Cenotes of the Yucatan Guide

What Are Cenotes?

Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater beneath. The Yucatan Peninsula has an estimated 6,000 or more cenotes, created by the region's porous limestone geology. The word "cenote" comes from the Yucatec Maya word "dzonot," meaning sacred well. For the ancient Maya, cenotes were vital water sources and held deep spiritual significance as portals to the underworld (Xibalba).

Types of Cenotes

• Open cenotes -- Fully exposed to the sky, like natural swimming pools. Examples: Cenote Azul, Cenote Zaci
• Semi-open cenotes -- Partially covered by rock overhangs, creating dramatic light effects. Examples: Ik Kil, Suytun
• Cave cenotes -- Enclosed underground caverns, often with stalactites. Examples: Cenote Aktun Ha, Cenote Samula
• Cavern cenotes -- Part open and part cave system. Examples: Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos

Top Cenotes to Visit

Near Chichen Itza / Valladolid

• Cenote Ik Kil -- A deep, open cenote with vines hanging from above and a staircase leading down to the water. Popular due to proximity to Chichen Itza. Admission around 150-200 MXN.
• Cenote Suytun -- A cavern cenote with a stone platform extending into the water, famous for its single beam of light from above. Very photogenic.
• Cenote Samula -- An underground cenote in Dzitnup with tree roots descending from the ceiling.
• Cenote Zaci -- A large open cenote in the center of Valladolid.

Near Tulum

• Gran Cenote -- A gorgeous cavern cenote with crystal-clear water, excellent for snorkeling among turtles and fish. One of the most popular near Tulum. Admission around 500 MXN.
• Cenote Calavera -- A cave cenote with three openings you can jump through into the water below.
• Casa Cenote -- Where an underground river meets the Caribbean, a unique brackish-water experience.
• Cenote Dos Ojos -- Part of a massive cave system, popular for diving and snorkeling.

Near Playa del Carmen

• Cenote Azul -- A large, family-friendly open cenote with shallow and deep areas.
• Jardin del Eden -- A beautiful open cenote surrounded by jungle, great for cliff jumping.
• Ruta de los Cenotes -- A road near Puerto Morelos with multiple cenotes, zip lines, and adventure activities.

Near Merida

• Cuzama cenotes -- Three cenotes accessed by a horse-drawn rail cart through the jungle, a unique experience.
• Homun cenotes -- A circuit of several cenotes near the town of Homun, less crowded than the Riviera Maya options.

Tips for Visiting Cenotes

• Biodegradable sunscreen only -- Most cenotes require you to shower before entering and prohibit chemical sunscreens. Bring reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen or skip it entirely.
• Bring a waterproof camera -- The light effects in cave and semi-open cenotes create extraordinary photo opportunities
• Arrive early -- Popular cenotes get crowded by mid-morning, especially those near Tulum
• Respect the rules -- Life jackets may be required at some cenotes. Follow all posted guidelines.
• Cost -- Entry fees typically range from 100-500 MXN. Some include life jacket and locker rental, others charge extra.
• Snorkel gear -- Many cenotes rent snorkel equipment, but bringing your own ensures a good fit

Plan Your Visit

Cenote swimming is one of the Yucatan's essential experiences. The Yucatan Adventure 5-Day itinerary includes cenote visits, or read our blog post on the best cenotes in the Yucatan.