12 Finest Cenotes In Mexico To Go to in 2023

Have you ever ever swam in a crystal-clear sinkhole amidst a lush jungle? Swimming in a cenote is a singular expertise, solely present in Mexico and one of many issues you must positively check out throughout your journey.

Cenotes are largely discovered on the Yucatan peninsula within the southern a part of Mexico. The good Mayans knew in regards to the cenotes lengthy earlier than they turned a bucket-list attraction, and so they used them as a supply of water in addition to of their non secular ceremonies.

Prime Cenotes in Mexico

If you wish to go to among the most wonderful cenotes select Valladolid cenotes or cenotes close to Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Most cenotes in Mexico are open to the general public, and plenty of provide actions like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. You’ll be able to both be a part of one of many cenote excursions from Tulum or different cities of Riviera Maya should you get pleasure from a hassle-free tour or lease a automobile and go to independently.

The selection is absolutely huge, as there are a whole bunch of cenotes in Yucatan, however after studying this publish, you’ll uncover which cenotes in Mexico are really unmissable.

What are cenotes in Mexico?

Should you haven’t been to Mexico but, you’re most likely questioning, what’s a cenote?

Cenotes are swimming pools of water that kind when porous limestone bedrock collapses, and since there’s loads of limestone in Yucatan, there are lots of cenotes there. Some cenotes are a part of massive underground river techniques, and others are linked to the ocean.

Cavern cenotes are the youngest cenotes the place the limestone roof hasn’t eroded but. These sinkholes are closed and resemble a cave. They obtain minimal pure gentle and are darkish and mysterious, so swimming in one of many shut cenotes is a very distinctive expertise. An instance of a cave cenote is Cenote Suytun.

Open cenotes are a lot older, with their roof eroded away over time. They’re open to the exterior world, lit with pure gentle, and usually coated with lush vegetation. Most cenotes in Yucatan are open cenotes, they’re enjoyable to go to and nice for swimming. Examples of open cenotes embody Gran Cenote and Cenote Ik Kil.

We even have historic cenotes which are the oldest in Yucatan. An instance of an historic cenote is Cenote Azul or Cenote Cocalitos in Bacalar, which resemble a lagoon or a lake with each roofs and partitions eroded away.

Within the Mayan tradition, cenotes performed an necessary function. They have been seen because the bridge between the earthly and the divine worlds. They have been thought of sacred locations and have been used for non secular rituals, together with human choices in some instances.

In the present day, visiting a Mexican cenote isn’t solely a enjoyable exercise but in addition one of many some ways you may discover and perceive the traditional Mayan civilisation.

1. Gran Cenote

Just some kilometres away from Tulum, you’ll discover one of the well-liked cenotes in Mexico – the Gran Cenote.

Gran Cenote is an open cenote with crystal clear emerald water, two swimming pools, and a cave. Should you’re keen on diving, it is a excellent spot to do it. If you wish to snorkel, which I like to recommend doing, snorkelling gear is included within the ticket worth. Simply be sure to deliver an ID, which is required as a deposit.

The waters of Gran Cenote are teeming with tropical fish, and you may even spot right here lovely tinny turtles. A couple of-meters lengthy cave connects the 2 swimming pools of the cenote, and as you swim by way of it, look as much as admire historic stalactites. And should you’re fortunate, you may even spot some bats hovering by way of the intricate formations.

Attending to Gran Cenote is simple; you may drive a automobile, or because it’s solely a 5 km journey, it’s also possible to experience a bicycle, which is a typical mode of transport in Tulum. For the reason that cenote is among the hottest cenotes close to Tulum, one of the best time to go to it’s within the morning, proper after it opens at 8 am.

Should you would favor to leap on a tour this personal Cenote Tour takes you to three completely different cenotes in a day together with the Gran Cenote. It’s the good day journey.

Opening occasions: 8:00 am to 4:15 pm

Entrance ticket: 500 pesos ($28)

2. Cenote Suytun

Cenote Suytun is a cave cenote which contains a round platform proper in the midst of its cave. At round noon, the platform will get illuminated by a lightweight beam coming by way of a small opening within the cave ceiling, creating a rare sight! 

This picturesque cave cenote has captured the hearts of Instagrammers worldwide, and it’s not onerous to see why. If you wish to take a photograph of the platform, put together your self to attend in a queue.

Aside from taking the Insta well-known photograph, be sure to discover the cave and its placing stalactites and stalagmites that shaped over 1000’s of years. If you wish to swim, you may be required to take a bathe and put on a life jacket.

Cenote Suytun is situated 8 km from the centre of Valladolid. In case your itinerary doesn’t assist you to keep a few days on this space of Yucatan, you may guide a tour beginning out of your lodge in Cancun or another Riviera Maya city.  Mix a go to to Suytun with Chichen Itza and the city of Valladolid for a day filled with attention-grabbing sights. 

It is a good cenote tour that features Valladolid and Chichen Itza as nicely. Examine Availability right here.

Opening occasions: 9 am to five pm

Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)

3. Cenote Azul, Bacalar

Being one of many prime sights of Bacalar Lagoon, Cenote Azul is among the prime cenotes to go to in Mexico. It boasts a wonderfully round form, and as it’s an historic cenote, it extra resembles a lagoon or a lake than a cenote.

Cenote Azul has a darkish blue color due to its depth, which reaches an unimaginable 295 ft. Swimming on this cenote is a rare expertise, and it’s very refreshing. Should you’re not a powerful swimmer, be certain to lease a life jacket and revel in floating in its waters carefree. Alternatively, it’s also possible to discover this huge cenote on a kayak.

Bacalar lies in Quintana Roo, a 4-hour drive south of Cancun. You will discover Cenote Azul 4 km south of Bacalar downtown, and one of the simplest ways to get there’s by rental automobile. It is usually potential to get to Cenote Azul by taxi, or should you’re up for some cardio, it’s also possible to stroll or cycle. A Cenote tour can be a simple method to discover these wonderful pure wonders. This personal tour takes you to Bacalar Lagoon.

Opening occasions: 10 am to six pm

Entrance ticket: 25 pesos ($1.40)

4. Cenote Oxman

Should you’re searching for a cenote the place you may spend a enjoyable day, Oxman is ideal. It’s an open cenote with lush vegetation rising on its partitions. 

Cenote Oxman is understood for its Tarzan gown swing. Seize onto the handles and swing to the center of the pool to leap into the cenote. The primary soar is somewhat scary, however belief me, you’ll want to do it many times!

Additionally, deliver your snorkelling masks (or lease it out) to discover the underwater world of the cenote, which is inhabited by vibrant fish.

Cenote Oxman boasts unbelievable services. Along with the cenote entrance, it’s also possible to get pleasure from their solar loungers and pool. There may be additionally a restaurant, and should you’re wanting to remain right here for lunch, be certain to decide on a ticket that features their buffet lunch.

Hacienda Oxman is situated a 6-km drive from downtown Valladolid. You’ll be able to drive right here or take a taxi. It is usually well-liked to cycle right here and go to two different close by cenotes alongside the way- Cenote Dzitnup and Saamal.

Opening occasions: 8 am to five am

Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)

5. Laguna de Kaan Luum Cenote 

Laguna de Kaan Luum is among the distinctive locations to go to close to Tulum and a very good vacation spot for nature lovers.

There are numerous animals dwelling on this space, together with agoutis, jaguars, and badgers. Moreover, you may see parrots, woodpeckers, and iguanas which are vibrant. 

In the course of the lagoon, there’s an 80-metre-deep cenote, which you’ll spot from a raised viewing platform. The water within the cenote has an intense blue color as a result of its profound depth, and sadly, swimming inside it isn’t allowed.

The lagoon itself presents unbelievable swimming circumstances in its heat, shallow waters. Don’t neglect to deliver your snorkelling masks and a rush guard to guard your physique from solar publicity, as sporting solar cream is strictly forbidden.

One of the simplest ways to get to Laguna de Kaan Luum is to lease a automobile or scooter and make your approach independently. The lagoon is situated a brief drive away from downtown Tulum, however since it’s tucked away from the principle street, deep within the jungle, it’s best to keep away from taking taxis or public buses, which can drop you off on the principle street.

Opening occasions: 9 am to 4 pm

Entrance ticket: 300 pesos ($16.75)

6. Cenote Ik Kil

Located close to the New World Surprise Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is a well-liked vacationer cease but in addition one of the picturesque swimming holes in Mexico. It’s an open cenote with lush vegetation and lianas rising on its partitions and cave ceilings solely eroded away.

Taking a refreshing dip within the cenote’s cool water is an actual deal with after touring Chichen Itza below the blazing Mexican solar. The cenote has a most depth of 150 ft, and life jackets are obligatory if you wish to swim. And should you dare, there’s additionally a 5-meter excessive leaping platform, which is bound to offer you an exhilarating adrenaline rush.

Since Ik Kil is situated close to the Chichen Itza Archaeological Website, most excursions cease on the cenote after a go to to the Mayan ruins. Which means the cenote is somewhat busy more often than not, however nonetheless, completely price it. Should you want to get pleasure from it with out the crowds, select to go to within the early morning or late afternoon.

Opening occasions: 9 am to five pm

Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)

7. Cenote Zaci (Zacil-Ha)

Should you’re searching for one of the best family-friendly cenotes in Mexico, Cenote Zaci, situated close to Tulum, is ideal. It’s a small, open cenote, and what makes it an incredible cenote for youths is that it is just 3 meters deep. The cenote Zaci additionally boasts a enjoyable zipline, which you let go of if you’re in the midst of the water for an exciting soar, and likewise a 3-meter excessive leaping platform.

The cenote services embody solar loungers, a pool and a restaurant the place you may seize a lightweight lunch and a chilly drink.

In case you have an area in your itinerary, mix a go to to Cenote Zaci with Gran Cenote, cenote Calavera or Automobile Wash Cenote, all of that are situated shut by.

You’ll be able to drive to this cenote independently or, because it’s solely 8 km away, get right here by taxi. Get the variety of the taxi driver to be able to name them to choose you out if you’re prepared to return.

Opening occasions: 9 am to five pm

Entrance ticket: 200 pesos ($11.20)

8. Cenote Cristalino

Cenote Cristalino, because the title suggests, is understood for its crystal clear water, good for snorkelling and scuba diving. The cenote pool is sort of a large aquarium, stuffed with tropical fish of various species and hues. There may be additionally a cave-like tunnel which is enjoyable to swim by way of and a leaping platform for thrill-seekers.

The plush jungle surrounds the cenote, so be sure to discover the entire website as a result of there are two extra hidden swimming pools with shallow turquoise water to be found.

Keep away from visiting the cenote through the weekend, when the cenote will get actually busy with the native households flocking right here to spend their free time. Additionally, be certain to take a look at the neighbouring Cenote Azul, which is equally gorgeous.

Cenote Cristalino is tucked between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and might be simply visited from each cities. The perfect to approach get to the cenote is with a rental automobile, however it’s also potential to take a neighborhood bus often known as a “colectivo”. Be sure you inform the driving force the place you need to get off, as stops are on demand.

Opening occasions: 8 am to six pm

Entrance ticket: 200 pesos ($11.20)

9. Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera is among the most original cenotes in Mexico. Not like different cenotes that always characteristic a big swimming gap, Calavera consists of some smaller holes and doesn’t have a staircase to entry its cave. As a substitute, you’ll both want to leap into the cenote or climb down an enormous wood ladder, which is a thrill in its personal proper!

The cenote gap with its ladder is among the most photographed locations in Tulum, and if you see it, you’ll perceive why. Inside the principle pool, there’s additionally a swing, which is also a cool photograph spot.

The cenote is surrounded by greenery and vibrant solar loungers the place you may dry off and catch some solar. There may be additionally a snack store, and as at most cenotes – showers, bogs and altering rooms.

Cenote Calavera is located simply outdoors Tulum downtown, off the principle street to Coba Mayan ruins, and you may simply cycle to its entrance or seize a taxi.

Opening occasions: 8:30 am to five pm

Entrance ticket: 250 pesos ($14)

10. Cenote Automobile Wah

Situated additionally close to Tulum (within the Mayan language – Cenote Aktun-Ha), also referred to as Cenote Automobile Wash, is a picturesque open cenote completely price including to your itinerary.

Cenote Automobile Wash appears to be like like a tranquil lake and boasts exceptionally crystal clear water, which is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and likewise diving. Within the water, you may spot numerous vibrant fish and small, lovely turtles. For one of the best snorkelling expertise, arrive within the morning when the turtles are probably the most energetic.

There may be additionally a 3-meter excessive leaping platform, which isn’t too scary hight however excessive sufficient to offer you somewhat thrill. The cenote additionally has some seating and picnic areas, that are nice if you wish to spend some extra time right here.

Cenote Automobile Wash is situated on the principle street to Coba, a 9-km drive from downtown Tulum. You will get right here both by taxi, rental automobile, scooter or bicycle. Ensure to additionally take a look at different unbelievable cenotes on this space, similar to Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera.

Opening occasions: 8 am to five pm

Entrance ticket: 300 pesos ($16.80)

11. Cenote Cocalitos

Well-known for its massive stromatolites colony, Cenote Cocalitos is a must-visit cenote when travelling to Bacalar Lagoon. Stromatolites are billions-year-old fossils that are thought of to be the oldest life types on Earth and the primary organisms that produced oxygen.

At Cocalitos, you should have a singular alternative to get to those fascinating organisms shut, however be sure to observe the principles and by no means step on them.

Upon arrival, you’ll discover a big swimming gap with lukewarm milky-blue water and an unimaginable view of attractive jungle greenery. The cenote additionally options vibrant hammocks and swings within the water. The cenote is shallow, and it’s potential to stroll round to discover all its corners.

Cenote Cocalitos lies 4 km away from Bacalar metropolis centre, and you may simply get right here by taxi, rental automobile or scooter, or you may simply merely stroll or cycle. Be sure you additionally take a look at Cenote Azul, which is located in the identical space of Bacalar.

Opening occasions: 10 am to five pm

Entrance ticket: 50 pesos ($2.80)

12. Cenote Azul, Playa del Carmen

One other unbelievable cenote located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Azul, presents one of the pleasant swimming experiences in Yucatan.

The cenote itself is a good looking pool of turquoise, crystal-clear water surrounded by lush greenery. Along with the principle pool, there are additionally a number of smaller swimming holes, so be sure to take time to discover the positioning absolutely.

Contained in the water, you’ll find dozens of vibrant fish, making it a great spot for snorkelling and admiring nature in its purest kind.

That is additionally an incredible spot for cliff-jumping – there are a number of platforms of various heights, and the best one is 5 meters excessive. Leaping into the refreshing crystal water is a unbelievable expertise should you dare to strive it!

Cenote Azul is situated proper by Cenote Crsiatlino, so you may go to each of them in sooner or later. Be sure you deliver money with you, as solely money fee (in MEX pesos) is accepted on the entrance. You’ll be able to lease a automobile or take a neighborhood Colectivo bus both from Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Opening occasions: 9 am to five pm

Entrance ticket: 200 pesos ($11.20)

Ideas for visiting cenotes in Mexico

Visiting Mexican cenotes is as soon as in a lifetime expertise, and if you wish to take advantage of out of your go to, listed below are some issues to bear in mind.

Carry money – You’ll need Mexican pesos to pay for entrance on the cenotes you go to. Most cenotes are situated remotely, with no close by ATMs, so be sure to carry sufficient money to pay for the doorway and any extras chances are you’ll need to buy, similar to snorkelling tools or lunch.

Suncream isn’t allowed – Most cenotes forbid guests to make use of suncream and different merchandise that will contaminate the water. If you want to defend your pores and skin, go for a long-sleeved rash guard. Earlier than getting into the cenote pool, you may be required to take a bathe to clean off deodorant, physique moisturiser and different merchandise chances are you’ll be sporting.

Put on a life jacket – Using life jackets at some cenotes in Mexico is compulsory, whereas at others, it’s really helpful however not obligatory. Should you’re not a assured swimmer, you must get one, even when it’s not required. Floating in a life jacket is definitely an excellent enjoyable expertise!

Be respectful – Cenotes in Mexico are sacred locations, so behave accordingly, present respect and observe the principles. 

Don’t do something that may influence the setting, similar to bringing plastic to the cenote or leaving any litter behind. Additionally, deliver with you a fast-drying towel manufactured from microfibre materials, a pair of flip-flops, a cushty swimsuit and loads of water.

Cenotes in Mexico: FAQ 

Is it protected to swim in Cave Cenotes in Mexico?

Sure, it’s protected to swim within the cenotes of Mexico. Cenotes typically have very clear water that has been filtered naturally by way of layers of rocks and limestone. However, should you’re not a powerful swimmer, you must put on a life jacket.

What’s the most well-known cenote in Mexico?

Probably the most well-known cenotes is Cenote Suytun, with its iconic round platform illuminated by a lightweight beam coming by way of its ceiling. The pictures of Cenote Suytun have gone viral on social media, and taking a photograph in its cave is a bucket-list expertise for a lot of avid Instagrammers.

What’s so particular about cenotes?

Swimming in cenotes is a really distinctive expertise as you may solely discover them within the Yucatan Peninsula. They’re lovely pure swimming pools with crystal clear water, surrounded by lush vegetation. As well as, many cenotes are dwelling to distinctive wildlife, similar to bats, vibrant fish and even turtles.

Visiting Cenotes in Mexico: Wrap-up

I hope you discovered this information to probably the most epic cenotes in Mexico inspiring and helpful. Swimming in a cenote is an unforgettable expertise that you must positively add to your Mexico itinerary. From Cenote Suytun’s iconic round platform to the distinctive wildlife discovered at Laguna Kaan Luum and Gran Cenote, every Mexican cenote has one thing particular to supply. If you’re actually into exploring Tulum cenotes in Mexico be certain to additionally take a look at different Cenotes like Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Manatí simply to call a couple of.

Get pleasure from your journey!