Tulum, a gem in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico, is celebrated for its pristine white sand beaches, trendy eateries, and the easy access it offers to awe-inspiring Mayan ruins and transparent cenotes, making it a top destination for tourists.
Highlights include the well-known Gran Cenote, with its caves and open-air pools, and Cenote Dos Ojos, a favorite among divers, along with Cenote Zacil-Ha and Cenote Carwash, which are just a few of the remarkable cenotes around Tulum waiting to be discovered.
After exploring and falling in love with many of these spectacular natural pools, we are eager to share our top picks—here’s our guide to the 15 must-visit cenotes near Tulum.
What are Cenotes?
Cenotes, pronounced “seh-NO-tay,” are natural pools formed when the limestone bedrock above an underground cave collapses, exposing the groundwater beneath. The Yucatan Peninsula, including Tulum, is dotted with thousands of these enchanting cenotes, each with its own charm.
The water in cenotes is typically cool, sourced from underground aquifers, making them perfect for a refreshing dip to escape the hot Mexican sun. Historically, many cenotes played a role in Mayan rituals, including sacrifices, with artifacts like gold, pottery, and even remains found in their depths.
Types of Cenotes Near Tulum:
Open Cenotes: These are completely open to the sky due to the full collapse of their overhead caves. They are ideal for swimming under the open sky, enjoying the comfortably cool waters, and relaxing in the sun-drenched areas around them. Favorites include Cenote Carwash and Cenote Zacil-Ha.
Semi-open Cenotes: Mostly underground, these cenotes have small openings that allow sunlight and fresh air to filter through, creating stunning beams of light that illuminate the clear waters below. Cenote Ik Kil, accessible during a day trip to Chichen Itza, and Cenote Samula near Valladolid, are among the best semi-open cenotes.
Underground Cenotes: Fully enclosed within cave systems, these cenotes lack natural lighting, offering a unique, eerie swimming experience. Notable underground cenotes include Cenote Choo-Ha near the Coba ruins and Cenote Xkeken near Valladolid.
Whether you’re diving into the depths of Cenote Dos Ojos or basking in the sunlight at Cenote Zacil-Ha, Tulum’s cenotes offer a refreshing and mystical experience steeped in history and natural beauty.
Exploring the Top 15 Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico
With over 10,000 cenotes scattered across the Yucatan Peninsula, deciding which ones to visit can seem daunting. However, this guide simplifies your choices by highlighting the best cenotes in Tulum for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
Whether you’re diving into the depths of Cenote Dos Ojos or basking in the sunlight at Cenote Zacil-Ha, Tulum’s cenotes offer a refreshing and mystical experience steeped in history and natural beauty.
For those looking to explore a variety of cenotes during their stay, cenotes in Tulum, such as Cenote Casa Tortuga Tulum, provide a range of experiences from swimming to snorkeling. Additionally, embarking on a Tulum cenotes tour can guide you through some of the best cenotes in Tulum, ensuring you don’t miss out on any hidden gems.
1. Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is a top attraction for those exploring Tulum and the broader Riviera Maya. It is the first cenote I experienced in Tulum, accessed by a scenic bike ride from downtown.
This site is mesmerizing for swimmers and offers excellent diving opportunities due to its connection to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems.
Due to its convenient location, the Gran Cenote can be perfectly paired with trips to Coba or Chichen Itza. However, an early visit is advisable to avoid the afternoon rush of tour buses from Chichen Itza.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 500 MXN
- Locker Rental: 30 MXN
- Snorkeling Gear Rental: 80 MXN
- Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM
- Location: About 3 miles from Tulum on the road to Coba, with a large parking area and easy bicycle access.
2. Cenote Carwash (Aktun-Ha)
Officially known as Aktun-Ha, Cenote Carwash earned its nickname due to its proximity to a car wash prior to its discovery. This semi-open cenote offers a tranquil experience as it’s usually less crowded compared to others.
Divers can explore up to 16 feet deep, where they’ll find an underwater landscape adorned with stalactites, aquatic plants, various fish species, and freshwater turtles. Deeper exploration into the 50-foot cave requires an authorized guide, highlighting the cenote’s extensive and connected underwater networks, including a link to the Zacil Ha cenote.
Visiting Information:
- Location: Approximately 5 miles from Tulum towards Coba
- Entrance Fee: 300 MXN
3. Zacil-Ha
Zacil-Ha, which translates to “clear water” in Mayan, is a breathtaking natural pool transformed into a vibrant ecotourism complex. The cenote offers a variety of water activities including swimming, snorkeling, and diving in “Las Lagrimas”—a cave that ranges from 26 to 115 feet in depth and connects with the Carwash and Calavera cenotes.
Ideal for families, Zacil-Ha is equipped with comprehensive facilities such as a swimming pool, rest areas, changing rooms, a restaurant, cabins, restrooms, and ample parking. It also features a fun zip line over the cenote for a touch of adventure.
Due to its compact size, Zacil-Ha can become crowded quickly. It’s best to arrive at 10 AM when it opens to avoid the peak crowd times starting around 11 AM.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 200 MXN (150 MXN for nationals)
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
- Location: Approximately 5.5 miles from Tulum towards Cobá, just past the Carwash cenote, with a large parking area available.
4. Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera, also known as Skull Cenote, derives its name from the skull-like appearance of its entrance, which features three distinct holes. This cenote might be familiar from Instagram, celebrated for its picturesque wooden ladder and rope, perfect for a memorable photo.
Despite its visual appeal, it remains relatively uncrowded as it is not included in typical tours and offers minimal facilities beyond a basic bathroom. It’s particularly appealing to groups of friends and couples looking for a fun, less commercialized experience.
Adventurers can dive into the deep waters through these skull-like openings or use the ladder for entry. Once inside, don’t forget to look up to spot bats clinging to the ceiling. Cenote Calavera is a true hidden gem in Tulum that offers a unique and thrilling experience.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 250 MXN
- Life Jacket Rental: 50 MXN
- Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM daily
- Location: Only a mile from Tulum on road 109 towards Coba, easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot from downtown Tulum.
5. Tankah Cenote
Tankah Cenote is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat from the crowds and sargassum of Tulum. Nestled in the jungle, merely 165 feet from the breathtaking Caribbean beach, this cenote is accessible through the Beach Club Caleta Tankah.
The club provides comprehensive amenities, including a restaurant and loungers, allowing you to combine a day of seaside relaxation with the refreshing experience of swimming in the cenote’s fresh water.
Highlight: Tankah Cove, also known as Caleta Tankah, is celebrated for being a pristine, sargassum-free spot in Tulum.
6. Casa Tortuga
Casa Tortuga is one of my favorite spots in Tulum, boasting four spectacular cenotes, each offering a unique experience. The Cenote Campana and Cenote Wisho are semi-open cenotes adorned with beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and various other natural formations.
This Cenote Tres Zapotes is a spacious open cenote, ideal for swimming and unwinding. Cenote Dorca, a secluded treasure, is accessible via a pathway flanked by mangroves. Additionally, the site is home to the Chechén and Chacáh trees, which are considered sacred by the Maya people.
Casa Tortuga is well-maintained and expansive, allowing visitors to enjoy the cenotes comfortably without feeling overcrowded.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: Starting at 400 MXN, includes a guide, access to all four cenotes, and a life vest. Additional packages available with buffet and zip line options.
- Location: 15 minutes from Tulum, situated along the Cancun-Tulum highway.
- Accommodation: Overnight stays are available on site, including free access to Cenote Tres Zapotes.
- Booking: Tours to Casa Tortuga are available, including transportation from Tulum, access to all four cenotes, and snacks.
7. Cenote Dos Ojos
Renowned as one of Tulum’s most famous cenotes, Cenote Dos Ojos lives up to its reputation. Named “Dos Ojos” (Two Eyes in Spanish) due to its two cenotes each about 230 ft in diameter, they are connected by a vast underground cavern.
The first cenote offers ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters, while the second is adorned with an array of stalactites and stalagmites, adding a touch of mystery.
For the more adventurous, a 1300 ft corridor leads to the “baticueva” or bat cave, home to hundreds of bats. This cenote is part of the world’s largest underwater cave system, stretching over 215 miles.
To best enjoy Cenote Dos Ojos, visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid the crowds brought by tour groups.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 400 MXN, or 200 MXN for children under 12 years old. A guided tour including access to the “baticueva” costs 800 MXN.
- Location: Located 12 miles from Tulum towards Playa del Carmen, within Dos Ojos Park.
- Amenities: Ideal for families, the cenote features facilities including two restaurants.
- Hours: Open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
8. Nicte-Ha Cenote
Cenote Nicte-Ha or Nic Te Ha is a hidden treasure in Tulum, where you can enjoy a cenote in the wild with very few tourists. You might even have it all to yourself! It is a small cenote, but full of life and beauty.
You can see tree roots and rocks around the cenote, and water lilies, fish and turtles in the clear water. The bottom of the cenote is covered with aquatic plants that sway gently in the current. Cenote Nicte-Ha is a place where you can find peace and tranquility in the middle of nature.
And the best part is it is very close to the popular Dos Ojos cenote, which is part of Dos Ojos Park. You can easily visit both cenotes in one day and have a memorable experience.
How to visit the Nicte-Ha cenote:
- Entrance costs 300 MXN and is purchased at the Dos Ojos parking lot
- Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
- Changing rooms and basic toilets, life jacket rental
- There is nothing on-site, so make sure to bring enough water.
- Located 14 miles from Tulum. You can also get there by Colectivo, but then you will have to walk 15 min to the Nicte Ha cenote
9. Taak Bi Ha Cenote
Taak Bi Ha Cenote, also known as Tak Be Ha, offers a less touristy experience in Tulum, managed by a local collective of seven families. This cenote is a breathtaking submerged cave adorned with stalagmites, stalactites, natural roots, and skylights, featuring clear and inviting waters.
The highlight is a 30-minute guided tour that allows you to snorkel through various depths and narrow passages, making for an engaging and fun exploration of the cenote.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 350 MXN (includes life jacket), 400 MXN with the guided tour
- Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Location: Approximately 20 minutes from Tulum on the 307. Access is via the entrance to Dos Ojos Park (though it is not part of the park itself), then continue about 2 miles further.
- Note: Purchase tickets directly at Cenote Taak Bi Ha, not at Dos Ojos Park.
10. Sac Actún
Sac Actún stands out as one of Mexico’s most enchanting cenotes, offering visitors the chance to navigate through caves filled with clear waters and stunning rock formations.
Often referred to as “Pet Cemetery” due to the discovery of animal bones that are believed to be remnants of ancient Mayan rituals, Sac Actún is a part of the world’s largest underwater cave system, which encompasses multiple cenotes.
A guided tour is mandatory for exploring Sac Actún, with tours typically lasting around 45 minutes and covering various cenotes within the system.
Visiting Information:
- Location: 15 miles from Tulum, along Highway 307 in Dos Ojos Park.
- Entrance Fee: 650 MXN
Recommended Tour: For a comprehensive experience, consider a guided tour that includes transportation from Tulum. This tour not only explores Sac Actún but also includes a boat ride in the Bay of Tulum. During the boat ride, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and capture breathtaking views of the ruins, followed by a swim in the cenote under the guidance of an expert.
11. Cenote El Pit
Cenote El Pit not only holds the title of the deepest cenote in the region at 430 feet but also stands out as one of the most spectacular diving spots in the Yucatan Peninsula. Located within a cave, access to the water requires descending a series of vertical stairs.
Divers at Cenote El Pit first pass through a zone with a layer of hydrogen sulfate. Ascending from there, the entrance to two caves appears, one of which links to the Dos Ojos cenote. Higher up, an array of geological formations and the breathtaking play of light rays filtering through the water treat divers.
Visiting Information:
- Dive Level: Intermediate, with a maximum depth of 130 feet
- Facilities: Each parking spot includes a table for setting up diving gear
- Access: Via Dos Ojos Park, followed by a 15-minute drive to the entrance
12. Cenote Encantado
You can find Cenote Encantado just before the entrance to the Sian Ka’an reserve at the tail end of the Tulum hotel zone. Mangroves surround this expansive freshwater lake, which ranges from 16 to 33 feet deep. It’s a great spot to observe wildlife like iguanas, crabs, and even raccoons.
Visitors can swim, snorkel (bring your own equipment), and kayak (available for rent at 50 pesos). While the sitting areas around the cenote are limited, there is a quaint tower with a dock that visitors can use.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 100 MXN
- Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
- Location: Located at KM 10 of the Tulum hotel zone along the beach, just under a mile from the Sian Kaan entrance.
- Access: There are two entry points: one marked “enchanted cenote” and another indicated by a yellow kayak. The latter is preferable due to better parking availability.
13. Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido
Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido are two captivating outdoor cenotes located directly across from each other, accessible with a single entrance ticket. Surrounded by lush greenery, both offer pristine, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Cenote Cristal, also known as Cenote Naharon, tends to attract more visitors due to its sunbathing areas, hammocks, tables, and a 6-foot platform for jumping into the water. For diving enthusiasts, there’s a thrilling 550-yard corridor connecting Cenote Cristal with Cenote Escondido, providing a unique underwater experience.
Visiting Information:
- Location: South of Tulum, approximately 2.5 miles from downtown on Route 307. There is parking available for both cars and bikes.
- Public Transportation: Take a colectivo towards Felipe Carrillo Puerto and walk just over a mile.
- Entrance Fee: 300 pesos covers entry to both cenotes
- Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM
14. Cenotes of Cobá
During my initial visit to Cobá, I pleasantly discovered several cenotes close to the archaeological site. Travelers typically visit these hidden gems themselves, as organized tours do not commonly feature them.
Two underground caves house the cenotes at Cobá, each offering a unique experience:
- Choo-Ha: The most accessible cenote with shallow waters, ideal for children.
- Tamcach-Ha: Resembles a large natural pool equipped with two jumping platforms (16 and 33 feet high) and tends to attract more tourists.
- Multun-Ha (sometimes spelled Multum-Ha): Although more challenging to reach, it provides the best conditions for snorkeling with its crystal-clear waters, making it the most enchanting of the three.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 100 MXN per cenote (tickets available at the Cobá parking lot)
- Location: Near the town of Cobá, towards San Juan de Dios (well-marked). Parking is available.
- Transport: If traveling by bus to Cobá, you will need to take a cab to reach the cenotes.
- Alternative: Renting a bike in Cobá is another viable option (4 miles).
15. Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul, aptly named for its vibrant blue waters, is a breathtaking destination featuring trails that weave through various natural water sources. It boasts three distinct natural pools, the first two of which are shallow enough for easy swimming and snorkeling.
Here, visitors can admire the underwater scenery of rocks, plants, and fish. For those seeking a thrill, there’s a spot where you can safely jump into the water from a height of 16 feet. This cenote suits families with children perfectly due to its shallow areas.
Additionally, its location is convenient, being close to Playa del Carmen and nearby attractions like the Jardin del Eden and Cristalino cenotes, Xpu-Ha Beach, and Akumal.
Visiting Information:
- Entrance Fee: 150 MXN, with a reduced fee of 100 MXN for children up to 7 years old
- Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Location: 25 miles from Tulum and 15 miles from Playa del Carmen on Highway 307
- Public Transportation: From Tulum, the fare is 40 MXN and takes about 20 minutes. From Playa del Carmen, it costs 45 MXN and departs from the corner of 20 North Avenue and 2 North Street. The Colectivo from Playa del Carmen drops you off right at the entrance, while from Tulum, you need to cross the road, so be cautious.
Insider Tips for Exploring Tulum’s Cenotes
When visiting the cenotes in Tulum, remember that the price is not always an indicator of quality. Many exceptional cenotes are affordable and managed by local communities with limited advertising. Always bring cash (pesos or US dollars) as most cenotes do not accept credit cards, and you might want to rent equipment like snorkeling gear or life jackets.
Plan to arrive before 16:00 since most cenotes close by 17:30 or 18:00, and entry is restricted shortly before closing. If using public transport, such as a colectivo, communicate clearly with the driver about your stop, as it might not be on their usual route.
Wearing aqua shoes is a great tip—they protect your feet from rocky bottoms and were one of the best purchases I made in Mexico. Explore our destination guides for a wealth of travel tips, hacks, and strategies to make your journey both safe and unforgettable.