There’s an insane quantity of cenotes all through the Mexican Caribbean space, a lot of that are simply accessible and open to guests. Some are free or pretty low cost and a few are a part of a extra intensive park which may value considerably extra. From a soothing swim to excessive dives, cenotes provide a wealthy historical past and otherworldly magnificence. With a surplus of cenotes all through the Mexican Caribbean, guests can get pleasure from this unparalleled expertise time and again.
Cenotes are a sinkhole you may entry and swim in, pronounced seh-NO-tay. Cenotes have a deep historical past of well being and wellness within the Mayan group. Mayans thought the waters have been believed to purify and shield the soul, thus cenotes have served as the location for conventional rituals.
The Mexican Caribbean space is massive, so I’ve damaged these down into the assorted areas the place you could find them. A few of these are two hours from Cancun, however I used Cancun as the primary level as a result of that’s the place the primary airport is. This entire space is gorgeous, so it will be a disgrace should you solely went to Cancun. Hopefully, this listing will encourage you to exit and discover.
I like to recommend getting the automobile on the Cancun Airport, it’s going to make it method simpler to get to those. This whole space is simple to drive round in. Get a Cancun automobile rental for $11 a day!
Cenotes in Cancun
1. Cenote Fantasma
Cenote Fantasma also called Cenote Ghost is a big closed-in cenote with stalactites, cool clear water, and bats fluttering round. There’s a place to vary garments and purchase snacks comparable to water and chips. The price of entry is 50 pesos and you may hire a life jacket for 20 pesos. This can be a nice cease on the method to Chichen Itza or Ek Balam Mayan ruins or in your method again.
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Cenotes in Tulum
2. Cenote Angelita
A very distinctive cenote, owing to its gorgeous halocline (a cloud of hydrogen sulfide that divides the freshwater from the saltwater). This cenote is 180 ft deep.
To get right here take freeway 307 south from Tulum in the direction of Chetumal about 15 km on the left facet, search for an enormous rock on the correct facet about 8 miles (13 km) from Tulum you’re getting shut.
3. Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera also called the Temple of Doom named for its resemblance to a cranium is 50 ft deep. To enter the water you stroll down a path about 200 ft lengthy after which leap in from a top of eight ft! To get out, there’s a sturdy picket ladder.
It’s straightforward to get to this cenote from Tulum. Drive out of city on the street to Coba for about 5 minutes. You’ll be able to simply journey a bicycle right here in case you are solely planning to snorkel. You will notice an indication with a cranium on it (the phrase calavera means “cranium” in Spanish) exhibiting you the place to entry the cenote. There’s a gravel parking zone near the street. After this, it’s a brief trek via the jungle. If you happen to’re diving right here, the dive tables are close to the parking zone, so most individuals load up with their dive gear and do the stroll absolutely geared up.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00-16:00
Admission: 100 MXN ($5 USD)
4. Cenote Gran Tulum
Gran Cenote is a well-liked limestone cenote & cavern with snorkeling areas, gear leases & boardwalks. Additionally they have altering stalls. It’s solely three miles (5 kilometers) from central Tulum. They permit guests from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Entrance to the cenote prices 180 pesos (or about $9.50). A fantastic place to cease after visiting the Tulum ruins.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00-16:45
Admission: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
5. Cenote Manatí
Situated between Puerto Aventuras and Tulum, it was the house for manatees. It’s 6 meters deep (19.6 ft) making it’s an unbelievable place to snorkel and swim the place you could find reef formations and an enormous cave that connects to the ocean.
6. Cenote Casa
7. Cenote Jaguar
Cenote Jaguar is off of the Dos Ojos street. It’s an open water cenote with three totally different leaping platforms in addition to a zipline. It’s important to pay to zipline throughout the cenote. Life jackets are supplied freed from cost. Snorkel and masks (MX$70) and locker (MX$50) leases can be found. Open each day from 8 am -5 pm. Admission is MX$250 per particular person, ages 7 and up. All guests should cease on the Parque Dos Ojos Customer Middle and pay admission.
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Cenotes in Puerto Morelos
8. Cenotes Zapote
The Zapote cenote is a part of an ecological park situated alongside the ‘cenotes route’ in Puerto Morelos with three cenotes. Cenote Zapote has a leap platform with a top of 8, 10, and 14 meters excessive. Cenote Palmas can be situated right here. It has an aquatic zip line. Cenote Abuelo Cheche is a closed cave-like cenote the place you may admire the stalagmites and stalactites fashioned for greater than 1,300 years and luxuriate in snorkeling. You need to go to this web site prematurely to make a reservation forward of time.
9. Cenote Kin Ha
There are two cenotes right here plus a slew of different actions like ATVs and horseback driving. Cenote Kin-Ha is the primary cenote. It’s a beautiful cave with a gap the place mild enters to mirror enjoyable shapes all through. To swim right here it prices $23 USD.
10. Cenote Selvatica

Selvatica Cenote
The cenotes at Selvatica can solely be visited by these partaking within the all-inclusive journey they provide. They’ve acquired a zipline right here that may blow your thoughts.
Cenotes in Riviera Maya
11. Parque Tankah
Parque Tankah is dwelling to Cenote Piraña a cavern-like cenote. Additionally they have a lake, zip-lining, and canoeing.
12. Kantun Chi
An eco-park with 5 unbelievable cenotes and a formidable underground river. It prices $26.10 USD to go to all 5. The value additionally contains using life jackets, hammocks, solar loungers, loos, showers, dressing rooms, and lockers.
13. Dos Ojos
Two our bodies of water are joined by underground caverns, making this cenote preferrred for guided snorkeling, simply quarter-hour from Tulum. It’s a good place to do snuba and snorkel to cross under the water to a different adjoining cenote referred to as the cave of the bats. The water is a cushty 25 levels and the water is evident and refreshing. Throughout an expedition to check this cenote greater than 67 kilometers of underground routes have been discovered.
Since that is a particularly standard cenote, the sooner you arrive the higher.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday from 9:00-17:00
Admission: 350 MXN (round $18 USD)
Cenotes Dos Ojos in Yucatan, Mexico, CC BY 2.0, Hyperlink
14. Escondido Cenote
Escape the crowds and discover this hidden gem of Riviera Maya – Cenote Escondido! Get there early to have all of it for your self, or convey your loved ones alongside as a result of its shallow waters make it good for teenagers. Take a dip within the refreshing turquoise pool, spot some fish without having snorkel gear & get an adrenaline rush by zooming off from the rope swing situated simply meters away from you. After cooling down with loads of splashes, take a while out at one of many many spots accessible to loosen up and absorb these jaw-dropping views.
Mosquitoes are quite common right here, however ensure that your repellant is biodegradable should you plan on going within the water – in any other case, skip the repellant till after you’re achieved swimming.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00-17:00
Admission: 120 MXN (round $6 USD) & contains entry to Cenote Cristal
15. Cenote Cristalino aka Cenote Cristal
Situated near Puerto Aventuras and virtually adjoining to the aforementioned Cenote Escondido, this cenote is sort of a large pool the place you may leap off from a cliff of 4.5 meters to swim within the crystal waters. You can even do zip traces, snorkel, and uncover the biodiversity of tropical fishes dwelling there.
Riviera Maya has a lot to supply guests on the lookout for a serene getaway! Whether or not you wish to benefit from the lush panorama with some refreshments at one among Cenote Cristal’s picnic tables, or take an exhilarating leap off its diving platform into glistening waters under – that is the proper spot for leisure and journey.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00-17:00
Admission: 120 MXN (round $6 USD) & contains entry to Cenote Escondido
16. Cenote X’canche aka Ek Balam Cenote
Uncover an historical paradise on the spectacular Cenote X’Canche! Constructed by the Mayans in occasions lengthy forgotten, this hidden gem holds wonders hardly ever seen: cool blue crystal waters, and winding tree roots sprawled under into mysterious depths of darkness. Stone partitions linger beside picket staircases resulting in a bridge swing and zip line – all accompanied by scurrying iguanas for added ambiance.
They’ve showers on-site. And for these not feeling the lengthy 2 km stroll to the doorway there are pedicabs or bicycle leases you need to use to take you there. (Sure, that’s me rappelling.)
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday from 9:00-17:00
Admission: A a primary entrance ticket is 70 pesos. For bike leases, rappelling, and ziplining it’s 400 pesos. If you happen to simply wish to swim and aren’t up for strolling or biking to the cenote, get the 150 peso ticket that features round-trip pedicab journey to the cenote. The Ek Balam ruins are among the many costliest within the space (over 400 MXN), so plan accordingly should you want to go to each.
17. Cenote X’keken
Cenote X’Keken is an unbelievable spot with a legendary backstory! Legend has it, the cenote was found when a farmer’s pig fell into it whereas strolling someday. Throughout daytime, this majestic place of wonders permits for rays of sunshine to traverse its limestone cave and create some gorgeous images you received’t wish to miss out on. And if that wasn’t sufficient — absorb cool refreshing water surrounded by humidity together with small black fish swimming round; who knew warmth and sweat may very well be whisked away so simply!?
Cenote X’Keken’s ethereal blue waters are breathtaking to behold. Containing a medley of dramatic results, together with ropes for the adventurous swimmers and a picket walkway crossing one facet – this particular place is actually value visiting! The colours you see could look filtered or synthetic, however don’t be deceived because it seems they have been created naturally by daylight refracted via an overhead gap with some minor assist from lighting contained in the cenote.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00-17:00
Admission: 150 MXN (round $8 USD)
18. Cenote Clan Destino
For a novel and unforgettable expertise, head over to Clan Destino Cenote in Riviera Maya. Situated amongst the plush jungle, its gorgeous crystal-clear waters provide up a few of the greatest swimming round – totally free! All it’s important to do is seize one thing from the bar or restaurant first. And don’t overlook about that rope swing encircled by glowing blue water – simply bear in mind your beverage stays firmly on terra firma whereas swinging away! Unwind with an ice-cold cerveza or mezcal margarita as you linger beneath trendy civilization’s forgotten secret jewel… although ensure that to not take too lengthy as a result of there are a lot of different majestic Mexican cenotes beckoning exploration.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 13:00-23:00
Admission: Free, however it’s important to make a purchase order on the bar.
Cenotes in Valladolid, Yucatán
19. Cenote Samulá

By Haakon S. Krohn – Personal work, CC BY 4.0, Hyperlink
Cenote Samula is a pure pool in a cavern sinkhole with dramatic hanging tree roots & stalactites. It prices 80 pesos to enter.
20. Cenote Suytun

By Николай Максимович, CC BY 3.0, Hyperlink
Cenote Suytun is the cenote you sometimes see epic images of on social media. Its most notable options embody a monolithic cave full of turquoise water and an idyllic stone pathway that leads out to the center of this fascinating cenote.
It’s situated simply a few meters off the primary street 180 going East in the direction of Coba and Tulum. It prices 120 pesos to go to. A cave cenote like Cenote Suytun is exclusive since it has a gap within the roof which permits pure mild to enter the cave. Though a couple of hanging lights illuminate the cave’s inside, the steps themselves are fairly darkish.
On the stone path extending out into the turquoise waters, you may stroll and take some superb images. From numerous angles, it’s attainable to view Cenote Suytun. The preferred view is from the highest of the staircase.
Cenote Suytun is greatest visited early within the morning, beginning at 9:00 – attempt to be first in line if you’d like the proper picture with nobody else within the image. Vacationers swim within the water and everybody needs to take images on the platform within the center, so it could actually get very crowded.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday from 9:00-17:00
Admission: 120 MXN (round $6 USD)
21. Cenote Dzitnup

By, CC BY-SA 3.0, Hyperlink
Cenote Dzitnup is a limestone cave with a single opening within the ceiling. It’s free.
22. Cenote Oxmán
Riviera Maya’s Cenote Oxmán is an journey to not miss! Its monumental sinkhole, pure pool, and particularly its epic rope swing make it a prime vacation spot for thrill-seekers. Be sure to expertise the enjoyable early within the morning earlier than everybody else arrives – your images shall be so a lot better minus any solar glare attributable to an excessive amount of daylight on the water later throughout the day time.
Kids can get pleasure from this one safely as effectively with somewhat assist from adults getting them up there first! It’s roughly three meters under the highest of the wall earlier than you drop into the Oxmán Cenote. There are a couple of totally different choices to enter the water. You’ll be able to leap off the sting of the platform, use the rope swing, or use the staircase.
I extremely suggest bringing goggles to Oxmán Cenote if you wish to discover under the floor of the water. The water is about 45 meters deep, and there may be nice visibility.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00-18:00
Admission: 80 MXN (round $4 USD)
Cenotes close to Chichen Itza
23. Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil is situated within the northern middle of the Yucatán Peninsula and is a part of the Ik Kil Archeological Park close to Chichen Itza. It’s open to the general public for swimming from 8 am – 5 pm for 80 pesos per particular person. A picket ladder is constructed into Ik Kil Cenote makes coming into and exiting simpler.
This construction is sort of completely round and has an inside concrete staircase, making entry very handy. A number of viewpoints are value stopping at whilst you’re strolling down the steps. Leaves and vines grasp from the highest of the cenote and canopy the partitions till they attain the water.
Take a swim to the center of the pure pool, float in your again, and marvel on the open-air circle above! It’s the proper alternative so that you can sit again, loosen up, and take all of it in.
Cenote Ik Il has altering rooms, eating places, and bathrooms, which is uncommon as most smaller cenotes do not need these amenities.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday from 8:00-17:00
Admission: 80 MXN ($4 USD)
Cenotes in Playa del Carmen
24. Cenote el Eden
Often known as Cenote Ponderosa To get right here drive south on the 307 freeway from Playa Del Carmen. You’ll go Puerto Aventuras after which about 5 minutes previous there, you will note the primary entrance to Barceló Lodge on the left. There’s a massive Cenote Jardin Del Eden signal and also you comply with the filth street again to the cenote. If you happen to take a cab they may drop you off on the entrance. From the doorway, you’ll stroll 1/8 mile down a dust street to the gate the place a Mexican household lives. They cost 2 {dollars} per particular person to entry. From there you’ll stroll one other 1/2 mile to the cenote. They’ve a couple of snorkel units for $3 per particular person. There have been individuals scuba diving right here. The park presents loos and life vest leases, in addition to small palapas the place you may get pleasure from a picnic. There isn’t any meals or drink accessible on web site, so be sure you pack some snacks. Alcohol isn’t permitted.
Opening Hours: Sunday-Friday from 7:00-17:00; Closed Saturdays (Sundays would be the busiest!)
Admission: 200 MXN adults; 100 MXN youngsters ($10 USD / $5 USD)
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25. Cenote Azul
The gorgeous open Cenote Azul lies roughly midway between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. Cenote Azul is famend for its clear blue water (therefore its title), which makes it good for swimming.
Given its pure magnificence and shut proximity to each Playa del Carmen and Tulum, you may think about how busy it could actually get. Nonetheless, its gorgeous clear blue waters and the combination of darkish and white rock formations underwater make it a worthy contender on the listing of greatest cenotes in Riviera Maya.
There are loos, altering rooms, and a small store accessible on-site.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 6:30-17:30
Admission: 120 MXN (round $6 USD)
26. Cenote Chaak Tun
If you happen to’re seeking to get off the overwhelmed path in Playa del Carmen, take a guided tour of Cenote Chaak Tun! A 15-minute drive away and solely accessible through guided excursions because of security considerations – the excursions final roughly two hours. – security helmets and life jackets included with admission. You’ll be taught all about this attractive underground formation from well-trained guides as they lead you thru the caves (however beware: Bats could also be lurking!). It’s actually not for the faint of coronary heart however an eye fixed opening journey that’s certain to depart lasting impressions on these courageous sufficient to enterprise out into its depths.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9:00-15:00; Sunday 9:00-13:00
Admission: 500 MXN (round $26 USD) – GUIDED TOUR ONLY!
Cenotes in Coba
27. Cenote Choo-Ha
Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multun-Ha are a sequence of small cenotes near the Mayan web site of Cobá in central Yucatán Peninsula. All of them are accessible to the general public for swimming. Choo-Ha has a small entrance of solely about 3 by 4 meters and it’s full of stalactites and stalagmites.
28. Cenote Pac Chen

Rappelling at Pac Chen with Mike’s Street Journey
Pac Chen is a cool exercise the place you go to a cenote, kayak, zipline, and extra. It’s important to rappel down into the cenote which makes it fairly distinctive. It’s a part of a personal property tour expertise, so the one method to get to it’s by tour. Close by are the Coba Mayan Ruins.
Cenotes in Cozumel
I not too long ago discovered that there are tons of cenotes in Cozumel however I’ve solely been to 2 up to now, so these are those I’m sharing.
29. Cavernas de Jade 
Often known as Cenote Chempita this can be a pleasant spot with unbelievable stalactite formations. This pretty oasis has orchids and palm timber. This can be a cease on a number of of the excursions you may go on, together with the ATV journey with Wild Excursions. It’s attainable to get right here your self, however the street could be very a lot off-roading at occasions.
30. Cenote El Aerolito
Cenote El Aerolito is simple to get to, free, and accessible to everybody. This one has mangroves, Noah’s favourite.
Cenotes in Holbox
31. Yalahau
In response to legend, divers on this cenote emerge feeling ten years youthful. That is one other one that isn’t straightforward to get to. The Mayans believed that cenotes held highly effective suhuy ha’, or virgin water, an Cenote El Aerolito origin of life. As well as, for hundreds of years these aquifers served as the primary supply of chilly, naturally filtered water to close by communities. Numerous minerals that filtered via the water over hundreds of thousands of years have created a backdrop of spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. If you happen to’ve gone all the way in which to Holbox you’ll positively wish to learn about different issues to do in Holbox.
In case you are leaping off cliffs into cenotes you may wish to think about getting journey insurance coverage. I like to recommend Travelex insurance coverage, due to the number of choices.
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