YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote

13 tour reviews
PRIVATE TOUR: From beginners to experts! Book this private tour and snorkel in the most peaceful and beautiful places of the Riviera Maya! With a lunch at a local mayan restaurant in the jungle.
  • Exclusive Experience: Just you, your personal local guide, and driver!
  • Private Transportation: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or rental.
  • Snorkel in an exceptional location: Yal Ku Lagoon, filled with small fish and featuring a remarkable mangrove landscape where it meets the ocean.
  • Breathtaking Cenotes: Pick from open-air or cave options – You’ll love the adventure!
  • Snorkel with with Premium Gear: Full equipment is provided for the ultimate swimming experience.
  • Lunch in a One-of-a-Kind Jungle Spot: Mexican flavors await you!
  • Set Your Own Pace: Stay longer or move on, the choice is entirely yours.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, gear, lunch…

Early bird discountBook 60+ days ahead and save 10%.

Multi-tour discountBook 2+ tours and save 10%.

Offers cannot be combined. Holiday exclusions apply. See terms and conditions.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The details of your private day.

Cenote and Yalku Lagoon Private Snorkeling Tour

 

  1. If snorkeling in the ocean is a little intense for your skill set, try out our Yal Ku tour including a stop at a cenote. This Cenote Yal Ku lagoon tour is perfect for individuals that are new to snorkeling and those who have experience in the pastime.

  2. Yal Ku Lagoon is a protected area allowing its swimmers to experience all of the benefits of snorkeling in Mexico without the stress of waves. One unique aspect of Yal Ku is its majestic mangrove landscape. The opening from the lagoon to the ocean allows for a mixture of fresh water and salt water. You will be able to get a glimpse of beautiful marine life with a lot of small colorful small fishes. The mangrove landscape of the area is something you will not want to miss.

  3. After snorkeling at the lagoon, we will reach the jungle to discover one of the wonders of the Yucatan peninsula, a cenote. Swimming in the calm and clear waters of a cenote will make you live a very special experience.

  4. We provide all snorkeling equipment and qualitative equipment! We do not want you to have to worry about anything, but having a stress-free, relaxing time in one of the most beautiful locations in Mexico. Our private transportation service will pick you up from the doorway of your hotel, and your guide will be with you all day. We do not want you to go hungry while on our watch, so this tour will also include a stop at a local Mexican restaurant.

  5. If you want to experience snorkeling in Mexico no matter your skill level, Yal Ku Lagoon and cenote is the tour for you!

  6.  

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
  • High quality snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuits, life jackets)
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte and one bottle of water

Price excludes

  • Extra drinks at the restaurant
  • Tips

General info

Private Tour:
Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
Duration:
 5-6 hours (check the itinerary tab, as it depends on your pick-up location).
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 one cenote between Nicte Ha, Taak bi Ha, or Jaguar.If you prefer to go to Dos Ojos or Pet Cemetery, we will add 10 USD per person on your balance. Your guide will be happy to help you to select the best cenote for you and your party according to your expectations and snorkeling skills.
What’s on the menu?
Selection of quesadillas, tacos, empanadas, salbutes, fajitas, grilled chicken, grilled fish, tortas (sandwiches), soup of day, … with vegetarian, fish, shrimp, chicken & meat options. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!

Itinerary options

Times at each stop are estimates. Driving and your exact pickup location affect the schedule.

Yal-Ku Lagoon and Cenote

  1. Yal-Ku Lagoon — 75 min
  2. Cenote snorkel — 60 min
  3. Lunch at Restaurante Juanita — 40 min

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Yal-Ku and the cenote, moving at your own pace.
Want a faster tour? Free time can be reduced or skipped; your guide can adjust the pace on the day of the tour.

What to bring

  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • 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*
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 13 tour reviews

Showing reviews 10–13 of 13

This company is great for private tours. We like our experience to be our experience, so we go private. We had a full day of snorkeling. Yalku was pretty incredible and the Cenote just amazing. Claire and the driver were fantastic. We both had been snorkeling but going with Claire was perfect because we learned we hadn't really been doing all the right things, game…

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This company is great for private tours. We like our experience to be our experience, so we go private. We had a full day of snorkeling. Yalku was pretty incredible and the Cenote just amazing. Claire and the driver were fantastic. We both had been snorkeling but going with Claire was perfect because we learned we hadn't really been doing all the right things, game changer. She was so knowledgeable about the fish and what we were seeing. The Cenote was an complete adventure, unforgettable. The food fantastic, better than some of the food at our resort.

Sam · Mar 2017

We were picked up promptly for our private tour to snorkel in a cenote and Yal-Ku lagoon. Local knowledge and guidance at each stop, along with plentiful water, beer, and lunch, made this an easy, fun, carefree day. Recommended.

Alicia · Jun 2016

We had the most amazing experience! Our guide, Chris was extremely informative, funny, and helpful throughout our day! Our tour included a cenote and Yal-Ku lagoon. The cenote was unbelievable. The stalagmites/stalactites were so cool! It felt like a totally different world. Yal-Ku was really beautiful and very fishy. A delicious lunch of fajitas with guacamole was also included. Overall it was an amazing day,…

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We had the most amazing experience! Our guide, Chris was extremely informative, funny, and helpful throughout our day! Our tour included a cenote and Yal-Ku lagoon. The cenote was unbelievable. The stalagmites/stalactites were so cool! It felt like a totally different world. Yal-Ku was really beautiful and very fishy. A delicious lunch of fajitas with guacamole was also included. Overall it was an amazing day, we highly recommend to everyone!

Jim · Jun 2016

We had a difficult group with 2 toddlers, a 5 year old, a 9 year old and a 12 year old. The 2 year olds freaked out at Yal-Ku and were miserable. Our tour guide Juan was crazy helpful with my kids at Yalku and at the cenote. The lunch in the jungle was absolutely amazing and we crazy picky about food. It was one…

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We had a difficult group with 2 toddlers, a 5 year old, a 9 year old and a 12 year old. The 2 year olds freaked out at Yal-Ku and were miserable. Our tour guide Juan was crazy helpful with my kids at Yalku and at the cenote. The lunch in the jungle was absolutely amazing and we crazy picky about food. It was one of the best meals we had while in Mexico and the service was great as well. Overall we had a fantastic day and Juan's help and flexibility with my toddlers was invaluable.

Sara · Sep 2015

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

Is the Yalku Cenote tour private or shared?

This is a private tour, just for you and your group.

You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.

Is the driver also the guide?

No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.

All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide. 

While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality experience.

How long does a private Yalku Cenote tour take?

Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.

It typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. 

Pickup & transport

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.

Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.

What vehicles do you use for your tours?

We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Visit our fleet page for more details.

Can I change the pick up time?

Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.

That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!

Activities & facilities

Is snorkeling experience required for this tour?

No previous snorkeling experience is required, but basic swimming skills are necessary.

We provide mandatory life vests, and our guide ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Is it easy to swim at Yal Ku Lagoon?

Yes, swimming at Yal Ku Lagoon is very easy—even for beginners and children. The lagoon features calm, shallow waters with almost no waves or currents, making it a safe and relaxing environment.

Thanks to its sheltered inlet, you can swim comfortably and snorkel without worrying about strong tides. Whether you're an experienced swimmer or just want to enjoy a peaceful dip, Yal Ku offers a gentle and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What can we see at Yal Ku Lagoon?

You can see colorful tropical fish, like sergent fish, parrotfish and angelfish... and unique rock formations.

The calm lagoon also has mangroves and is great for spotting birds like herons and pelicans.

Which cenote do we visit on this tour?

Choose Your Cenote: Open, Semi-Open, or Cave

You can view the list of cenotes available for this tour under the ‘Tour Description and General Info’ tab, where you'll also find links to full descriptions of each cenote.

Unless you've already made your choice, you can decide which cenote to visit together with your tour guide on the day of your tour.

Are cenotes cold? Are they easy to access?

No, cenotes aren’t too cold—they stay at a refreshing 75–79°F (24–26°C) year-round, which is perfect for a swim.

Most cenotes have easy access with platforms and just a few steps to get in and out comfortably.

Do we have to wear wetsuits?

No, wetsuits are not mandatory. Only life vests are required for safety.

We do provide wetsuits if you would like extra comfort, especially if you find the water chilly. Wearing a wetsuit can also help you stay in the water longer without getting cold.

Are there showers or changing rooms at Yalku and at the cenotes?

Yes. Facilities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing areas.

Planning & booking

What should I bring for the tour? Where can I leave my belongings?

Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list.

Be sure to bring the essentials: swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops/sandals.

You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.

Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?

Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.

After booking, you can let us know your needs by filling out the check-in form—just follow the link in your booking confirmation email.

What is the cancellation policy?

Go ahead and plan with confidence—your booking is fully flexible!

You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.

We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!

For full details, check out our booking policy page.

More questions?

Visit our main FAQ page or contact us by email, WhatsApp or via chat, we're happy to help!

Come explore the Riviera Maya with us.

Private adventures, thoughtfully planned by our local team.

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Coupon terms & conditions

EARLY2MONTHS — 10% off
Book at least 60 days before your tour date.

MULTITOUR — 10% off
Book at least 2 tours in one transaction.

If part of a multi-tour booking is canceled and only one tour remains, the discount becomes void and the remaining balance will be adjusted.

Enter your coupon code at checkout.

Tour photos

MAKE IT YOUR DAY

Book with Confidence

Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote

Choose your date, number of guests and pickup location to see your exact price.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.