Four Must See Tulum Cenotes

What is a cenote?

A cenote is a sinkhole in limestone that forms a pool at the bottom. These cenotes are especially found on the Yucatan Peninsula. This part of Mexico has a vast underground river system that feeds these cenotes with clear, fresh water. These cenotes can be found either above ground or in caves.

Here I have provided a list of four of my most recommended cenotes. They are each beautifully unique. Two of the recommendations are above ground and two can be found in caves.

Gran Cenote

Best for: Instagram Worthy Shots

Gran Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes and for good reason, too. Located in a cave, this cenote is probably one of the most photogenic locations in all of Tulum. Due to its popularity, the cenote can become quite busy with tourists shortly after opening.

The complex also offers amenities such as showers, lockers, and food stands.

Recommendations:

Arrive at opening time to beat the crowds.
Gran cenote has two areas, make sure to check out the smaller area located to the right of the cenote stairs. This area has fewer people and may even be a better photo spot than the larger section.

Carwash Cenote

Best for: Cheap entry and snorkeling

This cenote is gaining more popularity but it’s still one of the cheaper cenote options with fewer crowds. We did not snorkel while we were there but the cenote was full of other snorkelers and scuba divers so I’d recommend giving snorkeling a try. The area also has a deck for jumping and rope swing available.

The water here was so blue and refreshing. A great place to cool off from the hot Yucatan weather.

Cenote Calavera

Best for: Jumping!

I have to say this cenote was beautiful, but the least of my favorites. If you do not enjoy high jumps into the water with 20 other people watching then this would be the one to skip.

However, if you enjoy a good 20 ft jump into the water then you will love this cenote!

The cenote is entirely inside of a cave with three openings. One large opening provides a ladder for swimmers to climb out while the other two openings are small entry with nothing but a sign saying “jump here”. I have to say, I was a little apprehensive about jumping into a hole when I could not see the bottom, but oh so worth it!

Cenote Yax-Kin

Best for: Cheap entry and avoiding crowds

On our last morning in Tulum, we headed to Cenote Dos Ojes but arrived to a full parking lot and an admission fee of ~ $25 USD each. We decided to head back towards town and happened to find this cenote along the highway. And wow, what a find! We arrived about 10:30 am, paid $5 USD each and had the entire place to ourselves for about two hours.

The cenote is above ground and provides shallow and deep sections for swimming, complete with a jumping area. The grounds are very well maintained. They offer lounge chairs and plenty of picnic seating. We could have spent the whole day here! Cenote Yax-Kin was probably my favorite cenote to visit.