Have you ever ever swam in a crystal-clear sinkhole amidst a lush jungle? Swimming in a cenote is a novel expertise, solely present in Mexico and one of many issues it’s best to undoubtedly check out throughout your journey.
Cenotes are principally discovered on the Yucatan peninsula within the southern a part of Mexico. The nice Mayans knew in regards to the cenotes lengthy earlier than they turned a bucket-list attraction, and so they used them as a supply of water in addition to of their non secular ceremonies.
Prime Cenotes in Mexico
If you wish 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 possibly can both be part of one of many cenote tours from Tulum or different cities of Riviera Maya in the event you get pleasure from a hassle-free tour or lease a automotive and go to independently.
The selection is actually 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?
In the event you haven’t been to Mexico but, you’re in all probability 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 various cenotes there. Some cenotes are a part of giant underground river techniques, 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 mild 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’re open to the exterior world, lit with pure mild, 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.
Within the Mayan tradition, cenotes performed an necessary function. 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.
At present, 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
Only a few kilometres away from Tulum, you’ll discover one of the well-liked cenotes in Mexico – the Gran Cenote.
Gran Cenote is an open cenote with crystal clear emerald water, two swimming pools, and a cave. In the event you’re focused on 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 within the ticket value. Simply ensure you carry 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 in the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot some bats hovering via the intricate formations.
Attending to Gran Cenote is straightforward; you may drive a automotive, or because it’s solely a 5 km journey, you too can experience a bicycle, which is a typical mode of transport in Tulum. Because the cenote is likely one of the hottest cenotes close to Tulum, the very best time to go to it’s within the morning, proper after it opens at 8 am.
In the event you would favor to leap on a tour this private Cenote Tour takes you to three completely different cenotes in a day together with the Gran Cenote. It’s the excellent 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 incorporates a round platform proper in the course of its cave. At round noon, the platform will get illuminated by a lightweight beam coming via a small opening within the cave ceiling, creating a unprecedented sight!
This picturesque cave cenote has captured the hearts of Instagrammers worldwide, and it’s not laborious to see why. If you wish to take a photograph of the platform, put together your self to attend in a queue.
Other than taking the Insta well-known picture, ensure you discover the cave and its putting stalactites and stalagmites that shaped over 1000’s of years. If you wish to swim, you may be required to take a bathe and put on a life jacket.
Cenote Suytun is positioned 8 km from the centre of Valladolid. In case your itinerary doesn’t let you keep a few days on this space of Yucatan, you may ebook a tour beginning out of your lodge in Cancun or some other Riviera Maya city. Mix a go to to Suytun with Chichen Itza and the city of Valladolid for a day filled with attention-grabbing sights.
This can be a excellent cenote tour that features Valladolid and Chichen Itza as properly. Check Availability here.
Opening occasions: 9 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)
3. Cenote Azul, Bacalar
Being one of many high points of interest of Bacalar Lagoon, Cenote Azul is likely one of the high cenotes to go to in Mexico. It boasts a superbly 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 unimaginable 295 ft. Swimming on this cenote is a unprecedented expertise, and it’s very refreshing. In the event you’re not a robust swimmer, be sure to lease a life jacket and luxuriate in floating in its waters carefree. Alternatively, you too can discover this massive cenote on a kayak.
Bacalar lies in Quintana Roo, a 4-hour drive south of Cancun. You could find Cenote Azul 4 km south of Bacalar downtown, and the easiest way to get there may be by rental automotive. Additionally it is potential to get to Cenote Azul by taxi, or in the event you’re up for some cardio, you too can stroll or cycle. A Cenote tour can be a simple option to discover these superb pure wonders. This private tour takes you to Bacalar Lagoon.
Opening occasions: 10 am to six pm
Entrance ticket: 25 pesos ($1.40)
4. Cenote Oxman
In the event you’re searching for a cenote the place you may spend a enjoyable day, Oxman is ideal. It’s an open cenote with lush vegetation rising on its partitions.
Cenote Oxman is understood for its Tarzan gown swing. Seize onto the handles and swing to the center of the pool to leap into the cenote. The primary soar is a little bit scary, however belief me, you’ll want to do it repeatedly!
Additionally, carry 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. Along with the cenote entrance, you too can get pleasure from their solar loungers and pool. There may be additionally a restaurant, and in the event you’re wanting to remain right here for lunch, be sure to decide on a ticket that features their buffet lunch.
Hacienda Oxman is positioned a 6-km drive from downtown Valladolid. You possibly can drive right here or take a taxi. Additionally it is well-liked 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 likely one of the distinctive locations to go to close to Tulum and a very good vacation spot for nature lovers.
There are various animals residing on this space, together with agoutis, jaguars, and badgers. Moreover, you may see parrots, woodpeckers, and iguanas which can be vibrant.
In the midst 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 within 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 gives unbelievable swimming circumstances in its heat, shallow waters. Don’t overlook to carry your snorkelling masks and a rush guard to guard your physique from solar publicity, as carrying solar cream is strictly forbidden.
One of the best ways 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 primary highway, deep within 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
Located close to the New World Surprise Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is a well-liked vacationer cease but in addition one of the picturesque swimming holes in Mexico. It’s an open cenote with lush vegetation and lianas rising on its partitions and cave ceilings fully eroded away.
Taking a refreshing dip within 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 in the event 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 positioned close to the Chichen Itza Archaeological Website, most excursions cease on the cenote after a go to to the Mayan ruins. Which means that the cenote is a little bit busy more often than not, however nonetheless, completely value it. In the event you want to get pleasure from it with out the crowds, select to go to within the early morning or late afternoon.
Opening occasions: 9 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)
7. Cenote Zaci (Zacil-Ha)
In the event you’re searching for the very best family-friendly cenotes in Mexico, Cenote Zaci, positioned close to Tulum, is ideal. It’s a small, open cenote, and what makes it an incredible cenote for youths is that it is just 3 meters deep. The cenote Zaci additionally boasts a enjoyable zipline, which you let go of if you’re in the course 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 may seize a lightweight lunch and a chilly drink.
When you have an area in your itinerary, mix a go to to Cenote Zaci with Gran Cenote, cenote Calavera or Automotive Wash Cenote, all of that are positioned shut by.
You possibly 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 select you out if 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, filled with tropical fish of various species and hues. There may be additionally a cave-like tunnel which is enjoyable to swim via and a leaping platform for thrill-seekers.
The luxurious jungle surrounds the cenote, so ensure you discover the entire website as a result of there are two extra hidden swimming pools with shallow turquoise water to be found.
Keep away from visiting the cenote in the course of the weekend, when the cenote will get actually busy with the native households flocking right here to spend their free time. Additionally, be sure to take a look at the neighbouring Cenote Azul, which is equally gorgeous.
Cenote Cristalino is tucked between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and will be simply visited from each cities. The most effective to manner get to the cenote is with a rental automotive, however additionally it is potential to take a neighborhood bus often known as a “colectivo”. Ensure 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 likely one of the most unusual cenotes in Mexico. Not like 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. As an alternative, 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 likely one of the most photographed locations in Tulum, and if 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 may be additionally a snack store, and as at most cenotes – showers, bathrooms and altering rooms.
Cenote Calavera is located simply outdoors Tulum downtown, off the primary highway 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 Automotive Wah
Situated additionally close to Tulum (within the Mayan language – Cenote Aktun-Ha), often known as Cenote Automotive Wash, is a picturesque open cenote completely value including to your itinerary.
Cenote Automotive Wash seems to be like a tranquil lake and boasts exceptionally crystal clear water, which is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and likewise diving. Within the water, you may spot a number of vibrant fish and small, cute turtles. For the very best snorkelling expertise, arrive within the morning when the turtles are probably the most energetic.
There may be additionally a 3-meter excessive leaping platform, which isn’t too scary hight however excessive sufficient to offer you a little bit thrill. The cenote additionally has some seating and picnic areas, that are nice if you wish to spend some extra time right here.
Cenote Automotive Wash is positioned on the primary highway to Coba, a 9-km drive from downtown Tulum. You may get right here both by taxi, rental automotive, scooter or bicycle. Make certain to additionally try different unbelievable cenotes on 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
Well-known 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 varieties on Earth and the primary organisms that produced oxygen.
At Cocalitos, you’ll have a novel alternative to get to those fascinating organisms shut, however ensure 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 beautiful jungle greenery. The cenote additionally options vibrant hammocks and swings within 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 may simply get right here by taxi, rental automotive or scooter, or you may simply merely stroll or cycle. Ensure 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
One other unbelievable cenote located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Azul, gives one of the pleasant swimming experiences in Yucatan.
The cenote itself is a stupendous pool of turquoise, crystal-clear water surrounded by lush greenery. Along with the primary pool, there are additionally a number of smaller swimming holes, so ensure you take time to discover the location totally.
Contained in the water, yow will discover dozens of vibrant fish, making it a really perfect spot for snorkelling and admiring nature in its purest type.
That is additionally an incredible spot for cliff-jumping – there are a number of platforms of various heights, and the very best one is 5 meters excessive. Leaping into the refreshing crystal water is a unbelievable expertise in the event you dare to strive it!
Cenote Azul is positioned proper by Cenote Crsiatlino, so you may go to each of them in at some point. Ensure you carry money with you, as solely money cost (in MEX pesos) is accepted on the entrance. You possibly 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)
Ideas 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 bear in mind.
Carry money – You will have 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 might wish to buy, comparable to snorkelling tools 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 it is advisable to defend your pores and skin, go for a long-sleeved rash guard. Earlier than getting into the cenote pool, you may be required to take a bathe to clean off deodorant, physique moisturiser and different merchandise you might be carrying.
Put on a life jacket – The usage of life jackets at some cenotes in Mexico is compulsory, whereas at others, it’s really useful however not obligatory. In the event 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 affect the setting, comparable to bringing plastic to the cenote or leaving any litter behind. Additionally, carry with you a fast-drying towel made 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?
Sure, it’s secure to swim within the cenotes of Mexico. Cenotes typically have very clear water that has been filtered naturally via layers of rocks and limestone. However, in the event you’re not a robust swimmer, it’s best to put on a life jacket.
What’s the most well-known cenote in Mexico?
One of the crucial well-known cenotes is Cenote Suytun, with its iconic round platform illuminated by a lightweight beam coming via 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’s so particular about cenotes?
Swimming in cenotes is a really distinctive expertise as you may solely discover them within the Yucatan Peninsula. They’re stunning pure swimming pools with crystal clear water, surrounded by lush vegetation. As well as, many cenotes are house to distinctive wildlife, comparable 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. In case you are actually into exploring Tulum cenotes in Mexico be sure to additionally try different Cenotes like Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Manatí simply to call a couple of.
Get pleasure from your journey!
