The Best Cenotes Near Tulum Every Traveler Should Experience
Tulum cenotes are one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Yucatan Peninsula and a perfect alternative to spending the whole day at Tulum Beach. These natural sinkholes, unique to Mexico, are filled with cool, crystal-clear water and surrounded by lush Tulum jungle, making them an ideal escape from the heat and the sometimes crowded shore.
Scattered across the area, Tulum cenotes range from famous spots like Grand Cenote Tulum to hidden Mexican cenotes tucked away along quiet jungle paths. Some are just a short bike ride from town, while others require a quick drive along the Riviera Maya, Mexico coast. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, or simply float in peaceful surroundings, there’s a cenote for every kind of traveler.
Tulum itself has grown from a small fishing village into one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations, known for its stylish hotels, beach clubs, and lively scene. But beyond the sand and parties, cenotes offer a more relaxed, nature-focused experience and are among the best things to do in Tulum.
In this Tulum travel guide, I’ll help you choose the best cenotes in Tulum, share how to get there, and give practical tips so you can make the most of your visit. Exploring these incredible Tulum Mexico cenote spots is a must for any Riviera Maya adventure — and might just become your favorite memory of the trip.
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What is a cenote?
A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath.”
There are thousands of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula; they have counted around 6000, although the exact number is impossible to know. They are all scattered around, and a huge concentration can be found along the Riviera Maya, the coastline that stretches from the “Ruta de Los Cenotes” in Puerto Morelos to Tulum.
I have written different posts about the Cenotes of Mexico, one for each region. In this post, I will talk about the best cenotes in Tulum, although they are not all exactly in Tulum town. Some of them are a 30-minute drive, but are worth the trip.
You can swim, jump, or just relax in the cenotes’ cool, fresh waters. Scuba divers love them, too, as they say diving in the deep water of a cenote through rock formations and small underwater tunnels is one of the most exciting and unique experiences.
If you are staying in Cancun, visiting the Cenotes in Tulum will make a fun full-day trip or you can also check out my other post on the Cancun Cenotes, which includes the best cenotes near Cancun, including the ones in the Tulum area and how to get there.
FUN FACT: Did you know that the Mayans considered cenotes sacred places and used them to obtain the water they needed for their sustainability and some of their rituals? If you want to know more about cenote history, check out my guide on the Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The best cenotes in Tulum – Open cenotes
1. Cenote Manati or Casa Cenotes
This open cenote looks like a lake, and it’s right by the road. It’s an internal unpaved road that you take from the Carretera Federal going towards the sea, follow the indication to Pavo Real Resort at about 9 km from Tulum. It’s right after the hotel on your left-hand side.
The cenote is called Manatì for the presence of these funny marine mammals whom you can now rarely see as they have been unfortunately scared away by the human proximity.
You can pay at the entrance to the restaurant opposite the cenote, called Casa Cenote. There you can also find cheap accommodation.
This cenote was one of the most beautiful and less crowded. Unfortunately, it is now one of the most renowned and therefore more crowded. As a consequence the entry fees are higher and many people have complained that the poor experience is not worth the money.
Casa Cenote entrance fee
500 MXN per person, which includes a life jacket.
Casa Cenote Facilities
✔️ Paddle Board rental 700 MXN
✔️ Kayak rent 300
✔️ Snorkeling tour 500 (including the equipment)
Casa Cenote Opening Hours
Casa Cenote is open from 9 to 5 every day.
The beautiful swim will take you to the sea and when you approach the salted water you will realize how the seawater is mixing up with the sweet waters, a phenomenon that if you are snorkeling or diving underwater will make your sight blurred.
What else to do in the nearby area
Right in front of the cenote, there is a pebbled beach with transparent water and the reef just at a few strokes. You can either snorkel or dive. There is a diving center right across the road where you can rent equipment or book your diving.
2. Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido
Cenote Cristal and Escondido are located right past Tulum, coming from Playa del Carmen, less than one mile from the city center. If you are staying in Tulum, you can easily reach them by bicycle.
You pay the entrance fee at the Cenote Cristal, and it is also good to visit the Cenote Escondido, located on the opposite side of the road.
Cenote Cristal (in the main picture) is a huge open cenote, surrounded by thick and lush vegetation, reflecting on the blue water that makes it even more beautiful. It’s 7 meters deep and you can both swim and relax or jump from a tall platform built for the courageous ones. There is also the possibility to dive.
Cenote Escondido, on the other side of the main road, is also a precious place, even more uncontaminated, if you like. There are a couple of cords that allow you to play Tarzan. Or you can just swim around.
Cenote Escondido Entrance fee and opening hours
Entrance is 120 pesos (6usd) for both cenotes (200 for divers -10usd)
Opening hours: Open from 8 to 5.
How to get to Cenote Escondido and Cristal
By Car – Get on the main road (Ruta 307) from the beach road to downtown Tulum, and keep going towards Muyil, Bacalar, then you can see the signs on your right-hand side. Also, you can check the map here below where the cenote you are interested in is approximately located.
By Bike – Coming from the beach road, just past the town, and keep going. You will find it on your right.
By Taxi A taxi from Tulum downtown from the beach can take you there. Ask the price first. Ask the price first. Taxi drivers in Tulum can be pretty mean.
3. Grand Cenote
The Gran Cenote is one of the most popular, and it’s no wonder. It’s wonderful, and more spectacular than the above-mentioned Cristalino and Escondido, simply because it is a cave cenote.
You will enjoy playing hide and seek to go through one cave and come out on the other side, just like the Cenote Dos Ojos.
Unfortunately, it is always busy, and it is rare that you can really enjoy it fully by yourself. I know that I have been quite spoiled for living there and having the chance to explore more secluded and isolated cenotes.
Maybe try to go very early morning when it opens, around 8 so that you might be able to be alone and appreciate it more.
Grand Cenote Entry Fee and Opening Hours
The Entry fee at Grand Cenote is 500 MXN
The cenote is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
My personal opinion: although the cenote is beautiful, it’s too expensive and too crowded all the time. It’s not worth the money, and many more beautiful cenotes are less expensive and less crowded, offering a much better cenote experience.
4. Cenote Azul
Although it’s not exactly in Tulum, the cenote Azul is one that you will want to include in your Tulum Itinerary.
Located at only 30 minutes drive from Tulum and the same distance from Playa del Carmen, the Cenote Azul is worth your time and attention.
It is huge, made of different pool formations marked by rocks and tropical vegetation. For the more adventurous, there is also a 3 mt platform to jump from. To learn more and how to get there, check out my dedicated post on the Cenote Azul.
Cenote Azul Price
How much does it cost to get to Cenote Azul? Below I included the information available at the entrance on prices as follows:
- Cenote Entrance fee 120 MXN ( 7 USD) Adults
- Rental of life jacket 40 MXN
- Mask and snorkel rental 70 MXN
5. Cenote Cristalino
Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino are very close to one another. They are both beautiful, and although Cenote Cristalino is smaller, it’s still a lovely place to chill in its cool water.
It also has a cave where you can swim in and get out on the other side. Find out more and how to get there, in my dedicated post on the Cenote Cristalino.
Cenote Cristalino entry fees
ADULTS – 200 MXN
KIDS – 150 MXN
DIVERS – 200 MXN (mind that this is only the entrance fee, you will still need to pay the dive shop for the tank and equipment)
PHOTOGRAPHERS – 200 MXN ( I didn’t pay to take the pictures you see in this post, I believe the Photographer’s price is related to Photography sessions with models but some Cenotes would still charge you if they see you with a professional camera and a tripod. I was lucky this time.
MODELS – 200 MXN (for photography session)
6. Cenote Jardin del Eden
At only a few meters from the Cenote Azul, you can find the Cenote Jardin del Eden, loved by both divers and swimmers. A beautiful open cenote where you can jump, swim, snorkel or dive. It’s one of the biggest cenotes of the Riviera Maya at only 20 minutes from Tulum. You can’t miss it.
Although I normally find cave cenotes more appealing, Cenote Eden is among my favorite Cenotes. Why? for two main reasons:
- It’s huge and you can literally spend the day there. I did.
- I loved the rock formation inside of it and it makes is a spectacular subject for pictures, besides having fun snorkeling around them.
It is also surrounded by lush, generous vegetation.
The only time I went there (shame on me), I even jumped from the platform after meditating on it for about an hour, while watching a 10-year-old boy doing flips over and jumping on the water as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Oh well…
The Cenote is located at about a 40-minute drive from Tulum in the direction of Playa del Carmen.
Cenote Eden Entry Fee
200 MXN (10 USD)
Keep in mind that drones and professional cameras are not allowed here.
What to see in the surroundings
That is a fabulous location as it’s close to my favorite beaches in the Riviera Maya, Akumal, and Xpuha. So you can spend the entire day juggling between the cenote and the beach!
7. Cenote Aktun ha (also called Cenote Car Wash)
An open cenote with not particularly dramatic views, as you cannot see any cave unless you dive, this cenote is particularly loved by divers. There are several underwater caves that you can explore if you dive. When I went to visit there were a few groups of divers and no swimmers.
However, it’s quite a large natural pool of crystal clear water, and it was inviting. If it were not for my camera gear, I surely would have jumped in. There are lockers availabl,e but I was looking forward to continuing my Cenote marathon that I had planned for the day.
Cenote Aktun Ha Entrance fees
The entrance fee is only 50 MXN unless you dive, in which case it’s 250 MXN, besides the cost of the dive itself.
The life vest is 20 MXN
We are open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Changing rooms and brand new bathrooms are available as well.
8. Cenote Corazon
Cenote Corazon is the best cenote in Tulum, in my opinion.
A spectacular open sinkhole just outside Tulum. You can even get there by bike. The name is due to the heart shape of the cenote, with a little imagination.
The water is crystal clear a pleasure to swim in it and the low temperature is exactly what you need in such hot weather.
Cenote Corazon Entry fees and Opening hours
The price is 150 MXN per person.
Open from 9 to 4
There are wooden platforms on the sides to lie down and relax.
But it’s also ideal for snorkeling and diving.
If you wish to find peace and tranquility, you must go in the morning, and possibly on weekdays.
9. Laguna Kaan – Loom
It’s a spectacular lagoon with a cenote in it, located just a 10-minute drive from Tulum. It’s a favorite by locals, but there is not much space for you to hang out there. Read more on my dedicated post on Laguna Kaan Loom.
It has become a very popular place among locals and tourists alike and is therefore very crowded. If you get there by the opening hour, around 9 am, you will have the place almost all to yourself until around 10.00.
Kaan Loom Lagoon entry fees
- 300 MXN (15 USD) / 200 MXN (10 USD) for residents – I know, it’s a lot, compared to other similar sites. It was, in fact, 100 MXN just a few months ago.
- Drone use permit 150 MXN (8US)
10. Cenote Angelita
Located between Cenote Corazon and Kaan Luum, Cenote Angelita is perfect for divers. It’s more suitable for divers than random swimmers. There are no nice areas around it, just a platform that you would use to get to the water. So I wouldn’t recommend it for leisure travelers.
11. Cenote Isla Alamos
If you love adventure and off-the-beaten-path places, you should look for this spectacular cenote. In fact, Cenote Isla Alamos is well hidden in the jungle, and there is no sign on the road.
That is why I wrote a specific guide about it, explaining exactly how to get there and providing other tips for visiting the cenote.
It’s located at only 30 30-minute drive from Tulum and costs only 100 MXN to get in.
It’s not very good for swimming, though, because the water is murky and not inviting at all. It’s just a great place to photograph and explore off the beaten path.
12. Cenote Zemway
Located on the way to Coba, Cenote Zemway is a newly opened cenote in the middle of the jungle but with all the necessary infrastructure.
It’s easy to get there, but you will need to rent a car, as there is no public transport, and I am not sure if Taxi drivers are willing to drive 2 km on a dirt road.
The entrance fee is only 150 Pesos (8 USD) and includes access to restrooms, showers, and benches around the cenote to rest and have something to drink or eat.
There is no restaurant for the moment, but they are working on it. They are also in the process of building a few apartments for those who are interested in sleeping nearby.
The adrenaline junkies will be happy to hear that there are a couple of jumping platforms for more fun.
13. Cenote Yax-kin
Located just outside Tulum on the way to Playa del Carmen,Cenote Yax-kin is a recently opened, family-friendly cenote.
It has easy access to crystal clear water, which is very appealing for swimming and cooling off from the heat. You can also snorkel, lie in the chairs, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Showers are mandatory before entering, and toilets are available. There is no restaurant, but you can purchase drinks and snacks there. Also, lifejackets are available for rent if necessary.
Cenote Yax-kin Entry Fee
The entrance fee is 150 MXN.
Cave cenotes in Tulum
There are a few underground cenotes that are mainly popular among divers. Here, I am sharing a couple that I know of.
14. Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is about 10 km from the Grand Cenote on the way to Coba. It is especially known among the divers.
The cenote is very small, apt for jumping and continuing the exploration underneath the surface. But there is not much space for swimming around and enjoying it.
It’s one of my least favorites, and I wouldn’t recommend you should go unless you are going to dive.
Cost: 100 Pesos ( 6USD)
How to get there
From Tulum, you can go by bicycle or taxi.
15. Cenote El Pit
If you love Cave diving, the most amazing cenote that you can visit is Cenote El Pit, which is only worth it if you go scuba diving.
The Pit (119 m) is the deepest cenote in the State of Quintana Roo. It requires an advanced qualification to dive, but it is one of the most popular cenotes among divers.
Make sure you check prices and technical info with the dive centers.
16. Cenote Dos Ojos
Among the cenotes of the Riviera Maya, which are only 30 minutes drive from Tulum, the Cenote Dos Ojos is the most impressive and famous. It was one of the first to be discovered.
It is also one of the most popular among divers and swimmers for the spectacular rock formation.
The cenotes Dos Ojos, which means “2 eyes,” are a flooded cave system that has been explored since 1986. It’s still on the radar of passionate adventure divers and archaeologists.
It appears that the underwater cave system is around 61km long and has a depth of 396 feet (118 meters), making it one of the top 10 underwater cave systems in the world.
Diving requires a good level of preparation, appropriate equipment, and an expert guide.
However, divers cannot also enjoy the cenote, swim, or snorkel. Read more in my post on the cenotes of the Riviera Maya about Cenote Dos Ojos prices and other information.
17. Cenote Taak-bi ha
Cenote Taak-bi ha one of my recent discoveries and my favorite among all the cenotes on the Riviera Maya, especially for its turquoise waters.
To get there, you must use the entrance for Cenote Dos Ojos and then continue straight on an unpaved road until you see the sign.
You pay directly at the entrance of the cenote.
If you don’t have a car and get there by “Colectivo“, you can get transportation from the very first entrance.
You can also dive there, but you need to organize that with a diving company first.
Entrance fee 350 MXN (without diving)
18. Cenotes Chikin-ha
It’s a group of three cenotes located within walking distance of one another. Located only 30 minutes away from Tulum, you will see their bright entrance right before Cenote Cristalino and Azul.
The entrance fee is 350 MXN, which looks a little lower than the other cenotes, but you will have access to 3 spectacular cenotes in the same place.
You will need to have your own car or have a driver take you because it’s about 2 km from the entrance through the jungle. It’s actually a nice road in a tropical setting with cute animal crossings.
After you pay for your entree fee at the reception, you will have to use the shower before entering the cenote. The first one is the open cenote, a wide, round, natural pool with crystal clear emerald water where you can swim, snorkel, and also dive.
The second one is a spectacular cave cenote where you can also dive or snorke,l crossing some caves and coming out on the other side.
A third cenote is a spectacular cave cenote shaped like a half-moon used for rituals. There you cannot swim but you can check it out and take pictures. It’s truly beautiful.
Do not wear repellent or sunblock, as usual.
19. Coba cenotes
In Coba, you have three amazing cenotes located close to each other. I suggest you visit them on a full-day visit to the area.
In the morning, you could visit the splendid archaeological site of Coba and then go to the cenotes to take a deep breath, cool down, and relax. Read about the fantastic cenotes in Coba.
Some common-sense rules on how to visit a Cenote, respecting the environment
As in every natural place, I always recommend following some common rules to preserve the environment, which I am sure you know already, but a gentle reminder is never in excess.
- Don’t wear any sunscreen or repellent before bathing in the cenotes (you can use a biodegradable sunscreen)
- Don’t leave anything that doesn’t belong to the place
- Don’t hang on to stalactites or stalagmites or tree roots
- Don’t do anything that can damage the environment
- Before jumping from a platform, ask where it’s safe and deep enough to land.
- Wear a life jacket if you cannot swim or feel uncomfortable. Life jackets and snorkel gear are available for rent for a few Mexican pesos in every cenote.
Now that you know all about the best cenotes in Tulum, go and explore, and let me know which one is your favorite cenote.
How to visit the cenotes in Tulum
You can get to the cenotes in Tulum in many ways. Here are the options you have (including my favorite one)
Visiting Tulum Cenotes by car
My favorite way to explore Tulum and its surroundings, actually the entire Riviera Maya, is by car, even more so when it comes to visiting the cenotes. It’s very easy to move around the region, and if you are concerned about driving in Mexico, you can follow my tips on renting a car in Mexico and learn how to be smart about it.
Getting to the cenotes near Tulum by taxi
If you don’t feel like driving, don’t worry—there are more options. You can just get a taxi, for example.
Just make sure you hire a registered taxi, and remember that taxi drivers in Tulum are the worst!
The majority of them have acquired the bad habit of overcharging, so make sure you negotiate the price before. And if you don’t feel comfortable, just pass and look for another one. There are still a few nice drivers around.
Visiting the Tulum cenotes by colectivo
Colectivos are a well-known way of getting around in Mexico. They’re a public transport system, but instead of buses, people use small minivans.
They are usually comfortable and air-conditioned, and they’re also very cheap. Because of this, colectivos are your best option if you’re on a budget or if you want to try the local way.
All you need to do is stand on the side of the main road in Tulum on the correct side of the road, wait for a van to show up, and wave your hand at it.
If there’s space, the van will stop for you, then you just need to tell the driver your destinatio,n and he will drop you off as close as possible.
Keep in mind that there are many colectivos towards Playa del Carmen, whereas on the way to Coba and therefore towards the grand Cenote, Car wash, and Calavera, it’s better to grab a taxi as there are not many colectivos.
Exploring the cenotes in Tulum on a tour
Many places and tour agencies offer tours to Tulum’s cenotes, from either Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or all along the Riviera Maya. The tours usually include a visit to different cenotes combined with other attractions, which is a great way to explore if you have a limited time.
Cenote diving
If you want to dive into a cenote, there are a couple of things you need to know because it’s a little trickier. You cannot just show up and pay for your entrance.
You must book your dive in advance through a diving center. Plenty of those are in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun.
But also keep in mind that to dive into a cenote, you must be already certified. You must also be an experienced diver to dive in The Pit cenote.
The dive centers will be able to give you more information in that respect and suggest the perfect cenotes for your experience.
