Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with freshwater, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. They are unique to the Yucatán Peninsula and were considered sacred by the ancient Maya.

What are the best cenotes to visit in the Yucatán Peninsula?

Some of the best cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula include Gran Cenote, Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Suytun, and Cenote Xkeken.

Can you swim in cenotes?

Yes, most cenotes are open for swimming, snorkeling, and even diving. Some require life jackets, which are often available for rent at the entrance.

How much does it cost to visit a cenote?

Entrance fees vary, but most cenotes cost between $5 to $15 USD per person. Some cenotes with additional facilities or guided tours may charge more.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear to a cenote?

Some cenotes provide snorkeling gear for rent, but bringing your own is recommended for hygiene and comfort.

What is the best time to visit cenotes?

The best time to visit cenotes is early in the morning to avoid crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.

Are cenotes safe for children?

Yes, many cenotes are safe for children, but supervision is required. Shallow cenotes and those with life jackets available are ideal for kids.

Are there guided tours for cenotes?

Yes, many tour companies offer guided cenote tours, which often include transportation, snorkeling gear, and visits to multiple cenotes.

What should I pack for a cenote visit?

Pack a swimsuit, towel, water shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, a waterproof phone case, and cash for entrance fees and rentals.

Do I need biodegradable sunscreen for cenotes?

Yes, biodegradable sunscreen is required at most cenotes to protect the delicate ecosystems and water quality.

Can I go scuba diving in cenotes?

Yes, some cenotes allow scuba diving, particularly Dos Ojos and Angelita, which offer stunning underwater formations and cave diving experiences.

The Best Cenotes In The Yucatán Peninsula

This is the ultimate list of the 10 best cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Yucatán Peninsula is renowned for its stunning cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with freshwater, often surrounded by lush jungle and steeped in Mayan history. Here are some of the best cenotes to visit in the region.

And if you’re headed to Tulum anytime soon, be sure to check out my top things to do while you’re there! And don’t miss what you should know before heading to Tulum, too.

Table of Contents

Cenote Ik Kil near Chichén Itzá in Mexico, featuring a deep natural sinkhole surrounded by hanging vines, rocky limestone walls, and clear blue water popular for swimming. — Cenote Ik Kil | via Tripadvisor

Best Cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula

1. Cenote Ik Kil

Location: Near Chichén Itzá

One of the most famous cenotes, Ik Kil boasts an open-air structure surrounded by hanging vines and waterfalls, creating an awe-inspiring swimming experience. The deep, crystal-clear water is perfect for a refreshing dip after visiting the nearby archaeological site.

Cenote Hubiku in Mexico, a semi-open freshwater sinkhole with crystal-clear water, rugged stone walls, and a shaft of natural light streaming through an opening above, creating a peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere. — Cenote Hubiku via Tripadvisor

2. Cenote Hubiku

Location: Near Ek’ Balam ruins

This semi-underground cenote is celebrated for its large cavern and cool, inviting water. It’s a great spot to unwind after exploring the nearby Mayan ruins.

Gran Cenote in Tulum, Mexico, featuring turquoise freshwater pools surrounded by lush tropical greenery and limestone rock formations, with swimmers exploring the clear, cool waters. — Tulum Gran Cenote | via tripadvisor

3. Gran Cenote

Location: Near Tulum

A family-friendly cenote ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring its clear water and caverns. The Gran Cenote is surrounded by lush greenery and is home to turtles and small fish, adding to the experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Cenote Suytun in Mexico, featuring a circular stone platform in the center of a shallow, crystal-clear pool, surrounded by high limestone walls with a dramatic beam of light shining through an opening above. — Cenote Suytun | via tripadvisor

4. Cenote Suytun

Location: Near Valladolid

Famous for its iconic platform in the middle of the cenote, Suytun offers a unique photo opportunity. The cave setting is illuminated by a beam of natural light filtering through an opening above, creating an ethereal ambiance.

Cenote Calavera in Tulum, Mexico, a unique open cenote with three circular openings in the limestone surface, where swimmers dive into the clear, refreshing water surrounded by rugged natural rock. — Cenote Calavera | via tripadvisor

5. Cenote Calavera

Location: Near Tulum

Also known as the “Temple of Doom,” Cenote Calavera is recognized for its three small holes resembling a skull when viewed from above. Adventurers enjoy jumping into the water from different heights and exploring its dramatic setting.

Cenote Zací in Valladolid, Mexico, a large semi-open cenote with deep turquoise water, hanging vines, and partially overhanging rock walls, blending nature and ancient geology in a tropical setting. — Cenote Zaci | via tripadvisor

6. Cenote Zaci

Location: Valladolid

A semi-open cenote right in the town of Valladolid, Zaci offers a mix of natural beauty and convenience. It features a rustic charm with stalactites and deep, blue-green water.

Cenote Xkekén in Mexico, an underground cave cenote with clear blue water, dramatic stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and soft light filtering through a small natural opening above. — Cenote Xkeken | via tripadvisor

7. Cenote Samulá & Cenote Xkeken

Location: Dzitnup, near Valladolid

These neighboring cenotes are often visited together. Samulá has an impressive tree root descending into its waters, while Xkeken is known for its fascinating rock formations and filtered light, creating a magical glow.

Painted green rock marking the entrance to Cenote Dos Ojos in Mexico, with the name “Dos Ojos” in bold white lettering, surrounded by tropical plants and jungle scenery. — Dos Ojos entrance

8. Cenote Dos Ojos

Location: Near Tulum

Known for its cave-like structure and turquoise waters, Dos Ojos is popular among snorkelers and divers. The cenote features two connected sinkholes (“Two Eyes”) with beautiful stalactites and a rich underwater ecosystem.

Cenote Taak Bi Ha in Mexico, an underground cenote featuring crystal-clear water, dramatic limestone formations, stalactites, and soft, filtered light creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. — Cenote Taak Bi Ha

9. Cenote Taak Bi Ha

Location: Near Tulum

Cenote Taak Bi Ha is a lesser-known yet incredibly beautiful cenote located in the Riviera Maya, near the Dos Ojos Cenote system and a short drive from Tulum. Its name means “Hidden Water” in Mayan, and it truly lives up to this name by offering an enchanting, less crowded experience.

It is really close to the Dos Ojos Cenote, so you can visit both in one day.

Katie and Zack snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Yal-Ku Lagoon in Mexico, surrounded by vibrant tropical fish and rocky underwater formations in a calm, sunny setting. — Katie and Zack snorkeling

10. Yal-Ku

Location: Near Akumal

Yal-Ku Lagoon is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience different from the more well-known cenotes in the region. It’s a beautiful, serene spot ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya.

Xunaan-Ha Cenote in Mexico, featuring a peaceful, open pool of clear blue water surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and rocky limestone edges, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. — Xunaan-Ha Cenote

11. Xunaan-Ha

Location: Chemuyil

Xunaan-Ha Cenote is a hidden gem located in the village of Chemuyil, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Tulum. It offers a more tranquil and intimate experience compared to some of the more touristy cenotes in the area.

This one is settled in a denser jungle so it was full of mosquitoes. We got plenty of bites!

What’s your favorite cenote? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers,
Katie

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