The cenotes in Tulum are famous for their incredible natural beauty . Furthermore, it's very easy to reach any cenote in the region , and the entrance fees are quite affordable. The variety is endless, so I've chosen the cenotes most favored by Tulum residents and, obviously, the most visited by foreign tourists.
Discover now the secrets of all the cenotes in Tulum, hidden wonders on the Riviera Maya that will leave you speechless. Shall we go?
Before diving into the secrets of the ancient Mayan cenotes, take a look at the hotels and tours I have selected to make your planning easier!
Get straight to the point and check the availability of the best hotels in Tulum! Check out this quick selection that I've put together to make your life easier.
Hotels in Tulum rated Fantastic or Exceptional
5 Star Hotels in Tulum
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3 Star Hotels in Tulum
Beachfront Hotels in Tulum
Apartments in Tulum
Accommodations in Tulum Center
Take the tours on your own and Book now in 12 installments without paying IOF! Take a look at this list of 5 activities best rated and recommended by Brazilians who travel to Cancun and Riviera Maya.
Transfers in Playa del Carmen
Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
Chichen Itza and Chichi Kan Cenote Tour
Ferry to Cozumel
Xcaret Park Entrance Ticket
The 10 best cenotes in Tulum
1 – Cenote Carwash / Aktun-Ha
The Cenote Carwash is semi-open and has this name because a few meters away (before the existence of the cenote was known) there was a car wash. But its real name is Aktun Ha.
The diving area is about 5 meters deep, while the cave (accessible only to divers with a licensed guide) is 15 meters deep. It has a platform that allows children and adults to have fun jumping into the water.
In the summer months, a layer of algae invades it at different levels, and the bottom of the cenote turns green. It is very common to see turtles and fish. By diving, you can easily see a beautiful and large stalactite formation.
Submerged trees and aquatic plants can be seen, making it more captivating. The light that passes through the layer of algae creates an unprecedented event, forming different nuances, it is certainly a place you should visit.
Location: 8 km from Tulum, on the road towards Cobá.
Recommendation: Do not go after a rainy day, as a reddish cloud usually forms in cenotes that open after a storm (which makes visibility underwater difficult).
Price: 50 Mexican pesos.
Casa Cenote is 500 meters from the sea (so you can enjoy both environments), and is also known as Cenote Manati, as until a few years ago these animals could be seen swimming in freshwater. It is an open cenote where you can practice diving, snorkeling, and kayaking for the first time.
In this cenote you can see the famous halocline (contact between fresh and sea water). Surrounded by mangroves and with a great diversity of marine flora and fauna, this cenote is a spectacle above and below the water.
Location: 10 km from Tulum, towards Playa del Carmen.
Recommendation: Bring diving equipment!
Price: 120 Mexican pesos for diving. 70 Mexican pesos to rent a kayak.
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3 – Cenote Zacil-Ha
In Portuguese, its name means “clean water”. It was discovered 30 years ago and has since undergone several changes to become an ecotourism complex. With a depth of between 2,5 and 3 meters and crystal clear jade green waters, its edges are covered with wooden flooring, so that at any time you can admire its beauty without fear of slipping. The Zacil-Ha cenote is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
For diving enthusiasts, this cenote has a cavern that leads to a chamber called “Las Lágrimas” (Las Lágrimas), due to its drop-shaped stalactites. With a depth that varies from 8 to 35 meters deep, covering a distance of 2 kilometers, it connects with other cenotes, such as Car-Wash and Calavera.
In addition to the natural attraction, it has a swimming pool, changing rooms, restaurant-bar, cabins, bathrooms, parking and equipment rental.
Location: 10 km from Tulum, on the road to Cobá.
Recommendation: Use a snorkel mask!
Price: 70 Mexican pesos.
Cenote Dos Ojos is one of my favorites. It's a beautiful flooded cave that began to be explored in 1987 and is still being studied today. More than 67 kilometers of underground routes have been discovered, and its maximum depth is approximately 120 meters.
It's ideal for diving and snorkeling. Visibility is excellent due to the water's clarity. Whether diving or taking a guided snorkeling tour, you can reach the Cueva de los Murcielagos (Cave of the Bats).
Location: 20 km from the city of Tulum towards Playa del Carmen.
Recommendation: Rent a wetsuit, because the water is very cold. Remember to be very careful not to touch the stalactites or stalagmites.
Price: 350 Mexican pesos (includes museum entrance). Yes, I know! It's not a cheap cenote, but believe me, it's worth it.
5 – Cenote Corazon
As its name suggests, it resembles the shape of a heart. You can snorkel (highly recommended) or cave dive there. It is open and surrounded by mangroves. It has a very diverse fauna inside and outside the cenote. You can see iguanas, crabs and other small reptiles, as well as raccoons. It is 5 to 10 meters deep.
The place has palapas, sun loungers and chairs. The bathrooms are super clean.
Location: It is 7 km from Tulum in the direction of Bacalar.
Recommendation: Flying the drone has no extra cost.
Price: 150 Mexican Pesos
6 – Cenote Azul Tulum
Cenote Azul is a favorite among locals in the Riviera Maya, perhaps because it has many shallow areas, which makes it safe to swim freely almost anywhere. But if you need to feel extra safe, you can rent life jackets for a small fee. For younger children, there is also a small cenote where little ones can cool off.
You can bring your own food or buy it from a small shop that offers some treats. Remember to collect your trash, always taking care of these beautiful places that nature offers us and so that more people can continue to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the cenotes.
Location: 40 km from Tulum, no direction towards Playa del Carmen.
Recommendation: Arrive early to enjoy the cenote without crowds.
Price: 100 Mexican pesos
The Suytun cenote isn't exactly in Tulum, but many travelers enjoy taking a trip there to take a photo that has become famous in the region. Additionally, you can use the day to visit the ruins of Cobá and the beautiful city of Valladolid in Yucatán.
Suytun is not recommended for swimming, as the water is very cold. For this reason, get your camera ready and take photos from all angles.
Location: 94 km from Tulum towards Valladolid.
Recommendation: Arrive very early, as the place will be packed with tourists and you'll have to wait a long time in line to take a nice photo.
Price: 120 Mexican pesos
8 – Calavera Cenote
The Calavera cenote is located just 4 km from the Tulum archaeological site. It is a perfect location to cool off after visiting the ruins.
It is part of a route comprised of many cenotes with curious histories in Tulum. It stands out for its proximity to the city and the ruins, and because it is perfect for cave diving (for certified divers only).
Location: 3 km from Tulum towards Cobá.
Recommendation: You can rent a bicycle in Tulum and enjoy the ride to the cenote. The ride takes 15 minutes from the town of Tulum and 20 minutes from the ruins.
Price: 100 Mexican pesos
9 – Cenote Sac Actun
When you visit the Sac Actun cenote, which means “white cave system,” you’ll see more than just a natural lake. There you’ll have the opportunity to explore the largest network of underwater caves in the world.
It has partially submerged tunnels that connect to outdoor areas and docks that are perfect for sunbathing. Bats hanging from the ceiling complete the exotic image. It is definitely one of the coolest cenotes in Tulum.
Location: 20 km from Tulum, towards Playa del Carmen.
Recommendations: Arrive around noon as the water is extremely cold. On the other hand, it's nothing you can't handle.
Price: Entry costs 450 pesos per person and includes the option of snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, as well as a guided tour lasting 1-2 hours. You can also rent a wetsuit for 200 pesos.
General recommendations for enjoying the cenotes in Tulum
To avoid affecting the habitat inside the cenotes, it is extremely important that you do not use creams or sunscreen before entering the water. Remember NOT to take anything you find inside the cenotes with you. Let's help everyone to practice responsible tourism.
Consultancy with personalized itinerary in Cancun and Riviera Maya
One tip we always emphasize is to create a personalized itinerary for your trip. There are many places that sell tours , and we always do a lot of research before buying. On our last trip, we discovered a fantastic agency , which is Brazilian and offers all the tours with expert guidance.
It's important to remember that the agency doesn't just sell tours; the service includes specialized advice where tours are tailored to your preferences. It's ideal for those who want to create a personalized trip with exclusive itineraries and constant support at the destination.
They are ideal for those who want to choose the best tour options, the best suppliers, and the best way to explore a place, whether through guided tours or even for those renting a car. With them, we make much better use of our time!
You can check their references: they are the number 1 agency on TripAdvisor in Cancun, they have won the seal for years in a row and are among the best in the world!
Specializing exclusively in Cancun and the surrounding area, they assist you in planning and throughout your trip. From tips on what to visit and which tours are ideal for your preferences, to hotel advice if you haven't yet chosen your accommodation. All of this is based on the same itinerary, plus a financial plan so you can enjoy your trip without worries or negative surprises.
The service is truly excellent, personalized, in Portuguese, and they help with everything. They pick you up at the airport (depending on the package purchased) to welcome you, accompany you to the hotel, and are available for any unforeseen event. Whether it's a medical emergency, missing a ride, anything at all, you can call them!
All the tours we took were excellent, with great infrastructure and everything was reliable. It was much better than buying through foreign websites or in Cancun itself. If you want to have a unique, personalized experience, with support and everything organized without worrying about the details, just visit their website. They offer service via video call, it's very personalized! When you register on the website, fill out all the steps until you reach the booking stage. It's quick and I guarantee it will be worth it.
If you want to know more about the cenotes in Tulum, leave a comment or write directly to Guia México on Instagram.
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