2025 Nature Day! 2 Cenotes, 1 Lagoon & Playa Paraiso Review

So, you are probably looking at pictures of the Riviera Maya and, like, wondering how to see all those places with the incredible water. I mean, there are just so many options it’s almost a little overwhelming. We were in that exact spot, actually, scrolling through tour after tour from Cancun. That’s when we found this particular outing: the 2025 ‘Nature Day’ that promised a little bit of everything. Seriously, it seemed to offer two kinds of cenotes, a special lagoon, and one of the world’s most talked-about beaches, sort of all in one day. Frankly, the idea of getting picked up and having the entire day’s activities sorted out was very, very appealing. It’s pretty much the main reason we went for it. The plan sounded almost too good; a deep dive into the natural wonders that make this part of Mexico so special, you know? Anyway, we wanted to share our experience, to be honest, to give you a real sense of what this day is like, beyond the brochure pictures. At the end of the day, it’s about making a memory you’ll want to think about for a long, long time.

First Up: The Subterranean World of a Cavern Cenote

Okay, our day started with a pickup that was, to be honest, very punctual. The van was comfortable, you know, with good air conditioning, which is a big deal in the heat there. Our guide for the day introduced himself and was, frankly, very friendly right from the start, sort of making everyone feel at ease. After a bit of a drive, we arrived at our first location, which was, actually, a cavern cenote. It’s really hard to explain the feeling when you first walk down the wooden stairs into the earth. Seriously, the air gets cooler, and the sounds from outside just, like, fade away. The light inside was coming from an opening way up at the top, and it made these beams in the water that were, in a way, magical.

Anyway, getting into the water was the next step, and frankly, it was a little cold at first, which is pretty typical for cenotes. But once you’re in, your body adjusts, and it’s honestly just so refreshing. The water is almost perfectly clear, so you can see the rock formations below your feet. We were given life vests, which was good because it meant you could just float and look up at the stalactites hanging from the ceiling, which have been forming for, you know, thousands of years. Our guide shared some stories about how the Mayan people considered these places sacred, which, to be honest, made the whole thing feel more meaningful. We spent a good amount of time here, more or less an hour, just swimming around and taking it all in. At the end of the day, it was a completely different world from the sunny beaches people usually picture when they think of Cancun.

That Initial Plunge

I mean, that first step into the cenote is something you will definitely remember. The water is, actually, a shocking kind of cool, but in a really good way that wakes up your senses. It’s pretty much a perfect contrast to the humid air outside. You can, like, literally feel the day’s heat washing away. The group got quiet for a moment, you know, as everyone just sort of absorbed the environment. It’s a very personal moment, really, even when you are with other people. You see fish, these little black ones, swimming around like you’re not even there. And, right, the sounds are different down there, too. Every splash and every voice echoes a little bit, making the space feel both huge and intimate. It’s almost like the cave is telling its own story.

Next Stop: An Open-Air Cenote Experience

So, just when we thought we had seen the best kind of cenote, we headed to our second one. This one was, as a matter of fact, completely different. Instead of a cave, it was an open-air cenote, which is basically like a huge, natural swimming pool right in the middle of the jungle. I mean, the feeling was totally opposite of the first stop. Here, the sun was shining, and the whole area was surrounded by, you know, lots of green plants and trees. Birds were making sounds, and it was just a little more lively and energetic. It honestly felt like a secret spot you’d see in a movie. The water here was just as clear, but the sunlight made it sparkle in a completely different way, you know?

Anyway, this cenote had areas for everyone. There were, for example, platforms you could jump from, which a few people in our group were really excited about. I mean, it wasn’t super high or anything, just a fun little drop into the water below. There were also shallower parts where you could just sit and relax. We spent our time sort of paddling from one side to the other, looking at the tangled roots of the trees reaching down into the water. In that case, it was kind of amazing to see how nature works together. To be honest, having these two very different cenote experiences back-to-back was a really smart way to plan the day. It really showed the variety that exists in the Yucatan Peninsula. You get to see how a cenote can be a quiet, mysterious cave or, you know, a sunny, lively swimming hole.

The Amazing Colors of Kaan Luum Lagoon

Alright, the third location on our schedule was the Kaan Luum Lagoon, and frankly, I had seen pictures but they honestly don’t do it justice. The lagoon is this huge, almost perfectly circular body of water, and its colors are just, you know, unbelievable. The outer ring is a very shallow area with a pale, minty green water color, and it’s almost like soft clay under your feet. Then, in the middle of the lagoon, there’s this deep, dark blue cenote that is roped off. The contrast between the light green and the deep blue is, seriously, one of the most incredible natural things I’ve ever seen. You can float in the shallow, warm water of the lagoon and just stare at that dark circle in the middle. It’s a little bit mysterious and very captivating.

I mean, we spent our time here mostly relaxing. There’s a long wooden pier that goes out over the water, which is, basically, the perfect spot for photos. There are also some swings and hammocks in the water, which is just as fun as it sounds. We just hung out in a water hammock for a while, rocking back and forth in the warm water, and it was pretty much peak vacation mode. The whole place has a very chill, relaxed vibe. It’s not about big adventures; it’s more or less about just enjoying the very unique environment. To be honest, it was a great change of pace after the more active swimming at the cenotes. We could have, actually, stayed there all afternoon. It’s just a place that makes you feel very calm and happy.

Finishing the Day at Playa Paraiso

Finally, our last stop was Playa Paraiso, or “Paradise Beach,” and frankly, the name is very fitting. You know, this beach often appears on lists of the world’s best beaches, and it’s easy to see why. The sand is incredibly white and so soft, almost like powder. And the water, well, it’s that classic Caribbean turquoise color that you dream about. Seriously, it’s just stunningly clear. The tour drops you off here for the final part of the day, which is, sort of, the perfect way to wind down. By this point, you’ve had a day full of swimming and exploring, so some time just to lay on a beautiful beach feels, you know, absolutely right. It’s a nice bit of balance for the day’s activities.

So, we found a spot on the sand, and just relaxed. You can go for another swim in the ocean, or just, you know, walk along the shore. The waves were very gentle, making it a very easy and relaxing swim. There’s that famous leaning palm tree here that everyone takes pictures with, and, of course, we did too. It’s just a fun, touristy thing to do. The atmosphere at Playa Paraiso is very lively, with a few beach clubs nearby playing music, but it’s a big beach so you can easily find a quieter spot if you want. It was, at the end of the day, the ideal conclusion to a day spent appreciating water in all its forms, from underground caves to a multi-colored lagoon and finally, you know, the huge, open sea.

Helpful Pointers for Your Nature Day Tour

Okay, if you’re thinking of doing this tour, here are a few things that are, you know, good to know. First, you should definitely bring biodegradable sunscreen. You’ll be asked to use it, or none at all, at the cenotes and lagoon to protect the very delicate ecosystems, which is, frankly, something we should all do anyway. I mean, it’s a really important rule. A waterproof phone case or a GoPro is also a great idea because, to be honest, you’re going to want to take pictures of everything, especially underwater. We saw some people who didn’t have one and they were, like, a little regretful. Also, definitely bring a towel and a change of clothes for the ride back; you’ll appreciate being dry and comfortable, you know?

Now, about the food. Lunch was included on our tour, and it was, actually, a pretty simple but tasty local meal served near one of the cenotes. It wasn’t anything fancy, just some authentic local food which was, in a way, perfect for the day. You should also bring some cash. Seriously, you might want to buy a snack, a drink, or a small souvenir at one of the stops, and not all places take cards. The tour guides also, you know, work really hard, so having cash for a tip is a very good idea. At the end of the day, being a little prepared just makes the whole experience smoother. You just show up, have your small bag with these few items, and then, you know, let the guide handle the rest. It’s pretty much a worry-free way to see some truly incredible spots.

“At the end of the day, this tour was less about checking off a list and more about, you know, really experiencing the different ways water shapes this incredible landscape. From a dark cave to the bright open sea, it was kind of perfect.”

What to Bring: A Simple List

• Biodegradable Sunscreen: This is, like, a must-have for protecting the cenotes.
• Swimsuit and Towel: You will obviously need these for all the swimming.
• Water Shoes: Honestly, these can be helpful for walking on rocks in the cenotes.
• Cash: For small purchases and, you know, for tips.
• Waterproof Camera/Phone Pouch: To be honest, you’ll regret it if you can’t get photos.
• A Hat and Sunglasses: For the beach portion of the day, definitely.

Read our full review: [2025 Nature Day! 2 Cenotes, 1 Lagoon & Playa Paraiso Full Review and Details]
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