In a nutshell
- Cenotes are natural limestone caves filled with crystal-clear water. Most of them are found on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
- A visit to at least one cenote is a must on any trip to Mexico – they’re amazing photo spots and perfect for a refreshing swim.
- In this article, we’ll show you the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico and share practical tips for your visit.
What are Cenotes in Mexico?
Cenotes are natural limestone caves filled with freshwater, formed when cave ceilings collapsed. They’re without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
There are three main types of cenotes: closed, semi-closed, and open. Closed cenotes are like underground caves, semi-closed ones are partly covered, and open cenotes have no roof at all.
The word cenote comes from the Mayan word d’zonot, meaning well of water. For the Mayans, cenotes were sacred and believed to be gateways to the underworld.
Also read our tips for the best Maya temples in Mexico
How Did the Cenotes in the Yucatán Form?
The story of the cenotes goes back about 66 million years. Back then, the Yucatán Peninsula was still completely under water. When the Chicxulub meteorite struck near today’s Gulf of Mexico and Mérida, it lifted the landmass above sea level.
At that time, Yucatán was a coral reef that eventually died and turned into limestone rock. Over millions of years, ice ages repeatedly flooded the area. When the land was dry, rain mixed with CO₂ and slowly dissolved the limestone.
This process created an underground river system – today known as cenotes or sinkholes. Many of them are still connected below the surface.
Where are the Cenotes in Mexico?
Most cenotes are found on the Yucatán Peninsula, though you’ll also come across some in Chiapas, Campeche, and even neighboring Belize.
No one knows the exact number, but estimates say there are between 3,000 and 8,000 cenotes in Mexico. Sources vary a lot on this.
The best places to use as a base for exploring cenotes are Valladolid, Mérida, and Tulum. The cenotes around Playa del Carmen are also especially popular.
Also read our tips for a road trip through Yucatán
Our Tips for the Best Cenotes in Mexico
Here are our picks for the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatán.
Note: Cenote entry prices change often. The info here was last updated in September 2025.
The Best Cenotes Near Tulum
Tulum is probably the most popular base for exploring cenotes in Mexico. There are plenty to choose from in and around the town.
Many of them can be reached by bike from Tulum. For those further out, a scooter or rental car is more convenient. Colectivos (shared minibuses) also run regularly.
Book a guided tour from Tulum to the Gran Cenote and two other cenotes
Cenote Dos Ojos
- What you need to know: Two incredible cenotes that are especially quiet in the early morning. A top spot for divers.
- Entrance fee: 400 MXN.
- How to get there: About 20 kilometers north of Tulum. Colectivos leave from opposite the ADO bus terminal.
Gran Cenote
- What you need to know: One of the most famous cenotes in Mexico. The crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling.
- Entrance fee: 500 MXN.
- How to get there: Just 5 kilometers north of Tulum. You can easily cycle there.
Cenote Corazón
- What you need to know: A quieter open-air cenote that’s great for swimming.
- Entrance fee: 200 MXN.
- How to get there: About 8 kilometers southeast of Tulum. It’s reachable by bike.
Cenotes near Cobá
- What you need to know: Several cenotes are located near the Cobá ruins. They’re true insider tips, as far fewer visitors make it here.
- Entrance fee: 100 MXN.
- How to get there: About 40 kilometers east of Tulum. Take a colectivo to Cobá and then rent a bike to reach the cenotes.
The Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
There are also cenotes close to Playa del Carmen. The choice isn’t as big as in Tulum, and we personally don’t think they’re quite as spectacular as in other parts of Mexico.
Still, if you’re spending time in Playa del Carmen, a visit to a nearby cenote is definitely worth it.
Cenote Azul
- What you need to know: One of the most popular cenotes in Playa del Carmen, often very busy but still beautiful.
- Entrance fee: 180 MXN.
- How to get there: About 25 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. Colectivos leave from Calle 1 Sur on the main road (direction Tulum).
Cenote Jardín Del Eden
- What you need to know: This cenote feels more like a small lake. The water is clear, great for snorkeling, and it’s usually quiet in the morning.
- Entrance fee: 300 MXN.
- How to get there: Located right next to Cenote Azul, so you can take the same colectivos.
The Best Cenotes Near Valladolid and Chichén Itzá
Valladolid is our favorite base for exploring cenotes. There’s a huge variety around town, and you’ll also find some beautiful options near the world wonder Chichén Itzá.
Cenote Ik-Kil
- What you need to know: One of the most famous and most visited cenotes in Mexico. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Entrance fee: 220 MXN.
- Location: 4 kilometers southeast of Chichén Itzá. It’s easy to combine both highlights in one trip.
Cenote Xkeken and Cenote Samula
- What you need to know: Two gorgeous cenotes where sunlight only filters in through a small hole in the ceiling.
- Entrance fee: 226 MXN (combined ticket).
- Location: 6 kilometers southwest of Valladolid. You can easily bike there.
Cenote Suytun
- What you need to know: One of the most photogenic cenotes in Mexico. Your ticket also includes access to another cenote right next door.
- Entrance fee: 280 MXN.
- Location: 10 kilometers east of Valladolid. You can reach it by bike.
Cenote Oxman
- What you need to know: A cenote with a pool and restaurant right next door – perfect for families.
- Entrance fee: 250 MXN.
- How to get there: About 5 kilometers south of Valladolid. You can walk or bike there.
The Best Cenotes Near Mérida
There are lots of cenotes near Mérida, but most of them are still relatively unknown to tourists. That means you’ll often have them almost to yourself, and they’re just as beautiful as anywhere else in the Yucatán.
Our tip: head to Homún. The town is about 45 kilometers southeast of Mérida and can be reached by colectivos leaving from Calle 52 between 65 and 76.
Book a cenote tour from Mérida
Cenotes de Santa Bárbara
- What you need to know: A complex of three cenotes, all really special. There’s also an excellent restaurant on site.
- Entrance fee: 350 MXN (for all three cenotes).
- How to get there: About 2 kilometers from the center of Homún – you can walk there.
Cenote Cuzamá
- What you need to know: Here you visit three cenotes in one trip. A cart pulled by horses takes you from one to the next.
- Entrance fee: 300 MXN (for all three cenotes).
- How to get there: About 5 kilometers from the center of Homún. The easiest way is by mototaxi from town.
Extra Tip: The Best Cenotes in the Yucatán for Diving
Some cenotes in Yucatán are amazing for diving. The light effects are spectacular when the sun’s rays shine through openings in the cave ceilings.
If you’re into diving, you should definitely give it a try in a cenote. It’s a completely different experience. You’ll find dive schools all along the Riviera Maya, and many also offer tours for beginners.
Here’s a small selection of the best cenotes in the Yucatán that are especially popular for diving. For us, the best base for cenote diving is Tulum.
- Sac Actun: This underwater cave system connects several cenotes, including Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote. It goes down to 118 meters.
- Cenote Cristalino: A great option for beginners. It’s located near Playa del Carmen and is 9 meters deep.
Important Tips for Visiting Cenotes on the Yucatán
Finally, here are a few practical tips for planning your visit to the cenotes.
#1 Swimming and life jackets
You can swim in almost all cenotes that are open to visitors. In most places, wearing a life jacket is mandatory. It’s usually included in the entrance fee, though sometimes you need to leave a deposit or pay a little extra.
The water temperature is usually around 24 to 26 degrees.
#2 Keeping the water clean
The water in cenotes is naturally clean, but with more and more visitors, that’s not always the case anymore.
Please shower before swimming and, if possible, only use sunscreen or insect repellent after your swim.
#3 Entrance fees
Prices vary widely. At the most famous cenotes in Mexico you can usually pay by card, but not everywhere. Always bring enough cash with you.
#4 Facilities
Most cenotes in Yucatán have showers, toilets, and changing rooms, usually included in the entrance fee. Some also have lockers, but you often have to pay extra for those.