10 Finest Cenotes Close to Tulum

Tulum cenotes are a few of the finest on the planet. recognized for his or her crystal blue waters, excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving – These cenotes close to Tulum must be in your itinerary!  

Cenotes are pure sinkholes which might be fashioned when the limestone bedrock collapses exposing underground water typically within the type of a fascinating pure pool.

Cenotes are distinctive to this a part of Mexico, and Tulum itself is house to the most important underwater cave system on the planet. Tulum is without doubt one of the finest locations to discover cenotes as a result of there are greater than 200 cenotes close to Tulum.

They had been thought-about sacred swimming pools in Mayan tradition and at this time a in style Tulum attraction by locals and vacationers alike. They’re such distinctive and delightful pure phenomena that they are surely a must-do whereas in Tulum.

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Tulum Cenote Excursions

For those who don’t have a rental automotive and need to see a number of nice cenotes, we recommend becoming a member of this Tulum cenote tour, which visits three cenotes.

In case you are up for extra journey and seeing much more superb cenotes think about renting a automotive, earlier than you say no, try our full information on renting a automotive in Mexico.

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In regards to the Authors: (Hannah & Adam) – We visited our first cenote in Mexico in 2010, and since then have visited almost 100 cenotes. Now we have lived in Playa del Carmen as ex-pats, and spend not less than a number of months per 12 months in and across the Tulum space.

Our household likes to discover cenotes which might be new to us and go to a few of our favourite Tulum cenotes. This can be a first-hand record, we’ve truly visited each certainly one of these cenotes and plenty of extra that didn’t make the highest 10 record.

Finest Tulum Cenotes

With a whole bunch of cenotes close to Tulum to select from, we put collectively this record that can assist you resolve which cenotes to go to. Listed here are a few of our favourite Tulum cenotes.

1. Calavera

5 minutes from Tulum – Closest Cenote to Tulum

For those who ask us, the most effective cenote close to Tulum is Cenote Calavera. It’s so totally different than different cenotes in Mexico.

The identify Calavera instantly interprets to the cranium. It refers to its form, consisting of three separate sinkholes that seem to type two eyes and a mouth when swimming within the cenote trying up.

This cenote has a enjoyable 13-foot drop from the limestone cliff all the way down to the water. There are additionally two small holes within the rock sufficiently big for just one particular person at a time to leap down (tremendous enjoyable).

For those who’re not within the thrill of a plunge, it’s additionally good to take the protected (and Photogenic) route and climb down the ladder. Whereas nonetheless in style that is nonetheless a comparatively much less busy alternative when visiting cenotes in Tulum regardless of being simply accessible.

There’s a rope swing to sit down on within the picturesque pit, and the entire thing is ideal for photograph ops. 

It’s excellent for adventurers, because it provides such a singular underground setting and loads of methods to play within the idyllic pool. Surrounded by jungle foliage and daylight streaming in by way of openings above, it feels off the crushed path and immersed in magical Mexican surroundings. 

Diving in Cenote Calavera is presently not open, which is just too unhealthy as a result of it was certainly one of our favourite cenotes to dive. Adam dove it again in 2018 and loved it. Rainbow-colored rocks type prehistoric fossils, and small altars on the partitions create an ethereal atmosphere for divers.

• Hours: 9 AM to five PM
• Cenote Calavera Value | Entrance Price: 250 pesos
• Life jackets & snorkel gear for hire if wanted
• Pairs effectively with Gran Cenote

2. Gran Cenote

5 minutes from Tulum

Only a few miles exterior of Tulum city is Gran Cenote. These and not using a automotive can simply hire a motorbike in Tulum or take a neighborhood collectivo.

Typically known as Grand Cenote, this open air cenote has a river-like high quality and connects to a set of caves and caverns. It’s such a good looking cenote irrespective of the way you discover it, whether or not it’s an in-depth dive or a easy swim. Stalactites and stalagmites abound right here, in addition to shallow tranquil swimming pools of aqua-colored water.

There’s a charming picket boardwalk that weaves its means by way of all of them and is shrouded in lush and tranquil terrain. There’s a snorkeling space on both aspect of the cenote, the place you possibly can spot some native wildlife. 

Be able to encounter some crowds when visiting, as its reputation is ever-increasing with the rise of Instagram explorers, and for purpose.

Professional tip: make sure you arrive not less than half an hour earlier than closing time, otherwise you gained’t be let in. Carry your individual water & snacks, as there aren’t any on the market.

We advise becoming a member of this cenote tour if you wish to go to a number of cenotes. It visits three cenotes close to Tulum, together with Gran Cenote, Cenote Zemway, and Casa Cenote. In case you are exploring by yourself, be certain that to additionally go to Cenote Calavera, which is up the highway 2kms, a couple of 7-minute bike trip, is Cenote Calavera.

In case you are touring to Tulum on a price range, think about going to Cenote Calavera as a substitute; the doorway payment is half the worth. Nevertheless, the Gran Cenote worth features a lifejacket and snorkel gear.

• Hours: 8 AM to 4:45 PM
• Gran Cenote Value | Entrance Price: 500 pesos (money solely)

3. Cenote Azul

half-hour from Tulum

Situated midway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Cenote Azul is spacious, open-air, and is tons of enjoyable. The identify means blue in Spanish, so it’s straightforward to guess what the hanging colour of those waters will probably be. There are two separate swimming sections with a boardwalk in between. 

One aspect is shallow, which makes this top-of-the-line Tulum cenotes for teenagers and households with young children. The opposite aspect is far deeper, with a cliff proper perched above, which is enjoyable to leap off of and into the glowing floor beneath. 

Cenote Azul is one the most effective cenotes close to Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, which signifies that it may possibly get tremendous busy throughout the day, particularly on the weekends. My recommendation is to move there very first thing within the morning to take pleasure in a barely extra serene setting. Additionally keep away from weekends if potential, and particularly Sundays if you wish to keep away from the crowds.  

There are eating places and picnic areas round, making it a pleasant place to spend a part of the day. The pedicure fish are additionally a pleasant shock at this cenote in Tulum for an added spa-like expertise. Although phrase to the sensible, it may be tremendous ticklish. 

We advise visiting the close by Cenote Jardin el Eden and Cenote Cristalino. You’ll be able to simply go to these three cenotes in a single journey.

• Hours: 8:30 AM to five PM
• Cenote Azul Value | Entrance Price: 180 pesos for adults, 120 pesos for youngsters 4-7 years outdated

Associated Article: Finest Household Resorts in Tulum

4. Cenote Jardin del Eden

half-hour from Tulum

With a reputation that actually interprets to Backyard of Eden – This is without doubt one of the most awe-inspiring settings of all of the cenotes in Tulum. It’s additionally typically known as Cenote Ponderosa (this identify is usually related to diving), which implies highly effective.

Situated proper subsequent to Cenote Azul and Cristalino. It’s well-known for its hanging and sapphire-colored swimming pools. 

At one finish of the huge pit, there’s a cliff edge with a platform for daring dives into the depths. There are a number of locations the place you possibly can soar into the lagoon from bushes and rocks, some which might be as much as 25 ft above the water. Within the middle is a grouping of boulders that make for excellent hangout spots. 

Our favourite a part of Cenote Jardin del Eden are the massive downed bushes submerged underneath water which you could discover and take some distinctive pictures.

Moss-covered stones and tropical foliage full the tropical scene that looks like its personal hidden oasis. There’s much less wildlife to identify on this atmosphere, except for the occasional fish. The visibility is superb, and plenty of nonetheless come to snorkel and scuba, exploring the deep underwater cave system. 

There’s a small snack bar, in addition to life jackets and locker leases. It’s straightforward to identify from the principle highway. When you pay, it’s a must to drive (or stroll) down the gravel highway to the place the cenote is positioned and a big parking zone. This is without doubt one of the extra in style close to Playa del Carmen however nonetheless very a lot price visiting from Tulum, as it is just half-hour away.

• Hours: 9 AM to five PM
• Jardin del Eden Value | Entrance Price: 200 pesos for adults, 100 pesos for youngsters 

Associated Article: Finest Household Resorts in Playa del Carmen

5. Dos Ojos

25 minutes from Tulum

Dos Ojos is the preferred cenote close to Tulum and may be very well-known. It does stay as much as all of the hype, however it may possibly get actually busy. So we recommend going early or later within the day.

It’s positioned between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, and it’s fairly straightforward to get there. You’ll be able to go to by yourself, with a bunch tour, or we recommend this VIP non-public tour.

It’s named after its two giant oval or eye-shaped swimming pools. The 2 swimming pools are linked by boardwalks. Some individuals name them the black eye and blue eye they usually couldn’t be any extra totally different.

Blue Eye is an open-air cenote with glowing turquoise waters coated in tropical sunshine. The Black Eye is a closed cenote, a darkish cavern coated in stalactites and stalagmites.

A flashlight is required to navigate this pure surprise. All in all, there are 5 cenotes right here, so that you see plenty of distinctive environments.

The others require a guided tour to entry, and extra superior scuba divers can arrange excursions to see the underground areas which might be in any other case unreachable by merely swimming and snorkeling. Dos Ojos Park additionally provides some nice services, like lockers, a toilet, showers, snorkel gear to hire, and a restaurant proper on the entrance.  

Diving in Dos Ojos

That is the preferred cenote dive round, and for good purpose. There’s a lot to see and it’s a a lot shallower dive than most cenotes with lovely cave constructions to see but spacious passages in comparison with others.

You’ll be able to e book this dive tour, which features a two-tank dive in two totally different cenotes at Dos Ojos and contains transportation from Playa del Carmen. Our this Dos Ojos dive package deal from Tulum.

It’s best to pay the doorway payment in pesos. USD and bank cards are accepted, however there’s a bank card. There’s a payment for bringing a digital camera with you apart from your telephone.

• Hours: 8 AM to five PM
• Dos Ojos Value | Entrance Price: 400 pesos for the doorway park, 800 pesos for a snorkeling tour

6. Zacil Ha

10 minutes from Tulum

Cenote Zacil Ha is a favourite amongst locals and households for its abundance of enjoyable actions. It’s an open cenote, which permits for a zipline to span totally throughout the breathtaking pool. 

It’s surrounded by picket platforms for leaping and ladders for climbing into the refreshing depths. The zipline runs about 10 ft above the floor, so dropping down may be exhilarating. For those who work up an urge for food zipping away (it’s about 10 pesos per trip), then there’s additionally a small snack bar on-site. 

It’s an incredible choose for anybody in search of extra of a swimming pool expertise. It’s nearly an ideal oval form and appears kinda like a daily man-made pool that’s simply carved from limestone. There are lots of hammocks to chill in, cabanas to hire for a extra luxurious lounge, and sunbeds for absorbing some rays. 

It’s conveniently near Tulum. There’s even a present store for purchasing that excellent memento from the cenotes in Tulum.

As well as, there are two different regular swimming swimming pools right here to take pleasure in as effectively. It’s excellent when you’re hoping to indulge in additional facilities and fewer nature. 

• Hours: 10 AM to six PM
• Cenote Zacil Ha Value | Entrance Price: 300 pesos

7. Casa Cristalino

25 minutes from Tulum

A shocking open cenote with mesmerizing blue water and enormous white limestone rocks plunked into the shallow waters. This cenote has nice swimming, some good snorkeling, and a enjoyable 4-meter (12ft) cliff soar.  

Cenote Cristalino is barely much less in style than the encircling cenotes, but it surely’s not an undiscovered gem both. There’s further room to unfold out at this cenote since there are a number of cenotes on the grounds of Cristalino Cenote so it may possibly really feel much less busy than others. 

It’s positioned proper exterior of the city of Puerto Aventuras, about half-hour exterior of Tulum Centro. It could actually simply be paired with different nice cenotes close to Tulum on a day journey or mixed with a visit to snorkel with the ocean turtles in Akumal (certainly one of our favorites). 

In some ways, it’s much like Cenote Azul, with construction and watercolor – that is smart as a result of these cenotes are actually proper subsequent to one another. Whereas they’re each price visiting – if you’re tight on time, you must select one or the opposite between these two since they’re very comparable.

Additionally close by is Cenote Jardin del Eden, which is once more an open Cenote with some comparable options but it surely’s pretty totally different than Cristalino. 

• Hours: 9 AM to five PM
• Cenote Calavera Value | Entrance Price: 200 pesos and 150 peso

8. Casa Cenote

10 minutes from Tulum

Meandering by way of the jungles exterior of Tulum is the one-of-a-kind Casa Cenote. This cenote sits proper on the sting of the ocean, and it’s truly linked underground to the ocean. 

This distinctive place creates a particular atmosphere with extra aquatic life, with many fish and vegetation in comparison with different cenotes in Mexico. The partitions of the cenote are fringed with mangroves and vigorous. 

Like most cenotes close to Tulum, Casa Cenote has crystal-clear water, however that’s the place the similarities finish. This cenote has a construction not like another we have now visited, and that’s what makes this a should go to cenote in Tulum.  

At one time you had been capable of dive from the cenote out into the ocean, however that has been stopped for security causes. This cenote nonetheless makes an incredible diving cenote, and with an in depth but shallow river-like construction, you can have a really lengthy and rewarding dive.  

This non-public cenote tour visits Casa Cenote, and this group tour visits three cenotes together with Casa Cenote.

On our final go to, they had been charging further for cameras and GoPros. We advise renting a kayak at Casa Cenote, it’s a enjoyable solution to discover. The employees isn’t the friendliest and can push exhausting fo you to purchase their snorkeling tour.

• Hours: 8 AM to five PM
• Casa Cenote Value | Entrance Price: 150 pesos

9. Cenote El Pit

half-hour from Tulum

In case you are a complicated diver, this is without doubt one of the finest cenotes for diving close to Tulum. It’s certainly one of Adam’s favourite cenote dives. The rock formations and underground caverns are so distinctive.

We even have an in-depth evaluation on diving El Pit.

El Pit is the deepest sinkhole in your complete state of Quintana Roo. The intense blue waters are so crystal clear right here that the visibility is tough to high if there hasn’t been many divers. El Pit is a part of Dos Ojos Park, it’s a couple of 10-minute drive by way of the jungle.

It’s the most effective place to dive down and uncover the underwater world of cenotes. El Pit has a bit of little bit of all the things that makes cenote diving so magical.

Even from the floor, you will get fairly a clear view of the subterranean surroundings. The way in which in is steep and slender however effectively definitely worth the problem. It rapidly opens up into a powerful huge cavern that’s nearly 100 ft deep. 

It’s so clear that you simply even suppose you possibly can see the particles cone surrounded by a cloud of hydrogen sulfide. The halocline can be one other lovely function in El Pit the place the contemporary and salt waters meet and the place all the things will get briefly blurry on the descent.

Nevertheless, nothing actually compares to the beams of sunshine that dance deep into the water, let in by the slender opening on the high of the cenote.

This place is simply pure magic.

• Hours: 8 AM to five PM
• Cenote El Pit Value | Entrance Price: 600 pesos

10. Cenote Angelita

25 minutes from Tulum

Cenote Angelita is a scuba diver’s dream. Set in the course of the jungle, it’s one of the vital attention-grabbing Tulum cenotes. Named little angel, it’s additionally typically known as the underground river for its jaw-dropping aquatic panorama. 

The pure phenomenon of the white fuel layer, created from hydrogen sulfide, is the principle magical draw right here. Large lifeless bushes poke up by way of the misty clouds making an other-worldly expertise. Swimming above, beneath, and thru the hazy part makes for a fascinating environment all its personal. 

For those who aren’t diving cenote Angelita, we recommend skipping this cenote and heading to one of many others on our record. It’s a extra rustic cenote setting, so it’s finest to be ready for a definite lack of services on-site. Nevertheless, the sheer depth of this cenote is engaging, with a powerful attain of virtually 200 ft. 

• Hours: 8 AM to five PM
• Entrance Price: 350 pesos

What to Pack When Visiting Tulum Cenotes?

There are tons of cenotes in Mexico to select from, and this record is barely a fraction of these within the Yucatan peninsula. We hope we impressed you to discover a number of in your journey to Mexico!

Exploring these distinctive and otherworldly wonders is well one of many finest issues to do in Riviera Maya. You’ll want to try the remainder of our guides to assist plan your subsequent journey to Mexico!