10 Best Cenotes in Mexico That Are Instagrammable Worthy in 2023
If you are traveling to Mexico and are looking for an adventure, cenotes will surely fit the bill. With their clear turquoise waters that reflect ancient caves adorned with soaring stalactites and craggy walls, these dreamy places will make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos and reels.
Plus, with many accessible spots around the country, they’ll bring some extra magic no matter where you wander solo or as part of a group tour! So, why wait?
We have compiled 10 of our ‘top picks’ from popular spots among open-minded travelers when visiting heavenly Mexican cenotes in 2023.
What Is a Cenote?
A cenote is a natural swimming pool found in Mexico. These pools are filled with crystal-clear freshwater, and are often surrounded by lush vegetation. They are created when the roof of an underground cave collapses, creating a hole in the ground.
Cenotes are an essential part of the Yucatan Peninsula’s natural beauty and are home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.
Swimming in cenotes is a popular activity for tourists visiting Mexico, and many people come to explore the beautiful formations and hidden underwater caves in these unique natural habitats.
10 Best Cenotes in Mexico Worth Exploring
Each cenote offers a different experience to explorers with crystal clear water, hidden caves, and intricate rock formations. Here are the top 10 cenotes in Mexico worth exploring.
1. Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí) – Tulum
This cenote in Tulum is known for its breathtaking mangrove formations. Here are the highlights of this cenote.
Open from 8 AM to 5 PM—entry fee of 150 MXN pesos per person (free if staying at Hotel Casa Cenote).
Surrounded by lush green jungle and vine-covered palms, it’s a magical place to relax, cool off, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Easily accessible by car/motorbike 15 minutes away from Tulum Pueblo (Town).
- Best experienced through a guided tour that includes hotel pickup/drop-off, multi-lingual guide, Gran Cenote, Calavera Cenote & Casa Cenote with all entry fees.
- The clear blue water and fresh air make swimming in the cenote an enjoyable experience, while scuba diving is also an option for certified divers or beginners who want to get their feet wet first.
- This open cenote has a maximum depth of 25 feet (8 meters).
2. Cenote Angelita – Tulum
Tulum offers this mysterious cenote that appears to be a river flowing underground. Visitors can dive to the bottom of the 200-foot-deep pool and witness the mystical phenomenon where hydrogen sulfate clouds the surface.
Here are some fast facts about this cenote worthy of remembering.
- Cenote Angelita is an advanced scuba diving cenote located 17 km southwest of Tulum Pueblo, with a circumference of 30 meters and a depth of 60 meters.
- The jungle at this site is filled with various plants and animals, and scuba divers can explore the perimeter while spiraling up to the surface.
- For starters, protect yourself from hydrogen sulfate with the right gear. Don’t forget a shirt and some dark shades to prevent harmful effects on your skin or eyes.
- Experienced guides are recommended as this experience requires a knowledgeable and careful approach.
- While it’s a popular spot, it may get crowded during peak times – so come early to avoid the crowd.
3. Cenote Azul – Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen presents this popular and easily accessible cenote. What makes it unique is the colorful fish and the clear blue water that amplifies the depth of the pool.
Visitors can jump off the platform into the pool and take the rope swing for a thrilling adventure.
Here are some of the things to remember when you visit here.
- Cenote Azul, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, offers many activities for solo travelers, families, and groups.
- Thrill seekers can jump off a 15-foot cliff, while those who prefer less adrenalin can relax on the dock.
- Freshwater fish of all sizes abound in the cenote, which is also home to trails and benches for exploration and relaxation.
- For those traveling with little ones, shallow water and plenty of shade make this an ideal spot to soak up the sun.
- Smaller pools allow privacy while admiring the crystal clear waters fed by limestone-filtered rainwater.
- Rental cars and Colectivo buses provide easy access from nearby cities such as Playa del Carmen (20 min.), Tulum (40 km), and Cancun (25 km).
- Remember to wear your aqua shoes, pack snacks and meals, and bring sun protection.
- Cash-only purchases are accepted, and visiting weekday mornings is best to avoid the crowd.
4. Cenote Calavera – Tulum,
This cenote in Tulum is accessible through a small hole in the ground. Inside the 7-meter wide and 10-meter deep pool, visitors can dive and swim in its crystal clear waters while observing the unique rock formations and light coming through tiny openings.
Here are some fast facts about this beautiful place.
- Cenote Calavera, also known as Skull Cenote and Temple of Doom, is an impressive cenote in Tulum. It features three entrances that make it appear like a skull when viewed from above.
- Facilities are bare at the cenote — a resting area with tables, basic restrooms, and the possibility to buy drinks and snacks.
- The entrance fee is 250 MXN (approximately $12), and an extra 200 MXN for camera gear.
- Opening hours are 9 AM until 5 PM, 7 days a week, though it’s best to get there early morning to avoid crowds.
- Snorkeling and diving are permitted for visitors bringing their gear upon entering the water.
- Best ways to reach Cenote Calavera include renting bikes downtown Tulum, renting a car or car with a driver, and taking a taxi or Colectivo (shared taxi) from Tulum Pueblo way to Coba.
5. Cenote Oxmán – Yucatan
This cenote is an impressive and grand open underground pool. The water is so clear that visitors can spot small fishes swimming around. Tourists can swim or tan on the floating platform that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding.
Here are some of the essential details you should remember.
- Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman is located 5 km from downtown Valladolid, Mexico, and is part of the Hacienda San Lorenzo, built in 1746.
- One of the peculiarities of this cenote is that it has a restaurant and an outdoor pool filled with water from the cenote.
- Visitors can access the cenote via 73 steps to reach the platform 3 meters above the water level.
The entrance fee to Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman is 70 Pesos ($3) for access to the cenote only. - There are no lockers available on site. However, life jackets are included in the entrance fee.
- There are some guidelines to be adhered such as showering before entering, not using sunscreen or insect repellent, only consuming food or beverages in designated areas, and no diving permitted.
- The best time to visit would be in the mornings as it’s less crowded than late afternoons.
6. Cenote Jardin del Eden Ponderosa – Quintana Roo
This cenote has turquoise blue water and leafy plants hanging overhead. Visitors can jump off the wooden platform into the water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Cenote Jardin del Eden is an open-air sinkhole near Playa del Carmen, also known as Cenote Garden of Eden, Cenote Ponderosa, or Cenote Eden.
- The cenote features crystal-clear water, a lush jungle, wooden platforms for jumping, and an underground cave for scuba diving.
- Facilities include bathrooms, life vests and snorkeling equipment rentals, palapas, and food.
- The entrance fee to the cenote is 200 MXN for adults and 100 MXN for kids. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Saturdays.
- Transportation options to get there include walking (for guests staying at the Barcelo resorts), car rental, colectivo, and taxi.
7. Cenote Siete Bocas – Puerto Morelos
This cenote located in Puerto Morelos has seven openings that lead to the water body. It offers diverse activities, including kayaking, swimming, and diving. Additionally, the tropical vegetation surrounding the pool adds an exotic touch to the experience.
Here are some of the things you need to know about this cenote.
- Cenote Siete Bocas is a cave sinkhole in the Riviera Maya with seven access points from which light enters.
- Suitable for divers, swimmers, and those looking for exciting adventures, its many rock formations will awe visitors.
- Facilities include restrooms, a parking lot, and life jackets.
- It is recommended to bring snacks, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, not use sunblock in the cenote, avoid touching rock formations, and not leave any trash in the cenote or jungle.
- The entrance fee is 300 MXN or $16.
8. Cenote Yaxmuul – Tulum,
This hidden gem in Tulum, is the perfect destination for adventurers. Tourists can hike to the cenote, where they will find crystal-clear water surrounded by dense jungle. Visitors can swim or jump off the nearby cliffs in the pool.
Here are some fast facts about this paradise.
- Cenote Yaxmuul is a natural sinkhole in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, 14 kilometers north of Tulum.
- It is known for its breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations created over thousands of years from mineral-rich water dripping from the ceiling.
- The cenote is partially open and partially covered by a limestone roof, allowing for a unique blend of sunlight and shade.
- Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities, with visitors able to observe fascinating underwater formations and occasional fish or freshwater turtles.
- Yaxmuul Cenote is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and an adult ticket costs 700 MXN per person (approximately $37).
9. Dos Ojos – Tulum
This cenote in offers two interconnected pools, providing divers with two impressive scenarios to explore. Tourists can rent snorkeling equipment to venture into the crystal clear waters to see cave tunnels, underwater rock formations, and tiny fish.
You need to know other fast facts:
- The Yucatan Peninsula of Southern Mexico is home to Cenote Dos Ojos, a semi-open cave and underground cenote with two eyes peaking out from the jungle canopy.
- Entrance fee is 350 pesos ($18). A deal is available where you can access three cenotes for 600 pesos ($30).
- Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Visitors should bring mosquito spray, towels, snorkeling gear (can rent on site), and comfortable aqua shoes (not flip-flops).
- Diving at Dos Ojos Cenote starts at 2000 pesos ($100) with a guide. Snorkeling is also available to witness rock formations and colorful fish.
10. Gran Cenote – Tulum
Gran Cenote is famous for its clear water and bright turquoise colors. The cenote offers several activities, such as snorkeling and diving, to explore the cave-like rooms that resemble an underground paradise.
Make sure you take note of these details before you visit.
- The Gran Cenote Tulum is a famous cenote in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
- It has crystal clear turquoise water, ideal for snorkeling, turtles, and other small fish swimming around.
- Visitors can enter multiple entrances to the cave, turtle pool, or grotto.
- Above the cenote is a mowed lawn, clean toilets, and showers to prevent contamination.
- Lockers and hammocks are also available to relax in the shade.
- Currently, entry fees are 180 Mexican pesos per person; it’s best to arrive at 8:00 AM when the place is not crowded with tourists.
- Nearby attractions include the archaeological site of Cobá, the Pyramids of Tulum, Punta Laguna, and more cenotes.
Other Things to Consider When Visiting Cenotes
When you plan to visit a cenote in Mexico, it’s important to keep some things in mind to have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Cenotes are natural swimming holes located in remote and rural areas away from the hustle and bustle of major city centers. It’s wise to bring lots of water and snacks for the journey, as well as a map of the area to avoid getting lost.
- Unlike managed pools or beaches, cenotes typically do not have any lifeguards. You swim at your own risk and do not take any unnecessary risks that endanger yourself or others.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when entering or leaving the water.
- The cenotes are a sacred site and ecosystem, which means that they are home to a variety of plants and animals.
- You must respect the environment and refrain from touching or disturbing any living creature. This is necessary to keep the balance and avoid disturbing the natural life cycle in the ecosystem.
- Most cenotes require an entrance fee to access, which varies between locations.
- You should bring enough cash to cover the cost of admission and any additional fees. These fees help pay for the upkeep of the cenote, including any necessary maintenance and conservation efforts.
- Cenotes are popular destinations for locals and tourists, especially on weekends and holidays. Due to high demand, there may be long lines and large crowds.
- Be prepared for these conditions by arriving early or choosing a less popular location to enjoy the cenote peacefully.
Contact Holibay for your next Cenote tour in Mexico
The Cenotes in Mexico are breathtaking, and visiting one should be on everyone’s bucket list.
If you want to experience an enjoyable and memorable trip exploring these natural wonders, contact Holibay. We offer expertly guided tours that will provide an unforgettable experience full of adventure and discovery.
Whether a solo traveler or traveling with friends and family, Holibay is the perfect choice for your Cenote exploration.
If you are traveling to Mexico and are looking for an adventure, cenotes will surely fit the bill. With their clear turquoise waters that reflect ancient caves adorned with soaring stalactites and craggy walls, these dreamy places will make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos and reels.
Plus, with many accessible spots around the country, they’ll bring some extra magic no matter where you wander solo or as part of a group tour! So, why wait?
We have compiled 10 of our ‘top picks’ from popular spots among open-minded travelers when visiting heavenly Mexican cenotes in 2023.
What Is a Cenote?
A cenote is a natural swimming pool found in Mexico. These pools are filled with crystal-clear freshwater, and are often surrounded by lush vegetation. They are created when the roof of an underground cave collapses, creating a hole in the ground.
Cenotes are an essential part of the Yucatan Peninsula’s natural beauty and are home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.
Swimming in cenotes is a popular activity for tourists visiting Mexico, and many people come to explore the beautiful formations and hidden underwater caves in these unique natural habitats.
10 Best Cenotes in Mexico Worth Exploring
Each cenote offers a different experience to explorers with crystal clear water, hidden caves, and intricate rock formations. Here are the top 10 cenotes in Mexico worth exploring.
1. Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí) – Tulum
This cenote in Tulum is known for its breathtaking mangrove formations. Here are the highlights of this cenote.
Open from 8 AM to 5 PM—entry fee of 150 MXN pesos per person (free if staying at Hotel Casa Cenote).
Surrounded by lush green jungle and vine-covered palms, it’s a magical place to relax, cool off, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Easily accessible by car/motorbike 15 minutes away from Tulum Pueblo (Town).
- Best experienced through a guided tour that includes hotel pickup/drop-off, multi-lingual guide, Gran Cenote, Calavera Cenote & Casa Cenote with all entry fees.
- The clear blue water and fresh air make swimming in the cenote an enjoyable experience, while scuba diving is also an option for certified divers or beginners who want to get their feet wet first.
- This open cenote has a maximum depth of 25 feet (8 meters).
2. Cenote Angelita – Tulum
Tulum offers this mysterious cenote that appears to be a river flowing underground. Visitors can dive to the bottom of the 200-foot-deep pool and witness the mystical phenomenon where hydrogen sulfate clouds the surface.
Here are some fast facts about this cenote worthy of remembering.
- Cenote Angelita is an advanced scuba diving cenote located 17 km southwest of Tulum Pueblo, with a circumference of 30 meters and a depth of 60 meters.
- The jungle at this site is filled with various plants and animals, and scuba divers can explore the perimeter while spiraling up to the surface.
- For starters, protect yourself from hydrogen sulfate with the right gear. Don’t forget a shirt and some dark shades to prevent harmful effects on your skin or eyes.
- Experienced guides are recommended as this experience requires a knowledgeable and careful approach.
- While it’s a popular spot, it may get crowded during peak times – so come early to avoid the crowd.
3. Cenote Azul – Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen presents this popular and easily accessible cenote. What makes it unique is the colorful fish and the clear blue water that amplifies the depth of the pool.
Visitors can jump off the platform into the pool and take the rope swing for a thrilling adventure.
Here are some of the things to remember when you visit here.
- Cenote Azul, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, offers many activities for solo travelers, families, and groups.
- Thrill seekers can jump off a 15-foot cliff, while those who prefer less adrenalin can relax on the dock.
- Freshwater fish of all sizes abound in the cenote, which is also home to trails and benches for exploration and relaxation.
- For those traveling with little ones, shallow water and plenty of shade make this an ideal spot to soak up the sun.
- Smaller pools allow privacy while admiring the crystal clear waters fed by limestone-filtered rainwater.
- Rental cars and Colectivo buses provide easy access from nearby cities such as Playa del Carmen (20 min.), Tulum (40 km), and Cancun (25 km).
- Remember to wear your aqua shoes, pack snacks and meals, and bring sun protection.
- Cash-only purchases are accepted, and visiting weekday mornings is best to avoid the crowd.
4. Cenote Calavera – Tulum,
This cenote in Tulum is accessible through a small hole in the ground. Inside the 7-meter wide and 10-meter deep pool, visitors can dive and swim in its crystal clear waters while observing the unique rock formations and light coming through tiny openings.
Here are some fast facts about this beautiful place.
- Cenote Calavera, also known as Skull Cenote and Temple of Doom, is an impressive cenote in Tulum. It features three entrances that make it appear like a skull when viewed from above.
- Facilities are bare at the cenote — a resting area with tables, basic restrooms, and the possibility to buy drinks and snacks.
- The entrance fee is 250 MXN (approximately $12), and an extra 200 MXN for camera gear.
- Opening hours are 9 AM until 5 PM, 7 days a week, though it’s best to get there early morning to avoid crowds.
- Snorkeling and diving are permitted for visitors bringing their gear upon entering the water.
- Best ways to reach Cenote Calavera include renting bikes downtown Tulum, renting a car or car with a driver, and taking a taxi or Colectivo (shared taxi) from Tulum Pueblo way to Coba.
5. Cenote Oxmán – Yucatan
This cenote is an impressive and grand open underground pool. The water is so clear that visitors can spot small fishes swimming around. Tourists can swim or tan on the floating platform that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding.
Here are some of the essential details you should remember.
- Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman is located 5 km from downtown Valladolid, Mexico, and is part of the Hacienda San Lorenzo, built in 1746.
- One of the peculiarities of this cenote is that it has a restaurant and an outdoor pool filled with water from the cenote.
- Visitors can access the cenote via 73 steps to reach the platform 3 meters above the water level.
The entrance fee to Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman is 70 Pesos ($3) for access to the cenote only. - There are no lockers available on site. However, life jackets are included in the entrance fee.
- There are some guidelines to be adhered such as showering before entering, not using sunscreen or insect repellent, only consuming food or beverages in designated areas, and no diving permitted.
- The best time to visit would be in the mornings as it’s less crowded than late afternoons.
6. Cenote Jardin del Eden Ponderosa – Quintana Roo
This cenote has turquoise blue water and leafy plants hanging overhead. Visitors can jump off the wooden platform into the water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Cenote Jardin del Eden is an open-air sinkhole near Playa del Carmen, also known as Cenote Garden of Eden, Cenote Ponderosa, or Cenote Eden.
- The cenote features crystal-clear water, a lush jungle, wooden platforms for jumping, and an underground cave for scuba diving.
- Facilities include bathrooms, life vests and snorkeling equipment rentals, palapas, and food.
- The entrance fee to the cenote is 200 MXN for adults and 100 MXN for kids. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Saturdays.
- Transportation options to get there include walking (for guests staying at the Barcelo resorts), car rental, colectivo, and taxi.
7. Cenote Siete Bocas – Puerto Morelos
This cenote located in Puerto Morelos has seven openings that lead to the water body. It offers diverse activities, including kayaking, swimming, and diving. Additionally, the tropical vegetation surrounding the pool adds an exotic touch to the experience.
Here are some of the things you need to know about this cenote.
- Cenote Siete Bocas is a cave sinkhole in the Riviera Maya with seven access points from which light enters.
- Suitable for divers, swimmers, and those looking for exciting adventures, its many rock formations will awe visitors.
- Facilities include restrooms, a parking lot, and life jackets.
- It is recommended to bring snacks, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, not use sunblock in the cenote, avoid touching rock formations, and not leave any trash in the cenote or jungle.
- The entrance fee is 300 MXN or $16.
8. Cenote Yaxmuul – Tulum,
This hidden gem in Tulum, is the perfect destination for adventurers. Tourists can hike to the cenote, where they will find crystal-clear water surrounded by dense jungle. Visitors can swim or jump off the nearby cliffs in the pool.
Here are some fast facts about this paradise.
- Cenote Yaxmuul is a natural sinkhole in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, 14 kilometers north of Tulum.
- It is known for its breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations created over thousands of years from mineral-rich water dripping from the ceiling.
- The cenote is partially open and partially covered by a limestone roof, allowing for a unique blend of sunlight and shade.
- Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities, with visitors able to observe fascinating underwater formations and occasional fish or freshwater turtles.
- Yaxmuul Cenote is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and an adult ticket costs 700 MXN per person (approximately $37).
9. Dos Ojos – Tulum
This cenote in offers two interconnected pools, providing divers with two impressive scenarios to explore. Tourists can rent snorkeling equipment to venture into the crystal clear waters to see cave tunnels, underwater rock formations, and tiny fish.
You need to know other fast facts:
- The Yucatan Peninsula of Southern Mexico is home to Cenote Dos Ojos, a semi-open cave and underground cenote with two eyes peaking out from the jungle canopy.
- Entrance fee is 350 pesos ($18). A deal is available where you can access three cenotes for 600 pesos ($30).
- Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Visitors should bring mosquito spray, towels, snorkeling gear (can rent on site), and comfortable aqua shoes (not flip-flops).
- Diving at Dos Ojos Cenote starts at 2000 pesos ($100) with a guide. Snorkeling is also available to witness rock formations and colorful fish.
10. Gran Cenote – Tulum
Gran Cenote is famous for its clear water and bright turquoise colors. The cenote offers several activities, such as snorkeling and diving, to explore the cave-like rooms that resemble an underground paradise.
Make sure you take note of these details before you visit.
- The Gran Cenote Tulum is a famous cenote in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
- It has crystal clear turquoise water, ideal for snorkeling, turtles, and other small fish swimming around.
- Visitors can enter multiple entrances to the cave, turtle pool, or grotto.
- Above the cenote is a mowed lawn, clean toilets, and showers to prevent contamination.
- Lockers and hammocks are also available to relax in the shade.
- Currently, entry fees are 180 Mexican pesos per person; it’s best to arrive at 8:00 AM when the place is not crowded with tourists.
- Nearby attractions include the archaeological site of Cobá, the Pyramids of Tulum, Punta Laguna, and more cenotes.
Other Things to Consider When Visiting Cenotes
When you plan to visit a cenote in Mexico, it’s important to keep some things in mind to have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Cenotes are natural swimming holes located in remote and rural areas away from the hustle and bustle of major city centers. It’s wise to bring lots of water and snacks for the journey, as well as a map of the area to avoid getting lost.
- Unlike managed pools or beaches, cenotes typically do not have any lifeguards. You swim at your own risk and do not take any unnecessary risks that endanger yourself or others.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when entering or leaving the water.
- The cenotes are a sacred site and ecosystem, which means that they are home to a variety of plants and animals.
- You must respect the environment and refrain from touching or disturbing any living creature. This is necessary to keep the balance and avoid disturbing the natural life cycle in the ecosystem.
- Most cenotes require an entrance fee to access, which varies between locations.
- You should bring enough cash to cover the cost of admission and any additional fees. These fees help pay for the upkeep of the cenote, including any necessary maintenance and conservation efforts.
- Cenotes are popular destinations for locals and tourists, especially on weekends and holidays. Due to high demand, there may be long lines and large crowds.
- Be prepared for these conditions by arriving early or choosing a less popular location to enjoy the cenote peacefully.
Contact Holibay for your next Cenote tour in Mexico
The Cenotes in Mexico are breathtaking, and visiting one should be on everyone’s bucket list.
If you want to experience an enjoyable and memorable trip exploring these natural wonders, contact Holibay. We offer expertly guided tours that will provide an unforgettable experience full of adventure and discovery.
Whether a solo traveler or traveling with friends and family, Holibay is the perfect choice for your Cenote exploration.
