Have you ever swam in a crystal-clear sinkhole amidst a lush jungle? Swimming in a cenote is a novel expertise, solely discovered in Mexico and one of many issues it’s best to positively check out throughout your journey.
Cenotes are principally 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, they usually used them as a supply of water in addition to in their non secular 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 provide 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 for those who take pleasure in a hassle-free tour or lease a automobile and go to independently.
The selection is admittedly huge, as there are tons of of cenotes in Yucatan, however after studying this publish, 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 in all probability 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 a lot of cenotes there. Some cenotes are a part of massive underground river programs, 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 embrace 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 vital function. 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 circumstances.
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 can see 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, it is a excellent 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 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. A couple of-meters lengthy cave connects the 2 swimming pools of the cenote, and as you swim by means of it, look as much as admire historic stalactites. And for those who’re fortunate, you may even spot some bats hovering by means of the intricate formations.
Getting to Gran Cenote is straightforward; you may drive a automobile, or because it’s solely a 5 km journey, you may also 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 favor 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 means 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 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 placing stalactites and stalagmites that fashioned over 1000’s 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 may e-book a tour beginning out of your lodge 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 full of 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 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 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 ft. Swimming in this cenote is a rare expertise, and it’s very refreshing. If you’re not a robust swimmer, be sure that to lease a life jacket and revel in floating in its waters carefree. Alternatively, you may also 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 may be by rental automobile. It can also be potential to get to Cenote Azul by taxi, or for those who’re up for some cardio, you may also stroll or cycle. A Cenote tour can also be a simple solution 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 on the lookout 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 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 a bit of 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 implausible amenities. In addition to the cenote entrance, you may also take pleasure in their solar loungers and pool. There can also be a restaurant, and for those who’re wanting to remain right here for lunch, be sure that 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 also 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 may see parrots, woodpeckers, and iguanas which might 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 on account of its profound depth, and sadly, swimming inside it’s not allowed.
The lagoon itself gives implausible swimming situations in its heat, shallow waters. Don’t neglect to convey your snorkelling masks and a rush guard to guard your physique from solar publicity, as sporting solar cream is strictly forbidden.
The finest solution to get to Laguna de Kaan Luum is to lease a automobile or scooter and make your approach independently. The lagoon is positioned a brief drive away from downtown Tulum, however since it’s tucked away from the primary 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 primary 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 ft, and life jackets are obligatory if you wish to swim. And for those who dare, there may be additionally a 5-meter excessive leaping platform, which is certain 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 signifies that the cenote is a bit of 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 on the lookout 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 incredible cenote for youths is that it’s only 3 meters deep. The cenote Zaci additionally boasts a enjoyable zipline, which you let go of while you’re in the center of the water for an exciting leap, and in addition a 3-meter excessive leaping platform.
The cenote amenities embrace solar loungers, a pool and a restaurant the place you may 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 choose you out while 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, excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving. The cenote pool is sort of a large aquarium, stuffed with tropical fish of various species and colors. There can also be a cave-like tunnel which is enjoyable to swim by means 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, be sure that to take a look at the neighbouring Cenote Azul, which is equally beautiful.
Cenote Cristalino is tucked between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and could be simply visited from each cities. The finest to approach get to the cenote is with a rental automobile, however it is usually potential to take a neighborhood bus often called a “colectivo”. Make positive you inform the driving 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 usually 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 without doubt one of the most photographed locations in Tulum, and while 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, bogs and altering rooms.
Cenote Calavera is located simply outdoors Tulum downtown, off the primary 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 referred to as 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 in addition diving. In the water, you may spot a lot of vibrant fish and small, cute turtles. For the most effective snorkelling expertise, arrive in the morning when the turtles are probably the most lively.
There can also be a 3-meter excessive leaping platform, which isn’t too scary hight however excessive sufficient to present you a bit of 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 primary highway to Coba, a 9-km drive from downtown Tulum. You can get right here both by taxi, rental automobile, scooter or bicycle. Make positive to additionally try different implausible cenotes in this space, equivalent 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 massive 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 varieties on Earth and the primary organisms that produced oxygen.
At Cocalitos, you should have a novel 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 can see a big swimming gap with lukewarm milky-blue water and an unimaginable view of beautiful jungle greenery. The cenote additionally options vibrant hammocks and swings in the water. The cenote is shallow, and it’s potential 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 automobile 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 occasions: 10 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 50 pesos ($2.80)
12. Cenote Azul, Playa del Carmen
Another implausible cenote located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Azul, gives probably the most pleasant swimming experiences in Yucatan.
The cenote itself is a ravishing 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 positioning absolutely.
Inside the water, you could find dozens of vibrant fish, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling and admiring nature in its purest kind.
This can also be an incredible 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 implausible expertise for those who dare to strive it!
Cenote Azul is positioned proper by Cenote Crsiatlino, so you may go to each of them in someday. Make positive you convey money with you, as solely money fee (in MEX pesos) is accepted on the entrance. You can lease a automobile 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 below 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, equivalent to snorkelling gear or lunch.
Suncream will not be allowed – Most cenotes forbid guests to make use of suncream and different merchandise that will contaminate the water. If you might want to defend your pores and skin, go for a long-sleeved rash guard. Before coming into the cenote pool, you’ll be required to take a bathe to scrub 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, it’s best 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 comply with the foundations.
Don’t do something that may affect the setting, equivalent 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 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 usually have very clear water that has been filtered naturally by means of layers of rocks and limestone. But, for those who’re not a robust 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 means of its ceiling. The images 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 lovely pure swimming pools with crystal clear water, surrounded by lush vegetation. In addition, many cenotes are house to distinctive wildlife, equivalent 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 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 be sure that to additionally try different Cenotes like Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Manatí simply to call a couple of.
Enjoy your journey!