The cenotes of Tulum (Mexico) are one of the great attractions of a region that combines archaeological wealth and natural exuberance.
Considered sacred places by the Mayans, they are one of the natural wonders of the Mexican Caribbean that allow you to enjoy its crystalline waters in multiple ways.
Some of the activities you can do in them are diving, snorkeling, high jumps, dream photographic reports, or aquatic or terrestrial exploration expeditions.
Today we invite you to immerse yourself in these fascinating geological formations of the Yucatan province and discover the most beautiful cenotes of Tulum.
What are cenotes?
Cenotes are geological formations of karst origin of spring water deposits. They were formed millions of years ago as a result of the detachment of the roof of one or more caves that has caused the water from the aquifer to rise to the outside.
These flooded sinkholes are found mainly in the Yucatan province and their name, which comes from the Mayan “dzonot”, means “well” or “abyss”.
They may be surrounded by jungles, mangroves or wetlands that contain a great variety of life forms and form true ecosystems of great floral and faunal richness. Some of them are connected by subway galleries.
These sacred places for the Maya were considered a source of life and portals to the underworld. Offerings and sacrifices were made in them, and human remains have been found in many of them.
Currently, they are used as natural pools of crystalline waters that allow various water activities such as swimming or diving.
They have become one of the great attractions of Tulum. This ancient Mayan port has some of the most beautiful and grandiose cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Types of cenotes
In Tulum you can find the 3 basic types of cenotes that exist:
- Open. These are the oldest cenotes. They can be surrounded by rocky walls or have the appearance of a lagoon. They are surrounded by wild nature.
- Closed. These grotto or cavern type cenotes are the youngest ones. They may have a small opening that allows light to enter. In some of them, artificial lighting has been installed so that visitors can enjoy their beauty.
- Semi-open. A part of them is uncovered, allowing you to enjoy the flora and fauna of the environment, as well as the sensation of swimming in waters protected by the intimacy offered by the rock of its closed part.
The 19 most beautiful cenotes in Tulum
We have compiled for you the 19 most beautiful cenotes in Tulum that will delight those looking for unique experiences.
Aktun-Ha or Carwash
This is one of the great open cenotes that you can visit on your vacation in Tulum. It offers a great variety of subway landscapes.
It is also known as Carwash, since, in the past, there was a car wash nearby, as it is located on the main road between Tulum and Coba.
Atik Tulum
Inside a natural park in the Mayan jungle, you will be able to swim in this open cenote that merges with nature.
Another great attraction of this place is its more than 10 art installations, as well as a jacuzzi surrounded by monkey skulls to the amazement of travelers.
Blue
The blue cenote is a large open cenote located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
This large open-air natural pool has shallow pools, ideal for visiting with children. Its deepest part is ideal for snorkeling.
Skull
Very close to the archaeological zone of the Mayan ruins of Tulum, this semi-open cenote offers a circumference of 160 meters.
You can reach it through 3 openings that seem to configure the eyes and mouth of a skull, and it has a swing so you can capture amazing images.
Cenote or manatee house
Clear, hypnotizing waters and exultant fauna and flora come together in this paradisiacal place that is drawn between the tortuousness of the mangroves.
An experience to share with family or friends that you can complete by visiting the natural routes formed within the sea, making a kayak route or enjoying the beach nearby.
Casa Tortuga
Can you imagine enjoying the beauty of 4 cenotes in 1? You can do it.
In addition to Casa Tortuga, you can swim in 2 semi-open cenotes -Campana and Wisho-, and in a fourth surrounded by mangroves: Cenote Dorca.
Choo-Ha
This subway cenote is located near the archaeological ruins of Coba.
Choo-Ha translated means “dripping water”, and owes its name to the stalactite formations that form a very attractive environment.
Heart of Paradise
Less than 10 minutes from Tulum you will find one of the most romantic cenotes because of its heart shape.
It has a depth of between 2 and 6 meters of pristine waters that allow you to see the vegetation inside.
Crystal
Very close to Tulum, just a few minutes away by bicycle, you can visit the Cristal cenote, also called Naharon, with jade-colored waters that are no more than 10 meters deep.
Just across the street you can enjoy the Escondido cenote.
Hidden
This cenote displays its beauty to visitors with its intense blue waters.
It has a series of caves that can be explored in apnea by specialized divers.
Two Eyes
Diving enthusiasts have another appointment with this system of flooded caves of more than 60 kilometers.
Its name is due to the fact that two of its connected cenotes look like two eyes seen from above.
Its waters, in the area of the cavern, have a depth of about 10 meters. Its water is of great purity, since the rain filters through the limestone.
Two Floors
This subway cenote is a great proposition for experienced and adventurous divers.
A hole between rocks in the jungle is the gateway to a dreamlike sensory experience where a world of stalactites, stalagmites and columns are presented to the visitor.
Gran Cenote
Crystal clear waters, small fish and turtles await you in one of Mexico’s most beautiful cenotes, and you might even see an iguana!
In this semi-open cenote, the most adventurous people can practice spelunking and feel a special connection with nature.
Nicte-Ha
If you are looking for tranquility and you have reached the Dos Ojos cenote, you can access a more intimate place and bathe in the Nicte-Ha cenote.
A true oasis of tranquility!
The Pit
El Pit is the deepest cenote in Quintana Roo and delights expert divers with its almost 120 meters of cave.
To dive into its waters is to immerse yourself in a dreamlike world.
Sac Actun
Sac Actun means “white stone” in the Mayan language and is located very close to Dos Ojos Park.
The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has designated it as one of the 100 most important geosites in the world, and it is considered a natural and paleontological treasure.
Taak Bi Ha
One of the lesser known cenotes, but no less beautiful.
Being closed, you can enjoy the sinuous shapes that are drawn before you by its stalactites and stalagmites.
Tankah
Just 7 minutes from downtown Tulum, in Tankah Park, you can explore one of the most enchanting cenotes in the region for its biodiversity.
Swim in its crystalline waters, explore the surroundings, and feel the connection with its jungle environment.
Zacil-Ha
A few minutes from the town of Tulum, Zacil-Ha provides a fantastic environment that invites you to relax and enjoy with your family.
It is a small, open cenote located near the Carwash cenote, so you can enjoy both on the same day.
How much does it cost to go to a cenote in Tulum?
Each cenote has a specific price according to the services offered to its visitors. They are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., approximately.
If you want to enjoy the most of these wonders of nature on your trip to Tulum, in Enjoy Travel Group we are specialists in travel to Mexico with a clear objective: to create for our clients personalized and authentic experiences. Contact us and start feeling the call of nature in the cenotes of Tulum.
