Mystical Mayan Cenotes

Yucatan, Mexico

with Bonny & Gava

Underwater scene with a woman swimming in a cave, illuminated by sun rays.

30th Nov- 7th Dec

Yucatan, Mexico

Maximum 16 guests

No certifications required

Extra days available for advanced divers

Starting from 2,300 CHF

Book Here

Dive into…

Immerse yourself into the Mayan culture both above and below the water.

A week diving in the hidden cenotes of Yucatán, visiting Mayan ruins (of course we cannot miss one of the 7 wonders of the world) and breathing one of the most colourful atmospheres in the world, while indulging in tasty food and great drinks.

For those of you who don’t know: cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing hidden pools of crystal-clear water beneath the surface.

Fascinating but full of mystery and magic at the same time, the cenotes are the most beautiful gems of the Yucatán Peninsula. Sheltered by the jungle, taking a swim in a cenote isn’t just an adventure—it’s a journey into the depths believed by the Mayans to be gateways to the underworld. And trust us, you’ll feel it!

We will also explore the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve by boat: countless species of birds are found here and, among mangroves and crystal clear waters, hundreds of pink flamingos breed, creating a real sight for the eyes.

This won’t be your average tour of Yucatan. During this week you’ll be able to appreciate the culture and magic of the people living there today as well as the Mayans who lived there centuries ago.

Highlights

  • A woman smiling and wearing sunglasses, carrying a woven tote bag, stands on grass in front of the pyramid of Chichen Itza with a clear blue sky overhead and other visitors in the background.

    Tour of Ancient Mayan Ruins

  • Group of people swimming underwater in a pool, wearing goggles and making swimming gestures.

    Underwater Games

  • A woman wearing a white embroidered blouse holding a plate of food in front of a rustic wooden log wall.

    Home-Cooked Mayan Food

  • A diver in full gear, including a wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, explores an underwater cave with sunlight streaming through the water and illuminating the rocky ceiling.

    Cavern Scuba Diving (beginner too)

  • Two women smiling and holding hands in front of a yellow church with bell towers and a stained glass window, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Tours of Mexican Pueblos

  • A person scuba diving underwater, reaching towards a beam of sunlight.

    Underwater Photoshoots

  • A large group of pink flamingos standing and swimming in a body of water with a green tree line in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Pink Flamingo Migration Tour

  • An alligator resting on the ground near two herons standing in the water in a wetland area.

    Ria Celestún Biosphere Boat Tour

  • A person holding a hydrofoil board underwater in a deep ocean or large pool, with sunlight streaming down from above.

    All Levels Welcome!

  • A close-up of a hanging stalactite formation inside a cave.

    Underwater Exploration

  • A man hugging a girl dressed in traditional Mexican clothing at a celebration, with others in festive attire and colorful flowers around.

    Local Mayan Cultural Experiences

  • A person wearing a virtual reality headset stands on a sandy underwater surface, with arms lifted, as if exploring or interacting with a virtual environment, in an underwater scene.

    Fun Diving in Secret Cenotes

Accommodation

Fully embrace local life by staying in authentic Mexican accommodations.

In the first part of the week we will stay in a boutique Mexican hotel, nestled in the heart of Valladolid. Then we will move to a villa in Mérida’s historic center, which will host us for the following days of our adventure. 

Both buildings combine historical elegance and luxury with lush gardens, spacious rooms, and huge outdoor environments, promising a truly memorable stay.

Forget youth hostels: we are also going to have a swimming pool!

Accommodation options include twin and double occupancy rooms, all fully equipped with WiFi and air conditioning. All rooms have en-suite private bathrooms.

We will pair up participants in the shared rooms based on sex, age and interests, to make it the best experience for everyone! Single occupancy is not available.

*Photos are a mix of both accommodations

Elegant dining room with a large wooden table, surrounded by cushioned chairs, a decorative chandelier, exposed brick wall, and wooden ceiling beams.
Modern hotel room with two beds, green and white decor, leaf-patterned wall panels, and a window with a garden view.
Outdoor patio with hammock, string lights, dining table, and chairs near a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall.
Outdoor corridor with wooden chairs and railing, palm trees visible on the side.
Hotel room with bed, pillows, wall decor, two folded towels, hanging lights, side tables, bottled water, and an art piece.
Overhead view of a small pool and wooden deck surrounded by palm trees and stone walls.

Program

  • We will be welcoming you at our accommodation in Valladolid on Saturday, anytime after 2pm. After a refreshing drink you can start checking into your room. If everyone arrives on time, we will have the first dinner together to start knowing each other.

  • Ready to dive into our first cenote? After a short briefing we start our activities for the day: all we can tell is that during these days you will experience the best and most mystical cenotes in the whole Yucatán. We will dive -literally and metaphorically- into the Mayan culture. Please have your camera ready under and above water, it will be worth it.

  • Today is gonna be a big day, so better arrive refreshed and rested: if you cannot wait to check one of the 7 wonders of the world, Chichén Itzá, off your bucket list, you are in the right place as this will be there first activity of the day.

    We will then chill in a nearby cenote and have lunch before heading to Izamal (yellow city), a small jewel that blends colonial architecture and Mayan ruins: the blue sky and the intense yellow of its buildings create a wonderful contrast for the eye (and for our pictures!).

    After the activities we will head to Mérida aboard our van, to arrive at our second accommodation for the week.

  • Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve is today’s highlight: we are going ride a boat through a mangrove forest to spot the colonies of pink flamingos and tons of other native and migratory birds.

    Lunch on the beach and a good swim in the ocean, will be the icing on the cake of this perfect day.

  • Our adventure continues, diving into hidden cenotes, exploring Mayan archaeological sites and traditions, soaking up mesmerizing sunsets, and indulging in guacamole & ceviche paired with margaritas, all wrapped in endless fun amid lush vegetation.

    During these days there will be plenty of chances for Freediving and Underwater Photography Workshops with the whole group, also thanks to the help of Francesca and Alberto, freediving instructors and our co-hosts of this trip.

    Scuba diving day: one day will be dedicated to scuba diving! Everyone will get a chance to try scuba diving, certified divers will have the opportunity to explore a little deeper in one of the most amazing cenotes and its magical plays of light and reflections.

  • After our last breakfast (did we mention we will have a cook preparing our breakfasts every day?), we will pack our bags and, and visit the beautiful city of Mérida. Then we will head back to the Airport for everyone’s return flights home.

    Everyone except for the ones who will decide to keep the adventure going by joining our optional extension!

  • For certified freedivers/scubadivers only

    Further epic days of adventures await those who dare to extend their journey with us!

    Aboard our van we will move to Tulum to a smaller but always charming accomodation.

    Aim of the next days: exploring the most stunning cenotes of the area. Fame doesn’t mean less beauty, you can check it by yourself simply searching them on Google or Instagram: Kaan Luum, El Pit, Dos Ojos, Nicte Ha, just to name a few.

    Please note: the price and a more detailed program will be shared soon, in the meantime you can look at this PDF teaser. Please express your interest in joining this extension during the deposit payment of the main part of the trip.

Please note the order we mentioned the activities is only indicative and the program may undergo minor changes.

What’s Included

  • A round wooden dining table set with plates and a plant centerpiece, surrounded by eight black and wood chairs, in a modern dining room with pendant lights, a mirror, and a decorative wall.

    7 nights in Mexican villa

  • A large Mayan pyramid with a staircase in the center, surrounded by green plants under a partly cloudy blue sky.

    Private Guides for All Tours

  • Underwater cave with two scuba divers exploring, sunlight filtering through the water, rocky floor, and stalactites hanging from the ceiling.

    4 Freediving Instructors

  • A group of flamingos swimming in a lake with a boat carrying two people in the background, surrounded by trees.

    All tour tickets

  • A smiling man and woman holding hands in front of a large stepped pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico, under a partly cloudy blue sky, both wearing straw hats and casual summer clothing.

    Fun Local Expert Guides

  • Silhouette of a scuba diver underwater with sunlight streaming down from above.

    UW Photography Workshops

  • A woman in a white bikini swimming under water, with light beams and bubbles visible above

    Professional UW Photography

  • A white plate filled with small tacos topped with shredded chicken and pink pickled onions, held in a person's hand over a brown surface.

    Most meals: excluding a couple of dinners

  • Scuba diver underwater inside a cave with sunlight streaming through an opening

    Freediving Lessons All Levels

  • A woman in a white dress with colorful embroidery is making tortillas in a rustic kitchen with a wood fire stove in the background.

    Home-Cooked Mayan Meals

  • Two scuba divers silhouette underwater, with light shining from above and rocks on the side.

    Line Diving

  • An underwater scene with a person swimming near a rocky underwater formation and sunlight rays penetrating the water from above.

    Access to Secret Cenotes

  • A white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van parked in a lot with other vehicles around, trees in the background.

    All private transfers

Reviews by our Guests

  • Two women smiling and posing with raised arms in front of a camping tent in a wooded area.

    I cannot recommend this enough!!! It truly is a once in a lifetime experience! Everything was amazing! The people and new friends made! The food cooked authentically by the local Mayan community! The stunning locations! The care, patience, joy and kindness! I wouldn’t change a thing!!! So much fun!!! If you are thinking about joining, all I can say is… DO IT!!!!

    Adele

  • A person swimming underwater near a light shaft coming from the surface, holding a hand to their forehead.

    Incredible experience, a lot of magic and love from the organizers. They create an atmosphere that becomes something so intimate that it feels as if your closest friends organized it. Ideal to disconnect from the noise of the city and connect with nature. A lot of connection and love. 100% recommended, I'll be back soon!

    Israel

  • Young woman sitting on a ledge, taking a photo with a camera, with a landscape view of water and hills in the background.

    One of the best group trips I've ever had! The organizers are great people, super cute, dedicated and have a lot of experience in what they do. I've already had two trips with them and everything was wonderful! I have really never had more fun! Super recommended!

    Andrea

  • A scuba diver in a dark underwater environment, illuminated by a ray of light coming from above.

    I want to go back, I want to go back! It's the only thing I think about. This camp is incredible: if you like cenotes, delicious food, camping, the best hosts and adventure, this camp is for you! I can't stop recommending it and I hope to return soon. :)

    Fernanda

  • Person in wetsuit and diving mask swimming underwater with rays of light shining down.

    Truly a once in a lifetime epic experience. Francesca and Alberto are so accomodating , respectful of the traditions of the land, knowledgeable. The cenotes were breathtaking but the Human experience was the best! Thank you again Alma Libre! 🤍

    Tatiana

  • A shirtless man with long hair, wearing a gray cap and swim trunks, standing on wooden stairs by a dark blue cenote, holding a camera. The water in the cenote appears deep, with the sunlight creating blue and white patterns on its surface.

    This is the best way to explore cenotes! With a group of like minded, adventures people, guided by thoughtful and knowledgeable locals. Alberto and Francesca are amazing guides...and cooks 😋 The trip is very well organized with the right balance of activities and chill time. We had multiple chances to explore Cenotes alone and that was a magnificent experience. Make sure you pack extra batteries for your cameras as there are endless opportunities to take awesome pictures!

    Bartek

  • A smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a colorful patterned shirt, sitting inside a tent with a forest background.

    The most incredible week with the most incredible people. Fran and Alberto literally thought of everything. We visited the most incredible cenotes at the perfect time for the light and got to explore and take photos for as long as we wanted! We stayed at the cenotes which meant night dives and early morning swims, also the perfect spot for meditation and yoga. So grateful for the experience, one I will never forget! Cannot wait to do it again!

    Tara

Underwater scene with a diver in flippers near ocean floor, illuminated by beams of light.

Pricing

CHF 2'400 per person

ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed with private bathroom or twin bed with private bathroom.

We will pair up participants in the shared rooms based on sex, age and interests to make it the best experience for everyone! Single occupancy is not available. 

Our goal is to offer a closed package deal. Unless you have some particular or special requests, once you have paid for this deal, the transfers from/to the airport and the few meals not included, it is unlikely you will have to spend large amounts of money during this trip (excluding international flights from your country).

Extra days for advanced divers only: price will be shared soon, for now you can look at this PDF teaser. Please express your interest for this optional extra during the booking of the deposit.

Book your spot here!

Requirements

  • Cave Comfort

    Cenotes can be open wells or small caves, so it’s essential to feel at ease climbing through narrow spaces and being in a cave with a low vault. You will never be in danger of any kind and you can always opt out.

  • Ocean Comfort

    Free diving or scuba diving certifications are NOT necessary to participate, but a very good level of swimming and comfort in open waters is essential to enjoy the experiences. Of course, certification is welcome and training will be based on each individual’s level.

  • Insurance

    A dive insurance is mandatory for this trip, we recommend DAN. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.

  • Gear

    Please bring your own gear if you own it (masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, cameras, weight belts..etc). We will provide everyone with weights. If needed we can also organise to provide other missing gear, when duly noted.

  • Language

    It’s important for every participant to speak English at a basic level so that we can all have a fun time together without leaving anyone out.

    Speaking Spanish is not necessary.

Your Group Leaders

Man snorkeling with green hills in the background, partially submerged in water.
Person snorkeling in a body of water with green hills in the background.

Francesca & Alberto

FREEDIVING INSTRUCTORS

Our story began 5 years ago when Francesca moved to Mexico and fell in love not only with freediving but also with Alberto, a charming local. Today, Yucatán is not only our home but a place where our passions have flourished. We are deeply connected to the region, its people and especially its cenotes. These magical places are so unique and must be experienced to be truly appreciated.

We love meeting new people and creating a community of like-minded travellers. We are so excited to take you to our favorite places!

Person with a snorkel mask in ocean water near a rocky coastline.
Person wearing a snorkel and mask in the ocean at sunset

Miki & Carlo

FREEDIVING INSTRUCTORS

We founded Bonny&Gava 3 years ago and since then we have traveled the world and experienced many amazing destinations!
We started to curate group trips for people like us, people who wanted more than the average tourist experience, people who wanted to dive into the culture of a place and go back home with more than just pretty pictures. 

We can’t wait to show you the beauty and magic that is hidden in the Yucatan peninsula, this is really the best possible trip to explore it!

Terms & Conditions

  • To secure your spot on this retreat you will have to agree to our T&Cs and pay a non-refundable deposit of CHF 200. 

    You can book your spot here.

  • The remainder of the payment after the deposit will be asked via invoice and payed via bank transfer. 
    The total will be due 75 days before the beginning of the trip.

  • Once the deposit has been made, if you cancel before 75 days prior to departure, then you will not be charged anything extra, although we will keep the deposit.
    If you cancel after 90 days prior to departure, then unfortunately as we are a very small business we will not be able to refund you. Should we be able to find someone else to fill your spot in time then we might be able to return the full amount (excluding the deposit of CHF 200 and any bank fees).

Very Important Note for Everyone: this retreat is subject to a minimum number of participants. We will make sure we can confirm the trip to everyone as soon as possible (at latest 75 days prior to departure) but until then we recommend to refrain from purchasing non-refundable flights to avoid useless expenses.

Book your spot here!

 FAQs

  • The official beginning of the trip is in the evening of November 30th 2024. Should everyone arrive in time for dinner we will start with a welcome dinner, if not we will do introductions on the next day after a good night of rest. 

  • The trip will end with a visit to the city of Mérida after breakfast on December 7th. 

    Depending on the time of your flight you can decide to leave early in the morning or stay longer but please have in mind check-out time at our accomodation is 11:00am.

    Once we will know everyone’s departure time we will help you in arranging the most efficient transfer to go the airport.

  • You can fly to Cancun International Airport (or Merida or Tulum International Airports, feel free to choose the most convenient for you, the distance to Valladolid is similar).

    We will help you arrange a transfer from the airport to our accommodation, this will take approximately 2 hours. 

  • We left a few afternoons of free time, to relax, work from remote if someone has to (our villas are equipped with WiFi and quiet spaces), chill by the pool, attend our photography workshops and explore the area.

  • Please check: https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/

    You shouldn’t need a visa if you meet all the following criteria but always check your country’s official sources:

    1. you are travelling for tourism

    2. you’ll stay for less than 180 days

    3. you have a valid visa from the United States of America or have documents to prove permanent residence in one of the following countries: Canada, United States of America, Schengen countries, Japan or United Kingdom.

  • Yes, both our villas have WiFi and it should be good enough for everyone. Alternatively you can always purchase a local SIM card, or an eSim if your mobile phone allows it. However please keep in mind that mobile connection in the cenotes is usually zero, mostly due to the fact that we will visit super secret and remote cenotes! 

  • Yes, you might need it for some meals or if you want to have drinks, look for souvenirs and gifts to take home or extra activities (card is often fine too but just to be sure). Although Mexican Pesos is the official currency, US dollars are accepted in tourist areas. 

  • You can either have a shared twin or double, room based on availability (you can share it with a friend or partner travelling with you). Otherwise you can share it with someone else joining the retreat.

  • This is a great opportunity then! The majority of our guests are young (<40 years old) solo travellers looking to make awesome ocean friends. We also get couples who are up to have some fun with other like-minded people. All in all, we’ve always had AMAZING groups and EVERYONE has made incredible friendships during our group trips. It’s usually a highlight!

  • Please let us know of any dietary requirements and we will do our best to fit your needs. 

Book your spot here!

Still not sure?

Write to us so we can clear your doubts!

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