On this National Geographic Day Tour, explore Tankah Park in Mexico's Riviera Maya. With insights from National Geographic, trek through the jungle to Cenote Cueva and Cenote Piraña for a refreshing dip. You'll also visit Cenote Naval for an adventurous canoeing session and Cenote Azul for another invigorating swim in its crystal-clear waters. These cenotes were not only sources of fresh water for the ancient Maya but were also believed to be passageways to Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, and were sites for important rituals.
Next, head over to a traditional Mayan house to learn about the Melipona bee, a stingless bee that has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal honey. You'll then enjoy exclusive access to a traditional Mayan kitchen, taking part in a tortilla workshop and learning about authentic Mayan cooking. A buffet meal featuring local dishes brings the day's discoveries and delivers flavours rooted in heritage.
Finally, hike to a fifth cenote, learning about the discovery and preservation of these natural sites. Spanning 300 hectares, Tankah Park's cenotes and forests offer Mayan heritage and ecological diversity. This tour also supports the local community and promotes sustainable tourism, helping to preserve these remarkable lands.
Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Mysteries of the Cenotes - A Journey into Mayan Culture
- Dive into sacred cenotes on this National Geographic Day Tour where you can have a refreshing swim in Cenote Cueva and Cenote Piraña, revered pools historically linked to the Mayan underworld, Xibalba
- Paddle Through Crystal Waters with an adventurous canoeing experience on the pristine waters of Cenote Naval, followed by a relaxing stop at Cenote Azul
- Gain unique insights into the cultural and ecological significance of the cenotes and the surrounding Mayan jungle with your National Geographic-trained guide
- Get hands-on in a Mayan kitchen as you take part in an exclusive tortilla-making workshop, then savour a buffet of authentic Mayan dishes
- Support local heritage and promote ecological preservation while exploring 300 hectares of Tankah Park's lush forests, sacred cenotes, and diverse wildlife
Transport
-
Guide
-
Admission fees
-
Buffet
-
Soft drinks
-
Lifejacket
-
Swim stops
-
Exclusive TUI itinerary
Transport
- Please note: The use of sunscreen is not permitted for swimming in the cenotes
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to moderate walking distance during tour
- Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to uneven paths or steps
- Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
- Bring a towel
- Bring a hat
- Bring suitable footwear
- Bring money for extras or gratuities
- English-speaking guide for all nationalities
What people say about this experience
Based on 6 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Staff
4.6/5
Safety
4.6/5
Service
4.6/5
Value for money
4.6/5
David M
From United States of America - June 2025Solo traveller
18 - 24 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
The whole experience was amazing. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Enjoyed every second of it thoroughly ...
Becks&Nev
From United States of America - May 2025Travelled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Would give this trip 11/10! Absolutely fabulous from start to finish
De vakantie gangers
From United States of America - May 2025Travelled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Great
Overall rated4/5
De cenotes waren prachtig en uitleg was ook goed. Alleen de show cooking was er niet zoals gezegd werd. Eten was goed ,alleen personeel was kort af en ...
Karen/laura
From United States of America - May 2025Travelled with family
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
I enjoyed the whole experience. It was a beautiful place , breathtaking being in the cenotes, it would of been even better if the zip line going acro ...
Alan
From United States of America - May 2025Travelled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Enjoyed how relaxing an experience it was, that we could take gentle stroles between each cenote whilst enjoying the company of other guests. It woul ...
GHM
From United States of America - March 2025Travelled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
You might also like
Playa del Carmen Coco Bongo Tickets
Party the night away at Playa del Carmen's legendary Coco Bongo nightclub, where a Vegas-style extravaganza awaits. In a four-hour show featuring dancers, performers, acrobats and singers, you'll be swept away by the club's dazzling nighttime atmosphere. There are five options to choose from – Regular, Gold Member, Silver Member, Front Row and Ladies Night.The fun starts as soon as you're dropped off at Coco Bongo. Well-known for its glittering performances and music that's sure to keep you on the dancefloor. Once the lights are dimmed, the show truly gets started with glittering confetti falling from the sky and tribute acts taking to the stage bringing the best of Madonna, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to you.Choose from five options:Regular – Standing only entry ticket with snack and open barGold Member – Separate fast-track Gold Member entrance, with reserved seating, snack and open barSilver Member - Silver Entrance, premium bar with one snack to choose, no seat (one mini hamburger, one hotdog, french fries or nachos)Front Row Ticket – Reserved front row seating area with snack and open bar
de, es, en, fr, nl
Tulum Morning Tour with Transfer
On holiday, it can be tough to tear yourself away from the hotel pool or the all-inclusive bar. But with this trip, you can spend the morning at one of Mexico's must-see sights and still be back for lunch. Tour the ancient Maya ruins of Tulum with an expert guide, followed by free time to explore on your own.
es, en, fr
Snorkelling with Turtles and Cenote Swim in Riviera Maya
For an amazing underwater adventure, this half-day tour into the heart of the Mexican jungle and the Caribbean reef is a must-do. You'll swim in the mystical surroundings of a cenote and snorkel with turtles in the Caribbean during an action-packed morning in the Riviera Maya.
de, es, en, fr, nl
Guided Tour of Tulum and Visit to a Modern Maya Community
Exploring ancient ruins and swimming in underground caves make this an action-packed morning of adventure. A guided tour of one of Mexico's most important historical sites is followed by a visit to a traditional Mayan community. What's more, you'll get the chance to take a refreshing dip in a cenote too.
de, es, da, en, fi, +5 fr, nl, no, pl, sv
Journey into the Mayan past with a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza. Paired with a certified guide, you'll unearth the secrets of Mexico's top archaeological site, visit a typical Mayan cenote for a swim and take your pick from a tasty buffet lunch. And, if you opt for the Deluxe ticket, you'll stop to visit Valladolid and tuck into your buffet lunch in a local restaurant there.
es, en, fr
A trip to Señor Frog’s for Playa del Carmen
Dig into your next flavour fix at Señor Frog's, a lively restaurant and bar famous for its vibrant atmosphere, tasty plates and fun-filled parties. With a drink, entree and main course of your choice included, you're all set for a feast in this lively hotspot. But the real fun kicks in with the entertainment – think live music, dancing and games that get everyone involved.
es, en
Family-friendly Coco Bongo sunset show in Playa del Carmen
Get ready for an evening at the Coco Bongo Sunset Show, a family-friendly twist on the iconic Coco Bongo experience. This event delivers the same electrifying performances and impressive audiovisual displays as the nighttime events, but with an extra focus on family fun. Adults can take their pick from an open bar, while kids have access to unlimited soft drinks – it's the perfect way to spend an evening out together.
es, en
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary Ticket only
Take a trip to Akumal Monkey Sanctuary for a guided tour. Meet the animals that call this place home – including over 20 different species – and hear about how they were rescued. You'll see colourful macaws, friendly snakes and playful monkeys, as well as learn about their natural behaviours from a knowledgeable guide. Plus, you'll find out about the sanctuary's conservation efforts and why they're so important. Just a heads-up, transport isn't included in this tour.
es, en
Dolphin swim by Delphinus with Xel-Ha Light Park ticket with transfer
Dive into a world of adventure with the Xel-Ha Light tour, designed with families in mind. At Xel-Ha natural aquarium park, you can see dolphins up close, snorkel in a cove, and glide down a river on a waterslide. Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views before zooming down the waterslide. Check out caves, cenotes, and grottos, or go for a bike ride around the park. With round-trip transportation and all your gear, including life jackets and towels included, all you need is your sense of adventure.
es, en
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary with ATV tour and snorkelling
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is loaded with wild landscapes, and you'll have a chance to dive into them on this full-day itinerary. You'll tick off everything from a visit to a monkey sanctuary to an ATV ride in the jungle, with some snorkelling in Akumal Bay thrown in for good measure. Javier, an expert local guide, says “this activity is perfect if you want to leave the big cities and hotels behind for a while and experience Mexico's greener side. Cenotes, wildlife, beaches, jungle – you'll encounter them all.”You'll start your day with a visit to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, a place where rescued animals from around the area are looked after and treated. You'll be shown around by one of the people who work here, and you'll be introduced to some of the primates and birds currently being cared for. Then, you'll switch things up a few gears for an ATV ride through the jungle. You can get behind the controls of a vehicle as you head to a cenote tucked away within the greenery. These natural, freshwater sinkholes are unique to this part of Mexico, and your guide will tell you about their cultural significance before your chance to hop in for a swim.When you're done here, you'll make your way to today's final stop, Akumal Bay. This sandy spot is known from Tulum to Cancun as one of the area's top snorkelling spots. And that's exactly what you can do here. To make things even better, Akumel Bay is known for its native turtle population, so it's likely you'll share the waters with these gentle reptiles during your visit.
es, en