You can see stalagmites and stalactites, and even swim with small turtles. This is also a problem for the fragile reefs surrounding the beautiful shores of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is possibly the most expensive cenote in Tulum, and most packed with people. Some of the bigger cenotes will rent snorkel gear to you at a price, from my experience at around 50-200 pesos each time you rent. Cenote Oxman is 1.5 hours from Tulum, 2 hours from Playa del Carmen, and 2 hours from Cancun. Seeing the cenotes in real life is absolutely incredible and Im sure you will want to know what items are an absolute must-bring when spending time in these mesmerizing natural structures. Option 1 - $70 pesos. In cenotes, theres no current so you dont have to worry about rip tides, waves, or boats while you swim. They rent life jackets and the denote also has stairs to enter and exit the water. In English, the name of this cave cenote translates to two eyes- and the reason for that becomes clear as soon as you set eyes on Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the best cenotes in Tulum. All of these Playa del Carmen cenotes are of a moderate price range from $100 MXN pesos to $350 MXN pesos. This cenote would be at the top of the best diving cenotes Tulum recommendation list. Theres cliff jumping and its half in a cave half out. The tropical weather, sandy beaches, great Mexican food and ancient Mayan ruins are enough reasons to buy a plane ticket and visit Tulum ASAP. Cenote Calavera charges a 250 pesos entrance fee + 300 pesos for photos (and yes! READ:How to Choose the Best Snorkel Gear on the Market! Check it out on our Cenote Map Tulum below! Cenote Triple Tour in Tulum Casa Cenote, Gran Cenote and Temple of Doom. Because of its crystal clear waters (thus, the name), you will be able to swim with tons of small fish. Cave cenotes open up to an underground pool with shallower and deeper areas. From Tulum you can get a Colectivo for about 25 pesos that will drop you off near Corazon, and from there you can walk. Perfect for those of you who arent in the market for a It boasts such crystal clear blue water, that fish and turtles can be seen swimming around without the need of a snorkel! The opening of the underwater cave is partly covered by giant submerged trees, and with the odd diver darting in and out of the cave; the snorkeling at Car Wash Cenote is some of the most impressive of all! In the cooler months though, the temperature of the water in the cenotes is ideal! Even better if you have an underwater camera or GoPro, so you can take it in the water with you. Its super clean and right in the center of Aldea Zama; which is an area of Tulum a lot of Ex-Pats live. Look out for the orange sign, Every day 24 hours (but dont swim at night; theres a resident cayman), Free (unless it is being manned, then you may have to pay a small entry fee), Being completely off the normal tourist trail, this cenote can be difficult to find. Yes! The cenotes range from less than a kilometer (1/2 mile) from Tulum to over 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from Tulum. You'll see stalagtites, mites, learn the history and see spectacular sights. Cenote (seh-NOH-tay) literally means sinkhole in Mayan. Cenote Oxman in Valladolid! Swimming and snorkeling are some activities popular here. Diffrents circuits conomiques en Cancun Au dpart de Cancun : Visite guide d'une demi-journe : Tulum, plonge en apne et CenoteTulum, Yal-ku et Cenote pour vos vacances. Biodegradable Sunscreen: Please make sure not to apply regular sunscreen before entering a cenote. The water is always clean and warm. Cenote Yax Kin: Best Cenote for Kids 7. Its owners make sure that the place is ran in the most sustainable way possible. This phenomenon sparked one of the first cenote cave explorations in the area, to find out where the suds went. You can jump off into the cenote from a high wooden platform if you like a more thrilling experience. With a depth of 60 meters, Cenote Angelita is great for diving. Sharks only live in salt water, so you never have to worry about sharks while swimming in a cenote. Honestly, I recommend this option only if youre interested in seeing one cenote, or two cenotes that are located next to each other. You can find me doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, chasing down baby goats or perched in a weird position trying to get thebest photo. The waters are still and crystal-clear, with wooden paths and boardwalks around the cenote that make for easy access. There are many cenotes near Cancun and Tulum that not only offer life-vests butrequirethem for all swimmers. READ MORE:Cenote Carwash: Swim with a Baby Crocodile & More. They are quite popular among the tourists, although they arent as crowded as other cenotes in Tulum such as Cenote Dos Ojos or Gran [], Cenote Calavera, Tulum: Swimming In The Temple of Doom, [] part of all? Read our huge guide to find out which ones! Perifrico, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico. The amazing cenotes in Mexico are extremely unique in the world and are only found on the Yucatan Peninsula. If you do catch Giardia, it can be cleared up with some anti-parasitic pills. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Entrance fee: 350 pesos ($18 USD) per person. It has two diving sites frequently explored by snorkelers, scuba divers, and the occasional sea turtle. Plus, all the activities (bike tours, tours of the underground river, and more) are all complimentary and included in your stay! It outputs quite a bright light (400 lumens), which you will want inside the cenote caves. BOOK IT HERE, Casa Tortuga Entrance Fee: 650 MXN.Casa Tortuga Opening Times: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling. However, it usually isnt manned so if someone is there that day you will just have to pay a small amount to enter. These sinkholes, which started out as water sources and places for sacred offerings for the Mayans, have in recent years developed into freshwater swimming spots for tourists and locals alike. I only found out about this Cenote because I worked a photoshoot here for a musical instruments store in Tulum its truly a local secret. One of the cave cenotes you are led inside where you can see bats and interesting blind cave fish. You can also find a nice organic restaurant serving healthy food, Flow Restaurant. Continue. You simply rock up to the place, pay the entrance fee (and other amenities you might want), and then you are free to explore! Some of the less popular cenotes are set amongst the jungle with more rustic facilities. Visiting is only available through a guided tour because diving is the only option at Cenote Pet Cemetery. Bring food and at least 2L of water per person, expect to spend at least 1 hour per Cenote + the half-hour bike ride there and back. If you need any help or have anything to say, feel free to comment them below! Theres no set address for Cenote Aldea Zama but its located near Kokoro Tulum: Av Balam Dzakab Copal, Aldea Zama, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. It is similar to the gas layer that makes Cenote Angelita so famous. 4. It got its name from the fact that this is the deepest cenote in the Yucatan 119 meters deep! Let me help you plan your next trip! He took us to three lesser-known but seriously incredible cenotes, helped us perfect our buoyancy and had really nice diving gear. You can also visit Cenote Dos Ojos by joining a tour. Stalactites punctuate gorgeous caverns and stalagmites jut out all over the place, making Sistema Sac Actun some of the best diving in Tulum. If youre planning to visit a few cenotes in a day, the taxi cost will add up pretty quickly. In fact, though, Dos Ojos is actually a single cenote, with the two sinkholes connected by a 400-meter long passageway. This is the only 100% FREE Cenote on this list because it hasnt been commercialized yet. Filled with loads of useful information about each cenote, its perfect for helping you find the top cenotes in Tulum for your needs. I have marked on the cenote map where you can get these colectivos. You can view dramatic rock formations, play with schools of fish and watch under the crystal-clear waters as the divers cruise through the caves. RELATED ARTICLE Ultimate Guide To Biking In Tulum. READ ALSO: 30 Best Things to do in Tulum The Ultimate Guide. Click here to book a bike tour that visits three cenotes in Tulum + Includes lunch. Read More 5 Disadvantages of Living in Mexico as a ForeignerContinue. BOOK IT HERE, Snorkeling Adventure Tour in Three Ecosystems In one day, youll be able to snorkel at Casa Cenote + Cenote Sac Actun and the beautiful reef of Tulum for some of the best snorkeling in Tulum experiences. Casa Tortuga might just be one of the best off-the-path cenotes in Tulum. Cenote Siete Bocas (7 Mouth Cenote) runs along the famous Rutas de los Cenotes outside Puerto Morelos. Sometimes, youll even be able to spot the halocline that occurs when the saltwater mixes with the fresh. Some cenotes that offer life vests: Cenote Oxman Cenote Suytun Cenote Zaci Cenote Saamal Cenote Oxman This is my ultimate list of cenotes in Tulum, complete with current prices and the facilities found at each cenote. Partially submerged tunnels connect the cenote's open-air sections. There are over 2,000 Cenotes in the Mayan Riviera, and more are being discovered every day. Cenote Carwash. This leads to cenotes offering mandatory guided tours, varying entrance prices, and other add-ons just to make a quick extra buck from unaware tourists.Obviously, this doesnt happen in every cenote. BOOK IT HERE, Gran Cenote Entrance Fee: 500 MXN.Gran Cenote Opening Times: 8 AM to 4.45 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. Cenote Angelita is located on the 307 Highway, approximately 12 minutes drive going south from Tulum. THE BEST CENOTES FOR SNORKELING NEAR TULUM, Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati or Cenote Tankah), My Tips for Visiting the Cenotes of Mexico. Theres also a bar and hammocks to hang out as well as a pool. This hipster town also borders the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, and the Tulum cenotes are in my opinion the best youll find in the []. Cenote Corazon is a bit too far to bike from Tulum, but you could take a scooter or a cab which should be about $10 each way. Snorkeling gear or mask is what you need to make this possible. The 2019 horror movie 49 Meters Down: Uncaged popularized the idea that there are man-eating sharks in Cenotes. It is one of the only free cenotes Tulum has, however, make sure you bring some money for beers and your swimmers and prepare to get seriously relaxed. Cenote Calavera is a 5-minute drive or a 10-minute bike ride from Tulum Centro basically, its in Tulum. If you plan to see a few cenotes in one day and you dont mind driving, this is probably the smartest option. You really dont want to travel to Mexico without a top underwater camera. Facilities: Bathrooms, change room, lockers, restaurants, snacks. It is certainly not the most beautiful cenote in Tulum, but Its best to buy biodegradable sunscreen at home and bring it because it can be difficult to find and/or very expensive in Mexico. Sometimes Cenotes are 100% underground, sometimes theyre half in a cave, and sometimes theyre entirely above ground. To keep prices as updated as possible, I ask if you can please comment and let me know if a price is different to what I have listed in this article. But that just means there will probably be fewer people there and you might have the whole cenote to enjoy to yourself. You can also jump into the cenotes from a certain height, if you dare! A budget option in Tulum town. Cenote Azul is a beautiful open cenote, ideal for families with children and those who are claustrophobic and dont like climbing down into a cave to enjoy the fresh waters of a cenote. Check the maps for snorkel cenotes https://castawaywithcrystal.com/best-cenotes-tulum/ https://www.selvatica.com.mx/top-20-cenotes-riviera-maya-cant-miss-guide/ Diving at Car Wash Cenote is also very popular, but you should contact a diving center beforehand to organize a dive. Gran Cenote is a 20-30 minute bike ride outside of Tulum past Cenote Calavera on Highway 109. Looking up at the sunlight streaming into the cenote through the openings is definitely a sight you wont forget for a long, long time. This explains why they are the least researched (and visited), because only experienced divers can access these hidden cenotes. You will have to cross the highway via an overpass if youre coming from Cancun via bus. You dont get that in the cave cenotes. The cenotes of Casa Tortuga are perfect for newbies who want an in-depth introduction into the cenotes on a tour. BOOK IT HERE, The Pet Cemetery Cenote Entrance Fee: 450 MXN.The Pet Cemetery Cenote Opening Times: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Diving / Snorkeling. Eerily poking out of the gas layer are giant dead trees, of which you can swim amongst the branches. Plenty of fish can be found in the water, and if youre lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you feel about it! Read more of our Mexico content! Its important to always shower off before entering a cenote if you have any bug spray, lotion, or sunscreen on your skin to keep the cenote water clean. This beautiful cenote is deep in the jungle and difficult to get to because of how remote it is. The location of this cenote near the, highway 307 going north from Tulum, towards Playa del Carmen. CENOTE DOS OJOS. Some cenotes will require you to shower before entering and you may also like to get a biodegradable sunscreen. No restaurant or life jackets, South of Tulum 16.5 km (10 miles) down the highway to Chetumal (Carretera 307) and turning left, Free, just buy something from the bar/restaurant, There are toilets but no showers. The gorgeous Habitas hotel right on the beach is life-changing, no word of a lie! Check out the best prices for hotels in Tulum HERE. The location of this cenote near the Tulum Mayan ruins is perfect to combine a cenote with an historical tour. BOOK IT HERE, The Cenote Triple Adventure Tourtakes you to three cenotes to free-dive, snorkel and cliff-jump, as well as explore the various rock formations underwater. Just 3mi (5km) from central Tulum, the Gran Cenote has partially submerged tunnels connecting open-air sections. Casa Cenote is one of the best cenotes near Akumal if you are thinking of combining activities into a day trip. That means this postis about the best of the best Tulum cenotes, with insider local knowledge just for you! Below, I have posted some of my favorite photos from the cenotes near Playa del Carmen. Theres a complex with hammocks outside the cenote and the water is very clean. Youve probably seen gorgeous pictures like the one above. The name comes from the many animal bones that were found on this cenote. Note: the bike ride to the Cenotes is HOT and theres no place to buy water or food on the way or once youre there. Make sure that you wear something that will enable you to swim with ease and to make the most of the natural pool. The best way to explore the cenote is through a diving excursion. These were my favorite cenotes in Mexico because theyre touristed less frequently and the water is crystal clear. This cenote is Amazing! Not spectacular, but a nice place to cool off and to escape the harsh Mexican sun and the only cenote bar Tulum has to offer. Follow me foradventures, tips and a travel show! Because of this formation, Cenote Calavera is known as a jug-type formation. Entrance Fee: 300 MXN ($14 USD) It leads around an air-filled bat cave, where divers will actually ascend to take a look at the bats and the stunning cave decorations. warned. The soft sand at the bottom is known to be a great skin exfoliator, but it smells like rotting eggs! I will talk about all of your options below. Theres also a part of the cenote which is covered by a small rock overhang, allowing you to feel like a real explorer as you make your way through the dark to discover what lies inside. This way with your location and these cenote pinpoints on the map you will be able to see where the awesome cenotes near me are. . While cenotes are certainly beautiful, they can sometimes be a little overcrowded with tourists and visitors, which obviously spoils the serenity of the place somewhat. Mexico is a water-lovers paradise and it would be a shame not to capture all your special memories made in the cenotes. My favorite cenotes around Tulum include Gran Cenote, Cenote Nicte-Ha, Cenote Calavera, and Cenote Dos Ojos. How to Choose the Best Snorkel Gear on the Market! Its quite an experience! Cenote Zacil-Ha is an open-air cenote that looks like someone built a swimming pool in the middle of the forest! Its right in the middle of all the action; they sell good burgers and round-the-clock alcohol and the young guys who run Clan-Destino Tulum are fun and upbeat. Best Cenotes in Tulum: Cenote Carwash. The cost will between $20 and $40 MXN pesos. If youre staying in Tulum, then there are so many amazing cenotes in Tulum just a stones throw away, and it would be a shame not to include these incredible natural wonders in your Yucatan itinerary. READ: How to Choose the Best Snorkel Fins for Your Needs. (With precaution of the tides, though), Yal Ku Cenote Entrance Fee: 300 MXNYal Ku Cenote Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PMBest for: Swimming / Snorkeling. This is the cenote with a swing and a jumping platform, all surrounded by Mexican jungle foliage; its a great cenote to photograph, thats for sure. Coming from Playa youd be dropped off on the correct side of the highway and would have to cross in order to go home. In this winding underwater cave system, both diving and snorkeling are stunning in CenoteDos Ojos(Two Eyes Cenote). . The cenote, which resembles a large lagoon, is very big and meets the ocean on one side; make sure you swim there to see the spectacle! You can book on Busbud.com. Great Cenote Just three miles (five kilometers) from central Tulum, the Gran Cenote is very popular with swimmers and snorkelers of all ages, there are 2 main areas to swim, one is better for non confident swimmers. Entrance fees and opening times info for this list of cenotes in Tulum were updated in February 2022. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. Get in, tell the driver your destination, and pay when you get off. READ THE FULL BLOG POST:Cenote Calavera, Tulum : Swimming in the Temple of Doom. Gran Cenote: Best Cenote for Insta Photos 3. Because its not commercialized theres no set address or hours I would recommend getting there no later than 9 AM because its so small that even one other group there is too many, and by 10 AM usually its pretty crowded, and it stays that way until sunset. If you rent a scooter in Tulum you can easily reach further out cenotes like Cenote Zacil Ha. Cenote Dos Ojos is located on Carretera Federal 307, which takes about 20 minutes to drive to from Tulum, and is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily. Chiringuito Tulum: Im in love with the white design that reminds me of Mykonos or Santorini. Paddleboard & Snorkel at Casa Cenote + Photos + Tacos! Activities: Swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Even in a 100% underground cenote, the water is a refreshing temperature to swim in after being out in the Mayan Riviera heat. Cenote Zacil Ha is a bit farther up Highway 109 past Gran Cenote, this one is a bit too far to bike from Tulum. Well, dont. It's a draw for divers, as it provides access to the second-largest cave system in the world. Its also the best cenote near Tulum Ruins (only 4.5 km), so easily make the two a day trip! Originally Posted:November 30, 2016. For more information on how to download maps for offline use,click here. You can visit Sac Actun by joining the Dream Underground World with pick up from Tulum. 3. Actually, this is a white gas layer, which is caught between the salt and fresh waters. Check out the 16 best cenotes in Tulum that you need to visit if you are dreaming of swimming in caves or among water lilies. Since Casa Cenote isnt near an overpass, I wouldnt recommend taking a bus or Colectivo because youll have to walk a distance to cross the highway. Cenote Jaguar Rd, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. And although I wanted to visit, I simply couldnt afford to. In some cenotes there might be small carp and minnows, but nothing that will affect a swimmer. The Sac Actun System (Sistema Sac Actun) meaning white cave system is impressive at 347 kilometers (215 miles) long. Combine it with Dos Ojos for the perfect day tour from Tulum. It is commonly known that Tulum is an important and integral part of Mayan culture in the Riviera Maya. Check out the 16 best cenotes in Tulum that you need to visit if you are dreaming of swimming in caves or among water lilies. A Tulum cenote tour is an activity that combines sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, ziplining, and Mayan history all jam-packed into an affordable, full-day package. Coba km 8, Mxico 180D, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Kaan Luum is a locals secret and if you go in the afternoon, youll probably have the whole place to yourself. If you want to know more about these cenotes, just read the article! There are no undercurrents nor dangerous rock formations, however, you should only venture into activities you feel confident about! almost perfect circle, with boulders tumbling down the sides. You could always rent a car and drive yourself, or hire a driver for the day: Cob is 45 minutes from Tulum, 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen, and 2 hours from Cancun. GoPro right now or just want another awesome way to capture your watery Admission Fee: $120 pesos; and $150 pesos for divers Snorkel Gear Rental: $80 pesos (you can also rent scuba diving gear) . Unfortunately, over-tourism and pollution mean thats not always the case. This is one of the most frequently asked questions as it seems like different people are getting offered different prices. The cenote itself is fairly average. (Restaurant Review), 3 BEST Supermarkets in Tulum, Mexico in 2023, 5 Disadvantages of Living in Mexico as a Foreigner, bike tour that visits three cenotes in Tulum, all-inclusive tour that visits Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins, and a cenote, Guide To Visiting Alas Harum Agrotourism In Bali, If youre not a strong swimmer, go to a cenote that offers. See this photo above with absolutely no one in sight or the big photo at the top of this post? Best Cenotes in Tulum 1. The Pit is easilyone of the best cenotes for divers, due to the amazing things youll see down there and the fact that its open-water, so suitable for almost all diver certifications. It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. The glamping spot also features a pool (soooo nice to have one when its Tulum-hot, trust me!) Learning some Spanish will definitely help you barter, but sometimes, you just have to accept that you wont be paying nearly the same price as the locals. With not 1, not 2, but 3 cenotes on its grounds, plus 2 lakes, 3 pools and 2 underground rivers (!! Cenote Escondido Entrance Fee: 150 MXN (includes admission to Cenote Cristal).Cenote Escondido Opening Times: 10 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. What is a cenote, and why is everyone obsessed with them? The Tulum and Dos Ojos Cenotes: 5-Hour Guided Tour combines a guided visit to the Tulum ruins and a swim at Cenote Dos Ojos. Its quite a bit deeper than the other cenotes listed above, which makes it the perfect place to try the legendary Yucatan sport of cenote diving (as in jumping) if youre feeling brave enough. Visiting Casa Tortuga is sort like a cenote tour of a series of three cenotes in a park. It's not . In 2022 the entrance fee for Gran Cenote is 500 pesos ($25) and then they charge more for snorkel, locker, and towel rental. If you bike there from Tulum it will take about 30-45 minutes each way, if you have a scooter or a car it should only be about 10. The Gran Cenote price doesnt include life jacket rental, you will have to organize that at the gate as well as snorkel gear hire and/or locker rental. How Often do I Update the Prices of Cenotes? Have you seen those amazing half-underwater and half-above-water photos? Under the surface, the caved-in middle platform juts downward in an The visibility is incredible at this cenote, you can see about deep into the crystal clear water, even from the surface! Well, you have multiple options. However, even though its easily accessible, it rarely gets crowded, so its the ideal spot to come for a swim and relax (even better if you have a heart floatie to play with!). If you dont have a car you could take a taxi from Tulum Centro (shouldnt be more than 100 pesos) and then hail one off highway 109 when you want to go back. This happens as a result of limestone caves collapsing and exposing a natural pool. Most cenotes will offer showers for this reason, and some will require it to keep the cenotes ecosystem safe from pollutants. You might already know that I love glamping, together with luxury treehouse cabins and all that jazz, so when I found out there was a glamping site in Tulum, I knew I had to go and try it out. Request to visit Cenote Car Wash on your own private cenotes tour! RELATED ARTICLE Ultimate Guide To Laguna Kaan Luum. Its also one of the cheapest hotels youll find in Tulum. Since most Mexico cenotes are located on private land and the owner of the land decides their own cenotes prices.