This cenote is best for swimming and snorkeling, but flippers are not allowed. We had already paid the 100 pesos entrance fee and couldnt get a refund. Its ideal for those that want to experience a cenote, but really dont want to leave Tulum (or the bar). A Guide to Exploring the Cenotes in and Around Tulum, Mexico It has two diving sites frequently explored by snorkelers, scuba divers, and the occasional sea turtle. It is also known as The Temple of Doom possibly due to the appearance of small altars in the wall of the cave, one that contains pottery and bones. These were my favorite cenotes in Mexico because theyre touristed less frequently and the water is crystal clear. The water is always clean and warm. READ: The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Some of the bigger cenotes will rent snorkel gear to you at a price, from my experience at around 50-200 pesos each time you rent. Its still not a budget option, I know, but Tulum and Riviera Maya are way more expensive than the rest of Mexico. Getting sick from cenote water is considered a bit of an urban legend, but every time you swim in fresh untreated (meaning unchlorinated) water you do run the very real risk of contracting Norovirus. The water is always clean and warm. Check out the current rates for Harmony Glamping. guide in the cenotes of Tulum so you dont get lost. Check out the 16 best cenotes in Tulum that you need to visit if you are dreaming of swimming in caves or among water lilies. 19 Best Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico: Swimming, Snorkeling, & Scuba Diving Cenote Corazon is a bit too far to bike from Tulum, but you could take a scooter or a cab which should be about $10 each way. Its quite an experience! If youd like to be closer to the cenotes in Tulum, you have incredible accommodation options in Tulum. It is newly opened so not too many people actually know how awesome this place is Yet. Well, dont. Seeing the cenotes in real life is absolutely incredible and Im sure you will want to know what items are an absolute must-bring when spending time in these mesmerizing natural structures. Yucatan & Tulum Cenote Guide for March 2023 - Island Life Mexico You might be better off finding a driver for the day or try and negotiate a price with the taxi driver for the whole day or half a day. You can view dramatic rock formations, play with schools of fish and watch under the crystal-clear waters as the divers cruise through the caves. If you need any help or have anything to say, feel free to comment them below! Get in, tell the driver your destination, and pay when you get off. All of the sections are connected by wooden walkways, laid down on the jungle floor. Una Vidas gorgeous modern buildings complement its ancient jungle surroundings, and the luxurious pool and beautifully decorated dining area are set off by cozy twinkling lights each evening. Dos Ojos is a famous cenote complex off Highway 307 when youre coming from Playa del Carmen towards Tulum. Last I checked Cenote Zacil Ha charged 200 pesos ($10) entrance fee, but cenote prices in the Yucutan are going up constantly. Semi-open Cenotes As the name implies, this type of cenote has some parts that are exposed like the open cenotes above, and some portions that are partially hidden by a cave. Keep reading for my six picks for the very best cenotes to visit near Tulum: make sure you see at least one them all! Km. There are no sharks in the cenotes in Tulum (nor in cenotes anywhere else in Mexico), so its perfectly safe to swim in them. If youve got snorkeling gear, then youll be able to gaze in wonder at the vast underwater garden that lies at the bottom. Cenote Azul Cenote Azul is a favorite among tourists because of its shallow waters and the well-lit open roof letting in an abundance of sunlight. Cenote Azul Cenote Chaak Tun From the surface, it appears to be two separate sinkholes, each filled with crystal-clear blue water that makes it look as though the Earth itself is peering up at you through two enormous eyes. 18 BEST Cenotes in Tulum + How to Visit - Destinationless Travel While cenotes are certainly beautiful, they can sometimes be a little overcrowded with tourists and visitors, which obviously spoils the serenity of the place somewhat. These bones are believed to have been part of the rituals performed by the ancient Mayans in this sacred site. Tulum Cenote Tours - Visit The Best Cenotes In TulumALL IN ONE TOUR! From above the water, Cenote Angelita is a seemingly simple open-air swimming hole along Highway 307. Snorkel Mask or Goggles: The crystal clear waters of the cenote will make you want to take a closer look at what lurks beneath the surface of the water. 3. and offers yoga classes, which unfortunately I never got to try out. It depends! For advanced divers, its one of the best cenotes in Mexico to do cave diving because all of the bones and fossils are still in their original position, and the spectacular caves are highly decorated with delicate white rock formations. Cenote Xunaan-Ha Entrance Fee: 100 MXN.Cenote Xunaan-Ha Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. READ THE FULL BLOG POST:Gran Cenote, Tulum A Beautiful Cenote in Riviera Maya. When I visited, I had it all to myself! Perfect for those of you who arent in the market for a Cenote Nicte Ha is at Carretera Federal 307, km 244.5, 22km north of Tulum, in the same complex of Dos Ojos. Its important to remember that there are a lot of things in Mexico that can make tourists sick. Laguna Kaan Luum is similar to the Blue Hole in Belize. (Restaurant Review)Continue. Entrance Fee: 300 MXN ($14 USD) Its one of the most unique cenote dives in the area. Your Guide to Tulum's Best Cenotes - Be My Travel Muse Because the cenote contains both fresh and seawater, both ocean and freshwater fish live here. The Tulum and Playa Del Carmen cenotes that I went Sac Actun, meaning white cave in Mayan, is the second-longest underwater cave system in the world, accessible by hundreds of sinkholes (cenotes). Required fields are marked *. Casa Cenote is very large, its great for snorkeling and some people have reported seeing a tiny crocodile there. Gran Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum, Mexico. Youre able to cruise under the wetland mangrove roots, through a limestone passage and face-on with interesting fish. How do I Know So Much About the Tulum Cenotes? If you do catch Giardia, it can be cleared up with some anti-parasitic pills. Theres a complex with hammocks outside the cenote and the water is very clean. Scroll down for a full review!Check out prices and availability for Harmony Glamping & Boutique Hotel. THE BEST CENOTES FOR SNORKELING NEAR TULUM, Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati or Cenote Tankah), My Tips for Visiting the Cenotes of Mexico. In pretty much any body of fresh water in the Yucatan Peninsula youll be able to find a croc, but they prefer large bodies of shallow water. More posts you may like r/Madden Join 3 yr. ago Others like the Coba Cenotes, are almost 100% underground and get no sunlight heating up the water. But you cannot visit this cenote without an approved guide. It boasts milky blue water, some rope swings, a jumping platform, and dramatic cave stalactites hanging from the roof. Its a bit steep to get in (300 pesos) but Caleta Tankah is one of the only places in Tulum with a (small) seaweed-free beach. On the opposite side of the road, near Akumal Beach, there is a lagoon-style cenote called Laguna Yal-Ku (sometimes called Cenote Akumal). Entry fee: US$3 (50 MXN) for swimmers, and US$6 (120 MXN) for divers. From top left, these are: By clicking on any of the above links, you will be taken to that exact cenote in my other post. Coming from Tulum on Carretera 109 towards Coba, youll find Cenote Carwash on your left after a 10-minutes drive. Cenote Jaguar Rd, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Entrance fees and opening times info for this list of cenotes in Tulum were updated in February 2022. There are no undercurrents nor dangerous rock formations, however, you should only venture into activities you feel confident about! The Tulum and Dos Ojos Cenotes: 5-Hour Guided Tour combines a guided visit to the Tulum ruins and a swim at Cenote Dos Ojos. Its quite well hidden but is a great place to get some quiet time as no one else will be around. Because the water from the cenotes comes from an underground water system, the temperature stays constant at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C), regardless of which season you decide to visit. The cenotes of Casa Tortuga are perfect for newbies who want an in-depth introduction into the cenotes on a tour. Snorkel gear for hire between $50-$90 MXN pesos apiece. warned. I love adding venture, art, good wifi & even better coffee. A budget option in Tulum town. This is the only 100% FREE Cenote on this list because it hasnt been commercialized yet. There are several car rental offices in Tulum, and you can also rent cars at Cancun Airport. One is 3 meters high and one is about 10. You are 100% NOT ALLOWED to wear normal sunscreen in the cenotes in the Riviera Maya. This includes access to the cenote and pool area with a $50 pesos food/drink credit. She has too many awesome stories and helpful tips to keep them all to herself so follow along and in return she will bring you inspiring pictures, travel videos and a whole load of fun! You can also visit Cenote Dos Ojos by joining a tour. This is my second choice for a waterproof headlamp. If youre coming from Tulum have the Colectivo drop you off at Xel Ha waterpark, and from there youll need to cross highway 307 and walk inland maybe about 40 minutes to the Cenote. Cenote Oxman in Valladolid! Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most stunning cenotes in Tulum, although it can get crowded! From paradise beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, incredible cenotes, eco-friendly hotels & adventures, and a great foodie scene, Tulum offers everything you need [], Cenote Cristal & Cenote Escondido, Tulum: Prices + Info [2023], [] both. The market for waterproof head torches is slim, but I have researched the crap out of them and these ones I think are the best: Super low-cost waterproof head torch. Do I need to say more?Check out prices and availability for Azulik. Have you seen those amazing half-underwater and half-above-water photos? Cenotes that are 100% above ground are sometimes called lagoons. So what are Cenotes exactly? On the road out to Dos Ojos, you can also drop into the quieter Cenote Nicte Ha which is part of the Dos Ojos park and included in your entrance fee. Or you can take a taxi for around $20 from Playa or Tulum. Partially submerged tunnels connect the cenote's open-air sections. Its the perfect cenote to bring your kids to, too! Its sometimes referred to as Pond Cenote due to its peaceful exterior. READ: How to Choose the Best Snorkel Mask to Fit You! They rent life jackets and the denote also has stairs to enter and exit the water. When there are crocodiles in cenotes, its usually well-known. Akumal is about an hour and a half from Cancun; the Ado bus runs a service from Cancun to Chetumal 5 times a day and you can ask them to drop you off at Akumal along the way. The cenote, which resembles a large lagoon, is very big and meets the ocean on one side; make sure you swim there to see the spectacle! Tulum Cenotes | Turquoise Tulum Hotel 2. The cenote is off the Carretera Federal 307, 25 minutes drive north of Tulum. Some cenotes that offer life vests: Cenote Oxman Cenote Suytun Cenote Zaci Cenote Saamal Cenote Oxman The complex cave systems of the cenotes are extremely easy to get lost in, it is not worth the risk. MORE:See more travel gear I love and use! Theres no set address for Cenote Aldea Zama but its located near Kokoro Tulum: Av Balam Dzakab Copal, Aldea Zama, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Gran Cenote is beautiful, but can get very crowded, so make sure you come early in the morning or right before closing time to avoid the big crowds. If youre lucky youll spot a resident turtle swimming alongside you. Theres also a waterfall coming from the roof of the cave that goes on and off. Read More How to Call a 1-800 Number from Mexico for FREE! Admission Fee: $120 pesos; and $150 pesos for divers Snorkel Gear Rental: $80 pesos (you can also rent scuba diving gear) . With the profit they make, part of it goes to maintaining this natural wonder and making it better and more accessible for everyone. They send someone over all the time to check if people have their camera/go pro out), Its right next to Tulum and bike-able from the main center. The center of the cenote is fenced off because it is REALLY DEEP (80 meters deep, actually). Carretera Tulum Coba Km 1.7, 77796 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Exploring cenotes seriously quickly became one of my favorite activities in the Rivera Maya, and I am confident they will become one of your favorites too. My picks would be either Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote or Casa Cenote by bike. Located in Tulum Town, Harmony Glamping features 7 bell tents, each of them with a double bed, and 5 suites. GoPro right now or just want another awesome way to capture your watery What is a cenote, and why is everyone obsessed with them? The word cenote is derived from a Mayan term dzonot. If you rent a scooter in Tulum you can easily reach further out cenotes like Cenote Zacil Ha. Cenote Dos Ojos is another one of the most popular Tulum Cenotes and a remarkable vista, to say the least. Water Bottle: Mexico has tropical weather so you can expect it to be hot and humid. The cenotes near Tulum are waiting for you to dive, snorkel, and swim in! The cenote itself is fairly average. It is a well-kept cenote but not too commercialized. Another thing I love about this torch is the red light, which is good for spotting animals at night! BOOK IT HERE. The cost will between $20 and $40 MXN pesos. The opening of the underwater cave is partly covered by giant submerged trees, and with the odd diver darting in and out of the cave; the snorkeling at Car Wash Cenote is some of the most impressive of all! 10 Best Swimming Holes and Cenotes Near Tulum - Hotels It leads around an air-filled bat cave, where divers will actually ascend to take a look at the bats and the stunning cave decorations. There are also no predators like sharks, large crocodiles, or even fish. These features make it one of the best cenotes Tulum has to offer. Not only its expressly forbidden in many of them, but its also just really bad for the water and its creatures.If you really need to use sunscreen, only go for 100% biodegradable sunscreen. Follow me foradventures, tips and a travel show! ), you might spot a bat or two flying through the cenote cave. This tour from Tulum will give you the opportunity to visit in one day one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico and get to know the city of Valladolid. For example, Casa Cenote has a small crocodile called Panchito which they consider a mascot that is very friendly to tourists. Cenote Dos Ojos Opening Times: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving, Cenote Dos Ojos is on the Carretera Federal 307, km 244.5, 22km north of Tulum, READ THE FULL BLOG POST FOR MORE INFO:Visit Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum The Most Beautiful Cenote in Riviera Maya. Its a 20 min bike and youll pass various Mayan villages that cater to tourists. Azulik: Ever dreamt of staying in a luxury treehouse? There are three really good Playa del Carmen cenotes right near each other, so they would make a fantastic day trip from either Tulum or Playa del Carmen. The Batcave Line is a lot darker and feels more like a cave dive. Even better if you have an underwater camera or GoPro, so you can take it in the water with you. Calle Acceso Etapa H Lote 5 Akumal Norte, 77776 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico. A tour guide leads you to visit two cave cenotes and an open cenote. Make sure to bring water shoes so you can protect your feet from the rocks. If youre planning to visit a few cenotes in a day, the taxi cost will add up pretty quickly. Help maintain the cenotes as beautiful as they are! Read more of our Mexico content! 21 Best Cenotes To Visit In Mexico (Tulum, Cancun, Yucatan) As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Unfortunately, most of the cenotes are not free in Tulum. How Often do I Update the Prices of Cenotes? Some cenotes restrict part of the cenote for guided tours only. Passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, Crystal can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. There are quite a few bike rental places both in Tulum Town and Tulum Beach. Im addicted to getting the most out of life and would love to take you along for the ride. Norovirus is a stomach bug that you can catch by swimming in contaminated water. Cenote Azul is a beautiful open cenote, ideal for families with children and those who are claustrophobic and dont like climbing down into a cave to enjoy the fresh waters of a cenote. Next to the ruins there will be a place for you to rent bikes they charged us 85 pesos per bike the bikes are old and my friend got a rather busted one, you can alternatively take a cab there (but unless you pay for them to wait for you theres no way to get back) so the best way is to bike it. Option 2 - $100 pesos. With not 1, not 2, but 3 cenotes on its grounds, plus 2 lakes, 3 pools and 2 underground rivers (!! Mayans settled villages around these spiritual wells and believed that . Check out my favorites in this video below! Colectivos (shared vans in Spanish) are often the best way to move the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula. JC was one of the most professional and friendly dive instructors I have ever encountered. Its located in Chemuyil village, half way between Tulum and Akumal, and is known as the fourth largest underwater cave system within Riviera Maya. Just three miles (five kilometers) from central Tulum, the Gran Cenote is very popular with swimmers and snorkelers of all ages, there are 2 main areas to swim, one is better for non confident swimmers.