Best Cenotes near Tulum

Cenotes are natural water wells caused by a collapse of limestone. Most of these underground pools have fresh water that is meticulously filtered by the earth. This is why the water is so clear and why you can admire the underwater life. A cenote is a natural well, sinkhole or swimming pool filled with fresh water, which comes from the Mayan word “d’zonot” meaning sacred well. Indeed, these very old geological formations, formed by the impact of an asteroid on the earth millions of years ago, had an important role in the Mayan rituals: many bones have been found at the bottom of the cenotes of the peninsula, which attests that these mysterious places were used by the Mayans for sacrifices

Nowadays, the cenotes are places of relaxation, bathing and wonder, but they were once considered sacred by the Maya populations. In addition to the practical aspect, the cenotes representing the main source of drinking water of the peninsula, they were also the abode of Chaak, the god of rain, as well as the entrance to the underworld – as well as the caves in general, some of which are still the place of ceremonies in homage to the gods of the underworld. Here are the best Cenotes near Tulum.

Best Cenotes near Tulum: Cenote Calavera

This is one of the best cenotes near Tulum. The name comes from the Spanish word for skull because when you swim in the cenote, the holes at the top look like a human skull. Another super fun and unique feature of this cenote is the way you enter it. It is also often referred to as the temple of the cenote of death. At the top of the cenote are one large and two small holes, all about 3 meters above the water, which makes them perfect for jumping.

More info here: See The World from Within the Skull of The Earth at Calavera Cenote

Best Cenotes near Tulum: Carwash

The site of Carwash is really close to Tulum (5 miles), located on the avenue Cobá. You can get there by colectivos for about 20 pesos per passenger. For the more athletic or if you just want to go for a bike ride it should take you about 30 minutes from Tulum. The particularity of this site is its wild environment. There are no public facilities except a pontoon and some tables. What stands out is its natural state with an abundant vegetation of water lilies and many aquatic plants.

More info here: Carwash Cenote: It Only Used to be One

Best Cenotes near Tulum: Cenote Azul

Only 20 minutes by car from the city of Playa del Carmen, Cenote Azul is very popular, especially for families with children.  As it offers different pools of varying depths, there is something for everyone. Whether you want to swim or just wade, there is sure to be one that suits you at Cenote Azul. The water is crystal clear and you can even observe some varieties of fish.

Snorkeling is definitely the #1 activity at the cenote. Moreover, as it is completely open, we took advantage of it to take a sunbath. You will find a restaurant on the spot. However, you can also bring your own lunch and sit on the tables available to visitors. If you don’t have a car, this is one of the best cenotes near Tulum for pedestrians. the public transportation (colectivos) that goes from Playa del Carmen to Tulum can leave you in front of the main entrance for about 2 USD per person.

More info here: Get the Blues at Azul Cenote

Gran Cenote

Just 20 minutes from Tulum, Gran Cenote is the ideal place for snorkeling or diving. You can observe the natural geological beauty of the place and see dozens of stalactites and stalagmites. In the water, you will find turtles and different species of fish. Once you have finished swimming, lie down on the chairs available and get an awesome tan.

Cenote Caracol

A relatively unknown cenote that divers only discovered in 2002, Cenote Caracol is located between the beaches of Tulum and Akumal. Cenote Caracol is a cave-like underground cenote that looks very different from the other cenotes in Tulum.

More info here: Caracol Cenote: Why is it called that?

Zacil – Ha

Cenote Zacil-Ha is an enclosed cave that is part of the Kantun-Chi Ecological Park. You can visit it alone or with a guide. We recommend that you choose the latter option, which is admittedly more expensive. However, the guide will give you a lot of information about the place, which is more difficult to get on your own. He will also have you swim in almost total darkness: an impressive, even mystical atmosphere. At the end of the cave is a lighted cave, where you can see stalactites and stalagmites soaking in the clear water of the cenotes.

More info here: Make The Zacil-Ha Cenote Your Home Base

Dos Ojos

Not far from Tulum (about 9 miles), the Cenote de Dos Ojos is one of the longest in Mexico and covers a distance of 37 miles. It is recognized as one of the best sites of underground diving in the world. Dos Ojos actually means “two eyes”. Indeed, Dos Ojos is composed of two parts connected by an important network of caves. One with crystal blue waters ideal for snorkeling called (Blue Eye) and the other much darker and cavernous more suitable for diving. This makes Dos Ojos one of the best cenotes near Tulum for scuba enthusiasts.

Siete Bocas

It is located underground and has 7 vents at the top from where you can dive into its fresh and crystalline waters.  The aquifer system of Cenote Siete Bocas is approximately 150 meters long and is a good option for those who practice scuba diving, since it has several subway channels that can be explored.

Now that you know the best cenotes near Tulum, remember: when visiting a cenote:

You cannot enter the cenote with sunscreen, mosquito repellent or any other chemical product on your skin in order to preserve the water. there are natural versions of mosquito repellent and sunscreen for those who are really sensitive to these two problems. You must take a shower before entering the cenote and you must respect the site, and therefore not pick anything, avoid touching the rocks, the plants, the fish, etc. And, most important: don’t smoke.

See also: After visiting the ruins in Tulum cycle to Santa Fe Beach