are claustrophobic do be advised.

Very quiet and peaceful experience in a sacred place. Carlo was an excellent guide. He explained much of the history of the place and answered all of our questions. This is a cenote that is deep in the jungle and has a very non-commercial feel to it which makes it one of my favorites in the area. Entering with a guide is mandatory because of the complexity of the cave. Using the available wet suit is a good idea, too. No restaurant on the premises, but there are bathrooms and showers. Definitely not a party spot, so if you're looking to spend a day hanging out at a cenote this is not the one. You go in with a guide for about an hour and then you leave.

Such a cool experience! We were lucky enough to do the extended tour and it was a trip highlight. It’s off the beaten path and past 5+ other cenotes. Keep going it’s worth it! You get paired with others, so be prepared for that, but we loved our group and had a fun time! It’s a beautiful and spiritual place.

One of the coolest Cenotes in the area! It’s past all the other Centoes at the end of an 3 mile dirt road. The setting is just magical! Our guide changed us $45 per person, for me, my husband and 12 year old son. The water was deep & shallow, we all wore life vests to keep us afloat while snorkeling and swimming. The tour guide was very helpful and didn’t rush us, he let us take our time to enjoy snorkeling the under water cavern system. The water was cold, blue and clear! It was a unique experience very mystical! A treasure to find!

One of the most beautiful places our family has ever visited. 2 of our kids put this in their "top 3 but not number 2 or 3". Crystal clear water and breathtaking views. Highly recommend going all the way down the road to get to this. All the experience of Rio Secreto without all the commercialization.

Most beautiful Cenote ever seen 🤩🪄
Would do it again and recommend it to everyone. Amazing trip and definitely the highlight of the holidays.
Thanks a lot also to our guide Bany, who was extremely friendly, funny and helpful and shared his knowledge of the Cenote with the group.
So grateful for this day ❤

If I could only give 6 stars once on google, this is where I would use it. I had high expectations, but they were far exceeded. I've seen a lot of places in the world (I think I've reached 50 countries) and this is definitely in the top 3. I wouldn't say number 1 lest others get upset :)
If you are lucky enough to catch a small group, the experience will be even more impressive. When you arrive you're told you have to wait a bit for more people to come so you can form a bigger group, but the maximum waiting time is 20 minutes, during which time you can take photos, change, go for a shower etc. If no more tourists come, you'll only leave 2-3-5 or however many gathered in 20 minutes
Don't miss this location! Everything is at the highest level: cenote, people, facilities

Sac Actun is the world's 3rd longest underground river system. 650 pesos gets you a wet suit, life vest, goggles, and a guide. We arrived around 2p and left 445pm, plan on 2-3 hours. 1 hour is swimming. When driving to Sac Actun there is a gate for Dos Ojos, just tell them you are going to Sac Actun and they let you through, no problem. Nice banos to change, leave everything in your car and give keys to the desk. They put it in a box and have a security camera on it. We chose Sac Actun because of the reviews. We loved it. The water is refreshing. Wet suit was definitely needed. Massive stalactites and stalagmites, it is not for the closterphobic. Floating in fresh water is so relaxing. Our guide Carlos was informative and took pictures with our cameras for us. I highly recommend this trip.

When you initially enter the road to get to Sac Actún, there is a road block where they will try to persuade you to visit Dos Ojos Cenote. You do not have to purchase this access to pass and this does not cover your entrance to Sac Actún!! We purchased our tickets directly from the guide at Sac Actún after passing this blockade. We chose this cenote based on the beautiful photos and reviews we saw online and it is 1000% worth it!! Our guide, Isa, was AMAZING!! He gave us all the insight to make our trip worth every penny!! He is a local guide so he is extremely knowledgeable about the cave system, age and any other questions you might have. I would also recommend that you use the wetsuit included with your access purchase (it’s very cold and you are down in the cave for extended time) and be sure to bring a waterproof cover for your phone!

We had an absolutely unforgettable experience, the highlight of our entire trip! For just $40 USD per person (card accepted) it was worth every penny. Going with a guide is a must, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re claustrophobic. The water is chilly, so make sure to wear the provided wet suit. The package includes snorkel gear, the suit, and a knowledgeable guide, making it an all-inclusive adventure. While transportation might be an additional cost (we chose to drive), the best part? You can bring your phone along and the guide will take incredible pictures of you, just make sure it’s safely encased in a waterproof cover! Please remember to bring cash to tip your guide! Note: we did not have a reservation, we just showed up and it all worked out. So grateful! More photos and videos can be seen on my IG: @theparanormallounge

Wonderful. Is in the same Dos Ojos park, about 1 kilometer ahead. We did a 1h20 tour costing 650 pesos, masks and snorkel included.

Here’s a very detailed breakdown of our time spent here for those of you who like to know what to expect….

First of all, we loved it! HIGHLY RECOMMEND coming to this cenote above all others. It was recommended to us by many locals. It was the highlight of our time in Tulum!!

1. If you are driving your own car great! It is hard to find if you aren’t local. You’ll basically drive to Dos Ojos Cenote but keep taking the dirt road until you reach the very end. You’ll need to keep all your stuff in your car since this place doesn’t have lockers. There are security cameras around so it feels very safe. If you are taking a taxi arrange for them to wait for you. The tour is an hour so they would probably need to wait 2 hours total.

2. When you arrive they will offer you 2 tour options. One is a guided tour with up to 10 people for $600 pesos per person or a private tour with $6,000 pesos. The private tour is very appealing because it comes with an added 15 minutes in the cenote, water phone cases, flashlights, and you get to see more areas of the cenote that the group tour doesn’t offer.

The tour guides speak multiple languages so you can get your tour in the language you prefer. Our tour was in English but they can also do two languages at a time.

We opted to do the guided group tour. They make you wait 20 minutes until they get more customers. We recommend going right when they open. We got there a little after 9am and 6 people came around that time too. By the time we were done there was already a line.

3. You can opt for a wet suit and snorkeling gear (highly recommend) but a life jacket is mandatory. It also makes the experience of floating around relaxing and fun. It was amazing! It comes with the price so get it. We paid an extra $200 pesos for the water phone case thingy. It was worth it! The gear was very clean and new. Especially if you’re the first customers of the day. 👍🏼

4. They make you put all your stuff in the car before you can get a wet suit. So you have to have your bathing suit on before you can get a wet suit. If you’re shy like me it was very uncomfortable waiting like that. I had hoped there would be a changing area with some privacy. If you’re a person who is larger than XL they do have some sizes for you. I was given an XL wet suit and a large life jacket that fit snug.

5. They have a bathroom nearby so you can change into your bathing suit when you get there and change out of it when you’re done.

6. You don’t have to wear water shoes on the tour. A lot of people walked with their sandals to the cenote and left their shoes on the dock. Most people had on water socks but we just walked barefoot.

7. DO NOT WEAR BUG SPRAY OR SUNBLOCK. You won’t be out in the sun for this tour and it helps protect the water/ecosystem.

8. The water has some small fish in it and we saw a lot of small bats sleeping in the caves.

9. The tour itself was incredible. I was a little nervous to do it but had so much fun once we got in the water. If you are claustrophobic, part of the tour might not be for you. Twice we went though an area that was really small. We had to swim in a single file line. Let your tour guide know right away if this is something that bothers you so he can plan to take an alternate route.

10. This cenote is NOT great for kids. That’s the biggest complaint I heard while here. Many kids are scared and screamed or cried during most of it. Which the tour guides hate (because you’re in a cave) and all the other people in your group will hate it too. If you have kids go elsewhere!

11. Tip your tour guide! They live off the tips!

We had an optimal experience here. Went on a Thursday and only had 5 in our group. $40 USD includes wet suit, mask, 60minute guided tour. Our tour guide was so nice and it was a serene and otherworldly experience that we highly recommend.

Great, recommended experience that’s worth the drive out and $40 admission.

Bany, our tour guide was delightful and showed us an excellent time.

There is a great review by Nastacia below that will walk you through everything you need to know—everything she explains is spot on.

Recommend to come early to have the best possible experience with the least amount of people.

Amazing place. One of these cavern style cenote with little open-air swimming: you get to explore the real, underground part of the cenote.
Guide and PFDs required, but it makes sense: you get to swim deep inside the cavern, and very close to the ceiling.
A little expensive (~$600 MXN), but it includes everything. Absolutely recommends.
As you enter the park from the highway, drive up to the lift gate and tell the security guard you are going to Sac Actún and not Dos Ojos. They will try to make you pay right up there, but don't get fooled. Drive all the way up to the end of the road, and pay the entrance right there at the cenote itself.