Best water destinations near Merida

Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan, is home to many beautiful water destinations. The crystal clear waters of the cenotes, the natural swimming holes, and the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving. The area is also home to many natural wonders. Here are some of the best water destinations near Merida.

Grand Cenote

The Grand Cenote in Tulum is by far one of the most famous underwater caves in Yucatán. Even though it can get quite crowded here, it is definitely worth a visit. Here you can swim around between the limestone rocks and watch fish and small turtles while snorkeling. You can’t dive here, the cenote is just too shallow for that. There are showers and lockers and with about five euros the entrance fee is absolutely reasonable.

Best water destinations near Merida: Cenote Ik Kil

 About three kilometers from Chichén Itzá is the Cenote Ik Kil – and the scenery here could not be more beautiful. The circular hole in the ground has a depth of 17 meters(!), below the water level it goes down another 46 meters.

If you find the sight from above already impressive, you should first see the scenery from below: Everywhere lianas hang from the ceiling, the sunlight magically shines into the limestone hole and makes the water appear in turquoise light. Here it can be -despite sometimes heavy crowds- quite well. If you like, you can jump from a platform into the cool water.

Cenotes Xkeken and Samula

Between Valladolid and Merida are the two cenotes Xkeken and Samula. Several meters of stairs along the steep natural walls lead down to the water. Few rays of light fall through the narrow hole in the ceiling and let the cenotes appear in a very special sight. The water is crystal clear and super refreshing -which is not inconvenient especially with the high temperatures in Mexico.

A special highlight in the Cenote Samula are the many small fish that nibble off the dead skin on your feet. Tip: If you want to visit both cenotes, you can buy a combined ticket for about seven USD.

Pink Lakes and Flamingos of Rio Lagartos

The Rio Lagartos Nature Reserve on the northern coast of Yucatán, near the small fishing community of Las Coloradas, has two highlights in store for you: a pink lake AND pink flamingos! How cool is that?

But first to Rio Lagartos. Rio Lagartos is a tiny little fishing town that lives off the tourists who come here to explore the nature reserve. The main attraction is the boat tours that sail through the expanses of mangroves in search of pink flamingos. The entire area is home to at least 350 species of birds, 50 species of mammals and almost a hundred different reptiles, such as various aquatic turtles and small crocodiles.

Best water destinations near Merida: The pink lakes of Las Coloradas

Back to the pink lakes. They are located around Las Coloradas, not far from Rio Lagartos. Here, huge salt mountains pile up, next to several lagoons that shimmer in different colors. Some are brown, others green, and still others an intense pink.