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 you must positively check out throughout your journey.
Cenotes are largely discovered on the Yucatan peninsula in the southern a part of Mexico. The nice Mayans knew concerning the cenotes lengthy earlier than they turned a bucket-list attraction, they usually used them as a supply of water in addition to in their religious ceremonies.
Top Cenotes in Mexico
If you need to go to a number 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 provide 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 get pleasure from a hassle-free tour or hire a automotive and go to independently.
The selection is actually huge, as there are lots of of cenotes in Yucatan, however after studying this publish, you’ll uncover which cenotes in Mexico are really 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 type when porous limestone bedrock collapses, and since there may be loads of limestone in Yucatan, there are numerous cenotes there. Some cenotes are a part of giant underground river methods, and others are related 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 through the years. They are 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 embrace Gran Cenote and Cenote Ik Kil.
We even have historical cenotes which can be the oldest in Yucatan. An instance of an historical 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 essential 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 non secular rituals, together with human choices in some instances.
Today, visiting a Mexican cenote isn’t solely a enjoyable exercise but in addition one of many some ways you’ll be able to discover and perceive the traditional Mayan civilisation.
1. Gran Cenote
Just just a few kilometres away from Tulum, you’ll find 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 need to snorkel, which I like to recommend doing, snorkelling gear is included in the ticket value. Just ensure you 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 cute tinny turtles. Just a few-meters lengthy cave connects the 2 swimming pools of the cenote, and as you swim via it, look as much as admire historical stalactites. And if you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot some bats hovering via the intricate formations.
Getting to Gran Cenote is simple; you’ll be able to drive a automotive, or because it’s solely a 5 km journey, it’s also possible to journey 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 favor to leap on a tour this personal Cenote Tour takes you to three totally 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 light-weight beam coming via a small opening in the cave ceiling, creating a unprecedented sight!
This picturesque cave cenote has captured the hearts of Instagrammers worldwide, and it’s not onerous to see why. If you need to take a photograph of the platform, put together your self to attend in a queue.
Apart from taking the Insta well-known photograph, ensure you discover the cave and its hanging stalactites and stalagmites that shaped over hundreds of years. If you need to swim, you’ll 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’ll be able to guide a tour beginning out of your resort in Cancun or some other Riviera Maya city. Combine a go to to Suytun with Chichen Itza and the city of Valladolid for a day filled with attention-grabbing 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 high sights of Bacalar Lagoon, Cenote Azul is without doubt one of the high cenotes to go to in Mexico. It boasts a wonderfully round form, and as it’s an historical 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 unbelievable 295 ft. Swimming in this cenote is a unprecedented expertise, and it’s very refreshing. If you’re not a powerful swimmer, make certain to hire a life jacket and revel in floating in its waters carefree. Alternatively, it’s also possible to 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 simplest ways to get there may be by rental automotive. It can be attainable to get to Cenote Azul by taxi, or if you happen to’re up for some cardio, it’s also possible to stroll or cycle. A Cenote tour can be a straightforward option 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’ll be able to spend a enjoyable day, Oxman is ideal. It is an open cenote with lush vegetation rising on its partitions.
Cenote Oxman is thought for its Tarzan gown swing. Grab onto the handles and swing to the center of the pool to leap into the cenote. The first soar is just a little scary, however belief me, you’ll want to do it repeatedly!
Also, deliver your snorkelling masks (or hire 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, it’s also possible to get pleasure from their solar loungers and pool. There can be a restaurant, and if you happen to’re wanting to remain right here for lunch, make 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 dwelling in this space, together with agoutis, jaguars, and badgers. Additionally, you’ll be able to see parrots, woodpeckers, and iguanas which can be vibrant.
In the center of the lagoon, there may be 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 consequence of its profound depth, and sadly, swimming inside it’s not allowed.
The lagoon itself presents unbelievable swimming situations 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.
The greatest option to get to Laguna de Kaan Luum is to hire 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 street, 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 street.
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 solely eroded away.
Taking a refreshing dip in 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 if you happen to dare, there may be additionally a 5-meter excessive leaping platform, which is certain to provide 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 signifies that the cenote is just a little busy more often than not, however nonetheless, completely price it. If you want to get pleasure from 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 important cenote for teenagers is that it is just 3 meters deep. The cenote Zaci additionally boasts a enjoyable zipline, which you let go of whenever you’re in the center of the water for an exciting soar, and likewise a 3-meter excessive leaping platform.
The cenote services embrace solar loungers, a pool and a restaurant the place you’ll be able to seize a light-weight lunch and a chilly drink.
If you could have 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 in an effort to name them to choose you out whenever 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 thought for its crystal clear water, excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving. The cenote pool is sort of a big aquarium, filled with tropical fish of various species and hues. There can be a cave-like tunnel which is enjoyable to swim via and a leaping platform for thrill-seekers.
The lush jungle surrounds the cenote, so ensure 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, make 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 attainable to take a neighborhood bus often called a “colectivo”. Make positive you inform the motive 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 without doubt one of the most unusual cenotes in Mexico. Unlike 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. Instead, 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 without doubt one of the most photographed locations in Tulum, and whenever you see it, you’ll perceive why. Inside the principle pool, there may be additionally a swing, which is also a cool photograph spot.
The cenote is surrounded by greenery and vibrant solar loungers the place you’ll be able to 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 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 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 price 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 likewise diving. In the water, you’ll be able to spot a lot of vibrant fish and small, cute turtles. For the most effective snorkelling expertise, arrive in the morning when the turtles are essentially the most lively.
There can be a 3-meter excessive leaping platform, which isn’t too scary hight however excessive sufficient to provide you just a little 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 street 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 take a look at different unbelievable cenotes in this space, comparable 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 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 ensure you comply with the foundations and by no means step on them.
Upon arrival, you’ll find a big swimming gap with lukewarm milky-blue water and an unbelievable view of attractive jungle greenery. The cenote additionally options vibrant hammocks and swings in the water. The cenote is shallow, and it’s attainable 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 automotive or scooter, or you’ll be able to simply merely stroll or cycle. Make positive 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
Another unbelievable cenote located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Azul, presents probably the most pleasant swimming experiences in Yucatan.
The cenote itself is a lovely 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 ensure you take time to discover the location totally.
Inside the water, you’ll find dozens of vibrant fish, making it a really perfect spot for snorkelling and admiring nature in its purest type.
This can be an important 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 strive it!
Cenote Azul is positioned proper by Cenote Crsiatlino, so you’ll be able to go to each of them in sooner or later. Make positive you deliver money with you, as solely money cost (in MEX pesos) is accepted on the entrance. You can hire 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 ensure you carry sufficient money to pay for the doorway and any extras you could need to buy, comparable to snorkelling tools or lunch.
Suncream isn’t allowed – Most cenotes forbid guests to make use of suncream and different merchandise which will contaminate the water. If you want to shield your pores and skin, go for a long-sleeved rash guard. Before getting into the cenote pool, you’ll be required to take a bathe to clean off deodorant, physique moisturiser and different merchandise you could be sporting.
Wear a life jacket – The use of life jackets at some cenotes in Mexico is compulsory, whereas at others, it’s beneficial however not necessary. If you’re not a assured swimmer, you must 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 foundations.
Don’t do something that may influence the setting, comparable to bringing plastic to the cenote or leaving any litter behind. Also, deliver with you a fast-drying towel fabricated 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?
Yes, it’s protected to swim in the cenotes of Mexico. Cenotes typically have very clear water that has been filtered naturally via layers of rocks and limestone. But, if you happen to’re not a powerful swimmer, you must put on a life jacket.
What is essentially the most well-known cenote in Mexico?
One of essentially the most well-known cenotes is Cenote Suytun, with its iconic round platform illuminated by a light-weight beam coming via its ceiling. The photographs 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’ll be able to solely discover them in the Yucatan Peninsula. They are lovely pure swimming pools with crystal clear water, surrounded by lush vegetation. In addition, many cenotes are dwelling to distinctive wildlife, comparable to bats, vibrant fish and even turtles.
Visiting Cenotes in Mexico: Wrap-up
I hope you discovered this information to essentially 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 make certain to additionally take a look at different Cenotes like Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Manatí simply to call just a few.
Enjoy your journey!