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 need to 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 grew to become 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 among 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 lots of supply actions like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. You can both be a part of one of many cenote excursions from Tulum or different cities of Riviera Maya when you get pleasure from a hassle-free tour or lease a automotive and go to independently.
The alternative is admittedly huge, as there are a whole bunch of cenotes in Yucatan, however after studying this put up, 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 may be loads of limestone in Yucatan, there are lots of cenotes there. Some cenotes are a part of giant underground river programs, 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 really 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 are open to the exterior world, lit with pure gentle, 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 embrace Gran Cenote and Cenote Ik Kil.
We even have historic cenotes which can 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 had been seen because the bridge between the earthly and the divine worlds. They had been thought of sacred locations and had been used for spiritual rituals, together with human choices in some instances.
Today, visiting a Mexican cenote will not be 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 a couple of kilometres away from Tulum, you’ll find some of the 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 worth. Just ensure you deliver 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 lovable 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 when you’re fortunate, you may even spot some bats hovering by way of the intricate formations.
Getting to Gran Cenote is simple; you may drive a automotive, or because it’s solely a 5 km journey, it’s also possible to trip a bicycle, which is a standard mode of transport in Tulum. Since the cenote is likely one of the hottest cenotes close to Tulum, the very best 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 right day journey.
Opening instances: 8:00 am to 4:15 pm
Entrance ticket: 500 pesos ($28)
2. Cenote Suytun
Cenote Suytun is a cave cenote which incorporates a round platform proper in the center of its cave. At round noon, the platform will get illuminated by a light-weight 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 arduous 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 picture, ensure you discover the cave and its putting 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 situated 8 km from the centre of Valladolid. If your itinerary doesn’t help you keep a few days in this space of Yucatan, you may ebook 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 instances: 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 likely one of the prime cenotes to go to in Mexico. It boasts a superbly 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 robust swimmer, ensure that to lease a life jacket and luxuriate 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 also be attainable to get to Cenote Azul by taxi, or when you’re up for some cardio, it’s also possible to stroll or cycle. A Cenote tour can also be a straightforward strategy to discover these superb pure wonders. This personal tour takes you to Bacalar Lagoon.
Opening instances: 10 am to six pm
Entrance ticket: 25 pesos ($1.40)
4. Cenote Oxman
If you’re searching for a cenote the place you may 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 somewhat scary, however belief me, you’ll want to do it many times!
Also, 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. In addition to the cenote entrance, it’s also possible to get pleasure from their solar loungers and pool. There can also be a restaurant, and when you’re wanting to remain right here for lunch, ensure that to decide on a ticket that features their buffet lunch.
Hacienda Oxman is situated a 6-km drive from downtown Valladolid. You can drive right here or take a taxi. It can also be fashionable to cycle right here and go to two different close by cenotes alongside the way- Cenote Dzitnup and Saamal.
Opening instances: 8 am to five am
Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)
5. Laguna de Kaan Luum Cenote
Laguna de Kaan Luum is likely 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 may 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 be able to 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’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 finest strategy to get to Laguna de Kaan Luum is to lease a automotive 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 primary 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 primary street.
Opening instances: 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 some of the 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 when you dare, there may be additionally a 5-meter excessive leaping platform, which is certain to offer you an exhilarating adrenaline rush.
Since Ik Kil is situated 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 somewhat busy more often than not, however nonetheless, completely value 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 instances: 9 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)
7. Cenote Zaci (Zacil-Ha)
If you’re searching for the very best family-friendly cenotes in Mexico, Cenote Zaci, situated close to Tulum, is ideal. It is a small, open cenote, and what makes it an awesome cenote for youths 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 exhilarating soar, and likewise a 3-meter excessive leaping platform.
The cenote services embrace solar loungers, a pool and a restaurant the place you may seize a light-weight lunch and a chilly drink.
If you will 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 situated 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 so as to name them to choose you out once you’re prepared to return.
Opening instances: 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 large aquarium, stuffed with tropical fish of various species and hues. There can also 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 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 through the weekend, when the cenote will get actually busy with the native households flocking right here to spend their free time. Also, ensure that 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 finest to approach get to the cenote is with a rental automotive, however it is usually attainable to take a neighborhood bus generally known as a “colectivo”. Make positive you inform the driving force the place you need to get off, as stops are on demand.
Opening instances: 8 am to six pm
Entrance ticket: 200 pesos ($11.20)
9. Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is likely one of the most original cenotes in Mexico. Unlike different cenotes that always function 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 likely one of the most photographed locations in Tulum, and once you see it, you’ll perceive why. Inside the primary pool, there may be additionally a swing, which is also a cool picture spot.
The cenote is surrounded by greenery and vibrant solar loungers the place you may dry off and catch some solar. There can also be a snack store, and as at most cenotes – showers, bathrooms and altering rooms.
Cenote Calavera is located simply outdoors Tulum downtown, off the primary street to Coba Mayan ruins, and you’ll simply cycle to its entrance or seize a taxi.
Opening instances: 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 seems to be like a tranquil lake and boasts exceptionally crystal clear water, which is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and likewise diving. In the water, you may spot plenty of vibrant fish and small, lovable turtles. For the very best snorkelling expertise, arrive in the morning when the turtles are essentially the most lively.
There can also be 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 Car Wash is situated on the primary 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 try different unbelievable cenotes in this space, reminiscent of Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera.
Opening instances: 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 of to be the oldest life kinds on Earth and the primary organisms that produced oxygen.
At Cocalitos, you’ll have a singular alternative to get to those fascinating organisms shut, however ensure you observe 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 unimaginable 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’ll simply get right here by taxi, rental automotive or scooter, or you may simply merely stroll or cycle. Make positive you additionally try Cenote Azul, which is located in the identical space of Bacalar.
Opening instances: 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 some of the pleasant swimming experiences in Yucatan.
The cenote itself is a wonderful pool of turquoise, crystal-clear water surrounded by lush greenery. In addition to the primary pool, there are additionally a number of smaller swimming holes, so ensure you take time to discover the location totally.
Inside the water, you could find dozens of vibrant fish, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling and admiring nature in its purest kind.
This can also be an awesome 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 when you dare to attempt it!
Cenote Azul is situated proper by Cenote Crsiatlino, so you may go to each of them in someday. Make positive you deliver 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 instances: 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 situated remotely, with no close by ATMs, so ensure you carry sufficient money to pay for the doorway and any extras you might need to buy, reminiscent of snorkelling tools or lunch.
Suncream will not be allowed – Most cenotes forbid guests to make use of suncream and different merchandise which will contaminate the water. If you have 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 scrub off deodorant, physique moisturiser and different merchandise you might be sporting.
Wear a life jacket – The use of life jackets at some cenotes in Mexico is compulsory, whereas at others, it’s advisable however not obligatory. If you’re not a assured swimmer, you need to 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 foundations.
Don’t do something that may affect the setting, reminiscent of 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 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, when you’re not a robust swimmer, you need to 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 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 may 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 dwelling to distinctive wildlife, reminiscent of 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 need to 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 ensure that to additionally try different Cenotes like Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Manatí simply to call a couple of.
Enjoy your journey!