Have you ever ever swam in a crystal-clear sinkhole amidst a lush jungle? Swimming in a cenote is a singular expertise, solely present 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 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, they usually used them as a supply of water in addition to of their non secular ceremonies.
High Cenotes in Mexico
If you wish to go to a number of the most wonderful 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 supply actions like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. You’ll be able to 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 lease a automobile and go to independently.
The selection is admittedly huge, as there are a whole lot of cenotes in Yucatan, however after studying this submit, you’ll uncover which cenotes in Mexico are really unmissable.
What are cenotes in Mexico?
When 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 a lot of cenotes there. Some cenotes are a part of massive underground river techniques, 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 over time. They’re 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 embody 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.
Within 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 spiritual rituals, together with human choices in some instances.
At the moment, visiting a Mexican cenote isn’t solely a enjoyable exercise but in addition one of many some ways you possibly can discover and perceive the traditional Mayan civilisation.
1. Gran Cenote
Just some kilometres away from Tulum, you can see one of the vital in style cenotes in Mexico – the Gran Cenote.
Gran Cenote is an open cenote with crystal clear emerald water, two swimming pools, and a cave. When you’re enthusiastic about diving, this can be a good spot to do it. If you wish to snorkel, which I like to recommend doing, snorkelling gear is included within the ticket worth. Simply 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 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 if you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot some bats hovering by way of the intricate formations.
Attending to Gran Cenote is simple; you possibly can drive a automobile, or because it’s solely a 5 km journey, you may also journey a bicycle, which is a typical mode of transport in Tulum. For the reason that cenote is among the hottest cenotes close to Tulum, the most effective time to go to it’s within the morning, proper after it opens at 8 am.
When 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’s the excellent 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 includes a round platform proper in the course of its cave. At round noon, the platform will get illuminated by a light-weight beam coming by way of a small opening within 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 wish to take a photograph of the platform, put together your self to attend in a queue.
Aside from taking the Insta well-known photograph, ensure you discover the cave and its hanging stalactites and stalagmites that fashioned 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 situated 8 km from the centre of Valladolid. In case your itinerary doesn’t can help you keep a few days on this space of Yucatan, you possibly can ebook a tour beginning out of your resort 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 full of fascinating sights.
It is a excellent cenote tour that features Valladolid and Chichen Itza as effectively. Verify 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 among the prime cenotes to go to in Mexico. It boasts a wonderfully 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 on this cenote is a rare expertise, and it’s very refreshing. When you’re not a powerful swimmer, be sure 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 could find Cenote Azul 4 km south of Bacalar downtown, and the easiest way to get there may be by rental automobile. Additionally it is potential to get to Cenote Azul by taxi, or if you happen to’re up for some cardio, you may also stroll or cycle. A Cenote tour can also be a straightforward solution to discover these wonderful 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
When you’re on the lookout for a cenote the place you possibly can spend a enjoyable day, Oxman is ideal. It’s an open cenote with lush vegetation rising on its partitions.
Cenote Oxman is thought 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 just a little scary, however belief me, it would be best to do it many times!
Additionally, 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 incredible services. Along with the cenote entrance, you may also get pleasure from their solar loungers and pool. There’s additionally a restaurant, and if you happen to’re wanting to remain right here for lunch, be sure to decide on a ticket that features their buffet lunch.
Hacienda Oxman is situated a 6-km drive from downtown Valladolid. You’ll be able to drive right here or take a taxi. Additionally it is in style 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 among 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 possibly can see parrots, woodpeckers, and iguanas which might be vibrant.
In the course of the lagoon, there may be an 80-metre-deep cenote, which you’ll spot from a raised viewing platform. The water within 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 gives incredible swimming situations in its heat, shallow waters. Don’t overlook to convey your snorkelling masks and a rush guard to guard your physique from solar publicity, as carrying solar cream is strictly forbidden.
One of the simplest ways to get to Laguna de Kaan Luum is to lease a automobile or scooter and make your method independently. The lagoon is situated a brief drive away from downtown Tulum, however since it’s tucked away from the principle 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 principle highway.
Opening instances: 9 am to 4 pm
Entrance ticket: 300 pesos ($16.75)
6. Cenote Ik Kil
Located close to the New World Marvel Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is a well-liked vacationer cease but in addition one of the vital picturesque swimming holes in Mexico. It’s an open cenote with lush vegetation and lianas rising on its partitions and cave ceilings completely 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 if you happen to dare, there may be additionally a 5-meter excessive leaping platform, which is bound to provide you an exhilarating adrenaline rush.
Since Ik Kil is situated close to the Chichen Itza Archaeological Web site, most excursions cease on the cenote after a go to to the Mayan ruins. Because of this the cenote is just a little busy more often than not, however nonetheless, completely value it. When you want to get pleasure from it with out the crowds, select to go to within the early morning or late afternoon.
Opening instances: 9 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 150 pesos ($8.40)
7. Cenote Zaci (Zacil-Ha)
When you’re on the lookout for the most effective family-friendly cenotes in Mexico, Cenote Zaci, situated close to Tulum, is ideal. It’s a small, open cenote, and what makes it an important cenote for teenagers 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 course of the water for an exhilarating soar, and likewise a 3-meter excessive leaping platform.
The cenote services embody solar loungers, a pool and a restaurant the place you possibly can seize a light-weight lunch and a chilly drink.
In case 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 situated shut by.
You’ll be able to 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 while 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 big aquarium, filled with tropical fish of various species and colors. There’s additionally a cave-like tunnel which is enjoyable to swim by way of 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 throughout 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 might be simply visited from each cities. The perfect to method get to the cenote is with a rental automobile, however it is usually potential to take a neighborhood bus referred to as a “colectivo”. Be sure to inform the motive force the place you wish 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 among 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 among the most photographed locations in Tulum, and while 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 possibly can dry off and catch some solar. There’s additionally a snack store, and as at most cenotes – showers, bathrooms and altering rooms.
Cenote Calavera is located simply exterior Tulum downtown, off the principle highway 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 Automotive Wah
Positioned additionally close to Tulum (within the Mayan language – Cenote Aktun-Ha), also called Cenote Automotive Wash, is a picturesque open cenote completely value including to your itinerary.
Cenote Automotive Wash appears to be like like a tranquil lake and boasts exceptionally crystal clear water, which is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and likewise diving. Within the water, you possibly can spot plenty of vibrant fish and small, lovable turtles. For the most effective snorkelling expertise, arrive within the morning when the turtles are essentially the most lively.
There’s additionally 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 Automotive Wash is situated on the principle highway to Coba, a 9-km drive from downtown Tulum. You will get right here both by taxi, rental automobile, scooter or bicycle. Be certain that to additionally take a look at different incredible cenotes on this space, equivalent to Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera.
Opening instances: 8 am to five pm
Entrance ticket: 300 pesos ($16.80)
11. Cenote Cocalitos
Well-known 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-about to be the oldest life varieties 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 observe the principles 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 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’ll simply get right here by taxi, rental automobile or scooter, or you possibly can simply merely stroll or cycle. Be sure to additionally take a look at 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
One other incredible cenote located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Azul, gives one of the vital pleasant swimming experiences in Yucatan.
The cenote itself is a ravishing pool of turquoise, crystal-clear water surrounded by lush greenery. Along with the principle pool, there are additionally a number of smaller swimming holes, so ensure you take time to discover the location totally.
Contained in the water, you could find dozens of vibrant fish, making it a super spot for snorkelling and admiring nature in its purest type.
That is additionally an important spot for cliff-jumping – there are a number of platforms of various heights, and the best one is 5 meters excessive. Leaping into the refreshing crystal water is a incredible expertise if you happen to dare to strive it!
Cenote Azul is situated proper by Cenote Crsiatlino, so you possibly can go to each of them in at some point. Be sure to convey money with you, as solely money cost (in MEX pesos) is accepted on the entrance. You’ll be able to lease a automobile 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)
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 below are some issues to bear in mind.
Convey money – You’ll need 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 wish to buy, equivalent to snorkelling gear or lunch.
Suncream isn’t allowed – Most cenotes forbid guests to make use of suncream and different merchandise that will contaminate the water. If it is advisable shield your pores and skin, go for a long-sleeved rash guard. Earlier than coming into the cenote pool, you may be required to take a bathe to scrub 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 advisable however not necessary. When 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 observe the principles.
Don’t do something that may impression the setting, equivalent to bringing plastic to the cenote or leaving any litter behind. Additionally, convey with you a fast-drying towel manufactured from microfibre materials, a pair of flip-flops, a snug 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 usually have very clear water that has been filtered naturally by way of layers of rocks and limestone. However, if you happen to’re not a powerful 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 light-weight beam coming by way 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’s so particular about cenotes?
Swimming in cenotes is a really distinctive expertise as you possibly can solely discover them within the Yucatan Peninsula. They’re lovely pure swimming pools with crystal clear water, surrounded by lush vegetation. As well as, many cenotes are residence to distinctive wildlife, equivalent 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 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 to additionally take a look at different Cenotes like Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Manatí simply to call a number of.
Take pleasure in your journey!