Dive Into Mexico: The Best Cenotes in Riviera Maya
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.