We had already done a Cenote tour in Mexico and we wondered how this one could possible be different? I mean, once you’ve seen one Cenote, you’ve seen them all right? …Wrong!
The Cenotes of Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto Cenotes
Rio Secreto is the Mayan Riviera’s newest Cenote and it is an incredible experience. Discovered just 7 years ago, Rio Secreto is truly a wonder of Mexico and has recently been designated as one of Mexico’s most distinct and alluring nature reserves.
Rio Secreto is just stunning
Why? Because it is the longest semi sunken cave system in the Yucatan. There are 12 km of underground rivers to explore and you don’t need a dive certification.
After watching a quick introduction about the caves, we were split up into groups for our tour. The magic of the Rio Secreto caves is that there are 15 different entrances, so you will never see other groups on your tour. Being split up into smaller groups allows for a more intimate experience and time to really enjoy the caves and feel like you are on your own private VIP tour.
Read to explore the Cenotes of Rio Secreto
Donning a wet suit, booties, helmet and headlamp, we set off on a hike through the forest where we saw some creepy crawlies which I totally love. Our guide Raul tells us that he has seen a jaguar in these woods only 4 times in his career.
A Tarantula crosses our path on the way to the caves.
The trail ended at the entrance to the caves where we took part in a quick Mayan smoking ceremony which is performed to cleanse us and allow us to enter. It was then off for some fun and excitement!
Getting cleansed at the smoking ceremony before entering Rio Sectreto.
Time to get wet
If you are worried about closed spaces, beware, you will be swimming in them, but you work your way up to that and by the time you enter a narrow passage you are comfortable and secure in the water.
Passageways can get pretty narrow in the Cenotes.
Our trip started out walking through dry cenotes and learning all about them. Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes connected to an underground river system through limestone caves and passageways. Some are huge caverns with stalactites hanging overhead. Some are narrow passages with simply a limestone ceiling. Both are just as equally thrilling to explore.
An explosion of Stalactites in Rio Secreto
By the time we had to get into the water, we were ready. Before completely submerging, Raul had us all kneel in shallow water for a photograph and to take in the view of the ceiling filled with thousands of stalactites. Our private photographer (every tour gets one) set off his flash and it looked like an explosion over our heads.
We quickly got used to the water and began swimming through the darkness with only our headlamps and Raul’s guidance. He made sure to guide us through the jagged rocks and low ceilings and we spent the next 3 hours discovering the caves. We felt like true explorers.
Dave and our guide Raul at Rio Secreto
We saw unique fish that only live inside caves and are completely blind because there is no light and we saw fossils etched into the rock.
It was fascinating.
It was a fascinating experience!
We never once wondered, “When is this tour going to end?” Time flew by and the hours zipped past.
Before we knew it, we were walking up the steps wishing for more Cenotes in Mexico!
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