Secret River in Cancun, Mexico
Cancun, Mexico

Secret River

Outty Ranking 56 4.8 · 4 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $85
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Secret River worth booking?

Secret River is a 5-hour experience in Cancun, Mexico, from $85 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (4)
Duration
5 hours
From
$85 per person

Rio Secreto is a journey through a crystal museum, whose formations tell the geological history of the Earth and are undoubtedly a life-transforming experience. Before entering the Mayan underworld, visitors will walk the reserve's trails, where they will be welcomed. Here you can understand part of the history of humanity, while also appreciating the impressive visual spectacle that thousands of stalactites and stalagmites give to this mysterious and enigmatic place. Afterwards, the equipment will be returned and there will be a toast with Xtabentun and you will receive a buffet of regional food and fresh waters. Once this is done, you will return to the reception to board the transportation that will take you to your hotels.

What you get

    About this experience

    Rio Secreto is a journey through a crystal museum, whose formations tell the geological history of the Earth and are undoubtedly a life-transforming experience. Before entering the Mayan underworld, visitors will walk the reserve's trails, where they will be welcomed. Here you can understand part of the history of humanity, while also appreciating the impressive visual spectacle that thousands of stalactites and stalagmites give to this mysterious and enigmatic place. Afterwards, the equipment will be returned and there will be a toast with Xtabentun and you will receive a buffet of regional food and fresh waters. Once this is done, you will return to the reception to board the transportation that will take you to your hotels.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Rio Secreto

      This site is a living example that it is possible to admire and get to know it while causing minimal impact. Travelers will walk and swim through its beautiful natural glass galleries.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Tulum

      For travelers who take the tour with a visit to Tulum, they can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea in the archaeological zone, where the guide will expose them much of the history that was experienced in this Mayan city, appreciating its everything.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cancun

    For travelers in downtown Cancun, the only departure point is at Oasis Smart. Basic Tour Tour Plus

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    For travelers in downtown Cancun, the only departure point is at Oasis Smart. Basic Tour Tour Plus

    Options you can book

    • Secret River Plus

      Secret River Plus: Activities to do: Rappel, bicycle, entrance to Ruta Seca for Light projection in the Hall of Peace and tour in RS Minors: The minimum age for minors to be able to carry out the activity is 7 years old. Pickup included

    • Secret River + Tulum

      Tulum archaeological site: In this package travelers will visit the archaeological area of Tulum (1hr 40min). First activity of the tour. Duration: 10 hours Archaeological Zone Tax : Within the activity a tax of 23 USD or 416 MXN must be paid for foreigners and 14 USD or 255 MXN domestic Pickup included

    • CLASSIC ENTRY

      No pick up service: This option is ideal for those who have their own means of transport to reach the reservation. Schedules available: 9 : 00, 11 : 00, 13 : 00 and 14 : 00. For any time, it is important to be 30min early to check in.

    • Classic Secret River

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    krea travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Secret River in Cancun, photo 2Secret River in Cancun, photo 3Secret River in Cancun, photo 4

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Secret River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    BRADLEY_C · February 2024

    Beautiful underground river/cave

    The ride there was quite long as we had to stop at 3 other hotels to pick up guests. It took us 2 hours to get there for a 40 min trip direct. This is the 2nd time my wife and I have done this trip to the Secrete River. What does that tell you. It's spectacular! Wonderful, unique experience-one that we highly recommend. It's not good for those with mobility or balance issues as there is a reasonable amount of uneven walking that must be done. The lunch afterwards is pretty good Overall, it's a wonderful thing to do/see, although a bit pricey for what you get.

    Response from the operator: Hello, it benefits us a lot if you leave us your comment on the important points. Being a reserve, the idea is to keep it in its natural state, but we know that the place is worth it

    via Viator

    Dennis_F · February 2024

    Amazing Day at the Secret River

    Rio Secreto was amazing. The caves, and the history of them, was just a great day. Our guide Jens was great, with very informative highlights. He and Hector led our group thru without any issues. Very good time.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us your comment, we are happy to know that your experience at Río Secreto was favorable and that the staff team made it a good memory.

    via Viator

    Joe N · November 2021

    10/10 would do it again.

    Breath taking, everything was 10/10 would do it again. Hector our guide was super knowledgeable about the caves and really took his time to show us all the details of this cave system. I never in my life thought I would be swimming in an underground river system but I felt totally safe doing so with Hector.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for being part of this adventure and leaving us your comment, we are happy to know that the staff has been of quality as well as the tour, we hope to see you soon

    via Tripadvisor

    EZGoose · July 2021

    Must do activity in Cancun area.

    This was AMAZING!!! It was so cool to be able to tour these caves walking/swimming through the river. At times we go to swim through some sections where stalactites were just a few inches off our heads. Incredible experience and certainly a must do if you're in the Cancun area. Paulina was our guide and she did a great job educating us about the caves, how they were form, when they were found and what preservations efforts are being taken to make sure this water and natural wonders stay pristine. My kids ages 13-20 loved it!!!

    Response from the operator: We are very happy to have been part of your great experience, that the staff has been friendly, we appreciate your comment and we look forward to offering you more options of the same quality.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $85 to $177
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by krea travel, who run 22 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.5.

    See everything krea travel runs

    Why this scores 56

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)65
    Review evidence (18% weight)23
    Booking momentum (14% weight)12
    Value for money (12% weight)82
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Secret River: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cancun.

    How much does Secret River cost?

    +

    Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cancun usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Secret River take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cancun is not rushed.

    Is Secret River worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cancun, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Secret River?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Secret River suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Secret River?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cancun can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cancun and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Secret River start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cancun within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cancun?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Cancun experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chichen Itza from Cancun : Cenote, Valladolid and Mayan Cuisine, Early Access to Chichen Itza with optional pick-up, Small-Group 3 Hidden Cenotes Adventure with Tequila Tasting. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cancun?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cancun?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Secret River?

    +

    Included: Bottled water; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Secret River include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 254 listed pickup locations in and around Cancun. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Secret River offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Secret River?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Secret River wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Secret River if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cancun. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Secret River?

    +

    Across 4 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Secret River?

    +

    There are 4 options to choose from, including Secret River Plus, Secret River + Tulum, CLASSIC ENTRY, Classic Secret River. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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