Best Cancun cenotes: a little list

When one hears the word Cancun, one usually thinks of white sand beaches and turquoise water, luxurious hotels and nightlife activities. However, one of the reasons Cancun is a privileged place in Mexico is its location on the Yucatan Peninsula. This means being close to archaeological sites, jungle and extraordinary cenotes. A visit to the cenotes near Cancun will get you in touch with nature and the wild side of this destination. Here are the best Cancun cenotes.

Siete Bocas

This is a magnificent place, in the middle of the jungle, in a quiet and restful corner. You will have the opportunity to swim while admiring the fish and the exceptional underground depths. Moreover, these water holes are very deep, they can reach up to 500 feet; you will have any leisure to throw you there from five to six meters high without any risk, very entertaining.

Don’t forget your biodegradable sun cream (very important). Moreover, when you arrive in the area, you will not have any internet connection, so think about taking a GPS or a map of the place; the best is to go there with a guide.

Km 15, carretera Puerto Morelos – Leona Vicario

See also: Casa Cenote: Follow the Currents all the way to the Sea

Suytun

A quite different cenote  from many around here because it is of “cave” type. The cave cenotes are the most fascinating for their rock formation.  The particularity of Cenote Suytun is that a beam of light crosses the rocky roof and comes to strike the ground at a precise place. You can thus take the famous photo of you alone in the light beam. Suytun is a Cenote very frequented by tour operators. If you want to visit it without the crowd, arrive before 11 am. This is one of the top cenotes near Cancun that is a must.

Km 9, Carretera Valladolid- Cancún

Cenote Azul

This is one of the most famous cenotes in the top cenotes near Cancun and overall of the Riviera Maya. Its popularity is deserved for its fame and the crowds that flock to it, especially in high season. The cenote is only twenty minutes south of Playa del Carmen, just off the main road along the Riviera Maya coast.

There is plenty of room for crowds and there is a huge area of blue water. You can jump off the limestone cliffs above or dive below. There is a mix of deep, covered water and shallow, open water to explore, making it popular with families and kids.

Km 266, Autopista 307

More info here: Get the Blues at Azul Cenote

Verde Lucero

The name means “green twinkle”. It is an open-air cenote whose water color changes according to the hours of the day. The bucolic and peaceful landscape contrasts with all the activities you and your family can do: a zipline, bird watching, snorkeling and climbing platforms to dive from the heights.

Km 17, carretera Puerto Morelos – Leona Vicario

More info here: Verde Lucero Cenote: the green one

Cenote La Noria

Cenote La Noria is only a few kilometers from Cenote Verde Lucero, and you can easily visit both natural sites on the same travel day from Cancun if you have your own vehicle. Jump into the deep, surprisingly blue waters of Cenote La Noria to cool off from the humidity of the Cancun jungle while swinging on one of the rope swings.

Once you enter it you will have the opportunity to see the bats, who are accustomed to the presence of people. You can also swim to a platform in the center and take awesome pictures. This is one of the top cenotes near Cancun to have a great time with friends.

Cenote Tsukán

Unlike its big sister Ik Kil, Cenote Tsukán is still a little insider tip near Chichén Itzá. This cenote has opened its doors to visitors only since 2019. With the Cenote Tsukán a scenically beautiful cenote awaits you. You swim here in a cave-like cenote, which is characterized by stalactites.

Speaking of swimming: Wearing a life jacket (provided) is mandatory. Cenote Tsukán is located in a very well-kept and beautifully landscaped tropical park. There is also a restaurant.

Km 18 of the Yokdzonot-Pisté highway, very close to Chichén-Itzá.

Cenote Samulá / X’keken

The two cenotes Samula & X’keken are located in the same area. You can either visit only one of the two cenotes or – with a combination ticket – both. Both cenotes are classic cave cenotes like in a picture book. In the cenotes it is quite dark. Light only enters the caves through a small hole in the ceiling.

It’s best to come first thing in the morning, then you can enjoy the area in peace. This is one of the top 8 cenotes near Cancun with parrots for you to take photos with.

Km 3, highway Mérida-Valladolid

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

Grand Cenote

The Grand Cenote is the “classic” in Tulum. It has two pools that are connected by a still intact cave through which one can swim from A to B. While snorkeling you can watch fish and even smaller turtles. Diving is not possible; the cenote is simply too shallow for that.

There are showers and lockers and with five euros the entrance fee is absolutely reasonable. The cenote is located five kilometers outside of Tulum on the road to Coba and is therefore also easily accessible by bike. This is also one of the great top cenotes near Cancun to share on Instagram, like Suytun.

Km 4, highway 109