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Find the best and most popular Cenotes in Mexico and review them.
The Yucatan Peninsula is packed with natural wonders that are waiting to be explored. From its powdery white sands to its underwater reefs packed with wildlife, this southern Mexico region is loaded with organic splendor. But of all its natural marvels, its cenotes are what set this region apart from other stunning tropical destinations.
Cenotes are crystal blue freshwater pools and rivers of clear groundwater found in limestone bedrock among lush jungles and deep within ancient limestone caves. There are thousands of cenotes in Mexico, and the vast majority of them are located within the Yucatan Peninsula.
These bodies of water come in many shapes and sizes, and cenote experiences can differ significantly from one another. Some cenotes are fantastic for swimming on a sunny day, while others are completely underground and hidden by ancient caves. There are cenotes found in sinkholes, jungles, and even amusement parks.
While it is impossible to visit every cenote in one trip, it is essential you visit at least one on any trip to the Riviera Maya. To make your search for the perfect cenote easier, we have compiled a list of the best cenotes worth visiting.
Whether you want to swim in emerald blue waters in the middle of a secluded jungle, take an otherworldly photo for social media, go scuba diving, or just have a great day of swimming away from crowds of tourists, there is a cenote on this list that is perfect for you.
The Quick Top 10 Cenotes In The Yucatan Peninsula
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1
Most Popular Cenote Worth Visiting: Gran Cenote -
2
Best Cenote For Picture Taking: Cenote Suytun -
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Best Cenote For Scuba Diving: Cenote Calavera -
4
Best Cenote After A Trip To Chichen Itza: Cenote Oxman -
5
Best Underground Cenote: Cenote Chihuan (Izamal) -
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Best Cenote For Swimming: Cenote Manati AKA Casa Cenote -
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Cenote With The Bluest Water : Cenote Ponderosa -
8
Best Remote Jungle Cenote: Miguel Colorado (Champoton) -
9
Best Cenotes To Avoid Crowds: Cenote Escondido and Cristal -
10
Best Family-Friendly Cenote Experience: Xcaret Parks
Top 10 Cenotes Worth Visiting In The Yucatan Peninsula
Where to Book Gran Cenote:
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is a stunning and well-situated cenote located just outside of the popular village of Tulum. Just as the name suggests, this cenote is huge and includes 1,500 square feet of swimming surface. In fact, it’s actually several cenotes, with one main popular cenote. The main and largest cenote acts almost like a lazy river as it twists and turns, allowing for great swimming and snorkeling – there are lots of turtles and fish here.
This cenote has it all, from great places to get some sun to an underground cave area to explore. It is almost one of the most expensive cenote experiences, at 500 Pesos (about $25) a person. This fee does include snorkel rental equipment, which is a plus if you didn’t bring any.
This cenote is very well situated for those looking to visit the Mayan ruins in Coba. It is also quite close to Tulum, so it makes for a great day trip from there. Keep in mind this also makes it wildly popular, and it can get quite crowded.
Things we like:
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The main cenote is huge, allowing for great swimming and snorkeling -
There are open-air and cave portions, allowing for a diverse experience
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This is an iconic and picturesque cenote
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Great place to snorkel and see wildlife, as well as take underwater photos
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Wooden platforms and added structures along the cenote edges enhance the experience
Things we don't like:
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The 500 pesos fee is steep and more than double the other beautiful nearby cenotes -
The afternoon crowds can diminish the experience
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There is an overwhelming feeling of “touristy” here that some may want to avoid
Where to Book Gran Cenote:
Gran Cenote
Where to Book Cenote Suytun:
Cenote Soytun
Cenote Suytun is an absolutely breathtaking cenote that has quickly become one of the most photographed cenotes in the entire world. It is located just outside the authentic and charming village of Valladolid.
This is not an open-air cenote but rather a naturally formed sinkhole cave of sorts, with a cenote with refreshing water in the ground. The roof has beautiful dripping stalagmites, but the biggest attraction is the platform that was built out to the center of this cenote.
The platform allows visitors to walk out to the middle and get an incredible photo of themselves surrounded by the water, the cave, and rays of light coming through the partially-open roof.
This combination makes for an absolutely stunning photograph. For this reason, Cenote Suytun is insanely popular for photo taking, so plan accordingly. It is also not far from Chichen Itza and makes a great add-on to a day at those iconic ruins.
Things we like:
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This is by far the best cenote to get a memorable photo at
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The cave is breathtaking and worth experiencing
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There are great stalagmites and other cave features to take in
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Though popular, the water is clean and pristine
Things we don't like:
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This cenote is crowded, and can be challenging to get the photograph you want
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It can feel claustrophobic when it is busy
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This is a stunning location, but not a good cenote for swimming
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There are better cenotes for cooling off and enjoying an afternoon
Where to Book Cenote Suytun:
Cenote Soytun
Where to Book Cenote Calavera:
Cenote Calavera
Cenotes are not just for photos and lounging, they can actually be incredible places to scuba dive. One cenote that captures all the elements of a great cenote worth visiting and is also an incredible place to dive is Cenote Calavera.
Calavera is Spanish for “skull,” and this cenote looks a bit like a skull from the surface, as there are two small holes (the eyes) and one large hole (the mouth) leading into this underground cenote.
It is entirely possible to just walk down the ladder and take a dip here but to truly get the full experience, you need to take a one-tank 40-minute dive down deeper into this body of water. This underground cave system is incredible to explore and makes for a fun and brief freshwater diving experience. It is quite popular among scuba divers visiting the area. It is located a stone’s throw away from Tulum town, which makes it an easy cenote to get to.
Things we like:
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A great cenote for scuba diving or even just freediving
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You don’t need to scuba to have a great time here
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Great place to take photos and relax in a hammock after a dive
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Reasonable prices (250 Pesos) considering its popularity
Things we don't like:
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If you are not scuba diving, there isn’t much swimming surface
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There isn’t a lot of shade outside the cenote
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The area around the cenote itself is a bit run down and could use a facelift
Where to Book Cenote Calavera:
Cenote Calavera
Where to Book Cenote Oxman:
Cenote Oxman
If you are looking to fill a hot day after a visit to Chichen Itza, and have already had your fill of beach days, you might consider making a visit to a nearby cenote. While you can do this at several locations, Cenote Oxman offers ample amenities and opportunities to relax while keeping cool.
Cenote Oxman features a charming hacienda with a restaurant, pool, cabanas, and store. It also has an incredible cenote in a sinkhole with a collapsed roof that allows for great swimming, recreation, and photo opportunities.
After a long morning of viewing ruins, this is a great way to relax, enjoy some great food poolside and also dip into one of the more impressive cenotes in the region. There are various entrance packages you can choose from starting as low as 150 pesos.
Things we like:
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A great location to enjoy a cenote for several hours
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The restaurant serves surprisingly good food at reasonable prices
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The grounds are large and well maintained
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There are lockers and showers available
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The cenote itself is stunning and thoroughly enjoyable
Things we don't like:
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Can get crowded when tour buses come through
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The pool and restaurant facilities are not up to luxury resort standards by any means
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This is a long journey from Tulum, but very close to Volladolid
Where to Book Cenote Oxman:
Cenote Oxman
Where to Book Cenote Chihuan (Izamal):
Cenote Chihuan (Izamal)
If you are looking for an underground cave cenote experience while visiting the Yucatan Peninsula, then you need to plan a trip to Chihuan. Chihuan, located between the city of Merida and the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, is an incredibly impressive cave with stunning crystal-clear water that visitors can swim in while marveling at the cave walls.
This cenote is only 30 minutes from Chichen Itza, making it a great stop on the way to or from this wonder of the world. Its off-the-beaten-path location also means it is cheaper than all the cenotes near Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. In fact, the entrance to this marvel is less than $5.
The Chihuan Cenote and its grounds are well-maintained, and it is a very safe yet awe-inspiring place to enjoy a swim within an underground cave system in this region. The water is 6 to 14 meters deep, and there is a small hole in the ground that allows for just enough sunlight to illuminate the cave and turn the dark water into a stunning sapphire.
Pro Tip: If you want to find a closer cenote cave experience, consider taking an ATV tour to visit the impressive Yax-muul cenote, which is just outside Tulum.
Things we like:
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Incredible place to swim in a cave
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The little bit of sunlight provides great visibility in this cavernous wonderland
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You can’t beat the cheap ticket price
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The facility is safe and well-maintained
Things we don't like:
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It is not close to Tulum or Playa Del Carmen
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The number of facilities is limited
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It is great for swimming, but there are better cenotes for an afternoon of lounging
Where to Book Cenote Chihuan (Izamal):
Cenote Chihuan (Izamal)
Where to Book Cenote Manati AKA Casa Cenote:
Cenote Manati AKA Casa Cenote
Cenote Manati, also known as “Casa Cenote” is an absolutely stunning and vast pool of sapphire water. It is a snorkeling, swimming, and diving paradise tucked into mangrove forests in Riviera Maya.
This cenote is another river-like cenote and is shaped like a snake. There is a current here, but it is very fun to swim against the current and then float down the lazy cenote river.
The long cenote makes for incredible swimming, and the waters are clean, unbelievably blue, and welcoming. This is another popular scuba diving location. It is great to visit this cenote on a hot sunny day, as the water is exceptionally blue and refreshing on days like that. Cenote Manati is also reasonably priced, at 150 pesos (50 pesos for a locker rental).
Things we like:
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Incredible long cenote great for swimming
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The visibility makes for great snorkeling and diving
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Lots of wildlife and the mangroves add to the natural setting
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Reasonable prices for entry and locker rentals
Things we don't like:
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Not everyone likes the be surrounded by mangrove trees and untamed nature
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The road leading up to it is unpaved
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There are lockers, but few amenities at this location
Where to Book Cenote Manati AKA Casa Cenote:
Cenote Manati AKA Casa Cenote
Where to Book Cenote Ponderosa:
Cenote Ponderosa
Cenote Ponderosa is also known as “The Garden Of Eden” of cenotes, and once you see it you can understand why. The water here is absolutely enchanting with its hues of blue. The water is bordered by rocks and boulders in some parts and lush jungles in others.
The entire cenote is open air, allowing you to feast your eyes on its emerald waters as you swim through it. There are shallow and deep parts, making it popular for casual swimming as well as diving. This is one of the most popular cenotes in Riviera Maya for swimming, and they charge a premium price of 200 pesos at the entrance due to the popularity of this beautiful blue water.
Things we like:
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Cenote Ponderosa has some of the most stunning water you can imagine
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This sprawling cenote has lots of areas to explore
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The natural surroundings add to the ambiance
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It is great for a variety of activities
Things we don't like:
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The 200 pesos entrance fee is a bit steep
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This is a very popular cenote and is often crowded
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A large number of tourists can take away from the natural beauty
Where to Book Cenote Ponderosa:
Cenote Ponderosa
Where to Book Miguel Colorado (Champoton):
Miguel Colorado (Champoton)
If you are looking to visit a cenote in a remote jungle, then consider visiting the Miguel Colorado cenote in the Campeche region of Mexico. Miguel Colorado is a vast natural region, and the cenote and its surrounding area have lots of great activities for jungle lovers.
There is so much to do in this natural playground. There is zip lining, hiking, kayaking, and – of course – swimming in the incredible and secluded deep blue waters of Cenote Miguel Colorado. The entire cenote is surrounded by jungle and limestone cliffs. There are even several types of monkeys swinging from the surrounding trees.
There are also several incredible Mayan ruins in this region, including Calakmul, that are worth checking out. This is a great area to visit for a few days when you need a break from the tour busses and loud dance clubs.
Pro Tip: For a jungle cenote experience located within Riviera Maya, consider visiting Cenote Azul, which is just 20 minutes outside Playa Del Carmen and is surrounded by lush tropical flora.
Things we like:
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Very remote and free of tour buses
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Lots of wildlife you don’t see in many other regions
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A great variety of affordable outdoor activities
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The cenote is large and stunningly tranquil
Things we don't like:
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There is no major city nearby, making it hard to get provisions
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Limited accommodation options, especially in the more “luxury” categories
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This is a far trip from Riviera Maya. it isn’t even in the same “state.” But worth it for the tranquility
Where to Book Miguel Colorado (Champoton):
Miguel Colorado (Champoton)
Where to Book Cenote Escondido and Cristal:
Cenote Escondido and Cristal
If you are staying in Tulum, or visiting this charming boho-chic village on your trip to Riviera Maya, you should do your best to add a visit to the Escondido and Cristal cenotes to your Tulum itinerary. These two cenotes are incredibly charming, close to Tulum Village, and also one of the least crowded cenotes in Riviera Maya that are worth visiting.
The Escondido and Cristal cenotes are so close to Tulum that you can opt to arrive on a bicycle if you don’t have a car. When you purchase a very reasonable 120 pesos ticket, you get access to both Escondido and Cristal cenotes, which are on opposite sides of the main road.
Cenote Cristal is the larger and more popular of the two cenotes. There is a jumping platform as well as several wooden platforms for entering more gracefully. Best of all, there are hammocks and lounging areas where you can sit and enjoy the afternoon when you aren’t swimming.
Cenote Escondido is a more narrow river-like cenote, but it is worth checking out, especially since there is a good chance you may be one of the only people there.
Things we like:
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The price, at around $6 is incredible for the chance to visit two cenotes
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It is one of the few cenotes you can ride your bike to from Tulum
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A great place to bring a book to read and relax
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One of the best spots in Tulum to cool off in the summer
Things we don't like:
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Not as picturesque as some other cenotes
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Not the best road leading up to Cenote Escondido
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Limited facilities (but there are bathrooms)
Where to Book Cenote Escondido and Cristal:
Cenote Escondido and Cristal
Where to Book Xcaret Parks:
Xcaret Parks
If you are on a family vacation, perhaps staying at one of Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya coast, you might want a cenote experience that feels as safe and family-friendly as your resort. If this is the case, then look no further than Xcaret Parks.
The Xcaret Parks are a family-friendly, safe, and wildly entertaining group of parks that have several cenotes to enjoy. There are several Xcaret parks to choose from, as well as different packages. So if you want to experience a cenote, but in a secure environment with lots of other amenities, then Xcaret Parks might be the best option. Xplor Park in particular is known for its impressive and well-preserved caverns with cenotes.
Just keep in mind these parks are more than $100 per person, so they will cost you a lot more than a typical cenote experience.
Things we like:
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Xcaret Parks offer endless entertainment for the whole family
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It is a one-stop shop, making it possible to check off several items on your bucket list
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A great option for larger families with young kids
Things we don't like:
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Lots of tourists can diminish the experience
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The price is high, so not worth it for those just looking for a dip in a cenote
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Lacks the tranquility and natural feeling of other cenotes
Where to Book Xcaret Parks:
Xcaret Parks
Six Things To Know Before Visiting A Cenote
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Protect Your Belongings
Some cenotes may have a security person or two, but for the most part, your belongings are vulnerable to theft. This is especially true if you leave them out in the open while you take a long dip in the refreshing waters of the cenote of your choosing.
Some cenotes have lockers, but not all. Lockers are usually very cheap (less than $5, sometimes just $1) and are worth renting if you are bringing car keys, cell phones, and other valuables you don’t plan to bring in the water. If the cenote does not have lockers, only bring what you need – ideally nothing valuable. Otherwise, consider swimming in shifts or staying close to the shore so there is always someone watching your belongings.
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Consider A Guided ATV Tour To See Lesser-Visited Cenotes
Cenotes are easy and fun to visit on your own. Many are reachable by bike, and others are easy to get to by car. But if you are looking for something off the beaten path or a bit more adventure in your cenote experience, consider booking a tour on an ATV. There are several cenote experiences that involve off-roading in the jungle to reach some lesser-visited cenotes.
This is a great way to avoid crowds and have an authentic nature experience in Riviera Maya. It also keeps you from having to worry about damaging your rental car. Additionally, your guide will give you some great historical and scientific knowledge on these bodies of water that you otherwise might not know if you visited on your own.
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Leave The Sunscreen At Home
Sunscreen is prohibited at most cenotes. This might sound strange since the sun is always intense in Riviera Maya, and you are likely showing lots of skin when you dip into these emerald waters. But cenotes have fragile ecosystems, and the chemicals found within sunscreen threaten this ecosystem.
So make sure you follow the rules. If you have already applied sunscreen, make sure you shower in the showers provided. In fact, many cenotes require you to shower before entering. Follow these rules to help keep these enchanting pools preserved and stunning for generations to come.
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Visit More Picturesque Cenotes When They Open
The most picturesque cenotes, especially those frequently featured on social media, also tend to be the most crowded. Not only are these spots crowded, but they can be filled with people posing for photos, making it difficult or frustrating for you to take your own.
Therefore, consider visiting the more popular cenotes as soon as they open in the morning. This will help you avoid the bigger crowds and allow you some great photo opportunities. Then visit the less popular cenotes in the afternoon.
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Don’t Forget The Underwater Camera
Just because there isn’t a coral reef doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing underwater photo opportunities. In fact, the visibility in cenotes is often significantly better than in the ocean. So make sure you bring a waterproof phone case or your underwater camera to take some incredible photos and videos underwater.
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Research Road Conditions Before Visiting A Cenote
Some cenotes have incredible infrastructure and amenities, including restaurants, paved parking lots, and gift shops. Others have nothing but very bumpy and rocky dirt roads followed by an entrance gate where you pay the fee. Make sure you choose cenotes that are suitable to your mode of transportation. Don’t damage your rental car or peddle to a cenote, only to find you need to walk the last mile.
Final Thoughts On The Best Cenotes In The Yucatan
When you visit the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s imperative you dip into at least one cenote before you leave. Cenotes are natural pits and sinkholes formed in the limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater, and there are so many types of these bodies of water worth exploring.
Some are located in underground caves, while others sit perfectly picturesque at the bottom of sinkholes whose roofs have collapsed. Whether you are looking for emerald blue water to swim and snorkel in or a deep cave to scuba dive into, the cenotes of the Yucatan have exactly what you are looking to discover.
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