The best cenotes in Tulum

If you want to know some of the best cenotes in Tulum, but don’t know where to find good tourist information, you’ve come to the right place, because right now we’ll give you the top list of the best cenotes you have to know in the city where everyone vibrates loud.

What are the best cenotes in Tulum?

Before we tell you about our top list of cenotes in Tulum, first it is necessary to clarify or rather, explain what cenotes are, well cenotes are holes were known as divine for the Mayan culture; because they were used to promote vital liquid, it was believed to be the entrance to the world of the gods of the underworld. They are original fresh water wells, some open as pools surrounded by vegetation, and others completely closed in subway caverns.

Today they are the major attractions in Tulum and the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Some cenotes are very attractive and touristic, with family facilities, others are very little visited and more wild.

The Yucatan Peninsula and the state of Quintana Roo have been favored by the variety of nature; it has a great amount of cenotes of inexplicable charm and many of them are near Tulum.

The cenotes are undoubtedly a natural beauty that you can’t miss if you go to Tulum; chosen for their beauty, means of aquatic entertainments and tourist services. Here we offer you a top of cenotes in Tulum that will dazzle you.

Gran Cenote

It is known as a cenote with a half moon shape; it is one of the best cenotes in Tulum and is located about 4 km from the Mayan ruins of Tulum; on one side of the road towards the archaeological site of Coba.

It is one of the best known cenotes in the Riviera Maya due to its services; which include restrooms, parking and equipment rental for underwater activities.

The water reaches a depth of 10 meters, divers have the opportunity to see a complex system of caves.

It also offers shallow areas where snorkelers can have fun and feel safe. These striking and transparent waters allow to perceive rocky structures of whimsical shapes; in a view of areas with clear skies and areas with stone roofs.

Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote)

Another of the best cenotes in Tulum that you can’t miss is the famous Cenote Dos Ojos, which, like the great cenote, is one of the best known and a must-see during your visit to these beautiful Caribbean lands.

It is called “Dos Ojos” (Two Eyes) because they are two cenotes of 70 meters in diameter joined by a large subway cavern.

The first one is perfect for swimming and diving in the crystal clear water, the second one is more mysterious surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

Carwash Cenote

This is one of the best cenotes in Tulum; it earned its name Carwash from the Mayan civilization. It was formerly a cab wash, until the people of Quinta Roo began to use it as a tourist attraction.

Now it captures the attention of travelers from all over the world who go to enjoy its crystalline and fresh waters of little depth in the open portion; being ideal for children’s snorkeling.

It is a cenote that is not very open in the part of the cave, so it is visited by divers accompanied by authorized guides, the depth can reach 15 meters. The subterranean waters of this cenote intertwine with those of Zacil Ha.

The Carwash cenote is 8 kilometers from Tulum on the road to Cobá and is easy to enter.

Crystalline Cenote

If you come to Tulum to visit the different cenotes, this one is a must; it is one of the best cenotes in Tulum, also called Cenote Naharon. Its entrance is on the Riviera Maya highway, a few kilometers from the archaeological zone.

It is characterized by its blue waters that form a natural pool and are surrounded by a large number of palm trees and other species of tropical flora of Quintana Roo.

Its depth is 5 meters, making it perfect for a fun family outing. Young and old have fun swimming and snorkeling in the shores and shady parts of the cenote.

Escondido Cenote

This lagoon is one of the best cenotes in Tulum; it forms a pair of cenotes together with Cenote Cristal, with entrances at both corners of Federal Highway 307, 3 kilometers from Tulum.

The nature of this reserve, has completely crystalline floors and fresh waters of the cenote ensure comfortable baths before the peaceful gazes of the iguanas.

Zacil-Ha Cenote

If you want to know all about the best cenotes in Tulum, the Zacil-Ha cenote cannot be left off your travel list. This cenote was discovered in the 80’s installed in a natural tourist center that also has swimming pools, restaurant with bar, entertainment equipment, restrooms and parking.

It is located 10 kilometers from Tulum, with access on the road to the Mayan site of Cobá. In its main area it has a depth of 3 meters; therefore, it is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Cenote turtle house

Cenote casa tortuga in Tulum is a natural reserve in the Riviera Maya for family fun or with your friends or couple. In this place you can find tour services for the park’s cenotes, restaurant-bar and several lodging options, depending on your financial situation.

The tour of the cenotes turtle house includes a guided visit to several of these natural wonders; which have a depth of 1- 8 meters, crystal clear waters and an indescribable view.

Prices and schedules

The best cenotes in Tulum open from 9:00 – 17:00 hours; however, it is recommended that tourists consult in advance so as not to miss the trip to the cenote.

On the other hand, prices are variable, depending on whether you are looking for the best cenotes in Tulum, or you go for other attractions included in the program; such as archaeological sites in Tulum and others nearby, beaches and services offered. Entrance fees vary according to the cenote you want to visit.

• Cenote Carwash: 50 MXN (2.59 USD)
• Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido: 120 MXN (6.22 USD)
• Gran Cenote: 180 MXN (9.33 USD)
• Cenote Zacil-Ha: 60 MXN (3.63 USD)
• Escondido Cenote: 70 MXN (5.19 USD)
• Cenote dos ojos: 350.00 MXN (18 USD)