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Cenotes were one of the first things that drew me to Tulum when I saw these underground paradise pictures from Instagram. If you are similar, likely you are wondering the best cenotes near Tulum to make sure you hit the coolest ones. Fortunately I teamed up with some bloggers and friends from Instagram to create a list of the best cenotes to visit.

What is a cenote?

Let’s start with the basics. Cenotes (prounounced “seh-no-tay”) are basically sink holes. Each cenote will be slightly different but there are three main categories of cenotes. These are: cave cenotes, semi-cave cenotes, and open cenotes. These categories give you a rough idea of the age of the cenote. The cave cenotes are youngest and the open cenotes are the most mature as their cave has collapsed.

Cenotes connect underground river systems, serve as a water source, and the Mayans felt that they were the entrance into the underworld. There are thousands of cenotes and a little over 2,000 registered cenotes. With so many to choose from, you are likely curious about the best cenotes near Tulum.

Tips for visiting cenotes

Cenotes are individually owned so while there may be certain rules at one cenote, that does not mean that these rules will apply to the next cenote that you visit. Each cenote will treat things like drones and GoPro cameras differently and the price may be dependent on your ability to negotiate. I purchased my drone right after this trip so unfortunately it didn’t come with me.

In addition, you should plan to wear your bathing suit when visiting cenotes. Some cenotes require you to shower off (including your hair when you visit) so be prepared for this to be a requirement.

As with any water activity, I was incredibly grateful for my Keen Adventure sandals, which have taken me to The Narrows in Zion National Park, hiking to Havasupai, and now the cenotes. Since cenotes are caves, they are made up of rocks so sandals protect your feet and they are much more stable than flip flops.

There is also limited secure storage at many of the cenotes so I made sure to bring my packable backpack that could be kept close and I was not worried about it getting dirty. Check out this post for a complete packing list for Tulum.

Best Cenotes near Tulum

Cenote Suytun

Submitted by: Maria from A World of Destinations
Type: Semi-Open

Cenote Suytun is located near Valladolid, about an hour from Tulum. The entrance fee to the cenote is $ 120 Mexican Pesos which includes a shower, lockers and a life jacket. Make sure to bring cash as credit cards are not accepted.

A set of stairs leads down to the semi-open cenote and the view from the stairs is stunning. There’s a platform in the middle of the cenote right below a hole in the ground that allows light beams to shine through. Be prepared to queue for a photo as it can get extremely busy there.

The sun shines right through the hole at around noon, illuminating the platform. This is the busiest time of the day to visit cenote Suytun. If you prefer visiting the cenote when it’s less crowded, you should head there early in the morning right when they open at 9 am.

You can also go for a swim in the cenote, but you’re required to wear a lifejacket. Personally, I recommend going there early in the morning but cenote Suytun is breathtaking at any time of the day. This was one of my favorite spots in Mexico along with Balandra Beach.

You can follow Maria on Instagram here.

Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is an absolute heaven nestled right between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It sits in the heart of the Yucatan and is where you’ll discover the lively Playa del Carmen cenotes.

Among them, Cenote Azul steals the show with its dazzling blue waters and lush jungle setting which makes it one of the best cenotes near Tulum.

Just a quick 35-45 minute drive from Tulum off Highway 307, it’s a must-see destination! Whether you’re into swimming, snorkeling, or snapping epic photos, Cenote Azul has you covered.

Also, admission is a steal at $9 or 150 pesos. They’re also open from 9 am to 5 pm, making this a great place to go for a day of adventure.

For a quieter experience, aim for an early morning visit or swing by a couple of hours before closing.

With its crystal-clear waters, jump platform, and vibrant flora, Cenote Azul has a lot of fun things for you to enjoy.

It’s no surprise it’s hailed as one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen and Tulum, drawing in locals and travelers who want a taste of natural paradise.

It’s important to note that there’s a Cenote Azul near Tulum and another in Bacalar, Mexico, located three hours south of Tulum. To avoid confusion, get the necessary information for the correct Cenote Azul near Tulum, not Cenote Azul Bacalar.

Dos Ojos

Submitted by: Klaudia from The Travel Critic
Type: Cave

Dos Ojos is a beautiful cenote just 25 minutes from Tulum; with two ‘eyes’ you can have two vastly different experiences. The first eye is semi-underground with crystal clear waters and the second is much larger with an underground route that takes you to…you guessed it, a bat cave!

This is an experience for the thrill-seekers and not for those who may have claustrophobia (as you must snorkel though small corridors). The entrance fee is about $14 US dollars and it’s totally worth it. We decided to book a guide which included two cenotes: Dos Ojos and Nicht-Ha and it cost us $120 per person (including transportation and snorkeling gear).

If you decide to visit Dos Ojos, do not miss the hidden cenote, Nicht-Ha, which is an open cenote with beautiful lily pads in it’s surrounding. This cenote is about 5 minutes away from Dos Ojos and it’s highly recommend for those who want to explore natural beauty (and even a mini-cliff jumping opportunity)!

You can follow Klaudia on Instagram here.

Cenote Taak Bi Ha

If you’re planning a trip to the Dos Ojos Cenotes Park, don’t miss the chance to visit Taak Bi Ha Cenote.

Taak Bi Ha is situated 30 minutes from Tulum, right off Highway 307 en route to Playa del Carmen. It’s a great for cave swimming, snorkeling, and diving. With an entrance fee of $21, or 350 pesos, you can stop by any time from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

This underground cave is a stone’s throw away from the famous Cenote Dos Ojos and makes you feel like you’re stepping into a different universe. It’s a world where white stalactites and stalagmites extend from the ceiling into the water below.

This cave is privately owned and super bright, ensuring you’ll get a full view of all of its underground marvels.

Cenote Calavera

Submitted by: Brittany Hansen
Type: Semi-Open

Cenote calavera is one of the most unique cenotes near Tulum. This cenote got its name Calvera, or “Skull” in Spanish because of the three holes, two eyes and a mouth giving it it’s skull appearance.

It is only a 10 drive mins outside of Tulum Centro, making the closest cenote to downtown. It costs $17 USD to enter and an additional fee to bring a professional camera or GoPro so we just stuck with our iPhones. There is free on site parking if you happen to drive yourself but most people ride bikes.

Upon entry, there are a few showers and though we weren’t asked to use one, I think it is recommended. After walking 2 minutes through beautifully decorated trail, you’ll come to its opening where there are colorful lounge chairs and likely people swimming and diving.

You can jump into all three holes but be careful to jump straight down as It is easy to scrap your knees or face in the smaller holes. Once inside, be sure to look up and see the bats and look down to see the little fishies swimming.

Inside the cenote there is a swing that is a perfect photo opportunity or just something to hold onto If you get tired swimming and also a large wooden ladder to climb out. Though Cenote Calavera is small, it is said to be one of the most underrated cenotes in Tulum.

PS. If you’re on a Cenote exploring adventure, Gran cenote is just 5 mins down the road, followed by cenote santa cruz and cenote zacil-ha

You can follow Brittany on Instagram here.

Cenote Multum-Ha

If you’re visiting Coba and can only visit one cenote, make Multum-Ha your go-to! It’s like the VIP of Cenotes with its swimmable waters and drop-dead gorgeous views.

Located approximately 4 or 5 hours northwest of Tulum on Highway 109, it is a hidden gem where you can capture breathtaking photos and enjoy a refreshing swim.

With an affordable entrance fee of $6, or around 100 pesos, visit any time between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option for travelers who want to enjoy one of the best cenotes near Tulum.

But, you’ll have to descend 100 stairs if you want to access this subterranean paradise.

And if you thought Cenote Tamcach-Ha was cool with its deep waters, Multum-Ha takes it up a notch with its crystal-clear water that allows you to see the fish swimming by.

So don’t forget to bring your goggles because this spot is a clear winner if you want to enjoy an amazing snorkeling session.

Gran Cenote

Submitted by: Andrea from BeaUTAHful World
Type: Semi-Open

Gran Cenote is incredibly picturesque. This cenote is right down the road from Cenote Calavera and when I visited we did them concurrently. It is only a 11 minute drive outside of Tulum Centro, making it the second closest cenote to downtown. It costs $300 pesos/$18 USD to enter and an additional fee to bring a professional camera or GoPro. There is free on site parking if you happen to drive yourself but most people ride bikes.

This cenote does require a shower that includes your hair. There are lockers for valuables and snorkeling gear for rent. You will find two separate entrances to the cenote once you are inside. The first is obvious. The other entrance requires you to go to a second set of stairs that look like you probably should not go there – but go anyway. It will likely be a quieter spot.

Gran Cenote waters are very clear and you can even see turtles swimming around you even without snorkel gear. Check out this post for the best things to do in Tulum while you are visiting the cenotes.

You can follow Andrea on Instagram here.

Casa Cenote

Submitted by: Jacquelyn from Bon Voyage Jackie
Type: Open Air

Located about a 10 minute drive from Tulum Pueblo, Casa Cenote is the perfect spot for snorkeling or diving. The cenote is best reached by car or taxi from Tulum.

Casa Cenote is unique in that it is an open-air cenote and not enclosed by caves. However, scuba divers can dive into the caves located under the water. The cenote connects to the sea through an underwater cave making it the perfect spot to see turtles, fish and other aquatic life. The cenote is part of a meandering river filled with water from the deep cenote. The water along the length of the river is crystal clear offering perfect visibility for snorkelers and divers. Swimming further inland, you will also reach an area where you can see crocodiles, but not to fear, they are not dangerous and have not been known to bother people.

The cost to enter the cenote is $150 pesos. If you plan to swim the length of the river, renting a life vest is recommended. You can rent snorkel gear at the entrance as well. If you are interested in a guide, you can also take a guided snorkel tour of entire length of the cenote’s river for about $30 USD.

Note: There is an extra fee for cameras and GoPros so keep this in mind if you plan to take pictures.

You can follow Jacquelyn on Instagram here.

Cenote Xux Ha

Submitted by: Christine Lozada
Type: Cave

Cenote Xux Ha is a must-visit cenote about 45 minutes from Tulum near the colonial town of Valladolid. A steep set of stairs will take you down into the cenote where a single hole at the top of the cave has a natural beam of light coming in.

This is a more ‘local’ cenote making it a perfect place to beat the crowds. This means it does not have a lifeguard nor rules for wearing life jackets.

Not to be missed is the platform on the opposite end of the staircase that you can jump off of. This is a perfect place for photos. There are bathrooms and changing rooms available, but no easy place to store your belongings. You can find more about where to stay in Tulum in this video.

You can follow Christine on Instagram here.

Ik Kil

Submitted by: Sneha from Sincerely Sneha
Type: Semi-Open

Without a doubt, you’ve seen this cenote on Instagram. The Ik Kil cenote is one of the most photographed and popular cenotes in all of Mexico and it’s obvious why!

The magic of nature is exhibited in the most grand and unusual way here. Lush greenery surrounds an opening to blue, glistening water that’s about 26 meters down. Vines hang down all the walls of the opening, creating almost a waterfall made of greenery.

There are stairs that take you down to the water and along the way, there’s a balcony that overlooks the cenote. As inviting as the water looks from here, you are required to shower before jumping in. Another reason this cenote is so popular is that it’s less than 2 miles away from Chichen-Itza, making it an ideal pit stop (unfortunately, this does make this a very crowded and touristy place)!

The entrance fee to Ik Kil is 80 pesos – lifejackets and lockers are extra. Make sure to add this gem of a spot to your Yucatan itinerary!

You can follow Sneha on Instagram here.

Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman (Cenote Oxman)

Oxman Cenote is hidden away among the lush paradise of Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman. It sits 90 minutes northwest of Tulum, on Highway 109, and is known as the “Carretera Chemax-Coba”.

Its accessibility makes it a popular destination for anyone seeking a picturesque experience.

Renowned for its captivating rope vines, you can take stunning photos and enjoy a quick swim,

Cenote Oxman is open from 9 am to 6 pm and admission is $9, or roughly 150 pesos.

It’s a magical semi-open oasis where the water shimmers in brilliant blues, surrounded by cascading tree roots and vines that create an otherworldly ambiance.

A must-visit hotspot for anyone seeking the perfect photo opportunity because of a rope swing and a tropical paradise-inspired background.

Despite its breathtaking beauty and Instagram-worthy beauty, Cenote Oxman remains uncrowded, unlike some other spots in Valladolid. So, it is one of the best cenotes near Tulum if you want to escape from the masses.

Cenote Nicte-Ha

Located in the same area as Dos Ojos, Cenote Nicte-Ha is one of the best cenotes near Tulum for you if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the serenity of nature all by yourself.

After all, this Tulum cenote is located a bit off the well-trodden tourist trail and is one of those spots that you could absolutely enjoy all alone if you come at the right time.

It’s also worth noting that cenote Nicte-Ha is mostly above the ground. But, it’s still a great place for diving, swimming, and snorkleing since the water is super clear.

There are also tons of trees and lily pads here that add to the peace and solitude of this place.

Just don’t forget to visit Dos Ojos since it’s really close by. You’ll also need 250 MXN to enter this cenote, which is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Cenote Carwash

Technically speaking, this cenote is named Aktun Ha Cenote. However, ask any Tulum local and they’ll refer to this spot as Cenote Carwash.

Now, that’s mainly because every time a taxi driver drops someone off here, they’ll stop to wash their car after driving along the dry and dusty roads of Tulum.

And even though this is one of the best cenotes near Tulum that is well-located by a main road, it’s a spot that is never really packed with people.

So, this is a great place to go for a swim and take in the awesome natural views around you.

Just be sure to bring some snorkel gear since there is epic vegetation to see at the bottom of this cenote.

Plus, in addition to local plant life, you might spot a crocodile that frequents the area.

However, if you plan to visit during the summer, just know that algae tend to build up on the surface and warm up the water in the cenote significantly.

So, if you don’t mind a bit of warm water then be sure to stop any time between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Also be sure to bring 100 MXN if you’re swimming and 250 MXN if you’re diving.

Cenote Escondido

Cenote Escondido is well worth a visit for its clear waters and awesome location near Cenote Cristal.

Therefore, you could easily visit two of the best cenotes near Tulum in a single day if you decide to explore this magical place.

Plus, because this cenote is extremely open and spacious, it never feels crowded – even if there are a lot of people swimming.

So, feel free to dive and snorkel you’re way through this place. You can also make use of the rope swing on-site if you want to try soaring into the cenote from above.

But the best part? It costs just 150 MXN to visit this spot – a price that includes admission to Cenote Cristal too.

Therefore, swing by between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm and see what the fuss is all about.

Cenote Cristal

Cenote Cristal is a popular, well-maintained spot that derives its name from the crystal clear water that you’ll find here.

Additionally, you’ll find plenty of fish swimming through the water – making this an ideal place for snorkeling any time between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm daily.

However, if you’re looking for some slightly more high-adrenaline fun then be sure to jump off a wooden platform that is located well above the ground.

You can also visit Cenote Escondido right next door since admission to this Cenote is included in the 150 MXN admission fee.

How to get to Tulum

The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun and it is approximately a 90 minute drive from Cancun to Tulum. You can take a shuttle, hire a private transfer, or rent a car to get from the Cancun airport to Tulum. This is important for planning purposes because it will require some advance preparation. These cenotes listed are not necessarily in Tulum proper and rather across the Yucatan peninsula.

If you do decide to rent a car, which is what we did, it will make getting around for various activities easier. But watch out for the speed bumps in and around Tulum as they can sneak up on you!

Where to stay in Tulum

As I visited Tulum during the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to stay off the main hotel zone at the Mereva Tulum by Blue Sky to minimize our interactions with other people and we actually had the hotel mostly to ourselves. The hotel was beautiful and very close to Casa Cenote.

However, if I was going back and wanted a more party experience, I would likely stay in the main hotel zone. Many of the hotels, such as the Ahau Tulum pictured below, have many awesome Instagram spots if this is something you are interested in.

Currency in Tulum

When you are considering visitng cenotes in Tulum, it is best to make sure you have pesos, although some will accept dollars. Pesos are not the easiest to come by. ATMs can run out and there are not many places to exchange once you are in Tulum. Some places you can pay in USD and get change back in pesos to help with buying things in the future.

Cenotes in Tulum

Visiting cenotes in Tulum was one of my favorite activities while I was there. Check out this post if you are looking for other suggestions for things to do in Tulum.

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