The most beautiful cenotes in Tulum

Tulum in Mexico is home to many treasures. Among the natural wonders that can be seen in these Mayan lands, cenotes stand out.

The Tulum region is one of the most prolific areas in terms of cenotes developed for tourist visits.

You can find all types of cenotes in Tulum, whether they’re open-air, closed, or even underground rivers.

This diversification makes Tulum an ideal destination to enjoy the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico.

Follow my guide to learn everything about the cenotes in Tulum, including schedules, prices, and how to access them.

📍 My top cenotes in Tulum

1. Cenote Taak Bi-Ha

The Cenote Taak Bi-Ha is my favorite cenote in Tulum. It’s a cave-type cenote, breathtakingly beautiful.

Moreover, this cenote is still spared from crowds due to its distance from the main road (a car is necessary).

With its numerous stalactites and stalagmites, the Cenote Taak Bi-Ha is visually stunning, a true underground oasis.

The cenote also serves as the perfect setting for a unique Mayan wedding. Feel free to inquire about the packages they offer for this purpose.

To visit this cenote, consider bringing a snorkeling mask, as it truly enhances the experience in my opinion.

If you don’t have one, you can rent it on-site for 50 Pesos MXN.

💰 Price: 350 Pesos MXN per person (free for children under 5), life jacket included.
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
✅ Facilities: Snack bar, parking, toilets, and changing rooms.
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: (Still) not very crowded.

How to get to Cenote Taak Bi Ha?

🚗 By Car: Approximately 25 minutes from Tulum, on Federal Highway 307. Take the entrance to the Dos Ojos park and continue until the end of the dirt road.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take the colectivo from Tulum, heading towards Playa Del Carmen. Ask to be dropped off at the entrance of the Dos Ojos park.

The colectivo will drop you off at the entrance of the Dos Ojos park on the main road. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk along a dirt track to reach the cenote.

Many tourists drive along this dirt track in rental cars as it passes by several cenotes such as Dos Ojos, Nicte-Ha, Dos Palmas, Sac-Actun.

If you go by colectivo, you’re likely to find a kind soul willing to give you a ride for the last kilometers of the track, avoiding a long walk.

2. Cenote Dos Ojos

This cenote is located right next to the previous one, about a hundred meters upstream.

Cenote Dos Ojos is perhaps the most famous in the region. Its status as a “must-see” cenote is due to its original shape representing two eyes.

The cenote offers an underground network stretching over 80 kilometers long, one of the largest in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Dos Ojos means “two eyes” in Spanish because it consists of two different entrances, like two eyes.

The first “eye” is mainly intended for certified cave diving specialists, as accessing it requires crossing a series of flooded and completely dark caves.

The second “eye” is the most visited because it is very easy to access and ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts.

If you’re not an expert diver, this is certainly the part you’ll visit. The water is crystal clear, and the temperature is pleasant.

It’s also not uncommon to see bats at Cenote Dos Ojos. There is actually a third part in this cenote, called the “bat cave.”

💰 Price: 400 Pesos MXN per person, life jacket included.
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5:00 pm.
✅ Facilities: Restaurant, parking, toilets, and changing rooms. Lockers available for 50 MXN Pesos.
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Very crowded.

How to get to Cenote Dos Ojos?

🚗 By Car: It’s about a 25-minute drive from Tulum, on Federal Highway 307. Take the entrance to the Dos Ojos park and continue until the end of the dirt road.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take the colectivo from Tulum, heading towards Playa Del Carmen. Ask to be dropped off at the entrance of the Dos Ojos park. From there, you’ll need to walk for about 25 minutes along a dirt track, or hitchhike, to reach Cenote Dos Ojos.

3. Gran Cenote

The Gran Cenote is also a must-visit in Tulum. It’s a semi-open cenote where underground parts are adorned with magnificent stalactites.

The open part of the Gran Cenote is also stunning, with its completely transparent water creating beautiful light effects.

While swimming in the cenote, you’ll encounter some catfish, bats, and turtles.

However, be aware that the entrance fee to the Gran Cenote is quite expensive (500 MXN Pesos) and it gets very crowded. I recommend going there early in the day.

Gran Cenote is also popular among divers as it is connected to the underground river system located beneath the Yucatan Peninsula.

💰 Price: 500 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 8:10 am to 4:45 pm
✅ Facilities: Toilets, showers but no changing rooms, lockers available for 30 pesos
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Very crowded

How to get to Gran Cenote?

🚗 By Car: Head towards Coba and Valladolid, and Gran Cenote is a 10-minute drive from downtown Tulum.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo heading towards Coba or Valladolid and ask the driver to stop at Gran Cenote.

🚲 By Bicycle: Gran Cenote is located close to downtown Tulum, and you can easily reach it by bicycle. You can also use this opportunity to visit other cenotes in the area.

4. Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera is a beautiful and authentic cenote close to downtown Tulum.

A wooden ladder allows you to descend into the water of the cenote, which is deep enough to jump from the rocks around it.

Due to its depth, the water in the cenote is not transparent but rather dark, giving you the feeling of being in a natural water well.

There is a swing in the middle of the cenote for taking lovely photos.

You’ll encounter hundreds of bats inhabiting the nooks of Cenote Calavera.

💰 Price: 200 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Very crowded

How to get to Cenote Calavera?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Calavera is located about ten minutes from Tulum by car, heading towards Coba and Valladolid.

🚲 By Bicycle: An excellent way to reach Cenote Calavera is to rent a bike for the day in Tulum and visit several nearby cenotes. You can reach the entrance of the cenote in about twenty minutes by bike from downtown Tulum.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo towards Coba from Tulum and ask the driver to stop at Cenote Calavera.

5. Cenote Zacil-Ha

Cenote Zacil-Ha is another cenote located in the same area as the two previous cenotes.

This open-air cenote is a treasure to visit due to its completely transparent water. In Maya, Zacil-Ha actually means “clear water”.

You can see fish swimming in the crystal-clear water of the cenote.

A zipline allows you to fly over the cenote for an additional fee for each crossing.

The setting is beautiful, and this cenote is ideal for visiting with family or as a couple.

There is a restaurant at the cenote offering very good food. You can also spend the night at the cenote in one of the cabins available for rent.

💰 Price: 300 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm
✅ Facilities: Pools, restaurants, loungers, hammocks, tables, zipline, cabins
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Zacil-Ha?

🚗 By Car: Located about a ten-minute drive from downtown, this cenote is very easily accessible by car.

🚲 By Bicycle: An excellent option for visiting Cenote Zacil-Ha from Tulum is to rent a bike and access it in about 20 minutes.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a van towards Coba and ask the driver to drop you off at Cenote Zacil-Ha.

6. Cenote Carwash

Cenote Carwash, also known as Cenote Aktun Ha, is another cenote that I really love around Tulum.

It is located in a beautiful wooded area in the Mexican jungle, about fifteen minutes from Tulum.

Shaped like a small lagoon, Cenote Carwash is a good spot to observe fish and a few turtles inhabiting this peaceful place.

I particularly enjoyed this cenote for its quiet snorkeling experience away from the crowds of other cenotes, with many small fish among the lily pads and geological formations.

Less crowded than other cenotes in the area, Cenote Carwash is an excellent stop on the road to Coba.

The cenote’s restaurant offers very good food, including tacos and salads.

💰 Price: 300 pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Carwash?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Carwash is located about ten minutes by car from downtown Tulum.

🚲 By Bicycle: Cenote Carwash is easily reachable by bike from Tulum in about 20 minutes.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo towards Coba and stop at Cenote Carwash located just off the main road.

7. Laguna Kaan Luum

The Laguna Kaan Luum is not exactly a cenote but rather a paradisiacal lagoon located just a few minutes from Tulum, south of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Laguna Kaan Luum is the perfect place to enjoy the water with its spectacular colors, ranging from different shades of blue depending on the water’s depth.

Completely transparent along the lagoon’s edge with a maximum depth of 1 meter, you can relax in hammocks and water swings.

A deep cenote in the middle of the lagoon turns the water color very dark, creating an astonishing color contrast.

The best way to observe it is to climb to the top of the wooden tower installed at the edge of the lagoon.

A wooden pier extending into the lagoon allows you to set up your towel and sunbathe under the Caribbean sun.

The lagoon is very large, so it’s always possible to enjoy the place in peace.

💰 Price: 300 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Quite crowded

How to get to Laguna Kaan Luum?

🚗 By Car: Head towards Muyil and Felipe Carrillo Puerto for about 15 minutes until you come across the sign indicating the entrance to the lagoon. Then drive a few minutes on a dirt track to find the entrance.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo towards Felipe Carrillo Puerto and ask the driver to stop at the lagoon. You’ll then need to walk for about ten minutes on a trail to reach the lagoon.

8. Cenote El Pit

Cenote El Pit is a must-visit cenote for scuba divers.

With a depth of 120 meters, this cenote is a natural light shaft and is certainly the best cenote in the region of its kind for diving.

By visiting in the morning, you’ll see an impressive beam of light reaching to the bottom of the cenote.

You’ll encounter a misty layer where seawater meets freshwater, known as the halocline.

At the bottom of the cenote, there is a cave that connects Cenote El Pit to Cenote Dos Ojos and the Sac Actun system.

However, snorkeling and swimming are not allowed at Cenote El Pit.

This cenote is reserved for divers with tanks only.

💰 Price: Starting from $150 USD per person
🕐 Hours: Daily
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Frequented by divers

How to get to Cenote El Pit?

🚀 By Excursion: Most dive shops will take you directly to Cenote El Pit for cenote diving from your hotel.

🚗 By Car: Head to Dos Ojos Park and continue on the dirt road for about fifteen minutes.

9. Cenote Yax-Muul

Cenote Yax-Muul is actually a park composed of four different cenotes, allowing you to experience the various types of cenotes that exist.

Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll discover open-air cenotes and others underground to understand everything about their formation.

The interior formations are stunning with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. Additionally, the sunlight creates spectacular light displays.

The outdoor cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation with rich and surprising wildlife. It’s ideal for swimming in its crystal-clear water!

A Mayan ceremony performed by a shaman promises a truly emotional moment in the heart of the jungle.

There’s also a zipline to add a touch of adrenaline to the visit.

💰 Price: 700 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Yax-Muul?

🚗 By Car: To reach Cenote Yax-Muul by car, you’ll need to head 8 kilometers north of the Tulum ruins towards Playa del Carmen. Once at the entrance, drive another 1.5 km on a dirt track to reach the cenote.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo towards Playa del Carmen and get off at Parc Yax-Muul. From there, you’ll need to walk about fifteen minutes to reach the cenote entrance.

10. Cenote Nicte Ha

Here we have one of my favorite cenotes in Tulum thanks to its enchanting setting!

Cenote Nicte-Ha is an open-air cenote with lush vegetation. It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of the jungle.

The numerous water lilies floating on the surface of the water give it a charming allure, along with the exceptional flora both around and in the water.

With your snorkeling gear, you can observe the many fish swimming in the clear water of the cenote.

Snorkeling in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best activity to do in Mexico.

On a sunny day at Cenote Nicte-Ha, you can also enjoy the beautiful display of sunlight through the water.

There is even a part within a cave on the edge of the cenote.

Less known than neighboring cenotes, Cenote Nicte-Ha is much less crowded and more enjoyable to visit.

During my visit, we were the only ones there enjoying this magical place. Swimming amidst the water lilies is an unforgettable experience.

💰 Price: 300 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Nicte-Ha?

🚗 By Car: Head towards the entrance of Parc Dos Ojos towards Playa del Carmen and then continue on a dirt track before turning right towards the entrance of Cenote Nicte-Ha.

🚐 By Colectivo: To get to Cenote Nicte-Ha by colectivo, you need to take a colectivo towards Playa del Carmen and get off at the entrance to Parc Dos Ojos.

From the main road, you’ll then need to walk about twenty minutes on a dirt track before finding a sign indicating the entrance to Cenote Nicte-Ha on your right.

11. Cenote Corazón del Paraíso

Cenote Corazon is a beautiful open-air cenote shaped like a heart, hence its name “Corazon.”

At Cenote Corazon, you’ll find numerous fish swimming in the transparent water of this cenote located in the heart of the jungle.

You can also rent a snorkel equipment for 50 MXN pesos if you don’t have your own, and life jackets for 30 MXN pesos if needed.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, Cenote Corazon is indeed located in a peaceful place a few minutes south of Tulum, near the Muyil mangrove.

A small wooden bridge provides access to an island on the cenote for a magnificent view of the entire site.

A diving board is also available for jumping into the cenote.

Several tables are available for visitors if you wish to eat on-site in the shade of trees or a palapa, so don’t forget your picnic.

💰 Price: 200 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Corazón del Paraíso?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Corazon is located 15 minutes south of Tulum towards Chetumal and near the Muyil area.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo towards Felipe Carrillo Puerto and ask the driver to drop you off at Cenote Corazon. From there, walk 5 minutes on a trail to reach the cenote entrance.

🚲 By Bike: It’s also possible to reach Cenote Corazon by renting a bike in Tulum after a journey of about thirty minutes.

12. Cenote Santa Cruz

Cenote Santa Cruz truly resembles a little piece of paradise amidst the jungle near Tulum.

I highly recommend taking a trip to this open-air cenote still hidden; it’s a well-preserved hidden gem in my opinion.

Tables, umbrellas, and lounge chairs are available around the cenote for a relaxing time.

The transparent water of this open cenote allows you to observe small fish swimming in the cenote as well as three turtles.

The fauna, both in the cenote water and around it, is incredible and rich for even more discoveries.

Cenote Santa Cruz has the advantage of not being too crowded, allowing for a quieter and more intimate experience.

💰 Price: 300 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Santa Cruz?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Santa Cruz is located about fifteen minutes from Tulum, heading towards Coba and Valladolid.

🚐 By Colectivo: Colectivos heading towards Coba and Valladolid pass by Cenote Santa Cruz. You’ll then need to walk 5 minutes on a trail to reach the cenote entrance.

13. Cenote Xunaan-Ha

Cenote Xunaan-Ha is another open-air cenote located near Tulum, specifically in the small village of Chemuyil.

Here, you’ll find a lake of transparent water bordered by lush vegetation, mangroves, and trees.

This cenote is ideal for observing fish swimming in the crystal-clear water. You can also spot birds like herons coming to drink at the cenote.

There are also two diving platforms for jumping into the water from the platforms, or you can access the water by descending the stairs.

Cenote Xunaan-Ha is mostly frequented by locals, and there are very few tourists, providing an authentic atmosphere to enjoy this still wild place.

You can bring food to eat by the cenote in this very pleasant setting.

💰 Price: 200 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Xunaan-Ha?

🚗 By Car: From Tulum, head towards Playa del Carmen and exit at the village of Chemuyil after about twenty minutes of driving. Continue for another 5 minutes to reach Cenote Xunaan-Ha.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo to Playa del Carmen and get off shortly before Chemuyil, near Jungle Secrets. Then walk approximately 20 minutes to the cenote.

14. Cenote Sac Actún

If you want to visit an incredible underground river close to Tulum, Cenote Sac Actun is the place to go.

Accompanied by a guide, you wander through this underground labyrinth to discover a magical place for a little over an hour.

The Sac Actun cave system is one of the largest in the world, and exploring even a small part of it is well worth it.

With its thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, Cenote Sac Actun is a place not to be missed when visiting Tulum.

You can participate in group or private tours, with a guide required. Masks, snorkels, and wetsuits are included in the tour price.

Visiting Cenote Sac Actun is definitely a breathtaking experience that I highly recommend for an unforgettable memory if you’re passing through Tulum.

Moreover, this cenote is quite uncrowded due to its distance from the main road.

💰 Price: 650 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Not crowded

How to get to Cenote Sac Actun?

Cenote Sac Actun is located far from the main road, so it’s highly recommended to go by car.

🚗 By Car: From Tulum, take the road towards Playa del Carmen, then head to Parque Dos Ojos and continue on the track for 8 kilometers until its end. You’ll then find the entrance to Cenote Sac Actun.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo towards Playa del Carmen and get off at Cenote Dos Ojos. From there, you can try hitchhiking by finding a car that will take you towards the cenote. This road is quite busy as many cenotes are located in this area.

15. Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is one of the most popular cenotes in the Riviera Maya for several reasons.

Firstly, it’s a beautiful open-air cenote with transparent water and lush vegetation surrounding it.

Secondly, Cenote Azul is easily accessible by car or colectivo from Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

At Cenote Azul, you feel like you’re in an oasis in the middle of the jungle. Don’t hesitate to explore the smaller cenotes around the main pool, which are less crowded.

Tiny fish that nibble dead skin are present at Cenote Azul for a 100% natural pedicure!

A platform for your best jumps is also available for visitors to the cenote.

Since this cenote is very popular, I recommend going there early in the morning to enjoy some tranquility.

💰 Price: 150 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Very crowded

How to get to Cenote Azul?

🚗 By Car: Take the road towards Playa del Carmen for about twenty minutes until you find the sign indicating the entrance to Cenote Azul. The cenote is right next to the main road where you’ll find parking.

🚐 By Colectivo: Cenote Azul is easily accessible by public transport from Tulum. Take a colectivo heading to Playa del Carmen and ask the driver to drop you off at Cenote Azul. The cenote is right next to the main road.

16. Cenote Jardin del Eden

Cenote Jardin del Eden is another open cenote neighboring Cenote Azul.

It consists of a large basin with a diving platform and a smaller, narrow cenote between two high walls.

At Cenote Jardin del Eden, you can observe fish, crayfish, turtles, and many birds and animals coming to drink in this oasis in the middle of the jungle.

There are also small passages allowing access to caves or hidden spots on the sides of the cenote. Don’t hesitate to explore them!

Cenote Jardin del Eden also has a small restaurant and a massage stand.

💰 Price: 200 Pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open every day except Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Very crowded

How to get to Cenote Jardin del Eden?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Jardin del Eden is about twenty minutes from Tulum by car. Head towards Playa del Carmen and once you reach the entrance of the cenote, continue for another 5 minutes on a dirt road until you reach the cenote.

🚐 By Colectivo: Take a colectivo heading to Playa del Carmen and ask the driver to drop you off at Cenote Jardin del Eden. From there, walk about ten minutes on a trail until you find the entrance to the cenote.

17. Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto is an underground river located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

Visiting this place is always a magical moment for discovering an extraordinary location.

During a guided tour, you’ll explore a cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites for a breathtaking experience.

The guides will explain the history of this extraordinary place and lead you inside this incredible labyrinth.

Tours are conducted in small groups, which is a real advantage for exploring this magical place.

Several tickets are available for visiting Rio Secreto, from the simple underground river tour to extra activities like biking or rappelling.

Rio Secreto is a cenote with a relatively expensive entrance fee compared to other cenotes in the Riviera Maya.

There are other cenotes and underground caves with more affordable prices. I particularly recommend the Sac Actun cenote, which I mentioned earlier.

I advise you to book your visit in advance online.

💰 Price: Starting from $89 USD per person
🕐 Hours: Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Fairly crowded

How to get to Rio Secreto?

🚗 By Car: Rio Secreto is located along the road between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. You’ll find parking available.

🚐 By Colectivo: To reach Rio Secreto by colectivo from Tulum, take a van heading to Playa del Carmen and ask the driver to drop you off at Rio Secreto. You’ll find the entrance to Rio Secreto next to the main road.

18. Cenote Dos Palmas

Cenote Dos Palmas is a semi-open cenote managed by a lovely Mayan community.

In the crystal-clear water of the cenote, you can observe fish with your snorkeling gear.

This cenote is very beautiful thanks to its upper wall with stalactites plunging towards the water.

The uniqueness of Cenote Dos Palmas is that you can participate in a Temazcal ceremony offered by the Mayan community.

Learn more about Mayan rites and ceremonies during your visit to Cenote Dos Palmas.

This experience, led by a shaman, will transport you to another spiritual dimension.

You will be welcomed by the shaman who will ask for the protection of the gods, then you will be led under the temazcal dome for about thirty minutes to experience the ceremony at a fairly high temperature.

At the end of the ceremony, head to the cenote to cool off and firm up your skin.

💰 Price: 200 pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Lightly crowded

How to get to Cenote Dos Palmas?

🚗 By Car: Go to the Dos Ojos Park between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, then take the dirt road until you reach Cenote Dos Palmas.

🚐 By Colectivo: It is also possible to reach Cenote Dos Palmas by colectivo by getting off at Dos Ojos Park and then reaching Cenote Dos Palmas by hitchhiking or walking along the dirt road.

19. Cenote Casa Tortuga

Cenote Casa Tortuga is actually a tourist park consisting of 4 different cenotes.

A guide is required to visit the different cenotes with about 15 minutes at each cenote.

Casa Tortuga cenote park consists of two semi-open cenotes and two open-air cenotes.

The semi-open cenotes feature millennia-old geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. You can also see many bats in the caverns.

The open cenotes are made up of transparent water in a beautiful setting surrounded by vegetation.

It’s important to note that this cenote park is very touristy and set up for guided tours.

There is also a zipline and kayaks available for rent to navigate the cenotes.

After the guided tour, you can stay as long as you like in the last open cenote, Cenote Tres Zapotes.

One downside of Cenote Casa Tortuga is that money is at the center of attention. The entrance fee is expensive, and you have to pay extra for tips, life jackets, lockers, sun loungers, etc.

💰 Price: 650 pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Very crowded

How to get to Cenote Casa Tortuga?

🚗 By Car: Casa Tortuga cenote park is located about a twenty-minute drive from Tulum, heading towards Playa del Carmen.

🚐 By Colectivo: You can reach Casa Tortuga cenotes by colectivo by taking a van towards Playa del Carmen and asking the driver to drop you off at Cenote Casa Tortuga.

20. Cenote Manati

Cenote Manati is an open-air cenote shaped like a river that you can swim up or kayak through.

This cenote is a mix of fresh and saltwater where fish are visible when the current isn’t too strong and the water is clear.

You can also see divers exploring the depths of the cenote and training before heading out to sea.

The unique feature of this cenote is the crocodile that lives in the mangroves at the end of the cenote.

It’s quite common to see him sunbathing on a rock by the water’s edge. But don’t worry, Panchito, as he’s named, is not aggressive and doesn’t attack humans.

The major downside of this cenote is the very unfriendly and unpleasant staff who force you to pay an exorbitant price and access the cenote with a guide.

The theoretical price of 150 pesos MXN displayed at the entrance of the site thus increases to 500 or 700 pesos MXN per person without reason.

Cameras and phones are also charged at high prices for those wishing to access the cenote with their device.

💰 Price: 150 pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open every day
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Fairly crowded

How to get to Cenote Manati?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Manati is located about a twenty-minute drive from Tulum, heading towards Playa del Carmen.

🚐 By Colectivo: To get to Cenote Manati by colectivo, take one heading towards Playa del Carmen and get off at the cenote access point. From there, you’ll need to walk for about 20 minutes to reach the cenote.

21. Cenote Escondido (Mayan Blue)

Cenote Escondido is an open-air cenote with incredibly transparent water where it’s very easy to see numerous fish and even turtles swimming.

This cenote is priced rather affordably for a cenote in Tulum compared to most of its neighbors.

The tranquility of this place is also highly appreciated, as is the kindness of the family who runs it.

This cenote is amazing due to its lush environment and the wild fauna of the cenote.

Don’t forget to bring your mask and snorkel when visiting Cenote Escondido to observe the underwater wildlife!

You can also jump into the water attached to a rope or from a 3-meter-high platform.

A short walk around the cenote allows you to appreciate the wild flora and fauna of the area.

💰 Price: 150 pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Lightly crowded

How to get to Cenote Escondido?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Escondido is located just outside of Tulum, heading towards Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Muyil. You can reach it in just a few minutes by car.

🚲 By Bike: If you don’t have a car, the best way to get to Cenote Escondido is to rent a bike in Tulum for the day. Head towards Muyil, and you’ll reach the cenote in about fifteen minutes.

22. Cenote Atik Tulum

Cenote Atik is a beautiful and Instagrammable open-air cenote consisting of a large pool surrounded by high stone walls and foliage.

Wooden stairs provide access to the water for swimming and observing small fish as well as turtles.

The uniqueness of Cenote Atik lies in its walls adorned with human and animal skulls that you can observe.

The amenities around the cenote are well thought out and tastefully integrated with the rest of the cenote.

💰 Price: 350 pesos MXN per person
🕐 Hours: Open every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm
👨‍👩‍👦 Crowd: Lightly crowded

How to get to Cenote Atik?

🚗 By Car: Cenote Atik is located about 15 minutes from Tulum by car, heading towards Coba and Valladolid.

🚐 By Colectivo: You can also reach Cenote Atik by taking a colectivo heading towards Coba or Valladolid.

🚲 By Bike: If you prefer renting a bike for the day in Tulum, it will take you approximately 30 minutes to reach Cenote Atik.

🗺️ Interactive map of the most beautiful cenotes in Tulum

I have created a summary of all the cenotes in Tulum that I have mentioned in this article in an interactive map.

My advice on the Cenotes in Tulum

💡 What is a cenote?

Cenotes are geological formations typical of the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico.

Originally, cenotes were underground caves where the infiltration of rainwater through limestone rock created underground rivers.

Since then, the collapse of certain areas has created true wells or freshwater lakes in the middle of the Mexican jungle. These are what are known as open cenotes.

There are also cenotes where part of the ceiling has collapsed, creating open-air caves. These are semi-open cenotes.

Finally, there is another type of cenote, those still completely underground in the heart of caves with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. These are closed cenotes.

🚗 How to get to the cenotes?

To get to the cenotes in Tulum, you can either take a car or use public transportation.

Some cenotes in Tulum are easily accessible by public transport using colectivos in Tulum, such as the Azul, Jardin del Eden, Zacil-Ha, and Gran Cenote.

Other more distant cenotes require the use of a car as public transportation does not provide access to them, such as Sac Actun, Taak Bi Ha, or El Pit.

Renting a car in Cancun is the easiest way to access to these remotes cenotes.

For some cenotes, you can take colectivos and continue on foot, but be sure to check the distance to be covered as the heat can make the approach walk difficult.

Another convenient mode of transportation for accessing cenotes near Tulum is biking.

In downtown Tulum, you can easily find bike rental agencies for a daily fee of around 200 pesos per bike.

Take advantage of this to visit several cenotes located in the same area.

The best cenotes in Tulum are also easily accessible from Playa del Carmen, as the two cities are well connected.

💰 What are the prices of cenotes in Tulum?

Cenote prices vary greatly in the Yucatan, and price increases have been very common in recent years.

Some cenotes charge 150 pesos for entry, while others may ask for 700 pesos for a guided tour deep into the caves.

In most cenotes, only cash is accepted, and credit cards are not accepted.

I recommend having enough cash in Mexican pesos before venturing into the cenotes.

🕐 What are the opening hours of cenotes in Tulum?

Most cenotes in Tulum are open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Some cenotes may have one day of closure per week, such as Jardin del Eden, which is closed every Saturday.

☀️ When to visit cenotes in Mexico?

I always recommend visiting cenotes in Tulum right at their opening time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and avoid the crowds that can be significant in the most popular cenotes.

Cenotes easily accessible by public transport are often the most crowded.

If you have a rental car, I recommend visiting the more remote cenotes.

For less crowded cenotes, you can visit them at any time of the day and still enjoy the tranquility.

The Yucatan Peninsula experiences two main seasons:

The dry season: from December to March, the weather is generally sunny with pleasant temperatures.

The rainy season: from April to November, the Yucatan Peninsula may experience rainy episodes, but they are usually short-lived and occur late in the day.

Visiting underground cenotes on rainy days is always a great idea.

🏊‍♂️ What to do in cenotes in Mexico?

Admire the cenotes

The first thing to do when arriving at a cenote is, of course, to admire it before entering the water.

Open-air cenotes are true oasis in the middle of the jungle and surrounded by lush vegetation.

As for underground cenotes, you’ll discover a breathtaking setting with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that will amaze you.

The magical experience of entering these timeless places will surely enchant you.

Underground cenotes are real treasures that must be preserved, so observing them without touching the geological formations is essential.

Swim in the cenotes

You’ll probably want to swim in the cenote water afterward. Whether they are open-air or underground, all cenotes have their swimming basin.

The water may seem cool at first, but don’t worry, you’ll quickly get used to it. Plus, they provide a refreshing break after a day of sightseeing.

Jumping in the cenotes

Some open-air or semi-open cenotes have high diving platforms for making your best dives!

The bravest will appreciate these platforms for entering the water in a rather original way.

Snorkeling in the cenotes

One of my favorite activities to do when I visit a cenote is snorkeling.

That’s why I recommend not forgetting your mask and snorkel when you go to visit a cenote.

Most cenotes are inhabited by fish of various sizes that you can observe through the transparent water.

Sometimes you can also come across crayfish and even turtles.

In addition to being able to observe a rich underwater fauna, you can also see incredible underwater geological formations.

In underground cenotes, you can see the entrances to caves, stalagmites, and even divers exploring the seabed.

Guided tours in the cenotes

Underground cenotes with underground rivers usually offer guided tours to discover an extraordinary spectacle of thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.

I recommend not to miss this experience during your visit to Tulum and the Riviera Maya.

🚻 Are there changing rooms and lockers in the cenotes in Mexico?

Most cenotes in Tulum provide visitors with changing rooms, although sometimes the toilets are used as changing rooms.

Some cenotes also offer lockers to store your belongings while you go swimming for added security.

Depending on the cenotes visited, the use of a locker may be free or chargeable.

🐠 How to protect the cenotes in Tulum?

The cenotes in Tulum are very fragile ecosystems that must be protected during your visit.

To protect them, it is necessary to follow some rules:

🧴 Do not use sunscreen, even biodegradable, to avoid polluting the water.

🦟 Do not use mosquito repellent.

💄 Do not enter the water with makeup or skin products.

🍔 Do not eat in the cenote water.

🚭 Do not smoke near the cenote.

❌ Do not touch the stalactites and stalagmites in the underground cenotes.

✅ What are the rules for Cenotes in Tulum?

🚿 Most cenotes require taking a shower before entering the water.

🛟 Some cenotes also require wearing a life jacket to swim in the cenote.

👙 My checklist of things to bring when visiting cenotes in Tulum

To visit the cenotes in Tulum, I recommend bringing along:

👙 Swimsuit

✔️ Towel

👟 Water shoes

📷 Camera

📱 Waterproof phone case

🤿 Mask and snorkel

💰 Cash

🧒 Visiting cenotes in Tulum with children

Cenotes in Tulum are perfectly accessible for children, and life jackets are available for rent or free in most cenotes.

Children particularly enjoy these enchanting places to cool off in the water during the hot days in Tulum.

⚠️ Are cenotes safe in Tulum?

Cenotes are safe places to visit in Tulum. However, it’s important to exercise common sense and follow the rules.

If the cenote you’re visiting doesn’t have lockers, I recommend keeping an eye on your belongings when you go swimming.

Also, be cautious of the stairs leading to the cenotes, as they can sometimes be slippery due to water left by people exiting the cenote.

🍔 Where to eat at the cenotes in Tulum?

Some cenotes in Tulum have a restaurant offering typical Mexican food to experience the local gastronomy.

In other cenotes, it’s also possible to bring your own food and have a picnic on-site. I recommend checking in advance if bringing food into the cenote area is allowed.

Alternatively, you can eat before or after your cenote visit in downtown Tulum. I particularly recommend Taqueria Antojitos La Chiapaneca for discovering Mexican culinary specialties at very affordable prices.

🛏️ Where to stay near the cenotes in Tulum?

To stay near the cenotes, you’ll find plenty of hotels, both in downtown Tulum and further into the jungle if you have a rental car.

In downtown, I recommend the small hotel Ko’ox Wenne with comfortable rooms, a pool, and a rooftop at very affordable prices. Rooms start from $25 USD.

🚀 What to Do Around the Cenotes in Tulum?

Around the cenotes in Tulum, there are numerous activities to discover cultural, natural, and architectural treasures.

If you are on a Yucatan road trip, I recommend to spend 4 days in Tulum to enjoy all the activities.

Tulum Ruins

The major archaeological site in Tulum is located just a few minutes from the city center.

This site, composed of several temples, is exceptional due to its location on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.

The main temple is perched atop cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Today, you can encounter many iguanas sunbathing on the temple stones of Tulum.

Tulum Beach

Tulum Beaches is a long stretch of white sand bordered on one side by palm trees and on the other by the Caribbean Sea in a paradisiacal atmosphere.

Playa Paraiso is the main beach with the famous leaning palm tree for a perfect photo spot.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a natural reserve located south of Tulum with a rich wildlife and flora.

During a boat tour, you can freely observe hundreds of different bird species, dolphins, crocodiles, turtles…

A snorkeling activity on the reef will allow you to see colorful tropical fish and very well-preserved corals.

If you’re interested in a day trip, I recommend this day excursion to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve with transportation from your hotel in Tulum.

Sian Ka’an Boat Tour

Discover the wild beauty of Sian Ka’an by boat! Sail through turquoise lagoons, spot dolphins and turtles, and explore the mysteries of this preserved natural reserve. An unforgettable adventure in Mexico!

Book Now