cenote tour from cancun

15 BEST Cenote Tours from Cancun [2024]

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Categories Mexico , North America

Looking for the perfect Cancun cenote tour? You’re in the right spot! Check out this list of the best cenote tours from Cancun.

It’s certainly not a secret anymore that you can find some incredible cenotes in Cancun. They’re all over the Riviera Maya as well, in places like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid. Cenotes have officially taken over my Instagram feed!

If you’ve been following this blog, you might already know I’m pretty obsessed with cenotes . I even wrote tons of posts about them over the last few years!

Last year I went back and spent a few months in Mexico , mainly in the Yucatan/Quintana Roo region. This gave me the chance to visit more cenotes and update the information on this blog.

Visiting cenotes should definitely be on your list of things to do in Cancun ! Some people prefer exploring the cenotes on their own. However, others prefer to join a Cancun cenote excursion, so they can enjoy the day without hassle.

👉 I especially recommend a tour if you don’t have a rental car . Taxi prices have increased tremendously over the years. So much, that you will end up spending more on taxi rides if you’re visiting a few cenotes than you would spend on a tour.

However, just because you can find hundreds of cenote tours from Cancun available, it doesn’t mean they are all good and worth your hard-earned money!

That’s why we’ve done the work for you, and selected the very best Cancun cenote tours. They all come with  excellent reviews from previous travelers , and offer great value.

⚠️ Update 2024 : This post used to include an activity that combines a visit to the cenotes with swimming with turtles in Akumal. Unfortunately, after my last visit, I can’t recommend anymore any activity that involves the turtles in Akumal.

This is because the experience has ceased to be sustainable . Here at Every Steph, we care about the wildlife’s well-being, and we ask you to do the same.

I personally use (and trust)  Viator  and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. Both companies offer a  24-hour cancellation policy . This means you will receive a full refund if you cancel most experiences at least 24 hours in advance.

Not enough time? These are the very best tours 👇

Table of Contents

OUR PICK: The BEST Cancun Cenotes Tour

Coming from Cancun and want to see a few different cenotes in one day? This Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret will allow you to make the most of your day. You will snorkel and kayak in four private cenotes, and even get to rappel and zipline.

• The Fire Cenote, K’áak’ , is an open cenote surrounded by jungle, with lush vegetation. It’s the perfect one for swimming or inner tubing.
• The Wind Xenote, Xenotes Iik’, is an ancient cenote where you can enjoy zip-lining and cliff jumping from seven meters high.
• The Earth Xenote, Lu’um , is a closed cenote with tunnels and caves, that can be accessed via assisted rappel.
• Lastly, the Water Xenote, Xenotes Há , is semi open cenote with beautiful aquatic flora and rock formations. There you’ll enjoy swimming and a one-hour kayak ride.

You’ll be served cookies and chocolate in between cenotes. Once you’re all cenoted out, enjoy a fancy jungle picnic. Soup, deli meats, cheeses, and salad, will be paired with beer, wine, and other beverages. It’s the perfect end to a perfect day!

👉 Why this tour? This tour in my opinion is one of the best Cancun cenote tours (if not THE best!) as you get to experience 3 different types of cenotes (open, cave, and semi-open cenotes). Most other tours will only show you one or two types of cenotes.

Read what the reviews say 👇

“ Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, slides, ziplining and cliff diving. What more can you ask for!? Some great tips in the reviews and definitely worth the trip. Will definitely be a long-term memory, and making a lasting impression with our teens. So fun!” Heather_G – Read more reviews

📝 This tour includes: Transfers, entrance fee, all activities, snacks, a picnic lunch, water, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Other GREAT Cenote Tours from Cancun

▶️ Check out this Cancun Cenote Tour: Snorkeling, Rappelling, and Ziplining . You’ll head into the Yucatan Peninsula jungle for a delightful 4-hour adventure. Start with a guided snorkeling tour in the underground Nohoch Nah Chich and Sac Actun cenotes.

Learn about the importance of sinkholes to the Mayan empire, and then hop aboard an ATV for a ride through the forest.

Rappel down into a cenote, where you’ll enjoy a refreshing splash, and glide above the trees in three ziplines. Cap off the tour with a Mayan ceremony and lunch.

📝 This snorkeling Cancun cenote tour includes : Roundtrip transfers, entrance fees, all activities, equipment, a guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Cenotes Adventure with Tequila Tasting and Mayan Snack is a great alternative. You’ll go to the heart of the Mayan jungle for a guided cenote hopping experience.

Discover the stunning natural pools, and enjoy ziplining and jumping into them from a platform. Swim and splash around in the crystal-clear waters for a while.

Before returning to Cancun, you’ll take part in a guided tequila tasting, relish a local snack, and watch a traditional dance.

📝 This tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, lifejackets, a guide, tequila tasting, and a snack. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Cenote Tours in Cancun

If you prefer a private tour with just your family and friends, these are the best choices for Cancun private tours to cenotes.

▶️ Embark on an epic VIP Cenotes Private Tour in the Yucatan Peninsula. Join a pro snorkel guide in exploring three magical cenotes: Yal-ku Lagoon, Cenote Xunaan Ha, and Cenote Taak Bi Ha.

You’ll discover the underwater world of Mexico as you swim, jump, and even trek through an amazing underground river.

Everything’s covered, from snorkel gear to prebooked entry and transfers from your Cancun hotel.

📝 This cenote excursion Cancun includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Private Dream Underground World (Off the beaten path Cenote cavernous exploring) is a great option. During a half-day trip, you’ll get to visit the spectacular Sac Actum, an underwater cave system of cenotes near Cancun.

Learn about the site’s impressive rock formations and its geology from a knowledgeable guide. Then, go swimming and snorkeling in two different cenotes. You’ll end the trip with a snack and drinks.

📝 This cenotes Cancun tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Private Tour – The best Cenotes in Yucatan – Suytun & Oxman is one of the full-day Cancun excursions to enjoy with your family.

Leave the city behind and make your way to two renowned – and very photogenic! – cenotes in the Riviera Maya. The tour is designed for photographers and Instagrammers, after all.

Depart early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and marvel at the spectacular cenotes Suytun and Oxman, located in the famous Ruta de los Cenotes. You’ll learn about their history and the importance of cenotes for the Mayan people from your private guide.

Enjoy free time to swim and snap pictures, and cap off the trip with a tasty lunch.

📝 This private cenote tour from Cancun includes : Private transfers, a guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Snorkeling in the Reef and at a Cenote in Cancun

The 5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling Tour: Swim with Turtles, Reef, Musa, Shipwreck and Cenote is the ultimate water adventure. It’s a family-friendly tour that will take you snorkeling in all sorts of amazing locations, and it’s suitable for both newbies and experts.

Snorkel in a coral reef teeming with life, and explore an underwater shipwreck with an expert guide. You’ll also swim with statues at MUSA, and jump into the cool waters of a cenote. Access to showers and lockers are included, as well as roundtrip transfers.

📝 This tour includes : Round trip transportation, a guide, snorkeling gear, entrance fees, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Cancun Cenote Tours for Adventure Lovers

▶️ Looking for an adrenaline-filled day? Then this Selvatica Adventure Park: Ziplines and Cenote Tour from Cancun is just the one. It takes place in one of the most exhilarating parks in Riviera Maya.

In just 3.5 hours you’ll be soaring in the air with 10 zipline courses, each more thrilling than the last. Brave the zipline coaster, and admire the passing views from a bird’s eye perspective.

Then, relax in the refreshing waters of a private cenote. You’ll have time to cool off and swim before lunchtime.

📝 This A TV+ zipline cenote tour from Cancun includes : Admission, all activities, equipment, and lunch. Transfers can be added for an extra fee. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ What’s even cooler than cenotes, you say? Underground rivers! Join the unforgettable Admission Rio Secreto Wild Tour with Lunch for a spectacular experience.

On this full-day tour, you’ll cycle through the jungle, trek through incredible caverns, and snorkel in semi-flooded caves. It’s an action-packed day in the Mayan underworld with awesome guides, cool sights, and loads of fun.

Breakfast and lunch will be served to help you refuel between activities, and you’ll get to discover the striking geology of the site!

📝 This tour includes : Transfers, entrance fees, guide, all equipment, breakfast, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ How about this Horseback Riding in Cancun with ATV, Cenote, Ziplines, Lunch and Transfer ? It’s a 5-hour trip ideal for horse lovers and adrenaline junkies.

You’ll visit a jungle in Riviera Maya to enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures. Drive an all-terrain vehicle on rugged tracks, fly above the treetops with the zipline circuit, and ride a horse in a beautiful setting.

Finally, relax with a cenote swim, and savor a chicken fajita for lunch.

📝 This tour includes : Transfers, all activities, entrance fees, a guide, water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Mayan Ruins + Cenote Tours from Cancun, Mexico

What’s better than combining nature and history ? In my experience, nothing beats immersing myself in the history and culture of the region, and then swimming in a beautiful natural pool. Here you can find the best cenote tours that combine Mayan ruins + cenotes from Cancun.

Cenote + Tulum Ruins Tours

I like the top-rated Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves . In just one day you get to do a little bit of everything (and it’s one of the most popular tours among my readers too!)

Start the day with a guided tour of the Tulum ruins, an impressive Mayan site. Then, hop on a boat to reach the coral reef, where you’ll enjoy fantastic snorkeling.

End your day at Cenote Xtun, where you’ll get to swim and snorkel as you marvel at the thousands of stalagmites and stalactites that surround you. End the trip with a delicious lunch.

📝 This Tulum and cenote tour from Cancun includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a guide, all activities, equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour from Cancun

You really can’t leave Cancun without having visited Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World !

▶️ With over 14 thousand positive reviews, the Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour is your best option. There’s no better tour to combine a trip to the Chichen Itza ruins + a swim at a beautiful cenote in Yucatan.

After a guided tour through the ancient Mayan ruins, you’ll head to Cenote Saaml, one of the most beautiful in the area. Swim to your heart’s content, and then refuel with a buffet lunch.

Finally, enjoy some free time to wander in the charming of Valladolid.

📝 This tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guided tour of Chichen Itza, a guide, cenote visit, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Tulum Ruins & Coba Ruins + Cenote Tour from Cancun

Dreaming of climbing a Mayan pyramid ? Then you have to head to the Coba ruins!

On the Tulum, Coba, & Cenote: Full-Day Tour you’ll visit two unique and very different Mayan ruin sites: Tulum and Coba. Enjoy guided tours on both locations, learning interesting historical facts from your guide.

Then, head to the beautiful cave cenote Mariposa, known for its turquoise waters, and cool off with a swim. Cap off the tour with a Mayan ceremony led by a Shaman, and a traditional lunch.

📝 This tour includes : Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, life jackets, a Mayan ceremony, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Cenote Diving Tours from Cancun

Are you interested in scuba or free diving? There’s a pretty limited selection of diving cenote tours in Cancun at the moment. Most cenote diving happens around Tulum, but here are the best ones I could find.

▶️ With this Try Freediving in a Cenote Nearby Cancun (Private Group) you’ll discover a beautiful underwater sport: freediving. A professional will guide you with the breathing techniques, and teach you how to dive in.

The class will take place in a beautiful open cenote, and it’s suitable for beginners. The group is no larger than four people to ensure the utmost comfort and personalization. At the end of the class, refuel with a tasty lunch.

📝 This tour includes : Transportation, a freediving class, all equipment, videos of your experience, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Diving in Cenotes: Discovering the Mayan Underworld is a half-day excursion. You’ll meet your guide at the diving school, and together head to a cenote as you learn about the renowned sinkholes.

You’ll be introduced to cenote diving, which is quite different from diving in the sea, and then get geared up to start the adventure. The trip includes two dives, and in between you’ll refuel with a tasty lunch.

Other refreshments will be available, and you’ll also have some free time to leisurely swim in the cenote.

📝 This cenote excursion from Cancun includes : Transfers from the diving school, cenote entrance fees, scuba equipment, two dives, lunch, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

CENOTE TOURS CANCUN FAQs

After having done extensive research, in our opinion these are the very best Cancun cenote tours: • Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret (you’ll get to swim at 4 different cenotes) • VIP Private Cenote Tour Cancun • Viator Exclusive Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves

Yes, you certainly can by joining specific cenotes in Cancun tours. However, it’s something that you need to plan in advance. You can’t just show up to a cenote and ask for diving equipment like you would do with snorkeling. If you’re a certified diver, I recommend the Diving in Cenotes: Discovering the Mayan Underworld . If you’ve never tried it before, you could start with a free diving class .

In my opinion, the ultimate Cancun cenote tour is the Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret .

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Cancun Cenotes Tours

Delight your senses and make lifelong memories with Cancun Cenotes Tours. Make your cenote excursion reservation now, and allow us to serve as your entryway to the captivating beauty that Cancun’s cenotes hide beneath the surface.”

2-in-1 Cancun Cenote Tour

Half day cenote tour to two cenotes with A/C transportation from your hotel.

From: $65 USD

ATV, Cenotes & Ziplines Tour

Visit two cenotes while riding your own ATV, or sharing with a partner.

From: $79 USD

Cancun Cenotes Tours Gallery

Take a look at the visual journey that our guests have experienced. Astonishing landscapes, nature, water, and recreative activities to enjoy at Cancun’s nature.

Witness the magic captured by our guests as they explore the hidden gems of the Yucatan Peninsula, from the crystal-clear waters of cenotes to the lush surroundings that serve as the backdrop to their adventures. Each image tells a story of exploration, discovery, and the sheer joy of connecting with nature in its purest form.

Leveling up the Cenotes Tours in Cancun

With so many things to do in Cancun, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do in Cancun, or even worse, what excursions are even worth.

Luckily for you, we are here!

We at Cancun Cenote Tours have carefully picked only the very best locations to create the best cenote excursions from Cancun.

Wander in real nature and not man-made tourist traps. Our selection includes cave swimming, the best cenotes near Cancun, with jumping platforms, zip lines, and decks to achieve amazing photoshoots.

Everything is planned for you, including hotel pickup and drop-off, experienced staff members, and safety equipment and standards. Discover locations that you won’t want to miss and might not find on your own!

frequently asked questions

This is what we asked the most about our excursions to the cenotes from Cancun. You can also take a look at our Google My Business .

We pick up from any hotel in Cancun, Costa Mujeres, Moon Palace and Puerto Morelos.

For Bnb we set up a meeting point.

Reschedule 24 hours before the tour with no extra cost (under availability).

Cancel 24 hours before the tour and get 100% refund.

No Show. If you don’t show up for the pickup, the driver will leave a form at your hotels lobby and no refund will be made.

Cancelations under 24 hours will be considered as no show.

We recommend the tour for +4 year old.

We have dedicated safety equipment for the little ones.

Not at all.

There are some rumours that some cenotes can suck you in. However all cenotes are studied by professional divers and world-class scientists for years due to paleontological and antropoligical matter.

So it takes years before cenotes are available for the public.

Early in the morning! Less people, water has not been touched, so better photos and better memories.

Yes please! And then you can tag us in social media.

Remember cenotes are deep and you are responsible of your phone or camera.

We also have some photographers if you want to leave your belongings in your locker.

The 25 Best Cenotes in Cancun That You Don’t Want to Miss

 Disclaimer:  This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. You can read my  disclaimer policy  and  privacy policy .

Would you like to visit some of the best cenotes in Cancun Mexico?

You have come to the right place. I lived in Cancun for 7 years and while I have visited many of them in the past, I never get tired of exploring new ones every time I go back.

First thing first though you must know that there are no cenotes in Cancun. The good news is that you can find spectacular cenotes at only 30 minutes drive from Cancun and in this post, I will tell you where to find the best cenotes and how to get there.

60+ YUCATAN PENINSULA CENOTES ON A MAP

GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED GOOGLE MAP OF ALL THE CENOTES OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA ✔️ 60+ Cenotes to explore in the Yucatan Peninsula ✔️ Descriptions + link to related posts ✔️ Pictures ✔️ Ongoing updates ✔️ All my cenote articles in a map!

Cancun Cenotes at a Glance

When we talk about Cancun cenotes we are referring to the closest cenotes to Cancun, because there is no cenote right in the city of Cancun.

The nearest Cenotes in Cancun, are located at only 30 minutes drive, in the so-called “Ruta de los Cenotes”, a narrow road that goes from Puerto Morelos to Leona Vicario where you can find around 50 cenotes. (Don’t worry I will list the most beautiful further in this post)

If you have only half a day, this is definitely where you should go and you can even squeeze in a few cenotes in a short time.

However, if you have more time, I would suggest you go a little farther and explore other amazing cenotes in the area.

So, without any further ado, let’s explore the top 21 Cenotes near Cancun.

And don’t forget to check out my recommendation on the best way to visit the cenotes and what to pack for a cenote, at the end of this post. I can anticipate though, that renting a car from Cancun downtown or the airport will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

💡 Cancun Cenotes tip #1 – The best way to visit these cenotes I am including in this post, is by car. You can check price in my recommended Car rental platform, Discover Cars .

Cancun Cenotes Map

In a hurry? Here is the top-rated Cenote tour from Cancun

Dos Ojos Cenote Private Tour with Mayan lunch

54 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews A 5-hour tour around the secret cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula off the beaten path. You will snorkel in the 2 cenotes of Cenote Dos Ojos with a certified instructor and learn more about the underwater rock formations, before heading to a local Mayan restaurant for lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price

👉See more Cenote Cancun tours here

Cancun Cenotes | The closest cenotes to Cancun

As you may know, there are no public cenotes in Cancun, although I am sure some homes have their own, but you can’t visit them, or at least not that I know of. So this is the closest cenote to Cancun that I have found

1. Cenote Ix-Ha

Entrance fees 150 mxn (8 USD) | Opening Hours | 9 am to 5 pm every day

This cenote is located at 32 km from Cancun on the way to Leona Vicario and Valladolid.

It’s inside a ranch called Rancho el Retoño. You can find it on Google Maps .

Once you get to the reception of the Ranch, you can choose your bike and get to the cenote, not very far away.

It’s an open wide cenote with some hidden caves that you can explore and crystal clear water. Located in a very peaceful area.

I suggest you visit it while it’s still quiet before more people know about it.

In any case, it’s better to avoid weekends to avoid crowds . Bring your own snorkeling equipment because they don’t rent it. You can get a life jacket though if you think you need it.

Cancun Cenotes | La Ruta de los Cenotes, Puerto Morelos

La Ruta de los Cenotes translates as “the Cenote road”. It is in fact a road that stretches from Puerto Morelos, a beach resort 30 minutes drive from Cancun, to Leona Vicario, and it’s lined with amazing cenotes of all sorts.

It includes more than 50 cenotes but we will share the best ones here below

2. Cenote Las Mojarras 52 km/ 32.3mi

Entrance fees | to swim $250 mxn / $14 USD – ATV tour $950 mxn / $50 USD | Opening Hours | 8 am to 5 pm every day

It’s one of the best cenotes near Cancun of this size. It’s in fact the largest cenotes that you can find in the area with a diameter of 67 mt, surrounded by a lush tropical forest. There you can jump from a 6 mt platform or get some thrill on the zip line.

Or you can just chill and swim in the cool sweet waters enjoying the peaceful tropical surrounding. It’s located at km 12.6 from Puerto Morelos.

Facilities | ATV tour – Horseback riding – Zip lines circuit – Aquatic zip line – Lockers – Life jacket – Restrooms – Parking lot.

3. Cenote Verde Lucero 55 Km/34.1 mi

Entrance fee | 300 MXN (15 USD) 150 MXN (7.5 USD) for Mexican residents Opening hours | every day from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Cenote Verde Lucero is another great open cenote where you can swim, jump or launch yourself on a sort of zipline.

You will appreciate the spectacular emerald-green color of the water if it’s sunny. The Cenote is surrounded by skyscraping trees and a lush jungle. (km 17 – 12.7 miles from Puerto Morelos)

After swimming, you can relax under the palapa and look for spider monkeys.

Facilities | Restrooms – Aquatic zip-line – Parking lot.

4. Kin-Ha – 63.4 km/39.39 mi

Entrance fee | 400 MXN (24 USD) / ATV Tour $1000 mxn / $55 usd. Opening hours | every day from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Kin-ha is one of my favorite cenotes near Cancun and when I have friends coming to visit I normally take them there. It’s a cave cenote and you can either jump in it or you can easily climb some man-made stairs.

The family that runs this cenote also organizes tours in Quod in the jungle where they take you to another huge open cenote.

The surroundings of Kin-ha are also pleasant. After you swim you can also chill on the chairs or hammocks and relax enjoying a cold drink.

5. Cenote La Noria 60.7 km/ 37.7mi

Entrance fee | 200 MXN (10 USD) Opening hours | from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Not too far from Cenote Kin-Ha, after a little detour, you will find this deep cave cenote, la Noria.

You need to climb down some stairs to get inside. It’s like entering the womb of mother earth.

Right before getting to Kin-ha Cenote, on our right, you will see a small sign. It’s a cave cenote as well, with wooden stairs to get to a platform.

Facilities : Parking lot, Life jackets, Restrooms.

6. Cenote Zapote 65,2 km/ 40.5

Entrance fee | To swim $35 USD / All inclusive tour $99 USD Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Cenotes Zapote is one of the best cenotes near Cancun among the cave cenotes.

It is actually a Prehistoric Park that includes 4 different cenotes, 2 open cenotes, and 2 cave cenotes (underground).

The place is organized like an amusement park where you can choose among different activities or do all of them. On the Cenotes Zapote website , you can choose and purchase your preferred package.

It takes us approximately 3 to 4 hours for the complete tour, but it all depends on your own speed and available time.

Why is it called prehistoric park?

Once inside the park, as a part of the tour, you will receive an explanation on the history of Xicalbanoyx Oviceps the extinct sloth of the ice age a new species of giant sloth whose antiquity between 10 thousand 647 and 10 thousand 305 BC, known as POTE, honor to the Cenotes Zapote park. ( source )

Further information

• During the tour, there is a guide who will assist you throughout your journey through the different activities.
• You can enjoy a regional buffet with handmade tortillas presented in Yucatecan tacos and freshwaters.
• The facilities have safety rails to access the cenotes, living areas, separate bathrooms for men and women, and adaptations such as ramps and flat dirt roads for the seniors.
• Also available is certified safety equipment included in each activity for the whole family from the smallest to the most adult people.

7. Cenote Boca del Puma 53.2 km/33 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $300 mxn ($16 USD) / ATV Tour & Ziplines $60 USD Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Cenote Boca del Puma is a great way to spend the day for adventure seekers . In fact, it doesn’t offer only a cenote to refresh and swim.

It’s a real park with 7 zip lines and ATV-guided tours in the Jungle. You can check out the full program on their website .

Cenotes in Cancun | Yucatan

The Yucatan state is the richest one in the Yucatan Peninsula when it comes to the number of Cenotes. If you are looking to organize a road trip around Yucatan instead of a day trip from Cancun , please make sure you include the Cenotes of Homun and Cuzama.

Around Valladolid and Merida you can find amazing cenotes too and if you love to splurge you can check out the Yucatan haciendas where to stay in the heart of Yucatan surrounded by tropical vegetation and cenotes. 🙂

Here below I will share those cenotes that are close to Cancun and reachable in a one-day trip.

8. Cenote Choj-ha 114 km/70.83 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $150 mxn ($8 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Located on the freeway from Cancun to Valladolid , only 30 minutes before getting to Valladolid this spectacular cenote should definitely be on your places-to-see list.

It’s been nick-named Catedral de las Maravillas which means “Cathedral of wonders”.

Although it’s open every day from 8 to 5, I suggest you should avoid weekends, Wednesdays, and Fridays which are cruise days and therefore much more crowded.

Here is the picture I took. I was so lucky as nobody was there when I went.

Facilities : Restrooms – Showers – Life jackets – Parking lot

9. Cenote Zaci 156 km/96.93 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $30 mxn ($2 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 8.30:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Cenote Zaci is a beautiful open cenote located right in the heart of Valladolid only 2 blocks from the main plaza. It’s a beautiful refreshing sinkhole surrounded by vegetation and rock formations, great for refreshing deep in the summer heat of Valladolid.

10. Cenote Suytun 162 km/100 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $150 mxn ($8 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

You might have seen this cenote multiple times on Instagram as it’s one of the most photographed.

Located only 6 km from Valladolid it opens at 9 but if you wish to take your picture without the crowd you should be there by 8 or 8,30 drive around to the cabañas reception and they will open the cenote for you.

How to get there : From Valladolid, you can rent a bike or hop on a colectivo, minivan which leaves from the ADO station and ask the driver to drop you off at cenote Suytun.

If you have a car, follow the indication on the map. It’s very easy to cenote Suytun from Valladolid.

Facilities | Bathrooms, showers, restaurants, cabañas.

Cenotes in Cancun | Riviera Maya

11. cenote azul 95.8 km/59.52 mi.

Entrance fee | Regular price 120 MXN (7 USD) Opening hours | Open every day from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

The Cenote Azul on the Riviera Maya, not to get confused with the Cenote Azul Bacalar, is a beautiful large open cenote made of multiple pools surrounded by a tropical garden.

Cenote Azul is one of the most beautiful cenotes near Playa del Carmen

You can swim, jump or just bask in the sun on one of the platforms or benches.

Avoid Saturdays and Sundays if you are not fond of crowded places.

Facilities – Bathrooms, Showers, Snorkeling and life jacket rentals, Snack bar, lockers

12. Cenote Cristalino 95.8km/59.52 mi

Entrance fee | $200 (12 USD) pesos for adults | $150 (8) pesos for children. Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Cenote Cristalino is another beautiful open cenote, with emerald green water, embraced by a tropical lush jungle. It’s smaller than the nearby Cenote Azul, but still beautiful with a natural tunnel to swim through and a platform from where to jump.

This cenote, for being so close to Playa del Carmen and very accessible is often very crowded. In order to enjoy it fully, you should avoid weekends and prefer the early hours.

Facilities – Bathrooms, showers, snorkeling, and life jacket rentals

13. Cenote Eden 95.9km/59.58 mi

Entrance fee | 100 MXN per adult and 50 MXN per child Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 8.00 am to 6:00 pm.

The cenote Eden is one of the divers’ favorites among the open cenotes of the Riviera Maya.

It’s a very wide cenote with impressive rock formations at the bottom that you can easily see through crystal-clear water.

In this cenote, I also managed to find the courage to jump too, from one of the platforms.

It was a weekday and the cenote was not that crowded. Just a few tourists and some divers.

In the cenote of Eden, you can also take your snorkeling gear and enjoy watching what’s underwater. Or you can just chill and swim around.

Keep in mind that you are not allowed anymore to take picture with a professional camera or a drone.

14. Cenote dos Ojos 121 km/75.1 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $200 mxn ($12 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Cenote Dos Ojos, which means 2 eyes, is one of the most popular among divers and regular visitors.

If you want to dive, it requires a good level of preparation, suitable equipment, and an expert guide.

But if you just want to enjoy the cenote swim and snorkel you can just go for it with no restrictions but the usual safety measures.

15. Cenote Taak Bi Ha 121 km/75.18 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $400 mxn ($25 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

I went to check out cenote Taak Bi – Ha twice because the first time my camera failed me and all the pictures I took disappeared.

However, I found this cenote so beautiful that it was worth going back and give it another shot (literally) this time the pictures came out decently.

It’s a cave cenote that you reach by man-made wooden stairs that lead you to a wide platform where you can leave your stuff and go swimming. At the ticket office, you can also hire a guide to take you swimming around above a small cave around the cenote. But you can easily do it on your own.

To get to cenote Taak bi ha you need to follow the entrance to Dos Ojos, but instead of stopping at the ticket office, you should continue straight for another 1 km until you find the sign to the entrance. There is a parking lot where you can leave your car.

If you decide to get there by bus from Cancun it’s a bit trickier because you will need to get to Playa del Carmen and then hop on a minivan (combi or Colectivo) to Tulum and ask the driver to drop you off at Cenote Dos Ojos Entrance.

From there you will have to walk for 1 km or hire an on-site taxi for 25 MXN to take you there.

If you decide to walk, make sure you cover your head and mouth with a cloth as it’s hot and dusty. And bring water with you.

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16. Cenote Caleta Yal-ku

Entrance fee | Regular price $14 USD (300MXN) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 4:00 pm.

Cenote Caleta Yalku is a cenote in disguise because it’s inside a bay in Akumal and if you don’t know it, it’s difficult to see the cenote.

The lagoon is surrounded by mangroves, and rocks with hooks and creeks, home to many birds and fishes, which makes it a great place for snorkeling and swimming.

I would recommend taking a snorkeling tour with a local guide to make your trip even more enjoyable.

Facilities : Snorkeling gear and life jacket rental, bathrooms, shower, snack bar, parking.

Cenotes in Cancun | Tulum area

17. cenote aktun ha  (also called cenote carwash) 137 km/85.1 mi.

Entrance fee | Regular price $200 mxn ($12 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

What I love about this cenote is that is less known and less visited. Also, you can walk around all its perimeter through a jungle path. Many beginner divers especially love it.

It’s quite a large natural pool of crystalline water not far away from Tulum.

Facilities – Bathrooms, showers, lockers ( 20 MXN), snacks

18. Grand Cenote 133 km/82.64 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $300 mxn ($17 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 8 am – 4.45 pm.

The Grand Cenote is one of the most popular, the most expensive, and the most crowded.

It is a nice cenote indeed but I believe they are a little abusive with charging so much. They also charge you if you want to take pictures with a professional camera.

It’s a very beautiful cenote, no doubt, where you can swim through natural tunnels, jump and enjoy the natural surroundings, but if you get there when it’s crowded, which is most of the time, it takes away the magic.

If you really want to visit, make sure you get there early morning.

19. Cenote Calavera 133 km/82.6 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $200 mxn ($10 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Cenote Calavera is another one of the most Instagrammed cenotes and one of the smallest among the Cenotes near Cancun

It is especially known among divers but also photographers. You can jump in but there is not much space for swimming.

There is a swing where you can hang out for the picture but then you need to leave space to others.

It’s one of my least favorite cenotes around Cancun to be honest but I included it for the sake of information.

How to get there

From Cancun, you can get to Tulum by ADO bus and from Tulum, you can go by bicycle or taxi, on the main road to Coba on the right side.

Or, of course, you can hire a car, which is my favorite option of all.

20. Cenote Corazon 137 km/85.1 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $150 mxn ($8 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Cenote Corazon is one of the most spectacular cenotes in the Riviera Maya. It’s located right after Tulum on the way to Chetumal

There are wooden platforms nicely located along the rim where you can lie down and relax.

Get there in the morning, and possibly avoid weekends if you love peace and tranquillity.

Divers love it for the beautiful rock formations and caves at the bottom of the cenote, but it’s a great place where to hang out and read a book or take a swim.

21. Laguna Kaan Luum 141 km/ 87.6 mi

Entrance fee | Regular price $300 mxn ($18 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 16:00 pm.

It’s a spectacular lagoon with a cenote in it, located just a 10-minute drive from Tulum.

It was a favorite by locals, but it’s recently become very popular among tourists and expats as well who are flocking there to enjoy the spectacular views and calming scenery to escape from the city hustle!

They have now extended the platforms and added a lookout tour but it still gets crowded so I would suggest you should really go early to make the most of it.

Cenotes in Cancun | Coba

A little further away from Cancun, but still doable in one day, you can find the small village of Coba famous for the spectacular archeological site but also for the magical cenotes. Here below you can find information and pics.

If you have rented your own car I would suggest you push your itinerary further all the way to Coba only a 1 hr drive from Tulum.

The cenotes in Coba are close to each other and you can visit them all in a couple of hours, if you enjoy swimming, jumping, and relaxing in the soothing water surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

There is only one ticket office on the main road where you can purchase the ticket for each cenote separately in case you want to see only one. I suggest you see them all since you are already there.

In every cenote, you can find facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms.

22. Multun-ha

Entrance fee | Regular price $100 mxn ($5 USD) Opening hours | from Monday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM

Cenote Multum-ha is the one that is 10 minute drive away from the other two.

You need to climb down some steep but easy stairs and you get to the ha spacious platform from where you can swim in crystal-clear water below a huge dome of stalactites and stalagmites.

Not good for those who are very claustrophobic. Otherwise, it’s spectacular.

There are no jumping platforms from this one.

23. Tankach Ha

Takach Ha cenote is the deepest cenote of all. In fact, there is a tall jumping platform for the more adventurous swimmers.

For the more cautious like me, no worries, there is a very comfortable stair to help you get into the water. Or you can jump from the low platform.

24. Cenote Choo Ha

Cenote Choo Ha, is the most beautiful in my opinion, for the rock formation and the natural light that comes in.

It’s the most familiar and the water is very shallow and crystal clear. No jumping from here but you can swim and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Cenotes in Cancun | Interesting facts about cenotes

What are the cenotes.

The  Mexican cenotes  are deep underwater lakes whose waters are filtered from the rocks either from underneath the sea or the rainwater from above.

How are cenotes created?

Because the entire region is flat and made of limestone bedrock, those allow the rainwater to filtrate the soil from above and the seawater from the bottom, creating huge water deposits and underground rivers.

Cenotes as a Mayan heritage

The importance of the cenotes goes back to the Mayan times, the pre-Hispanic population that inhabited this area.

For the Mayan civilization, the cenotes were both precious and unique sources of water provision and sacred places for their religious ceremonies.

There are more than 6000 cenotes (imagine that!) all over the entire Yucatan Peninsula territory, many of them are private, and others have been accessible for the public to enjoy. This makes it also a decent source of income for the local owners.

What to bring when you visit a cenote

Here is a list of things you need to remember to take with you when you visit a cenote:

• ecological repellent
• ecological sunscreen (that you should wear only after swimming in the cenote)
• snorkeling gear
• dress light
• bring an extra set of swimsuits to get change after

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Cenote in Cancun rules | how to respect the environment when you visit a cenote

I always like to recommend some common and easy practices that respect the environment and help preserve it. Even if it’s just a grain of sand, everything helps. And it’s nice to know that we can contribute.

❌ sunscreen or repellent are prohibited before bathing in the cenotes

♻️ If you use them after, make sure they are eco-friendly.

🚯 Don’t leave anything that doesn’t belong to the place – Aka don’t litter

❌ Don’t hang onto stalactites or stalagmites or trees roots

📢 Don’t be noisy and respect other people’s tranquillity

😇 Don’t do anything that can damage the environment or other visitors

Cenotes in Cancun | How to get to the cenotes from Cancun

I always mention that the best way to visit the Yucatan Peninsula is by renting a car.

That’s even more recommended if you are visiting cenotes. It’s much easier to go on your own at your own pace without having to rush it or follow someone else’s schedule.

With the exception of the cenotes of the Riviera Maya that are right on the main road and accessible by local “colectivos” (minivans), it is very difficult to reach all the other cenotes by local transportation.

If you don’t feel confident driving in Mexico, which is absolutely understandable, you can always hire a taxi for the entire day or the hours you need.

In this case, make sure you ask your hotel reception or hire a taxi driver that you trust and absolutely check on the rates before confirming the service.

Usually, they are quite abusive in that area of Cancun and charge you outrageous prices, and moneywise it’s always more convenient to hire a car.

Cenote tours from Cancun

If you feel like you don’t want to spend too much time planning and organizing or you don’t have many vacation days and want to optimize the time you have and see as much as possible, joining a tour is the perfect solution for you.

Joining a tour will save you time in many ways and you can combine more visits in one day and share your experience with like-minded people.

Here below are the top tours I have selected for you for the highest ratings.

👉 Tulum and Cenotes Tour

4.5 ⭐ 1504 Reviews

Tulum Archaeological Site and Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa tour from Cancun

👉 ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park Cancun

4.5 ⭐ 1283 Reviews

For the more adventurous ones, this tour combines a cenote swim with a jungle zipline course, off-road ATV experience in the Extreme Adventure Eco Park.

Includes round-trip hotel transfer, refreshments, and all activities.

👉 Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret from Cancún 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1504 Reviews

This guided tour will take you around the Mayan Cenote, paddling through caverns and subterranean rivers and floating on rubber tubes.

It’s a small small-group tour, limited to 19 people, and includes round-trip hotel transportation, snacks, and a gourmet picnic lunch

Cenotes in Cancun FAQ

Which is the best cenote in cancun.

There are so many amazing cenotes near Cancun that it’s impossible to say which one is the best. It also depends on whether you like peaceful cenotes, or some adventure, open or cave cenotes. I hope that reading this guide has helped you find the best one for you.

When is the best time to visit a cenote in Cancun?

Every time is a good time to visit a cenote, but a sunny day is much better to see the beautiful colors of an open cenote. If it’s a cloudy day it’s better to go in a cave cenote. You may want to check out when is the best time to visit Cancun to plan your vacation.

How much does it cost to go to a cenote in Cancun?

It varies, depending on how popular is the cenote and how the owner is managing it. Prices to visit a cenote range from 30 pesos to 700 for a cenote park with multiple activities.

How many cenotes are there in Cancun?

In the city of Cancun, there is only one Cenote that is open to the public that I know of, Cenote Ix-ha . But there are many more all around Cancun including the one that I spoke about in this post.

Are the cenotes in Cancun deep?

Yes, many of them can reach 30 mt. Kaan Luum Lagoon reaches 80mt depth. But others are quite shallow.

Are there alligators in cenotes?

In general, it’s difficult to find an alligator in a cenote but it’s not impossible. In fact, in Casa Cenote, there is an old gator called Panchito that hangs out but it’s harmful to visitors.

Do cenotes have snakes?

There may be snakes in the surroundings since cenotes are situated in a lush tropical jungle area with thick vegetation, a favorite home for snakes.

However, although I have been in so many cenotes that I cannot even count, I have never seen a snake. They may have seen me though. 😂

Are there sharks in cenotes?

No, no sharks can be found in cenotes.

Do cenotes smell?

Cenotes are not supposed to smell. If they do, it means there is something wrong with the water or the surrounding area. In this case, I would recommend not swimming and warning the local staff. They either can check or they can offer an explanation.

Is it safe to go to the cenotes in Cancun?

In general, Cancun is relatively safe to explore around, including going to the cenotes. There are some safety tips that you need to follow and I have included them in my detailed post linked above.

When you are in a cenote, just follow the cenote rules that are mentioned at the entrance and you’ll be fine. Most of all, if you are not a good swimmer or you don’t feel confident, make sure you wear a lifejacket, and jump only in the designated areas.

The Best Cenotes in Cancun: Final Thoughts

I hope this post was useful and you are now planning your Cenote trip from Cancun. As you can see there are so many cenotes near Cancun and even if visiting them implies quite a drive it’s always worth the trip.

If you don’t feel like visiting the cenotes on your own you can still join an organized tour and go with a guide. There are so many ways to visit a Cenote in Cancun and I hope this guide will help you will find the perfect one for you.

To learn about Cancun head over to my complete Cancun Travel Guide .

Hey there! This is Isabella, the founder and author of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 13 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun's spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!

15 Best Cenote Tours From Cancun [2023]

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.

If you are in Cancun but looking to add some adventure tour trip, you are in the right place!

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular cenote tours from Cancun – one of the most popular places in the Yucatan Peninsula .

Cancun is a busy destination known for its all-inclusive resorts and white-sand beaches that are visited by millions of tourists. But it is also within a few hours of many hidden gems in Yucatan – like the gorgeous cenotes where you can swim, snorkel and even dive.

✅ Check my guide to tipping in Mexico to find out how much you should tip your tour guide.

Best cenote tours from Cancun: a complete overview

1. The best-selling cenote tour – Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret

Explore the Yucatan jungle’s flooded sinkholes, or cenotes, during this full-day guided eco-adventure. Paddle through the underground caverns on kayaks, snorkel, and float on the azure water on inner tubes while your guide will tell you about Mayan folktales.

And, if you didn’t know that cenotes were used by Mayans for important rituals and even sacrifices, you will love learning their history.

This small-group tour is limited to 19 people. Mayan cenote adventure tour allows you to snorkel and kayak in four cenotes amid aquatic flora and fish.

Whether you want to rappel down rock walls in a semi-open cenote or zipline over an ancient cenote, you will love this high-rated tour with a personal touch.

What’s included in the tour:

• a gourmet picnic lunch
• non-alcoholic beverages
• use of necessary equipment
• round-trip transportation to your hotel

Book Oasis Maya Cenote Tour by clicking here

2. The best value cenote tour – 3 cenotes and 1 lagoon

This is one of the best tours from Cancun for those travelers who like a combination of adventure and nature that includes three cenotes and a gorgeous Lagoon Kaan Luum in the middle of the Mayan jungle.

Cenotes are perfect for cooling on a hot summer day and make a perfect getaway from Cancun.

You will visit cenote Zacil-Ha, where you can refresh in a cenote and ziplane, Gran Cenote , one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum , and Cenote Cristalino, one of the best-hidden cenotes in the area.

During the tour, you will have a chance to explore cenotes and also learn about their history and significance as ceremonial places for the Mayans.

At the end of the tour in the cenotes and the lagoon, you will enjoy a delicious lunch in a Mayan restaurant in the middle of the jungle.

This is also one of the best cenote tours if you are looking for the most value! 💰 The tour departs early morning and brings you back to your hotel in the evening.

• a lunch box
• entrance tickets to Lagoon Kaan Luum
• entrance tickets to cenotes

Book Three Cenote And a Lagoon Tour by clicking here

3. The most fun cenote tour from Cancun – Bacalar Lagoon and cenotes

This popular day tour from Cancun includes stops in cenotes and Bacalar , one of the most beautiful places in the Yucatan Peninsula and home to the incredible lagoon of seven colors.

Bacalar is a quiet town that offers a different side of Yucatan with its incredible scenery and opportunities for recreation like sailing, kayaking, cenote swimming, and even diving!

Bacalar is more than 4 hours away from Cancun which is why visiting with a tour is a great option because you don’t have to drive for hours!

When you arrive, you will take a pontoon ride on the Bacalar lagoon and experience the Cenote Azul and Cenote Cocalitos.

This tour offers a great value, as you don’t have to worry about driving, or spending money on food and hotels which you would have to do if you visit Bacalar on your own.

• access to cenotes
• a tour of Lake Bacalar

Book A Bacalar Lagoon and Cenote Tour by clicking here

4. the most adventurous cenote tour – atv and zip-lining.

This is one of the best cenote tours from Cancun for adrenaline lovers that includes exploring the jungle by ATV, zip-lining, and refreshing in a cenote.

First, you get to ride through the jungle on an ATV and later zip-line through over the canopy and walk on hanging bridges in the ecological park. The tour ends with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote.

• a certified guide
• safety gear
• all of the activities
• snacks and bottled water

Book an ATV tour with zip-lining and cenote swimming by clicking here

5. Best private cenote tour – three cenotes

Discover three different styles of a cenote on a half-day tour to Cenotes Zapote Ecopark, with round-trip transportation from your hotel.

Choose from three jump pads at the 205-foot (63-meter) deep Zapote Cenote, then bike or hike to Las Palmas Cenote.

Snorkel among stalactites and stalagmites, and go through the jungle on a zip line, in the Abuelo Cheche cenote.

This private tour is a perfect option if you want to enjoy the gorgeous cenotes without waiting for others in your group, and take stunning photos. The tour has a flat rate that covers up to six people: a great choice if you traveling with a family or a group of friends.

• bottled water

Click here to book a three-cenote tour

6. Best Cancun cenote tour for nature lovers – Mayan adventure

This day tour is a perfect way to discover three extraordinary ecosystems of the Mayan world which will show you the incredible biodiversity of the region and enjoy fun activities like snorkeling and exploring an underground river in the middle of the lush jungle followed by a swim in cenotes.

La Caleta de Yal-kú, located in the coastal town of Akumal, is one of the best-hidden gems in the region where you can swim and enjoy spectacular landscapes.

A stop in a beautiful place close to Xpu-Ha but deep in the jungle where you will find 2 incredible cenotes, open and semi-open where you can refresh, jump and snorkel or just relax in the hammocks.

• a pick and drop off at your hotel
• snorkeling equipment

Click here to book Mayan adventure from Cancun

7. The most fun cenote tour – Chichen Itza Sunrise and Cenote Ik Kil

Rated – 5 stars, 158 reviews 

The sunrise tour of Chichen Itza allows you to beat the crowds at Chichen Itza – one of the most popular Mayan ruins in Yucatan. The private sunrise tour of Chichen is followed by a visit to the gorgeous Cenote Ik-Kil where you can jump for a refreshing swim.

Your itinerary is flexible and you can add another archaeological site, like Ek Balam, Coba , or Tulum to your itinerary. This tour allows you to enjoy some of the most popular places in Yucatan all without crowds and the mid-day heat.

• a pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
• entrance fees to Mayan ruins and cenotes
• a private guide

Click here to beat the crowds at Chichen Itza and enjoy cenote

8. the best cultural tour – chichen itza, cenote and valladolid.

Ready for a cultural experience in the heart of Yucatan?

This is one of the most popular cenote tours that has thousands of reviews from happy customers. It includes stops in Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and Valladolid, a colorful colonial town, and one of the most beautiful Pueblos Magicos in Mexico .

This is a perfect tour if you are visiting the Yucatan Peninsula for the first time, and want to get familiar with some of its top highlights, as well as learn the Mayan history.

Note that, unlike the previous tour, this tour doesn’t include entrance fees to Chichen Itza, which have to be paid in cash.

What’s included in the tour :

• hotel pick-up and drop-off
• a certified bilingual guide
• entrance to a cenote
• a 30-minute stop in Valladolid
• buffet meal

Click here to book Chichen Itza, Valladolid and cenote tour

9. The best private combo tour: Chichen Itza, Coba, and Cenote Ik-Kil

Not a fan of group tours?

This private tour offers stops in Chichen Itza, Coba , and Cenote Ik Kil and is an excellent option if you want a more personal approach.

A licensed guide will accompany you to archeological areas of Chichen Itza and Coba where you can learn the history of the Mayan ruins before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch and taking a refreshing swim in a cenote.

Chichen Itza is one of the most popular Mayan ruins in Mexico and visiting it with a guided tour will save you a lot of hassle, as you will not have to deal with transportation, waiting in line to buy tickets and navigating the area on your own.

• a certified guide,
• a private tour of the Mayan ruins
• sweet snacks, soft drinks & 2 cans of beer

Click here to visit Coba, Chichen Itza and swim in cenote

10. the best tour for adrenaline junkies -sacred adventure at xenotes.

Rated – 4,5 stars, 24 reviews 

This cool tour offers an adrenaline-loaded journey into the heart of the Mayan jungle along the Ruta de Los Cenotes, so come prepared for some serious fun!

This is the ONLY tour in the Riviera Maya that allows you to learn the different types of cenotes: semi-open, open, ancient, and cavern.

During the tour, you can also enjoy activities like rappelling, zip-lining, kayaking, and jumping in cenotes before refueling with a delicious picnic lunch.

The tour leaves early morning and brings you back in the late afternoon. For the best experience, bring water shoes, a GoPro, and a swimsuit, and wear clothing that dries fast.

• round trip transportation
• visit four different types of cenotes
• activities like zip line, kayak and water exploration swim
• soft drinks, fruits of the season, and sweet bread.
• equipment: life jacket, rappel equipment and kayak

Click here to enjoy Sacred Adventure at Xenotes!

11. The best cenote tour for thrill-seekers: cenote snorkeling and zip-lining

If you are in the mood for taking a thrill ride through the Yucatan jungle on a full-day tour, this is one of the best cenote tours for you!

The tour begins in Tulum where you explore the ancient Mayan ruins and later take a hike into the jungle to the Sac Actun and Nohoch Nah Chich cenotes—two vast underground river systems—and snorkel through their caves while marveling at stalagmites and stalagmites.

Your next set of adventures includes rappelling into a sinkhole and ziplining through the rainforest.

The tour includes a stop at the Maya community of Rancho San Felipe, a lesson in Tulum history at the site of the famous Tulum ruins, and a traditional Mayan buffet lunch.

What’s included in the tour

• a professional guide
• use of towels and showers
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Click here to book Cancun jungle tour

12. the best cancun cenote tour for action lovers – atv, zip-lines, and cenote.

One of the most popular cenote tours from Cancun, this day trip is jam-packed with action and cool activities . First, you explore the jungle on an ATV, then jump a cenote for a refreshing dip, and later fly above the treetops on a zip line.

Only travelers who are 18 years old and above are permitted to drive their own ATV.

Bring a towel and wear biodegradable sunblock and closed-toe shoes.

• A traditional Mayan lunch
• round-trip transportation from your hotel
• all equipment for your activities
• admission to Ruta de Los Cenotes Park

Click here to book one of the most popular tours from Cancun

13. The best tour to get off the beaten track – Ek Balam and Mayan cenote

Dreaming of swimming in cenotes and visiting one of the least explored Mayan ruins in Yucatan?

This popular day tour will pick you up in your hotel and transport you to Ek Balam, home to one of the tallest pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula and an impressive tomb with well-preserved stone masks, where you can learn the incredible history of this archaeological area from a local guide.

The tour also includes a stop at the nearby cenote and a delicious Mayan lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. This tour provides a more personal experience as groups are limited to 14 people.

• entrance fees to Mayan ruins
• entrance fees to a cenote
• traditional Yucatec food

Click here to enjoy one of the best Mayan ruins and swim in cenote

14. Discover 5 magnificent cenotes from Cancun

Finally, if you want to visit nothing but cenotes, this tour is for you.

This cool adventure includes stops in Tulum and four cenotes in the area where you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and spend a relaxing day before going back to Cancun. As part of the tour, you will also visit the open-type cenote with a Mayan ritual.

Recharge with a traditional Mayan lunch before your final stop in Playa del Carmen where you can explore the famous La Quinta Avenia (the fifth avenue) and buy traditional Mexican handcrafts.

• admission to cenotes

Discover 5 magnificent cenotes near Cancun here

15. Best diving cenote tour from Cancun

If you are a certified diver and also have special cenote diving training, this is one of the best tours from Cancun .

On this tour, you get a chance to dive into the waters of the Yucatan’s vast subterranean caverns.

During the tour, you will witness the impressive visual effects of haloclines while diving among the many limestone rock formations of this massive underground cave system and learn about its unique role in Mayan history.

• cenote dive
• wetsuit and diving equipment
• Hotel drop off. Note that hotel pick-up is not included

Book a fun diving adventure from Cancun clicking here

Things to know before booking cenote tours.

• Pay in Cash –  All cenotes accept  ONLY  cash. If you want to rent snorkeling gear, a life vest, or get a snack, you also have to pay in cash. 
• You have to rinse yourself off before entering the cenote  – This is the main rule because cenotes are filled with fresh groundwater that can be easily contaminated by chemicals in your sunscreen, body lotion, or perfume. Most cenotes have showers on-site, and you will be asked to use them before getting in the water.
• There’s marine life  – Cenotes are home to an array of flora and fauna which you can see while diving and snorkeling. Cenote Car Wash is known for its stunning underwater garden and Gran Cenote has many turtles and fish. 
• Not all cenotes are the same  – While some cenotes are open and look more likes lakes, others are closed or semi-closed and can be accessed via stairs leading down the caverns. 

What is a cenote?

A cenote (pronounced seh-no-te) is a sinkhole filled with fresh groundwater that is formed when the bedrock collapsed exposing the groundwater underneath. 

There are thousands of cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with most of them are either too hard or impossible to access. But there are also dozens of cenotes that are easily accessible from Cancun, like some of the most famous cenotes near Tulum that you can visit on a day trip.

If you want to discover some of the best cenotes in the region that you have seen all over social media, taking a guided tour is a no-brainer.

In my article, I sourced some of the best-priced, top-rated cenote tours from Cancun that will help you choose the right tour.

Types of cenotes near Cancun 

Open cenotes near Cancun 

Open cenotes look more like big lakes than dark caverns filled with fresh underground water. Open cenotes have plenty of sunshine are generally warmer to swim in and often have open decks where you can sit down and relax after taking a swim. Some of the most popular open cenotes near Tulum are Cenote Car Wash and Cenote Escondido

Semi-open cenotes near Cancun

Semi-open cenotes are underground but have an opening where you can see the light. These cenotes are particularly popular for photography because the light creates a gorgeous sight by illuminating the clear blue water in these cenotes during certain hours of the day. Some of the most popular semi-open cenotes near Tulum are  Cenote Dos Ojos , and  Cenote Ik Kil .

Underground cenotes near Cancun 

Closed cenotes are completely underground and have no natural light. These cenotes tend to be darker and much cooler than open cenotes, as they get little sunshine. If you want to explore cool underground cenotes near Tulum, visit one of Coba cenotes that can be accessed via a ladder leading into the cavern. 

What to know before booking a tour:

Note that most tours include a stop in at least one cenote and also fun activities like kayaking, zip-lining, snorkeling and also visiting Mayan cenotes.

My guide provides a good variety which means you can find tours that include a combination of all the above activities. Some of the best tours can take all day and are accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Most of them also include lunch, entrance fees to cenotes, and a pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.

How to book cenote tours from Cancun

I recommend Viator , a top travel company that offers thousands of tours in different parts of the world. Viator has tours all over the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as other parts of Mexico, so it’s worth checking them out. Another great company is Get Your Guide which also has a great variety of cenote tours.

Both companies allow you to receive a full refund if you cancel your tour at least 24 hours in advance.

Best cenote tours from Cancun: FAQ

Are there cenotes in Cancun?

There are no cenotes in Cancun, but there are many cenotes within driving distance that can be visited with a guided tour or independently.

Can you visit cenotes from Cancun

When you stay in Cancun, you can easily visit one of the cenotes in the area by joining a guided tour or by renting a car. Visiting cenotes is one of the best things to do in Yucatan, and you can go swimming, snorkeling and diving there.

Can I go to cenotes without a tour?

Yes, you can visit cenotes without a guided tour. You will need to rent a car, as some of the best cenotes in the area are not served by public transportation.

I recommend DiscoverCars , my go-to company for car rentals in Mexico that has flexible rates and good inventory.

Are cenote tours worth it?

Yes, cenote tours are worth it if you don’t have a car, and want to enjoy some of the best cenotes near Cancun in one day. Private tours offer the best experience, as you can spend more time in cenotes than with a group tour.

How much is a cenote tour?

A price of a cenote tour could be anywhere from $40-60 per person to a few hundred dollars. The price depends on a type of a tour, activities included in a tour and how many cenotes you plan to visit. Private tours are more expensive than group tours, so expect to pay at least $100 per person for a private tour.

How much does it cost to go to a cenote in Cancun?

The entrance to cenote can range anywhere from 100 Pesos and up, if you decide to go on your own. You can also rent snorkeling equipment on the spot in some cenotes and enjoy small on-site restaurants and other amenities.

How long do you stay in each cenote?

It can take between 40 minutes to 1 hour to visit a cenote. If you choose a private tour you can spend time in each cenote than with a group tour.

A final word on booking cenote tours 

Although some people prefer visiting cenotes on their own, taking a guided tour is a great option if you don’t want to drive for hours, pay the entrance fee to cenotes, and deal with all of the logistics of planning your day.  

Viator and Get Your Guide are great platforms where you can find dozens of group and private tours of cenotes with various activities that fit your taste and budget. 

I hope you enjoy your tour and have a great time during your trip 🙂

More resources on planning your trip to Mexico 

Looking for best cenote tours is only one part of planning your adventure. Whether you need to book a car, organize a tour or book a flight while in Mexico, use my suggested services.

• Agoda.com  – a great website for budget accommodations in Cancun and other parts of Mexico.
• WorldNomads  – Great service for insurance coverage that will keep you safe on the road.
• Safety Wing  – Excellent insurance plan for long-term travelers that offers competitive rates is you are planning to stay on the road several weeks in a row. 
• GetYourGuide.com  – This is one of the best platforms for finding guided tours. Get Your Guide is my favorite platform that offers awesome tours and top-notch guides in many destinations in Mexico.
• DiscoverCars.com  – There’s nothing like exploring the vast Yucatan Peninsula at your own pace. Consider renting a car at Discover Cars if you want more freedom exploring this part of Mexico. 
• CheapoAir.com  – One of the best platforms for saving money on flights within Mexico and beyond. 
• Booking.com  – a popular website with tons and tons of options for accommodations of all sorts. 

10 of Cancún’s Absolute Best Cenotes

07/29/2021 by Emily Becker Leave a Comment

So you’ve made it to Cancún, spent an entire day (or several) lying on the beach, and you’re looking for something else to do on the Riviera Maya. Luckily, Cancún is a great base for getting out and adventuring in the area.

One thing you definitely won’t want to miss out on is visiting the cenotes around Cancún . A cenote is a limestone sinkhole filled from underground freshwater rivers. They can be closed and cave-like, semi-open with cliff overhangs, or completely open, resembling a pond from above.

Intrigued? Here are my top picks for the best cenotes that are easily accessible from Cancún:

Table of Contents

Cenote Chac Mool

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riviera Maya, México (@rivieramayamx)

This cenote is one part of a system of three separate cenotes that open to the same larger body of water and are connected by underground rivers. It’s open on the surface, with rocky cliffs on one side. But it’s the epic underwater caves that attract visitors and make it ideal for divers. Given that, it is not as spectacular if you can only see it from the surface.

Some dive tours, like this one from AcuatiCaribe , include dives through the two other connected cenotes, Kukulcan and Little Brother. The tour will take you down to see the haloclines and thermoclines, the layers of cloudlike substances where freshwater and saltwater mix and create neat optical illusions.

• Cost: 250 pesos ($12.50 USD)
• Hours: 9am to 5pm
• When to go: The best time to visit for fewer crowds is in the morning. Also, as you go below the surface, the rays of the morning and early afternoon light are spectacular.
• How to get there: The inland turn to get to Chac Mool is just about a kilometer after Puerto Aventuras, on the right. If you’re taking public transportation, you can easily get dropped off at Puerto Aventuras and take a taxi to Chac Mool.
• Pros: The three-cenote system is an amazing place to dive and a great bang for your buck.
• Cons: You aren’t allowed to take photos underwater.

Cenote Tajma-ha

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Playa del Carmen (@playadelcarmen_)

This cenote got its name when cave divers used a clever play on words. Its deep and wondrous caverns had divers referring to it as the “Taj Mahal” of cenotes. As “ha” means “water” in the Mayan language, Tajma-ha sounds like a Mayan interpretation of “Taj Mahal.”

Tajma-ha is certainly well suited for divers, especially those who have a lot of experience. It boasts a maze of tunnels, limestone formations, and huge chambers. For more information on diving in Tajma-ha, check out Koox Diving .

You’ll find this cenote just 5 kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras; it is easy to access by car or public transportation.

• Cost: 250 pesos ($12.50 USD) to enter; additional costs to dive, depending on which diving company you choose.
• Hours: 8am to 5pm daily
• When to go: This cenote is only popular among divers, so if you go just for a swim, don’t expect to see too many people there. Anytime of day is fine to visit, so take advantage of the morning sun for a refreshing dip.
• How to get there: 3 kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras, take a right on the inland-bound Avenida Tajma-ha. You’ll find a sign for the cenote about 2 kilometers in. If you’re taking public transportation, ask the driver to drop you off at Xpu-ha; from there you can either walk or take a taxi to the cenote.
• Pros: It’s one of the best dives in the area. If you’re going for a swim, there won’t be as many people there.
• Cons: It is best suited for experienced divers, so if you’re a beginner, this one might not be the best choice.

Cenote Chikin-ha

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lola Lo Sabe (@wotton_stoffer_lola)

Chikin-ha is the biggest of three cenotes on the same property. It is open, with underwater caves, making it a stellar location for diving. Throughout the flooded caves, there are several small openings that let light in, changing the color of the water as you swim through.

Even if you don’t go for the diving, Chikin-ha is next to two smaller cenotes, X’tabay and Ta’ak Bil-ha. X’tabay is an open cenote that is great for swimming, and Ta’ak Bil-ha is a ceremonial one that doesn’t allow visitors to get into the water. All three of these are in a gorgeous jungle setting and definitely worth a visit.

• Cost: 400 pesos ($20 USD) for all three on-site cenotes
• Hours: 8:00am to 6pm
• When to go: Get there in the morning to beat the crowds and take advantage of the relaxing atmosphere.
• How to get there: Just a couple kilometers after Puerto Aventuras, turn right at the marker for kilometer 265 and follow the road until you get to the entrance. If you’re taking public transportation, let the driver know you’re going to Chikin-ha and you can get out at the turn and walk.
• Pros: The diving is incredible and definitely worthy of your bucket list. The close proximity to other cenotes is also a plus.
• Cons: This cenote is quite built up, as it’s part of an eco-park, which isn’t everyone’s favorite thing. It’s not a seemingly untouched paradise like other more remote cenotes.

Ruta de Cenotes

The Ruta de Cenotes is a stretch of highway between Puerto Morelos (about 30 minutes south of Cancún) and the community of Leona Vicario. The 40-kilometer stretch of highway goes inland from the coast and has over 60 cenotes along it. Many of these are privately owned and have higher entrance fees than the public ones. They’re also much more built up and have more things to do, such as zip lines, ATV tours, and horseback riding.

Here are the best cenotes along the route:

Cenote Las Mojarras (aka Loma Bonita Park)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edgar MT (@edgar_d_mt)

Named for the fish you’ll find in freshwater cenotes and lakes, Las Mojarras is a large, open cenote with emerald water. It’s one of the biggest on the Ruta de Cenotes and has a six-meter-high platform to jump in from. There are camping facilities on-site, along with bathrooms and changing areas. You’ll also find a fun zip line that goes through the surrounding jungle and over the cenote.

• Cost: 250 pesos ($12.50 USD) to swim, 950 pesos ($47.50 USD) for an ATV tour.
• When to go: Avoid going on the weekends. The best time to go is in the morning on a weekday. I suggest visiting this one first, because it gets more crowded than the others on the Ruta de Cenotes.
• How to get there: Las Mojarras is at kilometer 12.5 and is the first cenote on the route.
• Pros: The water is gorgeous and clear, so it’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding jungle makes a picturesque scene, and the ATV and zip line activities are unique to this cenote.
• Cons: The price is high compared to others that are similar.

Cenote Siete Bocas

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cris No (@cris.n0)

Siete Bocas is a semi-open cenote with seven different access points from above, which allow sunlight to pour into the semi-underground pool. There are ladders leading down to the water, but you can also take a leap through one of the mouths into the depths. There are some massive stalactites in the cenote that are especially neat to check out.

• Cost: 400 pesos ($20 USD).
• Hours: 8am to 5pm
• When to go: This one doesn’t tend to get too crowded, so you can visit anytime during the day on a weekday and find few visitors.
• How to get there: This one is at kilometer 15.5 of the Ruta de Cenotes. From there, follow the sign for Siete Bocas, which will take you 2 kilometers further inland on a dirt road, where the cenote is.
• Pros: You may get the place to yourself, because it doesn’t tend to get very crowded, which is always a plus!
• Cons: The price is quite steep in comparison with other cenotes in the area, which can be a bit of a deterrent.

Cenote Verde Lucero

This cenote gets its name from its unusual green appearance. It’s open, with kayaks, a swing, and plenty of room to swim and snorkel. This one is at kilometer 17 on the Ruta de Cenotes and stays relatively uncrowded, so visit any time of the day for a nice, relaxing vibe. There’s also a zip line and a cliff diving spot for my fellow daredevils.

• Cost: 300 pesos ($15 USD) to enter
• When to go: Anytime during a weekday is fine, but weekends tend to be more crowded.
• How to get there: This one is at kilometer 17 on the route, just past Siete Bocas.
• Pros: The unique green color is a nice change from the other deep-blue cenotes.
• Cons: The price is quite high for what it is, which is a calm swimming hole.

Cenote Zapote

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cenotes Zapote PrehistoricPark (@cenotes_zapote_prehistoricpark)

Zapote, located inside an eco-park with the same name, is a mostly open cenote, with some caves to explore and platforms to jump in from. There is also a zip line that goes above the water.

It is also one of the best along the route for diving, as it is known for its underwater stalactites ( Campanas del Inframundo , or “Bells of the Underworld”). For more information about diving, check out Koox Diving .

• Cost: 700 pesos ($35 USD) to enter the eco-park, which includes entrance to the cenote.
• When to go: Due the cost to enter, there are rarely large crowds here. Feel free to visit any time of the day, any day of the week.
• How to get there: The turn off the Ruta de Cenotes for Zapote is at kilometer 19. From there, the Zapote Ecopark is 6 kilometers in.
• Pros: The diving is incredible and a unique experience.
• Cons: This is one of the most expensive cenotes I’ve seen. If you aren’t diving, I’d say skip it unless you don’t mind the price.

Cenote Kin-ha

View this post on Instagram A post shared by R A P H I E ? (@raphieshin)

This semi-open cenote is cavelike, with two large openings at the top to let light in. You have to climb down some stairs to get inside, and there are several wooden platforms to jump in the water from. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can jump into the cenote from one of the openings above.

Kin-ha has another open cenote called Blanca Flor about a kilometer away, which is great to stop at too.

• Cost: 400 pesos ($20 USD) to swim, 1000 pesos ($50 USD) for an ATV tour.
• When to go: This cenote gets pretty busy in the late morning and early afternoon, so it’s best to visit in the morning right when it opens.
• How to get there: At the same kilometer marker as Zapote (kilometer 19), there is a separate turn for Kin-ha, so follow the signs.
• Pros: The cavelike vibe of Kin-ha is really remarkable, and it’s full of fun activities. You could spend hours at both Kin-ha and Blanca Flor.
• Cons: It has more of a hectic atmosphere, because it tends to get crowded in the late morning and early afternoon.

Cenote La Noria

La Noria is a much more secluded and low-key semi-open cenote. It has beautiful turquoise waters that you can reach by climbing down the wooden stairs into the open cavern. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling make the place feel like you’ve stepped into the underworld, and they’re close enough to the water that you can get up close to look at them.

La Noria is along the same road as Kin-ha and Zapote, but just a bit closer to the highway. It’s great for a quick stop before or after an adventure at either of the other two bigger parks.

• Cost: 200 pesos ($10 USD), although some sources claim non-Mexican visitors must pay 300 pesos ($15 USD)
• Hours: 9am to 5pm, closed on Mondays
• When to go: Anytime during the day is fine, as it doesn’t tend to get very crowded. Consider visiting after going to Kin-ha or Zapote.
• How to get there: At kilometer 19 of the Ruta de Cenotes, follow the signs for La Noria, which is before the entrances to Kin-ha and Zapote.
• Pros: It’s quieter, more laid back, and cheaper than most of the cenotes on the Ruta de Cenotes.
• Cons: There isn’t very much to do there besides swim and relax.

Bonus: Cenote Ik Kil

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cenote Ik Kil (@cenoteikkiloficial)

Even though this cenote is one of the most touristy I have ever visited, I still think it’s one of the most beautiful. The water is about 26 meters (85 feet) below ground level, and the large opening at the top has vines hanging down from it, creating a mystical atmosphere.

The stairs around the edge of the cenote lead to a cool jumping-off point. Life jackets are recommended but not required, and there is ample space to swim around. Even though it’s the furthest cenote from Cancún on this list (a 2.5-hour drive), it’s a must-see while visiting this part of Mexico, and since it’s close to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid, it makes a great day trip.

• Cost: The entrance fee has two package options: Ik Kil Package 1 for 150 pesos ($7.50 USD) includes admission, plus a life jacket and a locker. Package 2 is 350 pesos ($17.50 USD) and includes admission, a life jacket, a meal (with five options to choose from), and a beverage.
• Hours: 9am to 5pm; the entrance closes at 4pm.
• When to go: If you want to avoid the inevitable crowds as much as possible, get there right when it opens. Even 10 minutes early is great. Tour groups get there around 11am, so try to get your visit in before then.
• How to get there: Ik Kil is near the highway that goes from Cancún to Mérida and is only 3 kilometers from Chichén Itzá. The easiest way to get there via public transportation is to take a Chichén Itzá–bound ADO bus from Cancún and taxi to Ik Kil from there.
• Pros: The place is gorgeous, and the price is reasonable. It’s a definite must-see while visiting Cancún, Valladolid, or Mérida.
• Cons: The crowds are intense from 11am onward. It’s also quite built-up and developed so it doesn’t have that same off-the-beaten-path feel that many other cenotes do.

Guidelines and Best Practices

• Sunblock:  Most sunblocks contain chemicals that are very harmful to the ecosystem of cenotes, lagoons, and the ocean. In fact, many of the chemicals in traditional sunblocks are partially responsible for  coral bleaching.  Yikes! Either omit sunblock, or opt for one that says “reef safe” or “eco-park friendly” on the label. These are mineral sunblocks and don’t cause damage the way chemical ones do.
• Rinsing off:  At some cenotes, like Ik Kil, for example, you’ll see an open shower area. Sometimes there are signs instructing visitors to rinse off before stepping into the cenote, but last time I visited the area, many of them didn’t have a sign. Make sure to keep an eye out for these shower areas, so you can rinse off any residue on your skin from lotions, soaps, etc.
• Leave no trace:  Would you want to roll up to your chosen cenote and find a ton of trash there, floating around in the water? Of course not! Be mindful of everything you bring with you, and make sure not to leave any trash behind.
• Respect the local culture:  Cenotes were and continue to be, in some cases, places of worship for the Mayan people. As you can see above, with Ta’ak Bil-ha, these sacred sinkholes have a rich history and immense cultural significance. Keep this in mind when you visit, and be kind to the staff working there.
• Bring cash:  Some of the more popular cenotes have card readers, but the smaller ones will only take cash. Make sure to bring enough pesos for your entrance fee, transportation, and snacks.

Compare car rental prices in Cancún here.

Pin me for later:

Visiting cenotes near Cancún is a wonderful way to get close to nature and learn about local culture at the same time. These are definitely worth visiting if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or diving. While there are plenty of other things to do in and around Cancún , I recommend making a stop at one (or all!) of these cenotes while you visit.

Want more cenote info? We also have a great roundup of Tulum’s best cenotes and a complete guide to Gran Cenote !

About Emily Becker

Emily Becker is a digital nomad based in Costa Rica. She's been traveling on and off since 2014 and has visited 15 countries—planning to tick many more off her bucket list. In addition to writing for BMTM, she works as a copywriter and project manager.

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Cenotes Tours in Cancun

A unique and iconic attraction of the Yucatan Peninsula, the cenotes are magical places where the underground world exposes its secrets and incredible beauty. Swim, snorkel, explore and even dive in spectacular cenotes to enter a world of crystal clear waters, complex rock formations and absolute peace immersed in nature. Visiting a cenote is something you should not miss when visiting Cancun and the Riviera Maya, since only then can you understand the mystical appeal of these places that have fascinated all their visitors since time immemorial.

Extreme Canopy Adventure Tour

Ride 10 exciting zip lines with over 2 miles of thrill adventure, then ride in an army truck to a hidden jungle cenote and jump into the water.

Departs from: Cancun and Riviera Maya

Duration: 5 hours approx.

Chichen Itza Private Tour

Visit the amazing Chichen Itza Ruins on a personalized private tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya. Discover one of the most amazing places in the world without itineraries.

Duration: 10 hours approx.

Snorkel Xtreme Tour

Get amazed with the Riviera Maya beauty and snorkel between colorful fish while you enjoy the best sandy beach around. Fly 21 meters (70 feet) above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zip line ride!

Duration: 8-9 hrs.

Coba Mayan Village

Join us on an adventure to ancient city of Coba exploring the ruins, learning about Mayan culture, swim in a pristine cenote, and dine on traditional cuisine from Yucatan.

Duration: 6 hours approx

Ek Balam Mayan Traditions

Join us on a captivating journey through time and nature with our Ek Balam Archaeological and Cenote Adventure Tour! Step into the mystical world of the Mayas as you explore one of their impressive architectural marvels, the city Ek Balam.

Duration: 12 hours approx

Kaan Luum and Cenotes

Join us on this tour to the south of the Mayan Riviera and discover amazing places of natural beauty unique in the world.

Duration: From 7 to 8 hours

Tulum, Cenote and Playa del Carmen

Visit one of the most important archaeological zones of the Mayan culture: Tulum where you can admire the unique view of the ruins on the edge of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Later you will swim and relax in the crystalline waters of a cenote and taking a walk on the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

Departs from: Cancun and Puerto Morelos

Chichen Itza Mayan Cuisine

On this tour we offer a cultural alternative as much fun to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We will learn about the Mayan culture through its typical food and beverages and we will cool off at one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area.

Duration: 11 hours (approx.)

Xcaret and Chichen Itza

This package provides an affordable alternative to visit 2 of the most popular attractions for Cancun and Riviera Maya visitors, Xcaret EcoPark and The Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza.

Duration: 11-12 hrs. approx

Gimme All Tour

For those who enough is never enough; We give all activities at Selvatica Adventure Park! including Extreme Canopy, Swim in the cenote, Polaris RZR, Tarzania Coaster, Monster Zip Lines, Skywalk and Bungee swing

Duration: 4 hours approx.

Xenotes Tour

Live nature at its best visiting four different cenotes and enjoy fun activities and extreme adventures like Kayak, Zip-line, Inner tubes, Rappel and Snorkel

Duration: 7-8 hours approx.

Xichen Clasico Tour

Discover why Chichen Itza is a World Heritage Site and a Wonder of the World. We will take a guided tour of the ruins site and learn about the fascinating world of the Mayas.

Duration: 11-12 hrs.

Off Road and Flight Challenge Tour

Six amazing activities in one unforgettable day! An experience of a lifetime awaits you.

Mayan Adventure Tour

A Riviera Maya snorkel tour so you can see it all! Explore three different eco-systems in one of the most complete snorkel tours out there.

Chichen Itza Regular Tour

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Chichen Itza during your Cancun vacations; the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire and learn why it has been designated one of the modern wonders of the world.

Duration: 11-12 hours approx.

Chichen Itza and Cenote Maya Tour

Visit in one excursion two spectacular attractions full of culture and magic, Chichen Itza and Cenote Maya will make you live an exciting and fun trip where history and natural beauty come together to surprise you.

Departs from: Temporarily unavailable

Duration: 12 hours approx.

Tulum and Pacchen Tour

Dive deep into the storied past and colorful present of the Mayan culture in one extraordinary expedition combining the jaw ping landscapes and rich history of Tulum archaeological site with a visit to the lively Maya community of Pacchén.

Duration: From 10 to 11 hours

Valladolid Magic Town

Join us to visit the wonderful colonial town of Valladolid located in Yucatan between Mérida and Cancún. Get amazed by the impressive Cenote Saamal and enjoy a regional buffet.

Duration: From 9 to 11 hours

Chichen Itza Time Masters

Visit the world famous archaeological zone Chichen itza, discover the mystery of its emblematic temples, refresh yourself swimming in a typical sacred cenotes, you will also know the beautiful colonial city of Valladolid a magical town in Yucatan.

Duration: 10-11 hours approximately

Emotions Native Park

Experience the emotion of driving an ATV vehicle through jungle trails. Enjoy pleasant walks immersed in a protected natural area to explore caves. Fly, discover, learn, swim, enjoy different emotions in this outstanding park.

Duration: Aprox 5 hours

Jungle Maya Expedition

Discover the world longest underwater cave system, rappel into a beautiful cenote and explore the Mayan jungle while flying over the treetops on ziplines.

Duration: 7 hours (approx.)

Ek Balam and Cenote Maya Tour

Visit Ek Balam, the most recent archaeological zone in the region to be opened to the public. You will also enjoy the Cenote Maya Park, a beautiful natural formations and great natural pool of 80 m of diameter.

Coba Maya Encounter

Unforgettable excursion including a guided tour to Mayan ruins of Coba to continue with a lot of exciting activities including Zip-line, Cenote Swimming, Rappelling, Canoe paddling and much more.

Duration: 9 hours (approx.)

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• About Xenotes

DISCOVER CANCUN CENOTES AT XENOTES TOUR

The only tour that takes you to the four types of Mexican cenotes that exist, to admire their beauty, interact with their nature, and to enjoy a different activity in each of them.

WHAT IS A CENOTE?

They are sinkholes or natural pools of fresh water that come from the longest underground river system in the world. You can enjoy the four types of cenotes that exist with the Xenotes Tour that takes you to the best cenotes in Cancun .

LIBERATE FROM ROUTINE AT CANCUN XENOTES TOUR

Each cenote or Mexico sinkhole has one or more activities to have fun to the fullest: assisted rappel descent into the depths of a cavern blue cenote ; zip-lining, and cliff jumps in an ancient and open gran cenote ; kayaking, and underwater exploration swim in a semi-open cenote.

VALUE THE ANCIENT SURROUNDING OF CANCUN XENOTES TOUR

You will find cenotes in Cancun , Tulum, Playa del Carmen and throughout the Riviera Maya, but only on the Xenotes Tour you connect with unique places, fill yourself with renewing energy, and find harmony in the history and legends that certified guides will tell you in this exclusive Cancun tour .

ENJOY THE EXCLUSIVE CANCUN XENOTES TOUR

Enjoy the experience of a private tour in Cancun with personalized assistance and in small groups. In addition, it includes coffee, champurrado, pastries, and fruit of the season, as well as an original picnic in the middle of the jungle.

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• Our Cenotes

Learn more about Cancun Cenotes (Mexican sinkholes)

Discover the four kind of cenotes that exist, their characteristics, differences, but above all, what makes them special.

Lu’um Cenote

Activities at the cenote:.

• Assisted rappel from 82 feet high (25 m) into the cenote.
• Swimming in its spectacular waters surrounded by rock formations.
• Small platform to dive from at 7 feet high (2 m).
• Depth of the cenote: 69 to 82 feet (21 to 25 m).
• Water tonality: turquoise blue.

Iik’ Cenote

• Two circuits of zip-lines.
• Cliff jump.
• Swimming among water lilies.
• Depth of the cenote: 33 to 43 feet (10 to 13 m).
• Water tonality: emerald green.
• Exploration swimming.
• Tour through the cenote on board a kayak.
• Admiring the flora and fauna of a cenote.
• Depth of the cenote: 30 to 49 feet (9 to 15 m).
• Water tonality: sapphire blue.

K’áak’ Cenote

• Dive from a zip-line.
• Enter the cenote from a waterslide.
• Tour the cenote swimming or on board an inner tube.
• Depth of the cenote: 23 to 30 feet (7 to 9 m).
• Water tonality: green jade.

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Visit Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

M exico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a land steeped in ancient history and full of beauty, mystery and wonder. With its centuries-old Maya civilization, the tropical jungles, and grand temples, it’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But the real magic of this area lies in its natural phenomenon – the cenotes. Visit cenotes in the Yucatan for an experience like no other.

Honestly, this is one of our family’s favorite things to do in all of Mexico. We love to visit cenotes and have probably done this more than five times over the last several years.

What is a Cenote?

First things first. Cenotes are like natural swimming holes that have been formed over time from pockets of limestone, fed by fresh rainwater and filtration from above. They are interconnected by a network of tunnels that flow the clean water through the rivers and out to sea. These cenotes are like deep water wells, with refreshing, clear water.

Since they are millions of years old, their origins are uncertain. However, many scientists conclude that cenotes were formed as part of the Big Bang. A meteor hit the Earth nearby, forming the Gulf of Mexico and spraying rock and debris for hundreds of miles. Looking at a map, the cenotes encircle the meteor’s impact point like an arc.

Regardless of origin, cenotes today beckon visitors to take a dip in their calm, clear waters. Visit cenotes for recreation, a bit of lore and perhaps a glimpse into our ancient history.

Types of Cenotes

There are different kinds of cenotes, each with its unique features. The Maya believed these cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, where their gods and ancestors resided.

Open Cenotes – Where sunlight dapples the water, fern grottos form along the walls, and vines dangle down the sides.

Semi-Open – Where natural light still filters through, but mostly under a rocky overhang.

Cave Cenotes – Where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.

Ancient Cenotes – Where they have been designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, who used them for religious rituals and spiritual honors.

Day Trips to Visit Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for having thousands of cenotes that dot the thick, tropical jungles. Many of them have been discovered and prepared for visitors to enjoy. Some are trek-worthy from most major resort destinations around the area, while others are even located in city centers, within restaurants, and on hotel grounds. Most are privately owned.

There are plenty of cenotes located very close to the major destinations in this area, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.

Visit Cenotes Near Cancun

Nearest to Cancun is the Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) with more than ten options within a 30-minute drive of the Cancun resorts. Some of the best include Kin Ha, a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform, and La Mojarras, one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.

Another exciting option is Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths), which has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. And for those who like a little adventure, La Noire is a darker cave cenote with zipline and jumping platform, as well as bats lurking in the hollows.

Tour companies near Cancun: Maritur DMC is a destination management company that is great for larger groups and organized tours from a number of destinations including Cancun.

Visit Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you must check out the Cenote Azul, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area and popular because it is open to the sky and great for visitors of all ages.

You can also book a special Xenotes Tour with Xcaret that visits several special cenotes. The tour includes Ha Cenote, a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here. At nearby Iik Cenote, you can enjoy ziplines over the water, along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high. Another exciting option is the Lu’um Cenote, where you can rappel into a cavern cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming. There’s also K’aak’ Cenote, which is like a waterpark with natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into the blue waters.

Tour company near Playa Del Carmen: The Xcaret Tour called Xenote is great for guests staying at any of the three Xcaret resort properties. Tours are available daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas. Even if you are not a resort guest, it’s possible to book their tours.

Visit Cenotes Near Tulum

If you’re staying in Tulum, there are several great cenotes nearby. One popular option is the Cenote Dos Ojos Park, which is an all-purpose cenote. It offers ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and even hammocks for relaxing.

There are also several underground cenotes located near the Mayan ruins at Coba, including Cenote Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha, all with interesting rock formations. For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out the Suytan cenote, famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.

Tour company near Tulum: AllTournative Adventures is a private tour company with many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes in a respectful and educational approach. We had a blast spending the day with them and touring the ruins at Coba along with some fantastic cenotes nearby.

Visit Cenotes Near Merida

If you’re staying in Merida, there are several great cenotes nearby, including the Ik Kil Cenote, located in the city of Valladolid near Chichen Itza. This enormous cenote is popular as a refreshing and beautiful reward after visiting the Mayan ruins. Another popular option is the Santa Barbara Cenotes, the most visited in the Merida area. This location offers three gorgeous cenotes, each offering a different experience, one blue, one green, and one turquoise. For a more gentrified experience, check out the Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche. It’s located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, complete with a restaurant, shop, and other amenities.

Tour company near Merida: Merida Gay Tours , owned by Ricardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. (Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community – allies welcome!) His tours include cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in addition to Merida. He also has other tours of interest if you want to visit the ruins, etc.

Grab Your Swimsuit. Or Don’t!

Visiting cenotes is an absolute must-do activity when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to relax and cool off, or a bit of both, cenotes are the perfect destination for adventuresome travelers. Some locations are private and you could even do a little skinny dipping.

So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and take a dive into these cool cenotes.

Other Stories About Cenotes

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is Best All-Inclusive Resort for Families

Mayan Experiences at the Ruins of Coba

Best Tours for Cenote Snorkeling in Cancun

What is cenote snorkeling.

The Cenotes in Cancun

Snorkeling is one of the most popular recreational and vacation activities in Cancun. The warm, clear ocean water is ideal for spotting tropical fish and other marine wildlife, plus there are unique inland snorkeling locations called “cenotes.” A cenote is a natural sinkhole that is formed when limestone bedrock collapses and exposes water beneath the ground or a connection to subterranean bodies of water. Some of the most well-known cenotes are quite large and easily accessible, but there are between 7,000 and 8,000 cenotes of various size, just within the Yucatan Peninsula.

Cenote History

Millions of years ago, most of this area was an ocean. As the water levels of the ocean lowered during the Ice Age, we were left with what we now recognize as the Yucatan Peninsula. The receding of the water caused a great deal of erosion to occur, and cave systems and cenotes were created.

In ancient Mayan times, civilizations were often built near cenotes to ensure access to water. The Mayans also believed that cenotes served as a gateway to the afterlife, and were therefore used in sacred rituals, or had sacred items thrown into them. Some cenotes that have been explored have been hiding human skeletons and items most likely used as sacrifices to the rain god Chaac.

How to Find the Best Cenotes in Cancun

The best cenotes in Cancun are near other cultural locations, like Mayan ruins, or unique topography like caves. You can get the best of both experiences by combining cenote snorkeling with an excursion. For example, visit the Tulum ruins and then check out the nearby by underground river caves and cenotes. Check out some of the exciting adventure tours that include cenote snorkeling below.

Private Tulum & Underground River Tour

The Private Tulum and Underground River Tour is a great way to enjoy the intimacy of a small group while you immerse yourself in history and culture at two of Cancun’s best excursion sites. 

Start your day by traveling through the dense tropical jungle to the Mayan ruins in Tulum. Sitting elegantly and mysteriously on the top of a seaside cliff, and protected by a limestone wall, El Castillo is one of the most well-preserved and stunning ancient sites in Mexico. Our expert bilingual tour guides will transport you back in time with stories, facts, and a glimpse into life in this Mesoamerican civilization. You’ll also get to see the beautiful murals in the Temple of the Frescoes.

Next, you’ll visit a network of underground water system in the heart of the jungle. Walk through spectacular cenote caves and tunnels with awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations. Afterward, you’ll finish the day relaxing on our exclusive beach club before heading back to Cancun.

Cenotes Cancun & Paradise Lagoon Tour

When you embark on the Cenotes Cancun and Paradise Lagoon Tour , you get to see the unbelievable cave and rock formations up close and personal as you snorkel in a freshwater cenote. 

You’ll also get to stop at Yalku Lagoon in Playa del Carmen, a paradisiac lagoon of brackish water surrounded by mangrove, full of rocks that create the perfect habitat for colorful fish that live in its calm waters until they are mature enough to migrate to the ocean. 

The snorkeling at Yalku lagoon perfectly complements the unforgettable and unique experience of exploring the underwater world of a mystical cenote. This tour is one of the best things to do in the Cancun with the family.

Cancun Adventures

Check out the many amazing tours provided by Cancun Adventures , including cenote snorkeling in Cancun, and book a tour for your next trip today!

Welcome to Cancun Adventures

Create unforgettable memories in Cancun by embarking on the adventure of a lifetime with our wide selection of world-class tours! Learn more about us , Subscribe to our newsletter below, or contact us for more infomation!

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