Have you ever swam in a crystal-clear sinkhole amidst a lush jungle? Swimming in a cenote is a singular expertise, solely discovered in Mexico and one of many issues it’s best to undoubtedly check out throughout your journey.
Cenotes are largely discovered on the Yucatan peninsula in the southern a part of Mexico. The nice Mayans knew in regards to the cenotes lengthy earlier than they grew to become a bucket-list attraction, and so they used them as a supply of water in addition to in their non secular ceremonies.
Top Cenotes in Mexico
If you wish to go to a few of the most superb 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 supply actions like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. You can both be part of one of many cenote excursions from Tulum or different cities of Riviera Maya if you happen to take pleasure in a hassle-free tour or lease a automotive and go to independently.
The alternative is de facto huge, as there are a whole bunch of cenotes in Yucatan, however after studying this submit, you’ll uncover which cenotes in Mexico are actually unmissable.
What are cenotes in Mexico?
If 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 a lot of cenotes there. Some cenotes are a part of giant underground river methods, 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 mild and are darkish and mysterious, so swimming in one of many shut cenotes is a really distinctive expertise. An instance of a cave cenote is Cenote Suytun.
Open cenotes are a lot older, with their roof eroded away through the years. They are open to the exterior world, lit with pure mild, and usually lined 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 might be 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.
In the Mayan tradition, cenotes performed an necessary position. They have been seen because the bridge between the earthly and the divine worlds. They have been thought-about sacred locations and have been used for spiritual rituals, together with human choices in some circumstances.
Today, visiting a Mexican cenote is just not solely a enjoyable exercise but in addition one of many some ways you possibly can discover and perceive the traditional Mayan civilisation.
1. Gran Cenote
Just just a few kilometres away from Tulum, you’ll discover probably the most fashionable cenotes in Mexico – the Gran Cenote.
Gran Cenote is an open cenote with crystal clear emerald water, two swimming pools, and a cave. If you’re in diving, this can be a great spot to do it. If you wish to snorkel, which I like to recommend doing, snorkelling gear is included in the ticket value. Just be sure you convey an ID, which is required as a deposit.
The waters of Gran Cenote are teeming with tropical fish, and you’ll even spot right here cute tinny turtles. Just a few-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 if you happen to’re fortunate, you may even spot some bats hovering by way of the intricate formations.
Getting to Gran Cenote is simple; you possibly can drive a automotive, or because it’s solely a 5 km journey, you can even experience a bicycle, which is a typical mode of transport in Tulum. Since the cenote is without doubt one of the hottest cenotes close to Tulum, the most effective time to go to it’s in the morning, proper after it opens at 8 am.
If you would like 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 is the proper 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 encompasses a round platform proper in the center of its cave. At round noon, the platform will get illuminated by a lightweight beam coming by way of a small opening in the cave ceiling, creating a rare sight!
This picturesque cave cenote has captured the hearts of Instagrammers worldwide, and it’s not exhausting to see why. If you wish to take a photograph of the platform, put together your self to attend in a queue.
Apart from taking the Insta well-known photograph, be sure you discover the cave and its placing stalactites and stalagmites that shaped over 1000’s of years. If you wish to swim, you can be required to take a bathe and put on a life jacket.
Cenote Suytun is positioned 8 km from the centre of Valladolid. If your itinerary doesn’t help you keep a few days in this space of Yucatan, you possibly can e-book a tour beginning out of your lodge in Cancun or every other Riviera Maya city. Combine a go to to Suytun with Chichen Itza and the city of Valladolid for a day full of fascinating sights.
This is an ideal cenote tour that features Valladolid and Chichen Itza as nicely. Check 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 points of interest of Bacalar Lagoon, Cenote Azul is without doubt one of 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 toes. Swimming in this cenote is a rare expertise, and it’s very refreshing. If you’re not a powerful swimmer, be certain to lease a life jacket and revel in floating in its waters carefree. Alternatively, you can even discover this massive cenote on a kayak.
Bacalar lies in Quintana Roo, a 4-hour drive south of Cancun. You can discover Cenote Azul 4 km south of Bacalar downtown, and one of the best ways to get there’s by rental automotive. It can be doable to get to Cenote Azul by taxi, or if you happen to’re up for some cardio, you can even stroll or cycle. A Cenote tour can be a simple approach to discover these superb 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
If you’re searching for a cenote the place you possibly can spend a enjoyable day, Oxman is ideal. It is an open cenote with lush vegetation rising on its partitions.
Cenote Oxman is understood for its Tarzan gown swing. Grab onto the handles and swing to the center of the pool to leap into the cenote. The first leap is slightly scary, however belief me, you’ll want to do it repeatedly!
Also, convey 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. In addition to the cenote entrance, you can even take pleasure in their solar loungers and pool. There can be a restaurant, and if you happen to’re wanting to remain right here for lunch, be certain to decide on a ticket that features their buffet lunch.
Hacienda Oxman is positioned a 6-km drive from downtown Valladolid. You can drive right here or take a taxi. It can be fashionable 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 without doubt one of the distinctive locations to go to close to Tulum and a very good vacation spot for nature lovers.
There are many animals residing in this space, together with agoutis, jaguars, and badgers. Additionally, you possibly can see parrots, woodpeckers, and iguanas which might be vibrant.
In the center of the lagoon, there’s an 80-metre-deep cenote, which you’ll spot from a raised viewing platform. The water in 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 affords unbelievable swimming situations in its heat, shallow waters. Don’t overlook to convey your snorkelling masks and a rush guard to guard your physique from solar publicity, as carrying solar cream is strictly forbidden.
The greatest approach to get to Laguna de Kaan Luum is to lease a automotive or scooter and make your manner independently. The lagoon is positioned a brief drive away from downtown Tulum, however since it’s tucked away from the principle highway, deep in the jungle, it’s best to keep away from taking taxis or public buses, which is able to drop you off on the principle highway.
Opening occasions: 9 am to 4 pm
Entrance ticket: 300 pesos ($16.75)
6. Cenote Ik Kil
Situated close to the New World Wonder Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is a well-liked vacationer cease but in addition probably the most picturesque swimming holes in Mexico. It is an open cenote with lush vegetation and lianas rising on its partitions and cave ceilings totally eroded away.
Taking a refreshing dip in the cenote’s cool water is an actual deal with after touring Chichen Itza beneath the blazing Mexican solar. The cenote has a most depth of 150 toes, and life jackets are obligatory if you wish to swim. And if you happen to dare, there’s additionally a 5-meter excessive leaping platform, which is bound to present you an exhilarating adrenaline rush.
Since Ik Kil is positioned close to the Chichen Itza Archaeological Site, most excursions cease on the cenote after a go to to the Mayan ruins. This implies that the cenote is slightly busy more often than not, however nonetheless, completely value it. If you want to take pleasure in it with out the crowds, select to go to in the early morning or late afternoon.
Opening occasions: 9 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)
7. Cenote Zaci (Zacil-Ha)
If you’re searching for the most effective family-friendly cenotes in Mexico, Cenote Zaci, positioned close to Tulum, is ideal. It is a small, open cenote, and what makes it an excellent cenote for teenagers is that it is just 3 meters deep. The cenote Zaci additionally boasts a enjoyable zipline, which you let go of once you’re in the center of the water for an exciting leap, and in addition a 3-meter excessive leaping platform.
The cenote services embody solar loungers, a pool and a restaurant the place you possibly can seize a lightweight lunch and a chilly drink.
If you’ve got an area in your itinerary, mix a go to to Cenote Zaci with Gran Cenote, cenote Calavera or Car Wash Cenote, all of that are positioned shut by.
You can 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 select you out once 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 identify suggests, is understood for its crystal clear water, good for snorkelling and scuba diving. The cenote pool is sort of a big aquarium, stuffed with tropical fish of various species and colors. There can be a cave-like tunnel which is enjoyable to swim by way of and a leaping platform for thrill-seekers.
The lush jungle surrounds the cenote, so be sure you discover the entire web site as a result of there are two extra hidden swimming pools with shallow turquoise water to be found.
Avoid visiting the cenote throughout the weekend, when the cenote will get actually busy with the native households flocking right here to spend their free time. Also, 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 may be simply visited from each cities. The greatest to manner get to the cenote is with a rental automotive, however additionally it is doable to take a neighborhood bus often known as a “colectivo”. Make positive you inform the driving force the place you wish 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 without doubt one of the most unusual cenotes in Mexico. Unlike different cenotes that usually characteristic a big swimming gap, Calavera consists of some smaller holes and doesn’t have a staircase to entry its cave. Instead, you’ll both want to leap into the cenote or climb down an enormous picket ladder, which is a thrill in its personal proper!
The cenote gap with its ladder is without doubt one of the most photographed locations in Tulum, and once 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 possibly can dry off and catch some solar. There can be a snack store, and as at most cenotes – showers, bathrooms and altering rooms.
Cenote Calavera is located simply outdoors Tulum downtown, off the principle highway to Coba Mayan ruins, and you’ll simply cycle to its entrance or seize a taxi.
Opening occasions: 8:30 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 250 pesos ($14)
10. Cenote Car Wah
Located additionally close to Tulum (in the Mayan language – Cenote Aktun-Ha), also called Cenote Car Wash, is a picturesque open cenote completely value including to your itinerary.
Cenote Car Wash appears to be like like a tranquil lake and boasts exceptionally crystal clear water, which is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and in addition diving. In the water, you possibly can spot numerous vibrant fish and small, cute turtles. For the most effective snorkelling expertise, arrive in the morning when the turtles are probably the most energetic.
There can be a 3-meter excessive leaping platform, which isn’t too scary hight however excessive sufficient to present you slightly thrill. The cenote additionally has some seating and picnic areas, that are nice if you wish to spend some extra time right here.
Cenote Car Wash is positioned on the principle highway to Coba, a 9-km drive from downtown Tulum. You can get right here both by taxi, rental automotive, scooter or bicycle. Make positive to additionally try different unbelievable cenotes in this space, corresponding to Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera.
Opening occasions: 8 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 300 pesos ($16.80)
11. Cenote Cocalitos
Famous for its giant stromatolites colony, Cenote Cocalitos is a must-visit cenote when travelling to Bacalar Lagoon. Stromatolites are billions-year-old fossils that are thought-about to be the oldest life kinds 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 you comply with 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 in the water. The cenote is shallow, and it’s doable to stroll round to discover all its corners.
Cenote Cocalitos lies 4 km away from Bacalar metropolis centre, and you’ll simply get right here by taxi, rental automotive or scooter, or you possibly can simply merely stroll or cycle. Make positive you additionally try 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
Another unbelievable cenote located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Azul, affords probably the most pleasant swimming experiences in Yucatan.
The cenote itself is a phenomenal pool of turquoise, crystal-clear water surrounded by lush greenery. In addition to the principle pool, there are additionally a number of smaller swimming holes, so be sure you take time to discover the positioning absolutely.
Inside the water, you will discover dozens of vibrant fish, making it a really perfect spot for snorkelling and admiring nature in its purest kind.
This can be an excellent spot for cliff-jumping – there are a number of platforms of various heights, and the very best one is 5 meters excessive. Jumping into the refreshing crystal water is a unbelievable expertise if you happen to dare to attempt it!
Cenote Azul is positioned proper by Cenote Crsiatlino, so you possibly can go to each of them in in the future. Make positive you convey money with you, as solely money cost (in MEX pesos) is accepted on the entrance. You can lease a automotive 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)
Tips 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 here are some issues to maintain in thoughts.
Bring money – You will want Mexican pesos to pay for entrance on the cenotes you go to. Most cenotes are positioned remotely, with no close by ATMs, so be sure you carry sufficient money to pay for the doorway and any extras it’s possible you’ll wish to buy, corresponding to snorkelling tools or lunch.
Suncream is just not allowed – Most cenotes forbid guests to make use of suncream and different merchandise which will contaminate the water. If you might want to shield your pores and skin, go for a long-sleeved rash guard. Before getting into the cenote pool, you can be required to take a bathe to clean off deodorant, physique moisturiser and different merchandise it’s possible you’ll be carrying.
Wear a life jacket – The use of life jackets at some cenotes in Mexico is compulsory, whereas at others, it’s really useful however not obligatory. If you’re not a assured swimmer, it’s best to get one, even when it’s not required. Floating in a life jacket is definitely a brilliant enjoyable expertise!
Be respectful – Cenotes in Mexico are sacred locations, so behave accordingly, present respect and comply with the principles.
Don’t do something that may impression the surroundings, corresponding to bringing plastic to the cenote or leaving any litter behind. Also, convey with you a fast-drying towel product of microfibre materials, a pair of flip-flops, a snug swimsuit and loads of water.
Cenotes in Mexico: FAQ
Is it secure to swim in Cave Cenotes in Mexico?
Yes, it’s secure to swim in the cenotes of Mexico. Cenotes typically have very clear water that has been filtered naturally by way of layers of rocks and limestone. But, if you happen to’re not a powerful swimmer, it’s best to put on a life jacket.
What is probably the most well-known cenote in Mexico?
One of 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 is so particular about cenotes?
Swimming in cenotes is a really distinctive expertise as you possibly can solely discover them in the Yucatan Peninsula. They are stunning pure swimming pools with crystal clear water, surrounded by lush vegetation. In addition, many cenotes are residence to distinctive wildlife, corresponding 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 it’s best to undoubtedly 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 try different Cenotes like Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Manatí simply to call just a few.
Enjoy your journey!