What cenotes to do in the Riviera Maya in Mexico?
Cenotes are magical places to visit on a trip to Mexico, offering spectacular views and unique dives in crystal clear waters.
They are natural pools in the jungle of Mexico, which form when the layer of limestone that lies beneath the surface of the ground collapses. These deep pools offer visitors an incredible view of the underwater fauna and flora, an extraordinary experience in a magical setting with the possibility of swimming and exploring the bottom.
All the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are connected to each other. It is the largest system of underwater caves in the world, extending over 350 km. The underground rivers are endless and unique which explains the importance and presence of lifelines for divers because it is very easy to get lost.
Why are there cenotes, water holes in Mexico City?
The cenotes are natural phenomena that are found in Mexico in the region of the Mayan Riviera and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Let’s go back to the time of the dinosaurs when a meteorite destroyed the whole earth. The place of the impact is off the Mexican coast. It would have fractured part of the limestone plateau of this part of Mexico creating underground rivers.
Then, with the pressure, the rock dissolves and collapses creating water holes or caves to create a cenote. These large holes filled with water are found absolutely everywhere in the wild in this region of Mexico. There would be nearly ten thousand of them. Some are secured and can be visited but others not.
For the little history, the cenotes were places of offerings and sacrifices used by the Mayas. For them, it was a sacred place called “the infra-world” to pay homage to their God, the God of rain.
Where to find the cenotes in Mexico?
The cenotes are located in the Yucatan Peninsula and in the Riviera Maya in Mexico.
The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are known for scuba diving and snorkeling. This is why tourists from all over the world come to Mexico to discover them and live an unforgettable moment.
All the cenotes between Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are truly magical and all different. You are probably wondering what are the best cenotes for your trip to Mexico? It depends on what you want and what you like.
You will find many beautiful cenotes around Valladolid, on the road to Puerto Morelos and also many between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, all different from each other.
You can find open cenotes, others in caves or caves with bats and cenotes in underground rivers ideal for diving enthusiasts to discover the depths. Some of the cenotes in Mexico can be several meters deep, offering spectacular diving opportunities.
What is the most beautiful cenote in Mexico?
It is such an incredible place that all the cenotes are beautiful. But some are more impressive with more diversity.
Our favorite is the Casa Tortuga cenote in Tulum. It is a natural park nestled in the Riviera Maya of Tulum with four different natural pools: Cenote Wisho, Cenote Campana, Cenote Jaguar and Cenote Tres Zapotes.
Each of the cenotes are different, there are two open cenotes, two covered cenotes, a restaurant on site and a zip line to cross the entire park.
The smaller cenotes have caves with ancient rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. The larger and deeper ones allow you to swim and dive with the fish.
But don’t worry if you’re not a good swimmer or are afraid for your children, the entrance fee includes a guided tour and equipment like life jackets and masks.
Casa Tortuga is probably one of the best places to visit different types of cenotes at the same time. In total you can visit 4 cenotes in one day at an unbeatable price! Discover the excursions offered at Casa Tortuga by clicking here.
Take in this dream setting while swimming in these natural wonders.
Discover also below, other cenotes to do in Mexico in the region of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
What cenotes to do in Mexico in Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Yucatan?
Discover different cenotes depending on where you go in Mexico. We have listed for you 10 cenotes in different places: Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Puerto Morelos, Vallodolid, Chichen Itza, for a maximum of choice according to your desires.
1. Suytun (Yucatan)
This is THE emblematic cenote known on social networks, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan near Valladolid.
This cenote is in a cave just with a light well overlooking a stone pier in the middle of the water.
2. Cenote Dos Ojos (Tulum)
It is a semi-open cenote with clear waters, ideal for families who want to snorkel and for snorkelers who want to venture into caves with tunnels, stalactites, stalagmites, fossils…
It is located in Dos Ojos Park, which also hosts the Jaguar, Nicte Ha, El Pit and Los Monos cenotes, all of which are quite different and also worth a visit.
3. Cenote Azul (Playa del Carmen)
We love the Cenote Azul in Playa del Carmen, more precisely in Puerto Aventuras, ideal for families with children.
It is easy to access the cenote with shallow areas and several rocks to sit in the water. There are also places to jump into the water from 5 meters high.
You will enjoy the rich fauna of this place with the fish that will offer you a fish pedicure in an idyllic environment.
4. Gran Cenote (Tulum)
Gran Cenote is located in Tulum, Mexico and is considered one of the most beautiful cenotes in the region.
With its transparent water ideal for snorkeling, its cave and its underwater corridor that connects the two parts of the cenote.
There are also hammocks in the shade and a large grassy area where you can relax, sunbathe and picnic.
5. Cenote Sac Actun (Tulum)
With its crystal clear water, large stalactites, colorful fish, bats and fossils, the impressive Sac Actun is not very touristy.
A pearl that remains preserved from mass tourism that is why it is worth a visit.
It is the ideal place to snorkel, dive and observe the jungle fauna of the Riviera Maya.
6. Cenote Ik Kil (Chichen Itza)
The cenote Ik Kil is often called the cenote of Chichen Itza, one of the most touristy, even though it is not located on the archaeological site. In fact, it is located a few kilometers from Chichen Itza. Ideal to combine with the visit of the famous Mayan site and a cenote.
It is the most diverse and beautiful cenote with its lush vegetation as well as being very practical: free parking, restaurant, towels, lockers, life jackets.
7. Cenote Oxman (Yucatan)
Near Valladolid, the Oxman cenote in the Yucatán is a water hole of more than 25 meters high that is very impressive to see.
The cenote is surrounded by a very natural setting with creepers, vegetation on the rocks and bats.
On site, you have a zip line over 4 meters high for an incredible experience!
It is possible to visit this cenote after or before Chichen Itza.
8. Cenote Xbatun (Merida)
It is a semi-open cenote with a wild side, not very big, with stone paths, wooden stairs, surrounded by trees, many roots and plants.
Its transparent and shallow water allows you to easily see the fish and snorkel.
9. Zaci (Valladolid)
Cenote Zaci is a large cenote only 10 minutes from the main square of Valladolid.
It has beautiful vegetation on the rocky walls which gives it its charm. It is possible to jump into the water to dive into the cenote from different platforms but also to go down with the stairs available and sit around the cenote.
10. Cenote Cristalino (Puerto Aventuras)
Cenote Cristalino is one of the most famous cenotes on the Riviera Maya. It is a semi-open cenote, with one part outside and the other under the rock.
It is called Cristalino because the water is crystalline, you can see the stones at the bottom of the water, turtles and fish. It is surrounded on a part by mangroves.
This cenote is close to Xpu-Ha beach which is beautiful to visit or you can go swimming with the turtles not far from Akumal.
Do not miss to visit the cenotes during your trip to Mexico, they are perfect places to recharge your batteries, full of magic and history. You will see that they are all atypical and magnificent.
To know the prices of the cenotes entrances, the excursions, the guided tours or even the dives in the caves, do not hesitate to contact our travel coaches.
Discover more things to do in Mexico in the Quintana Roo and Riviera Maya region and find a wide selection of ideas with must-do’s in our blog post “What to do in a week in the riviera maya quintana roo mexico?”
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