Coba ruins and Snorkeling in Cenote

(46 customer reviews)

PRIVATE TOUR: Discover the highest Mayan pyramid* of Mexico in Coba, ride a bike in the jungle to visit the ruins and swim in a cenote. An exclusive private tour with a tasty Mexican lunch.

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • All entrance fees
  • Bicycle (1 per person)/Taxi-tricycle (1 for 2 people) rental at Coba ruins
  • Life vests at the cenote
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch with one main course a la carte

*It is no longer allowed to climb the pyramid.

Scroll down for all information & itinerary.

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Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!

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Coba ruins and Snorkeling in Cenote Private Tour

One of the best things about the Riviera Maya is that it is home to an abundance of historical and natural attractions that can be combined to create a one-of-a-kind day trip. This all-inclusive Coba ruins tour combines the archaeological wonders of Coba, which was the largest Maya city during the civilization’s Classic period, with the beauty of swimming in a cenote.

Our private tour begins with a morning visit to Coba mayan ruins, which we try to organize so that you can avoid the crowds as much as possible and better enjoy your experience.

Once you arrive, your professional tour guide will take you to see all of Coba’s most interesting features. Your guide will take you for a bike ride through the jungle to reach Coba’s famous pyramid, which is one of the tallest Maya pyramids in the Yucatán Peninsula! (Since September 2020, it is not allowed to climb the pyramid anymore)

After you’re done visiting all of the many exciting archaeological sites at Coba, including the famous Maya ball court, we’ll head to the jungle to go snorkeling in cenote. Cenotes are beautiful underground caverns that were naturally formed by rainwater eroding limestone over centuries. In addition to containing fascinating natural features like stalactites and stalagmites, they’re also a great place for beginners to go snorkeling since the water inside them is calm.

We’ll provide all of the snorkeling equipment you need, plus your trained guide will be with you every step of the way in case you need help.

Finally, after exploring the cenote and relaxing in its cool water for a while, we’ll end our tour by stopping for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, located in the small town of Coba (tacos, panuchos, empanadas, cochinita pilbil, and many more typical meals to choose from…).

Then, it will be time to time to go back to your hotel after a great adventure and exploration!

General info

  • Private Tour: Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
  • Duration: 7/8 hours
  • Physicality: Easy
  • Age: All ages
  • Snorkeling: Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
  • Which cenote will you visit? The day of your tour, you can choose the Coba cenote (2 cenotes Choo Ha and Tamcach-Ha) or Nicte Ha. Your guide will be happy to help you to select the best cenote for you and your party according to your expectations and skills.
  • What’s on the menu? Selection of quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, salbutes, fajitas, grilled chicken … with vegetarian, fish, shrimp, chicken & meat options. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!
  • Mobility: We can adapt this tour for people with disability.

Price includes

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • All entrance fees
  • Bicycle (1 per person)/Taxi-tricycle (1 for 2 people) rental at Coba ruins
  • High quality snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, wetsuits, life jackets)
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte

Price excludes

  • Drinks at the restaurant
  • Ruins: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 50 pesos (less than 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each
    archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
  • Tips

Itinerary

Our tours are scheduled at the best hours to avoid high traffic and heat on the sites.
Discover the benefits of an early departure to visit Coba!

06:30am: Private transportation from your hotel to Coba
08:00am – 10:30am: Visit of Coba
10:30am – 11:30am: Transportation
11:30am – 12:30pm: Snorkeling in cenote
12:30pm – 01:00pm: Lunch in a restaurant
01:30pm – 02:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

Itinerary is based on a departure from Playa del Carmen.
Pick up time is recommended time to avoid the crowds. We can leave later if you want to.

What to bring

  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone
  • Ruins: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 50 pesos (less than 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.

 
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
 
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always be in the van, so keeping your things safe!

46 reviews for Coba ruins and Snorkeling in Cenote

  1. Canela

    We had a great experience with this company!! Our guide Arturo was very knowledgeable, kind, and patient – he really went out of his way to make our experience memorable. Our driver Josmar was a great driver and kept the van very clean. Would definitely recommend booking with them especially if you have a big family like ours as it’s convenient to be able to go at your own pace and leave things on the van. Thank you for making our trip so wonderful!

  2. Diana

    Family Vacation
    Such an amazing experience with this company! Our tour guide Arturo was so friendly and knowledgeable. Very patient for our big loud family! Great views and great memories!

  3. CP15Boston

    Amazing Experience- Tulum/Coba & Cenotes
    We did the tour of Tulum, Coba and Cenotes swim and it was a fantastic experience. The sights are unique and interesting in and of themselves- but the real stars of our experience were our guides and driver.
    We were fortunate to have Arturo and Joshua as our guides along with Gonzalo as the driver. The insight and history they shared with us was fascinating- also such nice people to spend the day with! The transportation was comfortable and spotless and refreshments were available throughout.
    The tour was extremely well organized- communication right from the initial booking was excellent. Timing was spot on to avoid crowds and allowed us to have a relaxed and comfortable experience. Lunch was fantastic as well.
    All in all we couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
    Thanks to everyone at Absolute Adventure for making our day memorable.

  4. Samir

    excellent experience – our guide Arturo was so friendly and accommodating and knowledgeable. we had the best time. couldn’t have seen or experienced or learned as much if we did it ourselves

  5. AkCosmo

    Excellent trip to Coba Ruins and Cenotes.
    We had a wonderful tour to Cobá Ruins, 2 cenote (swimming in one), and a wonderful authentic Mexican lunch. We had the Coba ruins practically to ourselves. We even saw monkeys while at the ruins. Our guide Arturo was very knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable. Our driver Carlos was an excellent and safe driver. The early pickup time was well worth it since we beat the crowds to the ruins and cenote. Thanks for a memorable time. My 13 year old and 11 year old enjoyed it as well.

  6. Monica

    Great day thanks to Absolute Adventure
    Spectacular day spent exploring the ruins, swimming in the cenote, and ending with a delicious lunch. Our tour guide Alex and driver Rodrigo made a great trip even better. Highly recommend using Absolute Adventure.

  7. Jared

    Our guide Alex, was super knowledgeable. He even taught us to count in ancient Mayan. He kept the trip fun and exciting. Our driver Rodrigo kept us and our stuff safe and secure in the van and made sure our trip down THE bumpiest road in Mexico was not murder on us. 110% will be booking here again.
    Their service went above and beyond for us and we enjoyed every min of the day.

  8. Molly

    My favorite experience in Tulum!
    We had so much fun on this tour! My husband and I love learning about ancient history and our tour guide Alex was so knowledgeable and answered all our questions. We saw Monkeys in the trees during our bike ride around the ruins and had a private tour of 2 cenotes. 10/10 would recommend.

  9. Bloobadeeeblll

    Awesome! This was an amazing tour – historically enriching, culinarily exquisite, and awe-inspiring when it came ti the cenotes. Omar and Alex were excellent hosts and I’d make them my first pick for tour guides anywhere in Mexico.

  10. Taylor

    We had the most wonderful tour with Alex G and Omar!! we explored Coba, visited two cenotes, and ended with a delicious meal. Alex did an incredible job and shared so much information. Omar kept a watchful eye over our belonging and ensured we were well hydrated! I HIGHLY recommend!!!

  11. Joe

    The Coba ruins are spectacular. There are many large and not so large structures scattered over a fairly large area. Our guide Arturo was a wealth of knowledge about the ruins as well as the history, trees, plants and animals of the area. Seeing the ruins with Arturo was like having a friend showing you around his backyard! Getting around on bikes was fairly easy as the area is mostly flat. It would be a lot of walking without them.
    And after the heat picked up later in the morning it was nice to take a cool dip in a beautiful cenote. The steps getting down were steep but it added to the thrill! And we even had time for a bonus second cenote for a little platform diving into a deep underground cenote! Very cool!
    And lastly we stopped at a local restaurant for lunch that had the best Mexico food that we had all week!
    All and all, it was a wonderful day and was exactly the way we had hoped it would be.

  12. K H

    We took a private tour of Coba and two refreshing cenotes. Alex and Rodrigo ensured we had fun and were safe throughout the duration of the trip. All our questions were answered and many detailed features were explained about the areas we were touring. Alex was a Gentleman and Rodrigo very courteous with all our family members. We highly recommend Alex and Rodrigo to help create amazing memories for your famIly. Thank you for an unforgettable day!

  13. Olivia

    If you and your family are coming to Cancun and would like to explore the Mayan ruins and Cenotes, a private tour is the way to go!! Our tour guide Alex was incredibly knowledgeable and tons of fun! (We highly recommend you ask for Alex) Everyone in the family, from grandparents or kids, enjoyed the private tour of Coba and the refreshing swim in the two cenotes! Also, our wonderful driver Rodrigo to take of us and our belongings while we were exploring. We will be booking with Absolute Adventure private tours again.

  14. K H

    We took a private tour of Coba and two refreshing cenotes. Alex and Rodrigo ensured we had fun and were safe throughout the duration of the trip. All our questions were answered and many detailed features were explained about the areas we were touring. Alex was a Gentleman and Rodrigo very courteous with all our family members. We highly recommend Alex and Rodrigo to help create amazing memories for your famIly. Thank you for an unforgettable day!

  15. Julia

    Our private tour to Tulum, Coba, two cenotes, and lunch was fantastic. Juan (guide) and Rodrigo (driver) picked us up in Puerto Aventuras, and everything was seamless. Juan knows a ton about the area and the sites, and he was super friendly and funny. The bike ride to see Coba was so fun, but the cenote swim was the highlight. Juan times everything so well so we had the cenote all to ourselves and we beat most everyone to the ruins. Booking and arranging was super easy.

  16. Marci

    Perfect family tour! Fun and informative.
    The whole day was perfect. We started at 8 am and made it to the Coba ruins. We were basically the only ones there. It was so nice to brag the crowds! Arturo, our guide was fabulous. We had a group of 8 including 4 kids (ages 12, 10, 8, and 5) and all really enjoyed it. Everyone but the 5 year old rode bikes while the 5 year old followed along on a rickshaw.
    We then enjoyed swimming in two different cenotes. Both places we had to ourselves. Arturo let us enjoy our time at each of them. We then had a very authentic delicious lunch. Such a great tour for the whole family. Def would recommend.

  17. Alexa

    Amazing time with the best tour guide! He is very informative and helpful!

  18. Monique

    Wonderful day, great tour, great food, great trip. Loved being so supported trhoughoit. This is making me type a longer review- enough said, just do it! Thank you!

  19. Brad

    Alex (guide) was very knowledgeable about Tulum and Coba and taught us a lot about the Mayan history and culture. It was obvious he studied in great length about the culture and the region. He even taught us how to count in Mayan. The private tour was well worth the additional cost. Omar (driver) was almost too quiet, but was a great driver getting us there and back safely.
    If you go to Coba with them you will have the choice of riding a bike or having what Alex calls a tricycle (rickshaw) with someone else peddling. We did the bikes and it was fun, but if you’re at all unsure about the bike, I would recommend the tricycle. It is farther than you might think.

  20. Craig

    An incredible experience! We had an incredible time with our tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable of the culture, and the history. Can’t explain how nice it was having a personal guide to show us everything and answer all of our questions.

  21. Sun Princess

    We had an excellent tour of Coba’s Mayan ruins and cenotes. We also had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
    Alex G. was an amazing guide. Very engaging and informative.
    Our driver Rodrigo got us to and from the resort with ease.
    Best tour I’ve been on in Mexico.

  22. Hannah

    We went on an amazing tour with Dulce and Omar. Dulce was very knowledgable about the ruins and nature of the area, and she was really great with our kid. Highly recommend the tour

  23. Erica

    We had an amazing time on our tour of Coba and the nearby cenotes! Our guide Juan was not only informative and super knowledgeable about ruins and Mayan culture, but went above and beyond to make sure the whole experience was so much fun. We were picked up on time by Juan and our driver Carlos and on the way to the ruins learned about the region and its history. We were some of the first people at Coba and got to ride through the jungle on bikes by ourselves. Then we went to two cave cenotes nearby where we were the only people swimming — something we’ll never forget. Lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant was delicious. We had the best time and would not hesitate to recommend booking with this company!

  24. Rasmeet C

    We did the Private Coba ruins and Snorkeling in Cenote tour with Daniele as our guide. It was amazing! We were picked up on time from our hotel in Cancun and the first stop was Coba where we opted to bike around and Daniele explained the history of the place. We then went into two cave cenotes, Choo-Ha and Tankach-Ha. Both were really cool. Absolute Adventure provided snorkeling equipment, including life jackets. There is an area to change at the cenotes, so you don’t have to wear your bathing suit all day. Afterwards, Daniele took us to a local place for an authentic lunch which was delicious!

  25. Tara

    We did the tour to Coba and cenotes and loved it! Getting to know the Mayan history and bike through the jungle was the best part. We were given options for cenotes and picked ones that fit the experience we wanted. The company communicated everything clearly and the day went smoothly. Dulce was very knowledgeable and fluent in English and Spanish which make it very easy for us. Omar was prompt and friendly. Highly recommend!!

  26. Piotr

    The tour was really nice. Juan was exceptional with his knowledge and guidance. Swimming in cenote at the end was very refreshing. Lunch tasted like home made food.everybody enjoyed the trip.

  27. Angela M

    We loved this tour of Coba and the Cenotes. Our guide was knowledgeable and energetic which was perfect for my active family of teens and young adults with parents. We arrived first thing when everything was quiet and private. We had first choice of the bikes and rode the bikes throughout the grounds in peace. Very easy Covid distancing. Lots of pictures with just our family and no extra people in the background. The cenotes were awesome with high jumps and snorkeling included. This tour was a highlight of our trip to Cancun.

  28. rebecca

    We had the BEST day with Manuel and Pascual! Thank you so much. REBECCA

  29. Stephanie

    The excursion with Absolute Adventure was the highlight of our trip! We arrived at Coba before anyone else and had the ruins all to ourselves for a little while, it was amazing. Afterwards we went to a beautiful cenote near Tulum which also had very few other people there. Our tour guide Daniele was fantastic and so knowledgeable! We also loved the included lunch with our trip. Highly recommend a tour with Absolute Adventure!

  30. Janvi

    Our guide, Daniele, was amazing. This tour was the highlight of our trip! Highly recommend!

  31. Daniel

    We had a beautiful day with Chris on our tour. It was a great time and worth the money ! Highly recommend.

  32. Jeff

    We had a wonderful day with Juan. Highlight of our trip in Tulum. Thank you

  33. Trish

    We had a wonderful private tour to Coba, and visited the cenote. Our guide Chris was fantastic. Thanks a lot for this great adventure day.

  34. Debra

    We had such a great time with Hector on our day trip to Coba and two cenotes. Hector was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and very good with our kids (16, 14, and 9). His knowledge was deep and vast, and he was very clear about where the research was and then speculation from historians and other archeologists who have been working on the sites. Everything was very do-able for all of us and the food and conversation were top notch. I highly recommend Absolute Adventure and this trip….

  35. Dan.

    Our family (my parents and I) did a private tour to Coba and swim in cenote Nicte-Ha. Our guide was Juan — he is amazing!!! He knows a lot of history and took lots of pictures for our family. He went above and beyond to give us a wonderful trip. We learned so much about Mayan history and architecture and had lots of fun swimming in the cenote.

    The company is very responsive and is super helpful assisting me to choose the right tour. Highly recommend this company!

  36. Steven

    Great tour. Manuel and Carlos were terrific guides. Very informative as well as entertaining. Carlos was an excellent driver. These two guides were always looking out for our entire group to ensure everyone had a good time. Recommend this team and tour HIGHLY!

  37. Ashley

    We did the trip to Coba and swimming in a cenote which was a really great combination of culture and nature. Off to Coba first which is an amazingly impressive site. Our guide Claire who was with us all day took a local guide, Pedro, when we got there which meant that we got the maximum information about the complex. We explored the excavated areas near the entrance first and then took a tricycle ride to the large ‘pyramid’ where we climbed to the top. It really is a place you could go back to time after time as more is excavated and put on public display. Then off to the cenote for a swim. The one Claire chose was quite far off the main road but that meant that in the whole cave there was only ourselves an one other small party of people. We ended with a late lunch of real Mexican food which was well earned and delicious. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough

  38. Amy

    I highly recommend Absolute Adventures! Our guide Arturo took care of us throughout the tour. First we climbed Coba ruins and took tons of pictures before other tourists arrived. By the time we left, it was packed and I can’t imagine climbing that ruin with all those people on it and as the heat intensified. Then we head to a cenote. Snorkeling there was a magical experience. Do not hesitate to book with AAM, these guys are great!

  39. Jeffrey

    Both Coba and cenote were fun and beautiful! We had a personal english speaking guide, a driver and a van for us the all day. Everything was enjoyable and easy! This company offers far better trips than any from the hotels and their staff makes your feel special.

  40. Maisie

    Our day in Coba was excellent. Our guide answered all our questions and made us laugh all along the tour. There was no rushing, just enjoying the way at our own pace. Coba is definitely a place to see, and climbing on the top of the pyramid makes it even better!The cenote we went to was amazing and we really had a blast swimming the middle of the jungle. I strongly recommend AA.

  41. Rachel

    We used Absolute Adventure for a tour of the Coba Ruins and snorkeling in a cenote. We had a 6:30 a.m. early start but so worth it! We got to the ruins before everyone else did which really allowed us to appreciate our surroundings. We were the first ones to climb up the Mayan ruin and got to enjoy the spectacular view without a ton of people around! We loved being able to use the bikes to get around too! From there we went to a yummy lunch and then off to the cenote. We were given wet suits and snorkels and explained how things worked. Having two children with me, I appreciated having a guide with us and that he was very familiar with the area. From start to finish, we knew we were in good hands, had some good conversations and laughs, learned a lot and went home happy and tired!! Great day trip out! One last thing – the car was clean and and the driver was very good.

  42. Ed

    Our coba tour with Absolute was again so amazing. Our tour guide Claire and driver met us early and they took care of every detail, we just had to relax and enjoy the day. She gave us insights of Mexican culture and told us about the history of Coba. We cycled around Coba ruins all morning and then we headed to a very quiet and gorgeous cenote. Snorkeling equipment was provided. Mexican lunch was far better than anything we had during our stay. Everything was perfect.

  43. Ryan

    I found Chris and Absolute Adventures by searching the internet, and he hands down deserves a 5 star rating. When searching for a tour I was looking for someone who was willing to take someone with a disabiltiy as I am a wheelchair user. Chris blew my expectations away. He carried me part way up the Coba ruins, got me in the ocean to snorkel with turtles and carried me down to swim in the Cenote. Take Chris’s advice and start the tour early! Well worth beating the crowds at the ruins.

  44. Debbie

    Our coba tour with Absolute was again so amazing (we booked three tours with them this being our second) our hotel is in Puerto Morelos so it is about 2 hours from Coba. Our tour guide Claire and driver met us on time at 6 am, the drive in the van was comfortable as Claire gave us some insight on the culture of the area. When arrived at Coba Claire too care of all the details; from water / drinks, entry fees, to renting bicycles (having someone peddle while you sat was an otion too), to information on the history plus showing us sites we would have otherwise missed as they were hidden in the deep forest. When we left Coba we were happy for the early start as the crowds were crazy. The cenote the driver took us too was off the beaten path, once again Absolute showed their attention to detail allowing us to swim / snorkel in a very quiet area leaving crowds behind. Claire our guide provided us with wet suites and life jackets (we brought our own snorkels but she will provide everything needed).

  45. Carl

    The Coba and cenote tour with Juan was great ! All our family members had a blast: from pick-up to drop-off, Juan was professional and friendly. Kids particularly loved the cenote. Having a private tour made a great difference, we enjoyed ruins and cenote how much we wanted and Juan gave us a lot of knowledge about each place. Highly recommended!

  46. Bridget

    We hired Absolute Adventures for a half-day private tour which included the Ruins of Coba and Snorkling in Centoe (underground caves). It was a truly authentic experience. The guide, Arturo was very knowledgeable throughout the tours. He climbed the ruins with us and took pictures of our group throughout. They got us to the Coba ruins right when it opened which was planned on their part as it wasn’t as crowded and the sun wasn’t steaming down on us. By the time we left, it was packed and I can’t imagine climbing that ruin with all those people on it and as the heat intensified. We were so happy to do it with a limited number of visitors at the time. The bike ride at the ruins was wonderfully shaded throughout and added to the relaxation of the trip. The cave snorkeling was a unique experience and it felt like their own private piece of history. The tour ended at a delicious authentic lunch spot! I have been to this area of Mexico a few times, and this was by far my favorite excursion. It was not commercialized and did not take up a whole day. It was very convenient, very reasonably priced, and we loved how we could customize to our wants. I highly recommended Absolute Adventures!

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