Cenotes
Best Cenotes in Cancun: 12 Amazing Crystal-Clear Swimming Spots To Choose From
Cancun’s crystal-clear cenotes are nature’s hidden swimming pools. These magical sinkholes formed thousands of years ago when limestone caves collapsed, creating stunning natural pools perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The top cenotes near Cancun include Cenote Dos Ojos for its crystal clear water, Cenote Il Kil for its hanging vines, and Cenote Azul for its family-friendly shallow areas. You’ll find these refreshing spots within a 1-2 hour drive from your Cancun hotel.
These natural wonders stay at a cool 75°F year-round, making them a great escape from the beach heat. You can spot colorful fish, swim in freshwater, and take amazing photos in the natural light that filters through the caves.
What Are Cenotes?
Cenotes are sinkholes filled with fresh water from underwater rivers that you’ll find scattered across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. These magical pools formed thousands of years ago when limestone caves collapsed, creating deep wells of crystal-clear water.
You can think of cenotes as windows to an underground river system. The word “cenote” comes from the Mayan word “dzonot,” which means “sacred well.”
The water in cenotes is incredibly pure and clear because it’s filtered through limestone bedrock. When you look down into a cenote, you’ll often see straight to the bottom, even when it’s more than 50 feet deep!
These natural pools come in different shapes and sizes. Some are open-air pools that look like small lakes, while others are partially covered by rock formations or completely hidden in caves.
The ancient Mayan people considered cenotes sacred places. They used them not only for freshwater but also for important ceremonies and rituals.
The temperature in cenotes stays around 75°F (24°C) year-round, making them perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In these natural pools, you’ll often spot small fish and interesting rock formations.
Types of Cenotes:
- Open cenotes: Completely exposed to the sky
- Semi-open cenotes: Partially covered by rock
- Cave cenotes: Located inside caves
- Ancient cenotes: Dry sinkholes that no longer hold water
Top Cenotes for Swimming and Snorkeling
These cenotes offer crystal-clear waters with unique limestone formations and colorful fish, perfect for swimming.
Cenote Azul
This open-air cenote is a swimmer’s paradise with bright blue waters and shallow areas. You’ll find plenty of fish swimming around your feet in the clear water.
The cenote has several platforms where you can jump into deeper sections. The depths range from 3 to 20 feet, making it great for both beginners and experienced swimmers.
Pack water shoes to protect your feet on the rocky paths. The rental shop offers snorkeling gear if you want to spot more fish up close.
Multiple wooden decks provide perfect spots for resting between swims. Kids love the shallow areas near the entrance where they can wade safely.
Gran Cenote
The Gran Cenote features a mix of open and cave sections with stunning rock formations. Crystal-clear waters make it easy to spot tiny fish and turtles.
You’ll find wooden platforms and walkways throughout the cenote. These help you move around and provide great spots for entering the water.
Bring your snorkeling gear to explore the underwater cave system. The water stays at a refreshing 75°F year-round.
The cenote has both deep and shallow areas. Families with young children can stick to the shallower sections while experienced swimmers explore deeper parts.
Cenote Cristalino
This partially covered cenote offers a 16-foot platform for jumping and crystal-clear waters for swimming. The main pool reaches depths of about 20 feet.
A small cave area provides shade and interesting rock formations to explore. The water visibility is excellent, making it perfect for underwater photos.
The cenote has steps and handrails for easy access. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are available at the entrance for rental.
Fish swim freely in the deeper sections. The surrounding jungle creates a peaceful atmosphere for your swim.
Diving Adventures in Cenotes
Cenotes near Cancun offer magical underwater caves filled with crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations. These natural sinkholes let you swim and dive in some of Mexico’s most spectacular hidden treasures.
Dos Ojos Cenote
The “Two Eyes” cenote features two connected pools with pristine visibility up to 100 feet. You’ll find extensive underwater cave systems perfect for both beginner and advanced divers.
The main cavern dive takes you through limestone formations and haloclines where fresh and saltwater meet. Look for tiny blind cavefish darting through the crystal waters.
Key Features:
- 42 miles of mapped cave passages
- Water temperature: 77°F year-round
- Maximum depth: 33 feet
- Perfect for cavern and cave diving certification
Cenote Calavera
Known as the “Temple of Doom,” this cenote welcomes you with a thrilling 15-foot jump through a skull-shaped opening. The intimate setting makes it ideal for small diving groups.
The clear waters reveal ancient stalactites and tree roots reaching down from the surface. Sunbeams create magical light shows during mid-day dives.
What to Expect:
- Three natural openings at the surface
- Depth ranges from 30-50 feet
- Light effects best between 11am-1pm
- Great spot for underwater photography
Cenote Zapote
This deep cenote stands out for its unique “Hell’s Bells” formations – bell-shaped structures hanging from the cave walls. Your dive guide will lead you past these rare geological wonders.
The water clarity lets you spot the impressive formations from 40-50 feet away. Watch for the change in water temperature as you descend deeper into the cenote.
Diving Details:
- Maximum depth: 165 feet
- Advanced certification required
- Water temperature: 75°F
- Home to unique Hell’s Bells formations
- Best visited between 9am-2pm for optimal lighting
Cenotes Near Cancun
Beautiful cenotes dot the landscape along the Ruta de los Cenotes, a 35-kilometer road that stretches from Puerto Morelos to Leona Vicario. These natural swimming holes offer crystal-clear waters and unique cave formations.
Cenote Siete Bocas
Located 20 minutes from Puerto Morelos, this cenote features seven different entrances to explore. You’ll find wooden staircases leading down to the refreshing waters below.
The main cavern stretches 65 feet deep, with limestone formations and natural light filtering through the openings. Perfect for both beginners and experienced swimmers.
Activities available:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Cave exploration
- Photography
The surrounding jungle provides a peaceful setting. Local guides can help you discover the best spots for photos and swimming.
Cenote Verde Lucero
This open-air cenote sits 15 kilometers down the Ruta de los Cenotes. Its emerald waters reach depths of 40 feet.
A wooden deck with stairs makes entry easy. The cenote’s large swimming area spans about 130 feet across.
What to expect:
- Clear visibility
- Fish swimming below
- Rope swings
- Picnic areas
The facility offers changing rooms and bathrooms. The rocks are slippery, so better bring water shoes.
Cenote La Noria
Just outside Leona Vicario, La Noria welcomes you with its partially covered cave system. Crystal-clear waters reveal fascinating rock formations below.
A wooden platform provides easy access to the water. The depth ranges from 6 to 45 feet, depending on the area.
Amenities include:
- Life jacket rentals
- Basic restaurant
- Restrooms
- Parking
Early morning visits offer the best lighting for photos. The water stays refreshingly cool year-round at 75°F.
Excursions and Tours
Many guided tours take you to the most beautiful cenotes near Cancun, with options for swimming, snorkeling, and adventurous activities.
Cenote Tours
You can book a guided tour to visit multiple cenotes in one day. Most tours include transportation from your hotel and all necessary equipment.
You can combine cenote visits with zip-lining, ATV rides, and jungle adventures at places like Parque Cenotes Zapote.
Popular Tour Activities:
- Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
- Swimming in underground caves
- Photography sessions
- Zip-line courses over cenotes
- ATV jungle trails
Cenote Suytun
This Instagram-famous cenote features a circular platform that stretches into turquoise waters. Light beams shine through a hole in the ceiling, creating magical photo opportunities.
The entrance fee is $120 pesos. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
You’ll need to wear a life jacket, which is included in your admission price. The water stays cool year-round at 75°F (24°C).
Ruta De Cenotes
This 33-kilometer route connects Puerto Morelos to Central Vallarta, featuring over 20 cenotes. You can join a guided tour, hire a private transfer to transport you during the day or drive yourself.
Must-Visit Stops:
- Cenote Verde Lucero
- Cenote Boca del Puma
- Cenote La Noria
Rent bikes to explore at your own pace. Many cenotes along the route offer amenities like restrooms, food stands, and equipment rental.
The route is well-marked with signs. Most cenotes are open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Cultural and Historical Aspects
Ancient Mayan people saw cenotes as sacred portals to communicate with their gods. These natural sinkholes played a key role in religious ceremonies and daily life.
Cenote Ik Kil
Located just 3 kilometers from Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil was a sacred site where Mayan priests performed rituals and offerings. You can still see the carved stone steps leading down to the water.
The Mayans believed this 130-foot deep cenote was the home of rain gods. Archaeological discoveries here include jewelry, pottery, and human remains from ancient ceremonies.
Today you can swim where Mayan royalty once bathed. The hanging vines and natural lighting create the same mystical atmosphere that drew people here over 1,000 years ago.
Cenote Oxman
Near the colonial city of Valladolid, Cenote Oxman shows how Mayan communities used these waters for more than just ceremonies. This cenote provided fresh drinking water and a place to escape the Yucatan heat.
You’ll find ancient stone carvings along the walls that tell stories of Mayan life. Local families still gather here just as their ancestors did.
The wooden platform and rope swing were added recently, but the crystal-clear waters remain unchanged since Mayan times.
Planning Your Visit
You’ll need to pack some gear and plan ahead to make the most of your cenote adventure. Money, transportation, and timing all play important roles in having a great experience.
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Most cenotes are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry fees range from 100 to 300 Mexican pesos ($5-15 USD) per person.
Some popular cenotes like Dos Ojos charge extra for lockers and life jacket rentals. Bring cash since many locations don’t accept cards.
Remember that prices can be higher during peak tourist season (December to April).
Travel Tips
Pack a quick-dry towel and bathing suit – you’ll be glad you did! A dry bag helps keep your phone and valuables safe while swimming.
Travel insurance is a smart idea since you’ll be doing water activities. Buy it before your trip to get the best price and make sure it covers adventure sports.
Don’t forget these essentials:
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Camera (waterproof if possible)
- Drinking water
- Mexican pesos for entry fees
Getting There
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore multiple cenotes. Most are located along the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Tulum. You can also hire a private transfer for the day that can take you to the cenotes and other nearby attractions.
Many cenotes are located off main roads, so, if you are driving, save offline maps before your trip. Some popular spots like Cenote Dos Ojos have clear signage from the highway.
