Cave and walking tour under the cave was excellent. The guide was very patient and informative and loved the experience. Water was very clean, restroom and changing area were clean and well maintained
We did the combo tour. The zip line, bicycle, and repelling were fun but nothing special. The Cave tour is great! My only suggestion would be to get bicycles with a lower gear ratio so they're easier to peddle. Several people in our group had to walk their bikes.
This was a fun experience. I was not really sure what to expect. Our guide, Anna, was very knowledgeable and help create a memorable experience for this unique tour. The river part was fun. I kept asking Anna if we would see a bat in its natural habitat and she found one. The Tulum tour was so interesting. Anna did a great job explaining the ruins. If going mid-day remember to bring an umbrella or sun hat because there is not much shade and it got toasty.
Loved this two stop excursion. Tulum is fantastic and not overcrowded like Chichen Itze. Guide was knowledgeable and professional. Rio Secreto is very special and worth the trip. We should have done the biking and zip lining at Rio.
This was such an exciting trip! It was our first main tour of a few we did in our 9 day holiday at Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, and it certainly set the bar high. First we went out of a boat with our guides and a group of about 15 others to go snorkelling on the second biggest reef in the world! We were given a floatation jacket, snorkel and mask, and flippers, and then once out at sea (maybe a 10 minute boat ride) we jumped off the edge of the boat to explore the beautiful under sea world of the reef and some amazing sea creatures. We saw plenty of fish, a turtle, a few rays and even a barracuda! There was a fair bit of swimming required, although the guide who lead us did have a life ring on a rope, if needed. We swam for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and to be fair, I was exhausted by the end, being a confident but less than fit swimmer. We were never that far from the boat, but certainly quite a way out to sea, so no sloping off to the beach for a rest. Bear this in mind if you are not the most confident swimmer - let them know before the swimming begins! I have snorkelled before but not for a couple of decades. My wildlife loving partner had never snorkelled before and he absolutely loved this experience, as I had hoped he would! We then got back on the boat via a ladder and returned to the harbour at Puerto Morelos, just had time for a quick coffee and slice of cake to recharge my energy levels (these were included in the price), ready for our next adventure at Rio Secreto underground river and nature reserve. For me, this was the most exciting part of the day. We donned wet suits and hard hats with a head lamp on, and water shoes (take your own if you have them) and our wonderful guide, Diago, took us first to meet a shaman for a blessing for our journey, and then we went down into he cave complex amongst the most incredible stalactites and stalacmites, wading through the waters of the underground cave. If you have swum in a cenote, which we did in a subsequent trip, this is different as you have to walk in a line along the river, in and out of small lakes and streams and tunnels underground, lit only by head torches - it was incredibly atmospheric! Diago made it really fun and also paid attention to our safety, and we had 2 other guides with us - a photographer and a second guide to make sure we were all ok. There were some tight spaces to navigate, rocks to climb over, and lots of steps up and down under the water, which Diago lit with his torch under the water so it was easier to find my footing. He is clearly really passionate about caving, and his joy was infectious - rarely have I had so much fun, it was like being a child all over again! At one point we all turned our torches off and were in absolute pitch blackness for a few seconds - truly breathtaking! Honestly, if you want to have an adventure, give this trip a try, but be aware that you need to be relatively able bodied to really enjoy the underground river as once you're in, you need to keep going through the cave system with your group. That said it was enormous fun and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Thank you Diago for making it such a special experience.
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve
4.5
(2,059)
Playa del Carmen
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is a must-see for nature lovers.
You can’t purchase Rio Secreto Nature Reserve tickets and go on your own; the reserve is accessible by guided tour only.
Bring water shoes to navigate the reserve’s rocky surfaces.
Tours typically include a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, towels, and use of lockers.
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve provides lockers, for free, where you can store your valuables.
Personal cameras are not allowed in the caves; however tours provide photos that you can purchase.
Knowing how to swim is not a requirement as flotation devices will be provided.
People Also Ask
Are there guided tours of Rio Secreto Nature Reserve?
Yes, you can choose from several different Rio Secreto Nature Reserve tours led by specialized guides. The classic tour includes access to the 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) underground route home to stalactite and stalagmite-lined caves. Other tours such as the Admission Rio Secreto Wild Tour with Lunch have adventurous add-ons. These unique experiences include rappelling, mountain biking, and riding a zipline above ground, not in the cave system.
What are the main attractions and activities at Rio Secreto Nature Reserve?
The main attractions at Rio Secreto Nature Reserve are the underground caverns formed from limestone and coral that’s fossilized over the course of millions of years. You’ll walk and swim beneath these formations on a cave tour. Thousands of years ago the Mayan people considered them to be sacred. Other popular activities include rappelling down to Xibalbá (the Mayan underworld).
What should I wear and bring when visiting Rio Secreto Nature Reserve?
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve provides the equipment you’ll need to enter the caves and navigate its crystalline waters. Tours include a wetsuit, headtorch, life vest, helmet, and lamp. Wear a bathing suit to keep on beneath your wetsuit and opt for water shoes with a good grip. Guides will provide towels, so you can dry off afterwards.
What is the best time of year to visit Rio Secreto for the best experience?
Because the highlights of Rio Secreto Nature Reserve are underground, there’s not a bad time to visit when it comes to the weather. However, December through April is peak season in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya. During this time of year, booking your tour in advance as they have a tendency to sell out.
Are there any other attractions near Rio Secreto Nature Reserve?
Yes, there are several attractions near Rio Secreto Nature Reserve. Some tours combine the cave system with the Tulum Ruins, a Mayan archaeological site with a stunning location on the Caribbean Sea. It’s also close to the eco amusement park Xcaret, where you can go snorkeling, ziplining, hiking, and river rafting.
How do I get to Rio Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen or Cancun?
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is in the small town of Playacar. The drive is around 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen. From Cancun it takes about 1.5 hours via the Chetumal-Cancun highway. Opt for a tour package that includes transport to save yourself the hassle of driving or dealing with taxis.