The Best Cenotes in Yucatan

This interesting cenote has three holes (a mouth and two eyes), which gives it the shape of a skull. Visitors take a ladder down to an underground pool for swimming. Cenote Calavera is small but unique and wildly picturesque near Tulum. It is a more adventurous cave cenote, for sure. Jumping off the rock surrounds into the “Pit” is a bizarre experience. The three holes offer drops ranging from 8 to 25 feet.

This one is more popular for scuba divers (with halocline dives requiring advanced certification), but is well worth a check out for anyone if you have the time. Sometimes there is a rope swing you can use as well, plus a submerged swing perfect for photos! The entrance fee is 250 pesos (approximately $12-15 USD).

Important note: Cenote Calavera is now one of the more popular cenotes in Tulum and can get extremely crowded and noisy between 11 AM and 2 PM when tour buses arrive. Arrive right at opening (9:00 AM) or in the late afternoon for a better experience. Professional cameras and GoPros incur an additional 200 peso fee. The cenote is located about 3 km from Tulum center on the road to Coba, identifiable by a large white “CENOTE” sign. No lockers are available; belongings are left in designated areas. A small bar on-site serves drinks.

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Adjacent to the Jungle Maya Park, the Yaxmuul Cenotes are considered some of the most beautiful in the area and are less crowded than many other cenotes near Tulum. Located 8 km north of Tulum Archaeological Zone on Highway 307, reaching them requires a 1-2 km drive down a bumpy dirt road, so most people book through tour operators.

Pricing: Basic packages start at 500-600 pesos per person and include access to 2-4 cenotes, a Mayan blessing ceremony, rappelling equipment, guide service, and life jackets. ATV tour options are available at 1,300 pesos (single ATV) or 2,000 pesos (double ATV), which include the cenote visit, Mayan ceremony, guide, equipment, and rappelling experience.

Guided tours are mandatory (not self-guided). The experience includes rappelling into cenotes, zip lines, swimming in both cavern and semi-open cenotes, and typically lasts about 2 hours. On-site amenities include a restaurant, restrooms, showers, changing facilities, and lockers. It is definitely suitable for families with children.

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily

A series of three cave cenotes near the Mayan ruins of Coba (located 6 km from the archaeological site), Choo-Ha is a refreshing place to take a dip and explore the beautiful rock structures. Its name translates as “water that drips” because of the extensive stalactites in the cenote cave.

The long wooden stairway down to this underground cenote is an adventure unto itself (watch for slippery steps when wet). The entrance fee is 100 pesos and includes access to the cenote, changing rooms, restrooms, mandatory showers, and the beautiful garden area. Life jacket rental is 50 pesos, or may be included depending on who is working. The water is relatively shallow and crystal clear, making it excellent for families with children.

Choo-Ha is part of a group with two other cenotes (Multum-Ha and Tankach-Ha), all sharing a ticket office. Unlike the other two cenotes in the group, jumping is not allowed at Choo-Ha due to shallow water. This cenote remains less crowded compared to more popular options. The site can be reached by car from Tulum (55 km, 50 minutes) or by taxi/bicycle from Coba ruins. Cash only.

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Cenote X’Canche is a large open-air cenote with a small recreational area, adjacent to the Ek Balam Archaeological Site. There are wooden decks and platforms for sunbathing and jumping off into the large pool. There’s also a short zipline across the cenote!

Located 1.5 km from the Ek Balam entrance, the cenote is accessed via a 30-minute walk, free bicycle rental, or bicycle taxi from the ruins’ parking area. The entrance fee is 170 pesos (increased from 70 pesos in previous years), which includes cenote access and bicycle use. The zipline costs an additional 100 pesos, or you can negotiate activity packages around 400 pesos that include rappelling, ziplines, and rope swings.

The cenote features crystal-clear turquoise water with tree roots and vines hanging down, creating a picturesque setting. A waterfall cascades into the water, and the depth reaches approximately 45 meters. On-site facilities include a restaurant serving Mexican food (80-100 pesos for meals), changing rooms, outdoor showers, and free lockers (bring your own padlock). Life jackets are available. The cenote is less crowded than many others and is quite peaceful and refreshing.

Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM daily (last entry 3:30 PM)

A sprawling complex of turquoise blue cenotes, Cenote Azul (meaning blue in Spanish) is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. One of the largest open cenotes in Mexico, at 600 feet wide, it features both shallow and deep sections.

Entry is 180 pesos and 100-120 pesos for children ages 4-8. Changing rooms cost 5 pesos per person. Cash only.

Azul is very busy on weekends (especially Sundays when locals frequent it) and features a combination of beautiful shallow and deep pools (shallow areas where children can stand and deep areas up to 20 feet deep), a sprawling area with a small snack bar/kiosk and picnic areas, cliff jumping off a 10 foot high natural platform, and snorkeling. All this makes it an appealing spot for families and those who don’t mind crowds. Between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Azul is located 25 km (13 miles) south of Playa del Carmen on Highway 307 near Puerto Aventuras.

Life jackets are available for 40-50 pesos plus a 400 peso refundable deposit (or ID held as collateral). Snorkel equipment can be rented but flippers are not allowed in the cenote. Facilities include bathrooms, basic changing rooms and showers (mandatory before entry, 5 peso charge), free parking, shaded tables, benches, palapas, and walking trails around the property. No lifeguards on duty.

The main swimming area is divided into two pools separated by an elevated walkway. Additionally, smaller cenotes are accessible from the main area. The best times to visit are early morning (arrive by 9:00-9:30 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM) on weekdays. We strongly suggest avoiding weekends, especially Sundays.

Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Meaning “two eyes,” Cenote Dos Ojos is a system of two connected cenotes that provides lots of space to explore. Part of the Sac Actun cave system, this semi-open cave cenote allows afternoon sun to light up the waters beautifully.

Great for snorkeling as there are plenty of fish and abundant stalactites and stalagmites. Large areas for drying off and relaxing in hammocks are perched by the waterside. Located 20 km north of Tulum between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Highway 307.

The current entry fee is 400-450 pesos (approximately $20-24 USD) for basic access, which includes entry to both cenotes, a life jacket (now mandatory), and parking. Snorkel rental is now 50 pesos plus a 500-1,000 peso refundable deposit (returned when the equipment is returned). Locker rental is 50 pesos. Guided tour packages, which include both cenotes, equipment, lockers, and a bat cave tour, cost 700-800 pesos.

Facilities include restaurants, bathrooms, changing rooms, mandatory showers, and hammock areas. Wildlife includes fish, bats in cave sections, and iguanas. Credit cards are accepted with a 5% surcharge. Cash is preferred.

Best times to visit: Arrive right at opening (8:00 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) to avoid tour groups that typically arrive 9:30-10:00 AM. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Warning: Unofficial ticket sellers are charging triple the price, so ensure you purchase tickets at the official entrance.

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

One of the most Instagrammed cenotes in Mexico, Cenote Suytun has a stone path to a circular platform in the middle of its large, round pool. Located approximately 7-8 km east of Valladolid (a 13-15 minute drive), Suytun is a popular stop on tours and for good reason. This giant cave cenote is one of the more picturesque of the lot. With towering stalactites, the cave walls are a creamy grey against the bright blue waters.

The traditional pricing structure of 250 pesos per adult and 200 pesos per child for basic entry still exists at the gate, though the official website lists higher package prices of 400-450 pesos that include meals. Packages bundling food are available and more expensive.

Excellent for a swim and photos, but expect it to be crowded most of the time, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM. Try the early morning (arrive by 8:30-9:00 AM) for alone time and photos without crowds, though you won’t get the famous sunbeams through the hole in the roof until midday (best between 11 AM – 2 PM, especially 12:30 PM when the sun is directly overhead). The platform gets packed with people wanting photos, so expect long waits during peak hours. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.

Time limits: Maximum capacity is 150 people. During high season, visits may be limited to 2 hours; normal season has no time limit. Entry with your second cenote, Cenote Kaapeh, is included. Overnight cabañas are available on-site (1,300-2,000 pesos per night, including cenote entry).

Facilities include a restaurant and bar, gift shop, changing rooms, mandatory life jackets (included), and free parking. The water is relatively shallow (1-5 meters) and is better for photos than extended swimming.

Night tour: The special night tour costs 799 pesos per adult and 599 pesos for children ages 5-11 and includes entrance to both Cenotes Suytun and Kaapeh, a Mayan ceremony, dinner, and a drink. All conducted after regular hours.

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (last entry 4:00 PM)