12 Best Cenotes To Visit In Mexico

Cenotes (pronounced as səˈnoʊteɪs) are natural sinkholes found in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. When limestone bedrock collapses, groundwater is exposed, allowing these natural wonders to form. The word “cenotes” is unique to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, used by the ancient Yucatec Maya to refer to any place with accessible groundwater.

The Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico has at least 6,000 cenotes. Cenote water is usually quite pure since it is filtered through the ground by rainwater. If a piece of the cave roof has fallen, the water flow may be substantially faster: up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) per day in some instances.

Cenotes are easily among the top attractions in the Yucatan, both for divers and swimmers alike. Some cenotes were converted into a theme park or a resort, while others are secluded yet still accessible.

Best Cenotes To Visit In Mexico

If you are visiting the Yucatan soon and want to spend a few hours or a day in a cenote, check out our list of the best cenotes in Mexico.

1. Cenote Eden

Cenote Eden is a popular spot for scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming. The open water area of the cenote resembles a large lake with small stones and algae at the bottom. Beginner divers can also enjoy this cenote. The halocline is visible at shallow depths (the dividing line between fresh and saltwater). Cenote Eden’s most remarkable feature is the contrast between the hot saltwater water and the cool, freshwater.

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2. Gran Cenote

The Gran Cenote, which is located near Tulum, is frequently crowded. It is probably one of the most well-known in Mexico, attracting almost one million people each year. This cenote is perfect for swimming accessible by following a rope into the cave.

The lower section of the cenote is covered in water, with stalagmites clinging to the roof. It is one of the most beautiful Cenotes you’ll ever see. It has a lot of mineral formations in its clear water, and there are a lot of fish and turtles as well.

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3. Cenote Calavera

 

This underground cave can only be accessed through three separate entrances in the ground: a huge one and two smaller ones. This “hidden” cenote is a result of limestone erosion. There is a ladder from the hole but if you are feeling bold, you can just jump right in through the holes.

Once in the water, you can swim around, going under the cenote cave walls. A maximum of six people can swim at a time in this small, confined pool. Arrive as soon as the pool opens for the best chance of a quiet swim time.

4. Cenote Cristalino

Cenote Cristalino in Playa del Carmen is a well-known spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Rentals for hammocks and sun loungers are available nearby as well.

At the surface, the Cenote Cristalino is surrounded by lush, green jungle. The shallow, open water is ideal for paddling around and an excellent way to spend the day here.

For the daredevils, the deeper parts of the cenote feature a few cliff jumps as well.

5. Cenote Angelita

Cenote Angelita is a diver’s paradise. However, it is less appropriate for swimming and snorkelling because of its depth. It is a true haven for divers, where you get to dive in a circular, open cenote. This is a typical deep dive, and the halocline here is 27 meters high.

It is encircled by a gorgeous cloud of hydrogen sulfate. Trees and branches emerge from this cloud, so it results in an enchanting environment and an amazing dive.

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6. Cenote Azul

The Cenote Azul is a must-visit on your next Yucatan vacation. This is massive, and you get to experience different kinds of pools. Nearby destinations include Tulum and Playa del Carmen, which are both accessible by car in 30 minutes or less. Rocks dominate the landscape, as does a plethora of tropical foliage.

For those who are feeling particularly daring, there is a 10-foot platform from which they can jump. It’s also possible for people who just want to relax to take a dip in the pool or soak up the sun.

7. Cenote Chaak Tun

The Cenote Chaak Tun is a must-visit if you want a larger Mexican cenote. This cenote is subterranean, unlike the others around Playa del Carmen, which are open. Only a small hole in the limestone ceiling provides illumination in the largest cave at Cheek Tun, creating an ethereal underground environment.

It’s an excellent cenote to go exploring because the two main caves are connected. A life jacket and hard hat are provided at the entrance, thus this is a must-experience for the adventure-seekers.

8. Cenote Dos Ojos

This is the most spectacular and well-known cenote in the Yucatan, which is among the cenotes of the Riviera Maya. Its name means “two eyes” and it is one of the earliest discoveries in the history of cenotes. With the Cenote Dos Ojos’ stunning rock formations, this cenote is popular with both divers and swimmers. At 38 miles long and 396 feet deep, this is one of the world’s top ten longest and deepest underwater cave systems.

9. Cenote Dreamgate

Cenote Dreamgate is a diver’s haven. If you like snorkeling and swimming, this cenote offers access to its underwater wonders. Since this cenote is not very deep, adequate buoyancy is essential to avoid the whirling up of the materials on the underwater surface. When you visit, slowly progress through the tunnel system to give yourself ample opportunity to take in the stunning formations in this natural wonder.

10. El Pit

The depth of this cenote, roughly 30 meters (100 feet), makes it ideal for scuba diving. El Pit also allows as much natural light as possible. This cenote’s many unique features make for excellent opportunities for underwater photography.

However, if you’re not going to go scuba diving, this may not be the cenote for you. While there is little marine life to be found in El Pit, divers will be able to observe a halocline and a hydrogen sulfide cloud that are arguably more fascinating.

11. Cenote Ik-Kil

It’s a bit of a trek to get here, but Cenote Ik-Kil is well worth it. It’s one of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatan, not only because it’s gorgeous, but also because it’s located close to Chichen Itza.

This sinkhole is larger and deeper than other cenotes, and the water is an intense, clear blue. The area is quite enchanting, with water cascading down the sides, as well as vines and roots hanging over the water’s surface. Plus, you will hear Mayan music playing in the background, complementing the scenery.

12. Cenote Suytun

Cenote Suytun looks exactly like what you see on Instagram, and more. Here, the stone platform extends out into the water. During a certain time of the day, a beam of light from the entrance above illuminates it.

More than being picture-perfect, Cenote Suytun also allows you to experience its long history. Make sure you visit this natural wonder, take a relaxing swim in the clear, cool water and soak in the scenery.