21 Best Cenotes in Tulum and How To Visit Them

Travelling to Tulum in Riviera Maya soon? Awesome, then you’ve surely heard about the beautiful cenotes located around the area and the entire Yucatan Peninsula as well. In case you want to find out everything there is to know about the best cenotes in Tulum, how to visit them and whether or not you should take a tour, read on, this complete guide has all the information you need!

I spent two entire weeks in Tulum at the beginning of the year, and if there’s one thing that got my heart, it would definitely be the cenotes. I could never get bored of these gorgeous crystal clear water holes and stalagmites! And no, I don’t mean just one of them – I visited several and found that each one has its own perks and unique characteristics, so I definitely recommend you visit at least a couple.

How to choose the best ones for you? Should you go to the popular cenotes or head over to other cenotes located off the beaten path? Read on, I’ll cover the answers in the sections below.

Quick info about Cenotes

What is a cenote?

what is a cenote

A cenote (pronounced seh-NO-tay) literally translates to “sinkhole”. And their name basically depicts what they are – limestone rocks that, over time, have collapsed in on themselves, creating caves that are now filled with groundwater = natural sinkholes. Cenotes are pretty specific to the Yucatan Peninsula and it is said there are approximately 6.000 cenotes here.

Except for being pretty amazing just by looking at them, many cenotes are excellent spots to swim, snorkel and dive. And trust me, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cenote’s naturally cold water (it comes from underground, so it makes sense) after a full day of exploring Tulum and staying in the sun.

Plus, it’s a well-known fact that Tulum has some of the best cenotes around!

RELATED READ: 8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico – Complete Guide & Tips

Different types of cenotes

types of cenotes in Tulum

Let’s get a bit technical now. Remember I said that each cenote is unique and they’re all pretty different from each other, right? Here are 4 different types of cenotes:

How much does it cost to visit a cenote in Tulum

How much does it cost to visit a cenote in Tulum

Because Tulum has become such a popular tourist destination, entrance to the different cenotes is now charged – and the prices are increasing year by year. For example, you can now expect to pay between 80 to 500 MXN (4 to 25 US$) for entrance. Some cenote owners are cheeky and try to charge for parking separately, so keep this in mind at arrival – sometimes you can negotiate this.

Btw, I will mention the individual entrance fee for each of the cenotes I’ll be talking about below.

RELATED READ: Where To Stay In Tulum, Mexico – Downtown VS Hotel Zone

How to get to the cenotes

How to get to the cenotes

This really depends on which cenotes you’re planning on visiting – the ones closer to Tulum or those that are a bit further away:

Alternatively, if you don’t want to be in charge of transportation at all, you can book an organised tour and they will take care of everything. You can jump to my dedicated section about the best Tulum cenote tours here.

My top tips and things to keep in mind

Top tips for visiting the cenotes in Tulum
Top tips for visiting the cenotes in Tulum

Okay, one more practical information section before I start talking about the best cenotes in Tulum. Here are my top tips and useful things to keep in mind before going:

Tulum cenotes map

And here’s a map that includes all the best cenotes in Tulum I’ll be talking about below and their exact location in the area:

Tulum cenotes map

RELATED READ: 23 Best Tulum Instagram Spots: A Photo Guide

6 Best cenotes in Tulum that I have personally been to

Here’s my list of the 6 cenotes in Tulum that I have personally visited – I loved all of them equally and I will talk about each of them below. For more recommendations, scroll down to my next section where you’ll find 15 more cenotes in Tulum to choose from:

1 – Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera Tulum Mexico 1
Cenote Calavera in Tulum

Cenote Calavera translates to “Skull sinkhole” and that’s because it has three swimming holes opening over the cenote that look like a mouth and two eyes. Another thing that attracts tourists to this cenote is its swing, literally located over the sinkhole. Still, this is one of those cenotes that is still laid-back compared to other popular spots such as the Gran Cenote.

By the way, Tulum Cenote Calavera was recently ‘rebranded’ as The Temple of Doom Cenote and you’ll now find lots of new amenities for tourists.

WHERE: close to Tulum centre, 2.2 km away / 5 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 250 MXN (12.50 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, scuba diving, jumping from the 4-metre high ladder

FACILITIES: showers, life jackets, sun beds, chairs, bathrooms, a restaurant and bar. No lockers

2 – Dos Ojos Cenote

Dos Ojos Cenote Tulum Mexico

Cenote Dos Ojos (“Two Eyes”) is probably the most famous cenote in Tulum and it got its name from its double sinkholes that resemble a pair of eyes – the Blue Eye (open cenote) and the Black Eye (cave cenote). One of the most notable things about Cenote Dos Ojos is its depth – it has the deepest underwater passage (387 feet / 117 metres). This can only mean one thing: it’s one of the best cenotes in the area for snorkelling and diving! This is also why many tourists opt for a snorkelling tour at Cenote Dos Ojos! 

Also, Cenote Dos Ojos connects with Sac Actun (more info about this one down below), so it’s basically a cenote group. Parking is free here.

WHERE: 21 km away from Tulum Town / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 350 MXN (17,50 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: snorkelling, diving, swimming

FACILITIES: changing rooms, bathrooms, lockers, life jackets (mandatory), lifeguards, a restaurant

RELATED READ: 8 Best Beach Clubs in Tulum, Mexico + Free Public Beaches

3 – Gran Cenote / Grand Cenote

Gran Cenote Tulum
Gran Cenote Tulum

The Gran Cenote (also known as the Grand Cenote) is hands-down the most popular cenote in Tulum and maybe in the Riviera Maya as well. And, as its name suggests, it’s pretty large! In fact, its cave and cavern system and ecosystem is so complex that the most recommended way of seeing it is by taking a snorkelling or diving tour. 

The Gran Cenote is also a popular pit stop if you want to visit the famous Coba ruins, for example – and I highly recommend you do!

WHERE: 4,3 km away from Tulum / 6 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 500 MXN (25 US$)

HOURS: 8:10 AM – 4:45 PM

BEST FOR: snorkelling, diving, swimming

FACILITIES: showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, equipment rental, a place to buy snacks and drinks, tables

4 – Cenote Taak Bi Ha

Cenote Taak Bi Ha Tulum Mexico

Although way less popular than Cenote Calavera or the Gran Cenote, Taak Bi Ha is one of the most beautiful Yucatan cenotes. This is actually a cave cenote (so get ready to climb down some wooden stairs to access it) located in Parque Dos Ojos, but it has a different entrance from Dos Ojos Cenote. The stalagmites and stalactites here are simply gorgeous and it is said that this is one of the most amazing cenotes for snorkelling!

One thing to note, though: Cenote Taak Bi Ha is located a bit off the beaten path on the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, so it’s trickier to access if you decide to take public transport. Once you arrive at the entrance to the Parque, you can either walk for 1 km or take an on-site taxi for 25 MXN (I recommend the latter).

WHERE: 22 km away from Tulum / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 350 MXN (17.5 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, equipment rental. No lockers

RELATED READ: Free Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico

5 – Cenote Suy Tun

Mexico Suy Tun Cenote
Suy Tun Cenote in Tulum

Cenote Suy Tun is also known as a famous Instagram cenote located close to Valladolid – and with good reason, as this cenote is… something else! What makes it so special are the out-of-this-world light beams peeking through the roof right in the centre of the cenote, on a circular platform that looks like it was taken out of a Sci-Fi movie. 

TIP: By the way, if you’re planning a trip to Chichen Itza or the Coba ruins, a pit stop to Cenote SuyTun would be a great idea!

TIP #2: I recommend visiting in the afternoon or late morning so you ensure the light beams will shine directly on the circular platform – a magical photo set-up!

 WHERE: 95 km away from Tulum / 1h 15’ by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 120 MXN (6 US$). The price includes life jackets

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling and taking photos. No diving, as the water is too shallow

FACILITIES: bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, lockers, life jackets (mandatory), a place to buy snacks and drinks, tables

6 – Carwash Cenote / Cenote Aktun-Ha

Carwash Cenote

Cenote Aktun-Ha, more commonly known as Cenote Carwash or Car Wash Cenote, is a gorgeous open-air sinkhole you should add to your bucket list. It has diving platforms and amazing underwater caves waiting to be explored. This cenote is also very easily accessible, located right near the parking lot, and it’s also (still) one of the cheapest cenotes around.

And in case you were wondering what’s up with this unusual name, there’s actually a story behind it: in the past, taxi drivers would stop here to wash their cars – hence, Cenote Carwash! That was, of course, before the cenotes became one of the most popular tourist spots in the Yucatan with outrageous entrance and photography fees, heh.

NOTE: There’s also a crocodile on-site that sometimes makes an appearance!

WHERE: 8.5 km from Tulum / 10 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 50 MXN (2.5 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

BEST FOR: sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, diving

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, lockers, equipment rental

15 Other best cenotes in Tulum to consider

1 – Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul Tulum

Cenote Azul is an open-air cenote, located mid-way down the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. There are actually different crystal water pools here, as well as a cliff that you can jump from. 

One of the best things about this cenote is that it’s great for families, too, as it actually has two swimming areas divided by a wooden walkway – one with shallow water, perfect for kids, and a deeper one where you can do cliff jumping. Plus, it’s easily accessible as well, as it’s right on the main road.

WHERE: 40 km from Tulum / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 140 MXN (7 US$)

HOURS: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, jumping

FACILITIES: showers, toilets, lockers, equipment rental, a place to buy snacks and drinks, benches, tables

RELATED READ: Best Places to Eat in Tulum

2, 3 – Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido

Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido

Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido are located really close to each other (across the street, basically), which is why I’m grouping both here as one recommendation. Plus, you can buy one ticket to visit both, so a combined visit makes all the sense in the world.

Cenote Cristal is an open air cenote with crystal clear waters – surprising, I know! It actually looks like a huge outdoor pool and it also has three platforms to choose from (each with a different depth) and a rope that will help you do some fun jumps.

Cenote Escondido, literally translating to “Hidden Cenote”, is actually hidden inside a forest, which makes everything even more beautiful. This open air cenote has a rope as well and different pools, and it’s ideal for some unforgettable cenote diving and snorkelling.

One of the best things about visiting these two sister cenotes is the fact that they’re lesser known to tourists, so the chances of bumping into huge crowds here are minimal.

WHERE: 7 km from Tulum / 10 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 150 MXN (7.5 US$) to enter both cenotes

HOURS: 10 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, platform jumping

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, life jackets, grilling area, tables and chairs

4 – Cenote Cristalino

Cenote Cristalino in Mexico Tulum

Nope, you should not confuse Cenote Cristal with Cenote Cristalino, as they are not the same! While the one above (Cristal) is located merely 10 minutes away from Tulum’s centre, Cenote Cristalino is further away on the road to Playa del Carmen. It’s also close to Cenote Azul, so I recommend visiting both in one day if you have the time.

Cenote Cristalino is another open-air cenote with gorgeous waters and two different areas: an open area and a cave area. You can also do cliff jumping here and they have a swing as well – so cool!

WHERE: 40 km away from Tulum / 30 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, life jackets (included in the entrance price), a place to buy snacks and drinks

5 – Casa Cenote / Cenote Manati

Casa Cenote in Mexico Tulum

Casa Cenote, also known as Cenote Manati because of the manatees that used to live here, is another open-air cenote located on the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. What makes it a perfect cenote is the lush greenery and mangrove surrounding it. Jungle vibes? Yes, sir! This is also one of those Tulum cenotes fit for some unique activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding, besides the classic snorkelling and scuba diving. There’s also a beach near Casa Cenote that you can visit for some classic sunbathing.

Another aspect that makes Casa Cenote so unique is the fact that it has a river current and SO much wildlife to admire while you’re there – anything from colourful fish to butterflies and birds.

WHERE: 10 km from Tulum / 15 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 150 MXN (7.5 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, scuba lessons, kayaking, SUP

FACILITIES: life jackets, lockers, equipment rental, mobile toilets in the parking lot, Casa Cenote Restaurant is right across the road from the entrance

6, 7, 8 – Cenote Sac Actun, Cenote El Pit and Cenote Nicte-Ha

Cenote Sac Actun in Mexico

You may remember that I mentioned Parque Dos Ojos before – this is where Cenote Dos Ojos is located, but also three other gorgeous cenotes that I recommend you visit as well if you have enough time:

NOTE: If you want to dive at Cenote Sac Actun, it is highly recommended to hire a professional guide, regardless if you are an expert diver yourself. The cave system is very complex. Also, if you suffer from claustrophobia, I wouldn’t advise you to go down there.

WHERE: 44 km away from Tulum / 35 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 450 MXN (22.5 US$) for Sac Actun (includes gear + guided tour), 20 US$ to dive in The Pit Cenote and 200 MXN (10 US$) to enter Nicte-Ha Cenote.

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, advanced cave diving

FACILITIES: equipment rental, guided tours

9 – Cenote Angelita

Cenote Angelita Mexico

Tired of amazing diving cenotes near Tulum yet? I hope not, because I still have some gorgeous options for you! Cenote Angelita (“Little Angel”) is another pond cenote for your list that offers incredible underwater wonders and an interesting natural phenomenon as well – the different water densities here make it look like there’s a river running underneath the water. It’s hard to explain it in words, so you’ll have to see it to understand – this is also why this cenote is called “Underwater River”, too!

NOTE: Because there’s natural gas at this cenote, you’ll definitely smell it as well. Something similar to boiled eggs – not that bad, but not very pleasant either! Some divers mention you can ‘smell’ it under the water, as well.

WHERE: 16 km from Tulum / 20 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 150 MXN (7.5 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, advanced diving

FACILITIES: bathrooms, dive tables

10 – Cenote Zacil Ha

Cenote Zacil Ha Tulum

Looking for some lesser known cenotes near Tulum? Cenote Zacil Ha might be for you! One fun fact about this open sinkhole is that it was only discovered 30 years ago – but its caves are prehistoric! You can see some gorgeous stalactites here, but the highlight has to be the zipline, which is absolutely amazing for some jumping (10 pesos per ride).

Zacil Ha has two pools with shallow water, which makes it perfect for families as well – after all, it’s a swimming pool-style cenote. It’s also suuuper close to Cenote Carwash (350m away), so it makes sense to do a combined visit!

WHERE: 8.5 km from Tulum, 10 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 10 AM – 5:30 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, zip-line jumping in the water

FACILITIES: bathrooms, life jackets, zip line, hammock, swimming pool, a place to buy snacks and drinks

11 – Cenote Casa Tortuga

Cenote Casa Tortuga Mexico

Cenotes Casa Tortuga is basically a group of 4 cenotes located really close to Tulum – Cenote Wisho, Tres Zapotes, Cenote Campana and Cenote Jaguar. It’s a mix of cave cenotes, open and semi-open cenotes, so you can easily experience all types of landscapes and rock formations here.

WHERE: 12.5 km away from Tulum / 15 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 850 MXN (42.5 US$) – includes access to all 4 cenotes + snorkel gear + guide + zip line

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, jumping, zip lining

FACILITIES: bathrooms, showers, lockers, a restaurant and some other places to buy food and snacks, guided tours

12 – Cenote Yax-Muul

Cenote Yax-Muul Mexico

Cenote Yax-Muul (Parque De Cenotes Yax-Muul) is another hidden gem with no tourists located only minutes away from Tulum Town, very close to Jungle Maya Park. This underwater cave is the perfect spot to admire stalactites and light beams peeking through the roof. If you want to swim in shallow waters, you can also check out Sac Tuunich, which is a smaller cave near Yax-Muul.

NOTE: This cenote is located quite literally off the beaten path, so people will usually hire an ATV guide to take them there.

WHERE: 15 km from Tulum / 15 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 20 US$

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, Mayan ceremonies

FACILITIES: bathrooms, life jackets, guided tours

13 – Cenote Choo-Ha

Cenote Choo-Ha Mexico

Cenote Choo-Ha is really close to the Coba Ruins, so you can combine it with your day trip there in case you’re planning on visiting these beautiful Mayan ruins – plus, you may be lucky enough to find almost no other tourists here! This is an underground cenote cave with shallow waters, so you can easily swim there. There are beautiful rock formations there such as stalactites and stalagmites here and the access is made by going down a long wooden staircase.

If you’re up for an extensive adventure, you can also visit Cenote Tamcach-Ha and Cenote Multum-Ha, which are both near Choo-Ha.

WHERE: 53 km away from Tulum, 50 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 100 MXN (5 US$)

HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

BEST FOR: swimming

FACILITIES: bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, life jackets, no places to buy snacks or drinks

14 – Cenote Xunaan-Ha / Akumal Cenote

Cenote Xunaan-Ha Akumal Cenote

Cenote Xunaan-Ha is located in Chemuyil village, north of Akumal, very close to Tulum and right on the road to Playa del Carmen. The biggest advantage of this cenote is that, compared to some other popular ones such as Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Calavera and the Gran Cenote, tourists will rarely set foot here. So you might end up having the entire place to yourself!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also do cliff jumping or use the zipline here!

WHERE: 22 km from Tulum / 22 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, cliff jumping, zip lining

FACILITIES: bathrooms

15 – Cenote Eden / Cenote Jardin Del Eden

Cenote Jardin Del Eden Mexico

Cenote Eden, also known as Cenote Jardin Del Eden has a name that perfectly depicts this little piece of heaven: turquoise waters, lush vegetation and an overall mystical atmosphere. In short, it looks like the Garden of Eden!

Just like Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Azul, this is one of the best cenotes located on the road from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, offering something for all types of travellers, from people that want to chill and float around to scuba divers!

WHERE: 46 km away from Tulum, 50 minutes by car

ENTRANCE FEE: 200 MXN (10 US$)

HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM

BEST FOR: swimming, snorkelling, diving, cliff jumping

FACILITIES: bathrooms, life jackets, a place to buy snacks and drinks

Tulum cenote tours

Tulum cenote tours
tours of tulum cenotes

I know, I’ve told you so much about so many amazing cenotes in Tulum, both close and further away from the city centre. Transportation can sometimes be a hassle that involves lots of negotiation and searching for affordable fares – so in case you don’t want to deal with that, I recommend booking an organised Tulum cenote tour. Your guide will be in charge of everything, from transportation to entrance fees and also showing you around and telling you interesting information.

Here are some of the top-rated tours that include some of the best Tulum cenotes out there:

This was my complete guide about all the best cenotes in Tulum, Riviera Maya! In this article I have spoken about some of the most famous cenotes such as Dos Ojos, Cenote Carwash, Cenote Sac Atun, Casa Cenote, Cenote SuyTun and more, as well as some other cenotes which I consider to be hidden gems such as Cenote Zacil-Ha, Casa Tortuga and more. In short, you’ll find cenotes near Tulum (as close as 10 minutes by car, which is really close) and cenotes that are further away, usually on the road to Playa del Carmen.

In case you need more information about travelling to Tulum, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this unique destination. And here you will find all my posts about Mexico.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Tulum?

Pin me for later!

21 Must Visit Cenotes in Tulum Mexico
Best Cenotes to Visit in Tulum Mexico Ultimate Guide and Tips

Sign up for my newsletter!

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!