We’ve compiled a exciting list of 10+ Best Cenotes To Visit In Tulum
Tulum is a beautiful city situated on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Located on a spectacular stretch of coastline, this archaeological site of pre-Columbian origin amazes visitors with its incredible view of crystal blue waters and turquoise skies. It is known for its stunning beaches and rich culture, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
The ancient ruins of Tulum are well-preserved, and visitors can experience the unique Mayan architecture and customs. There are many unique tours available for travelers to experience the ancient ruins and learn about their culture and history. The city also features exquisite restaurants and an array of luxury resorts, providing a luxurious and unforgettable cenote experience Tulum.
When Is The Best Time To Visit a Cenote?
One of the most popular attractions in the area is the cenotes or natural sinkholes filled with fresh water. June through August are the best months to visit a cenote in Tulum as during this period, the weather is typically sunny with very little rainfall. During this time, the top cenotes in Tulum are at their clearest and fullest, and the water temperature is perfect for swimming. Visitors can also expect fewer crowds during the dry season.
Here are best & top-rated cenotes that you can visit in & near Tulum :
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Escondido Cenote, Tulum
Cenote Escondido is a beautiful and unique hidden gem, located in the region of Tulum in Mexico. The Spanish translation of Escondido means hidden, however, it is now known and visited by all types of travelers. This cenote is surrounded by huge trees and tropical vegetation, giving it a magical and serene feel.
The water is crystal clear and you can catch glimpses of the fish and other marine life which inhabit the cenote. Here, you can take a break and grab a snack while enjoying the beauty of the natural environment. Cenote Escondido is a great option to explore nature, and it certainly makes for a unique and unforgettable cenote experience Tulum.
Activities you can enjoy: Floating, Snorkeling, Fishing
Why is it famous: It is famous for the rope hanging and the lush green vegetation that surrounds it.
How to reach: Kilómetro 218 tulum-chetumal, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for the exact location.
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Yax-Muul, Tulum
Yax-Muul cenote is a hidden crystalline chamber, deep beneath the jungle in Sac Tuunich. It has ancient, intricate stalactites that have been forming for thousands of years, and the sunlight that passes through the water’s surface creates a breathtaking spectacle on the cave walls. The Yax-Muul cenote is surrounded by a lush rainforest with a rich array of both flora and fauna.
The water inside the cenote is incredibly clear and clean, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The water in Sac Tuunich is crystal clear and provides a refreshing dip for those brave enough to take the plunge.
Activities you can enjoy: Snorkeling and Swimming
Why is it famous: Stalactites add extra sparkle to this place and the ancient Mayan Ritual also makes it a must-visit place.
Where is it: Carretera tulum playa del carmen, Carr. Tulum – Cancún, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for the exact location.
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Cenote Angelita, Tulum
Cenote Angelita is a beautiful and unique diving site. While visitors at the top of Cenote Angelita can enjoy the stunning views, the real thrill lies beneath the surface: descending into the depths and getting a unique glimpse of this incredible natural phenomenon. Descending about 196 feet into the cenote reveals breathtaking views that make it a popular site for divers.
An interesting phenomenon called halocline causes a separation of dense, salty water from freshwater, giving the illusion of two distinct layers in the cenote. Halocline occurs when two bodies of water differ in salt and density and produces a visible layer of blurred vision that divides the two bodies.
Activities you can enjoy: Diving at the depth of 196 feet.
Why is it famous: The water density differs making it look like an underwater river.
Where is it: 77765 Quintana Roo, Mexico. Click here for the exact location.
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Cenote El Pit
El Pit Cenote is aptly named because it looks like a bottomless pit in the middle of the forest. The massive oval-shaped sinkhole is 130 feet deep, and it is a popular destination for both divers and sightseers alike. Diving into the depths of El Pit, sunlight filters through the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
While the seemingly bottomless pit is a sight to behold by itself, it is the sunbeams reflected off the water which truly draw visitors from all over. The beauty of the sunbeams dancing in the water is the primary attraction of El Pit Cenote.
Activities you can enjoy: Diving and floating
Why is it famous: The oval hole and the cloudy feel due to hydrogen sulfide.
Where is it: 77773 Quintana Roo, Mexico. Click here for the exact location.
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Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum
Dos Ojos got its name from the two sinkholes in its middle that look up at the sun like two piercing blue eyes. At 387 feet deep, its underwater passageway holds the record for the deepest in a cenote, making it one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum. Visitors should expect to find an array of plant and animal life, as well as fascinating geological features such as stalagmites and stalactites.
Dos Ojos has earned a special place in the hearts of many divers and snorkelers, making it one of the most beloved and one of the best cenotes near Tulum in Mexico. Swimming through the crystal-clear waters of Dos Ojos is a truly unforgettable experience and one that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Activities you can enjoy: Underwater diving, snorkeling, swimming
Why is it famous: It is the deepest diving passage and looks like a pair of eyes.
Where is it: Cenote Jaguar Rd, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for the precise location.
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Cenote Manati
Cenote Manati is an amazing natural wonder located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It got its name from the manatees that used to visit the cenote and is one of seven cenotes connected by a single channel. This channel travels through underground Tulum caves and mangroves before flowing out into the sea.
Visitors often snorkel and dive into the depths of this cenote, which reaches around 164 feet at its deepest point. The cenote also offers visitors a variety of activities, including kayaking, swimming, and boat tours.
Activities you can enjoy: Snorkeling, Diving, Swimming, and Kayaking
Why is it famous: Seven cenotes are connected with it. You can bring your kayak to have a little extra fun.
Where is it: Carr. Fed. #307, 246 km, Bahia Tankah, Lote 31, Casa Cenote Tulum Q Bahia Tankah, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for the precise location.
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Cenote Azul, Bacalar
For those of you who seek adventure, the Blue Cenote is the perfect spot. With its vast pools of varying depths, it is the perfect place to go swimming and explore.
The main area features a majestic cliff where visitors can dive and splash into the pool from. If heights are not your thing, there is also a dock to jump from. The pools are home to a variety of fish that are known to swim up to visitors and ‘greet’ them by gently nibbling on their skin.
Activities you can enjoy: Swimming, diving, sightseeing
Why is it famous: It has different depths of pools and has bigger fish too.
Where is it: Cenote Azul 225, 77516 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for the exact location.
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Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is a special place to visit in Tulum. It is named after the ‘skull sinkhole’ it resembles, with two swimming holes resembling eyes and a third one resembling a mouth.
On the side of the cenote, a ladder provides access to a 13-foot drop into the pools. Many people consider it to be one of the best cenotes in Tulum, and it is worth checking out if you are in the area.
Activities you can enjoy: Diving and swimming
Why is it famous: It looks like a skull sinkhole and is quite famous on social media.
Where is it: Carretera Tulum Coba Km 1.7, 77796 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for the precise location.
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Cenote Zacil-Ha
Zacil Ha is one of the best cenotes near Tulum. It is a small, but vibrant cenote located just outside of Tulum, Mexico. It was discovered only a few decades ago, but the cave chamber, Las Lágrimas, is estimated to be way too old.
This cenote has unique stalactites shaped like teardrops that give the chamber a truly remarkable look. Unlike some of the other cenotes, the water in Zacil Ha is not particularly conducive for snorkeling; however, its beauty and ambiance more than makeup for this.
Activities you can enjoy: Zip lining and diving
Why is it famous: It is less crowded and has stalactites shaped like teardrops.
Where is it: Coba km 8, México 180D, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for the location.
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Casa Cenote
Casa Cenote is a winding and open-air river through trees and mangroves. It’s an incredibly unique and picturesque experience, like a hidden river in the jungle!
There are plenty of activities to enjoy here as well, from swimming to renting a kayak to simply admiring the amazing views. For the more adventurous, there are even several underwater caves that connect right to the ocean.
Activities you can enjoy: Kayaking, diving, swimming, and snorkeling
Why is it famous: It has underwater Tulum caves and looks more like a river in the jungle.
Where is it: 77770 Quintana Roo, Mexico. Click here for the exact location.
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Cenote Caracol
When swimming in Caracol, you’ll experience darkness unlike any other as you take in the ethereal atmosphere lit only by the light filtering in from above and the luminescence of the stalactites hanging from the cavern ceiling. There’s nothing quite like it, and it’s the perfect place for an adventure.
Activities you can enjoy: Swimming and diving
Why is it famous: There is less light and the underwater caves are dark but it gives an amazing view for the swimmers.
Where is it: 77770 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Click here for the precise location.
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Cenote Ik Kil
Tulum, Mexico is known for its incredible beach views and its spectacular cenotes. Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most stunning cenotes in the area, where the cave ceiling has collapsed and the cenote is left open to the sky.
Vines and tree roots cascade into the water from the top, providing a magical atmosphere. Swimming in the cool water of Cenote Ik Kil gives visitors an amazing experience that they won’t soon forget. This cenote is a must-see for any traveler looking to explore the natural beauty of Tulum.
Activities you can enjoy: Swimming, snorkeling, and diving
Why is it famous: The ceiling of the cenote has collapsed which gives it a different view.
Where is it: Yucatan, Mexico. Click here for the location.
Conclusion
These natural pools of water are very popular among tourists looking to explore the area and its unique beauty. Top cenotes in Tulum are filled with an abundance of wildlife, ranging from fish and turtles to tropical birds and monkeys. They provide visitors with a unique chance to experience the Mexican culture and make unforgettable memories.
If you are in this town and want to spend quality time around the water do not think twice and get your yacht charter in Mexico. You can also celebrate your special occasions at yacht charter playa del carmen by having some of the best moments to cherish forever.