Dive into Mexico’s Sensational Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula sounds exotic when you hear it – and it is. This is the land of the Maya, where centuries-old civilizations built enormous cities and grand temples in the tropical jungles to honor their gods. Now part of modern-day Mexico, the peninsula is known for another amazing natural phenomenon – thousands of cenotes.

What is a Cenote?

The word cenote is derived from the ancient Mayan word dz’onot. The Maya believed these were sacred gateways to the underworld where their gods and ancestors resided. The Maya would use them for water supplies and occasionally for sacrificial offerings.

Filled with refreshing, clear water circulated by underground rivers, cenotes (pronounced “say-no-tays”) are deep water wells created from pockets of limestone. Fresh rainwater feeds these natural sinkholes as well as an interconnected network of tunnels that flow clean water through the rivers and out to sea. 

Types of Cenotes 

There are four basic kinds of cenotes: open, semi-open, cave, and ancient, but all are sunken swimming holes many feet below ground level. Many cenotes have a view of the sky that allow sunlight in to dapple the water, the fern grottos to form along the walls, and the vines that dangle down the sides. Others are semi-open, still allowing in natural light but mostly under a rocky overhang. Cave cenotes are also interesting, where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations. 

And finally, ancient cenotes are designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, whose civilizations used them long ago for religious rituals and spiritual honors. These are generally off-limits to visitors and are meant to be preserved with respect for these traditions.

Whether they’re located deep in the Yucatan jungles, city centers, on hotel grounds, or on a trek from major resort destinations, these natural swimming holes beckon visitors to take a dip in their refreshing waters. Here’s a quick list of where you can find them.  

Where to Visit Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

Although you can find cenotes throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, several are located near Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.

Cenotes Near Cancun

The Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) has more than 10 options within a 30-minute drive of the resorts in Cancun. Some of the best include:

Kin Ha – It’s a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform. So much fun! 

La Mojarras – This is one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.

Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths) – This cenote has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool.

La Noire – This cave cenote is darker and has a zipline and jumping platform as well as bats lurking in the hollows.

Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen

Cenote Azul – It’s 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.

Xenotes Tour offers a special tour package that can be booked with visits to these special cenotes:

Ha Cenote – It’s a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here.

Iik Cenote – At this cenote, visitors will find ziplines over the water along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high!

Lu’um Cenote – Rappel into this cavernous cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming.

K’aak’ Cenote – Like a waterpark, this cenote experience includes natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into its blue water.

Cenotes Near Tulum

Cenote Dos Ojos Park – A popular all-purpose cenote with ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and hammocks for visitors to relax. 

Coba – In Coba, located near the Mayan ruins, there are three cenotes: Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha. They are all underground cenotes with interesting rock formations. 

Suytan – An Instagrammer’s dream, this cenote is famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.

Cenotes Near Merida

Ik Kil – Located in Valladolid near Chichen Itza, this enormous cenote is popular because it’s usually a refreshing and beautiful reward for tourists visiting the Mayan ruins. A constant waterfall rains down into the cenote from above, making a great backdrop for photos.

Santa Barbara Cenotes – These are the most visited cenotes in the Merida area because they are more developed, with life vests, lifeguards, and bicycles or horse-drawn carriages to ride between cenotes. These three gorgeous cenotes – one blue, one green, and one turquoise conjure different experiences.

Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche – Located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, this is a more gentrified experience with a restaurant, shop, and manicured grounds. More expensive than the others to visit, this cenote is a higher-end experience.

Tour Companies That Offer Guided Cenote Tours

Some visitors enjoy scouting out and visiting cenotes on their own. If you prefer a guided tour to enjoy the experience without the stress of planning and driving, you should consider booking a cenote excursion with a local tour operator. There are several from which to choose, depending on what destinations interest you most:

Xcaret Tours – For guests staying at the three Xcaret resort properties, you can visit the Xenotes listed above near Playa Del Carmen. The tour experiences at Xcaret are an adrenaline rush! 

AllTournative Adventures – This private tour company offers many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes with a more respectful, educational approach. This is a cool tour operator especially if enjoy learning and having fun at the same time!  

Maritur DMC – This destination management company is great for larger groups. It organizes tours from several destinations. This company arranged a tour for my family to visit Chichen Itza and then dip into the cooling waters of a nearby cenote. It was a great experience to have a private car and guide to show us the ropes – literally!

Merida Gay Tours – The owner of this tour company, Riccardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. Having a personal guide who knows the area firsthand is a fabulous way to enjoy Merida and its nearby cenotes.