The Best Cenotes Near Cancun, Mexico – With Cancun Cenote Tours & Map

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The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is famous for its amazing natural swimming holes called cenotes.

Cancun is not only known for its luxury hotels and insanely blue water and white sand beaches, but also for the many activities you can do from there. Including visiting the most beautiful cenotes along the Riviera Maya.

There are a lot of amazing cenotes near Cancun that are worth exploring. With Cancun being the main tourist hub of the Yucatan Peninsula, there are many cenote tours from Cancun that you can easily take.

You can swim and snorkel in cenotes and at some, you can jump from platforms into the crystal clear blue water. At other sinkholes, you can go scuba and cave diving to explore the underwater worlds and cave systems that are hidden from the eye above ground. And yet others are so big, they even have a little island in the middle.

We created an elaborate Yucatan cenote guide with a map of the best cenotes around Cancun, Mexico. We explain the things you need to know about visiting cenotes in Cancun, followed by information and photos about each of the natural swimming holes.

If it’s your first time visiting a cenote in Mexico will find our cenote packing list useful and will also get helpful information about swimming and snorkeling in cenotes.

At the end of our extensive Cancun Cenote Guide, you will find a list of even more cenotes near Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid.

This is a long and elaborate post. If you would like to know more about a specific cenote or topic click on the links below in the table of contents to jump to that section directly.

The Best Cenotes Near Cancun, Mexico

Guide To Visiting Cenotes Near Cancun

Travel Guide To The Best Things To Do In Cancun

What Is A Cenote?

Cenotes are sinkholes naturally formed by the collapse of their limestone bedrock ceiling. Yucatan has thousands of these natural sinkholes, called cenotes. It has been found that these cenotes are not standalone waterholes, but rather a vastly interconnected underground system spanning across the Yucatan peninsula.

The water is usually crystal clear and cool which makes them so incredible for swimming and snorkeling. Some cenotes are very deep which makes them great for scuba, cave, and free diving. In yet other cenotes you can explore cavelike underwater worlds with stalactites and stalagmites and sometimes encounter fossils.

Different Types Of Cenotes

Cenotes vary in size, depth as well as type. Some cenotes are partially open through a collapsed ceiling that exposes the underlying groundwater or are even completely open. Other sinkholes are entirely underground and cavelike and again others are semi-underground.

Cenotes In Ancient Mayan History

The ancient Mayans used the cenotes as natural wells for their water supplies. Famous cities like Chichen Itza were built around cenotes for that fact, as the Yucatan Peninsula has almost no rivers and only a few lakes.

The cenotes were believed to be a passageway to the underground world and afterlife. In ancient times, cenotes played a big part in Mayan rituals and sacrificial offerings.

The Mayans deposited valuables and human bodies into the cenotes as a form of sacrifice to their gods. Divers have found several human remains and objects dating back to the Mayan era inside the sinkholes.

How To Get To Cenotes Near Cancun?

There are many cenotes near Cancun that you can easily visit. However, most cenotes require a drive to get there. These are the modes of transportation you can take:

Taking A Colectivo To Get To Cenotes

Since a lot of the cenotes near Cancun are located along Highway 307 towards Playa del Carmen and Tulum, taking a colectivo is an easy and cheap option to get to the natural swimming holes.

Plenty of colectivos run up and down Highway 307 between Cancun and Tulum. From main points of interest in Cancun, like downtown, you can find colectivos going in different directions.

To double check ask the drivers for their end destination and let them know at which cenote you want to hop off so he can make a stop on his route.

On the way back to Cancun you have to flag a colectivo of the highway that drives in your desired direction.

Taking A Taxi To Visit Cenotes Near Cancun

Taking a taxi to get to a cenote could be an option too. However, we would only recommend it to popular and highly frequented cenotes. Some cenotes around Cancun may not be very busy so you may have a hard time finding a taxi ride back to town.

Taking a taxi can also get quite expensive, since the cenotes are not directly located in Cancun.

Taking A Tour To Visit Cenotes Around Cancun

An easier and comfortable option to visit cenotes near Cancun is taking a cenote tour. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel and don’t have to worry about the logistics or being stuck in the middle of nowhere as cenotes sometimes tend to be in secluded areas.

There are different types of cenote tours: Usually half-day tours or full-day tours. On guided full-day tours, you typically also do another activity or visit an archaeological site.

These are some of the most popular Cancun cenote tours that can easily be booked online:

Popular Cancun Cenote Tours

Getting Around By Rental Car

The most flexible option to get around in Cancun and visit the many cenotes nearby is via rental car. With a rental car, you will be able to also visit all the more remote cenotes near.

Renting a car is usually our personal preference to get from place to place and explore, but it always depends on your budget and itinerary of course.

We would recommend renting a car right away at Cancun airport if you are looking to get a rental car for your trip.

Down below we included directions to the popular cenotes around Cancun. That way you can see how far the cenotes are from Cancun and how to get there best.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Cenotes?

You can visit the cenotes close to Cancun all year round. They are usually open from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entry being at 4 pm. (Check below for the exact opening hours for each cenote.)

The popular cenotes like Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino can get pretty busy, especially during the high season. If you prefer a less crowded time and/or if you are looking to take photos, the morning hours are your best bet. The cenotes get pretty busy around midday and afternoon. Some are highly frequented by tours as well.

Pro tip: Travel off season to avoid the crowds!

Lesser-known cenotes like Cenote Sac-Aua for instance are usually not very busy. Visiting anytime during the day will be fine.

How Much Does Visiting Cancun Cenotes Cost?

How much the entrance fee to cenotes near Cancun costs varies a great deal. A general rule of thumb is the more popular a cenote, the higher the entrance fee.

Not so well-known swimming holes can cost about 50 -100 MXN only, which is pretty cheap.

Visiting most other cenotes from Cancun costs around 100-200 pesos. Some have a restaurant on-site and offer an all-inclusive ticket which then costs a bit more but can be a good deal.

Cenote parks offer an entire experience and therefore cost more.

Life jackets can cost you an extra fee too. At some of the cenotes, they are required.

In Tulum, they charge for camera gear like a GoPro or DSLR. We haven’t seen that at any other cenotes around Playa del Carmen or Valladolid.

As you can see pricing for the cenotes varies greatly, but in general, the cenotes close to Cancun are cheaper than the ones around Tulum.

We are trying to be up to date with the entrance fees to the cenotes, but prices often change quickly. So it could be that a fee is not accurate anymore. Especially in the last two years costs to visit cenotes increased quite a lot. Should you encounter that a fee isn’t up to date anymore, let us know in the comments and we’ll correct it. Thanks a lot!

Sunscreen & Swimming In Cenotes

Not only are cenotes precious with their crystal clear water, they also contribute to the health of the peninsula’s ecosystem. Therefore it is paramount to keep them clean. This means, cenotes need to be kept free from trash and waste and this also includes sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Can I Wear Biodegradable Sunscreen In A Cenote?

The short answer is: No! Sunscreen, mosquito repellent as well as other lotions and sprays that we apply to our bodies are toxic to the ecosystems and aren’t decomposable. Even biodegradable sunscreen!

This is because most so-called biodegradable sunscreens are actually not really biodegradable. Even the ones that are, still leave a residue in the water which ends up polluting the pristine clear cenote water.

At most cenotes, you will be asked to take a shower before entering the water to remove all products from your skin. Please do your part and help keep these precious ecosystems clean and healthy!

What To Pack For Swimming & Snorkeling In Cenotes

We’ve put together a brief list of things that we have found handy when visiting cenotes.

If you want to take underwater photos a GoPro and GoPro Dome or other action camera is great. All the new GoPros are also waterproof and you can take them into the water without a case.

If you bring your phone, there are really cheap phone cases for the water or more professional underwater phone housings. They work surprisingly well and the photos can also turn out great.

One thing that makes a difference and things a lot more comfortable are water shoes.

Cancun Cenotes Map

Whether you are into swimming, snorkeling, or scuba and cave diving, or just like to hang out and have a great time, there is a cenote for everyone. So, let’s take it away with the best cenotes around Cancun:

The Best Cenotes Near Cancun

Cenote Azul

One of the most popular cenotes near Cancun is Cenote Azul. For good reason! With its amazing blue water, hence the name Azul, the ‘Blue Cenote’ is one of the most beautiful cenotes we have been to and our favorite cenote in Playa del Carmen.

Cenote Azul is located close to Playa del Carmen along Highway 307 towards Tulum. To get there you will need a car or take a cab/ colectivo.

There are two rather shallow pools at Cenote Azul. A small one and a very large basin. Both swimming holes are open-air cenotes.

The collapsed light-colored limestone at the bottom of the cenote creates a contrast to the otherwise dark blue basin. This play of different shades of blue is what makes Cenote Azul so beautiful.

The larger cenote basin is great for swimming and snorkeling. You will find plenty of areas to explore at the blue cenote. There is also a cliff from which you can jump into the cenote if you are up for it.

Cenote Azul is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It is probably the most visited cenote around Playa del Carmen. If you want to avoid the crowds, you should come early in the morning.

There is a small souvenir and snack shop on site and as well as pick-nick areas.

How To Get To Cenote Azul From Cancun?

You can easily reach Cenote Azul from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Azul is approx. 1 hour 20 minutes and about 90 km / 56 miles.

If you take a colectivo from Cancun to Cenote Azul you first have to take one to Playa del Carmen. From there you take another colectivo to Tulum and let the driver know where you want to get out along Highway 307.

A third option is to visit Cenote Azul via a tour and make a day trip out of it.

Cenote Azul Tours

➤ Swimming With Turtles And Snorkeling In Cenote Azul

➤ 4 Cenotes Day Trip – Incl. Cenote Azul In Playa del Carmen

Exploring Cenote Azul At The Riveria Maya

Cenote Cristalino

Our second favorite cenote to visit from Cancun is Cenote Cristalino. It is located right next to Cenote Azul along Carretera Cancun – Tulum.

Cenote Cristalino has three different natural pools, each different from the other. You will find a small cave-like pool at the very beginning when you come in. The second one is a large open-air basin that connects with a smaller part via a little cave. There are a lot of mangroves as well which are also pretty cool to see from underwater. The third pool is a smaller open-air pool.

As the name Cristalino already gives away, the water at this swimming hole is crystal clear and therefore a very popular cenote to visit from Cancun.

Another attraction of Cenote Cristalino is the two swings. One is kind of in a half-cave and the other swing hangs from a tree on a cliff. Besides great swimming and snorkeling, you can also do some cliff jumping at Cenote Cristalino.

Since this cenote is very popular it also gets crowded, especially on the weekends. To encounter fewer people, avoid the weekends and come in the morning.

How To Get To Cenote Cristalino From Cancun?

You can easily reach Cenote Cristalino from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Cristalino is approx. 1 hour 20 minutes and about 90 km / 56 miles. It’s right next to Cenote Azul.

If you take a colectivo to Cenote Cristalino you first have to take one to Playa del Carmen. From there you take another colectivo to Tulum and let the driver know where you want to get out along Highway 307.

A third option is to visit Cenote Cristalino via a tour and make a day trip out of it.

Cenote Cristalino Tours

➤ 3 Cenotes, 1 Lagoon and Playa Paraiso Day Trip From The Riviera Maya

Cenote Calavera, Tulum

Cenote Calavera is just right outside of Tulum. The cenote is one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum. It takes about 2 hours from Cancun to Cenote Calavera.

Calavera means skull. The cenote got its name because it has three openings that resemble a skull. Two small openings and a big one.

What’s special about Cenote Calavera is that you can jump through these small openings down to the cave filled with crystal clear water. The bigger opening is the main entrance to the cenote and has a ladder to climb down and an instagrammable swing.

Cenote Calavera is great for swimming and especially jumping into the openings of the skull. It may not be visible from above, due to the small holes, but Cenote Calavera is also a great place for cavern and cave diving as much of its system lies underground.

The cenote’s underground system is connected to the ocean and therefore has layers of halocline (where the saltwater meets freshwater) which can be seen by divers.

The light rays coming through the rather small holes on the cenote’s ceiling also make this a special experience for divers and snorkelers.

How To Get To Cenote Calavera From Cancun?

You can easily get to Cenote Calavera from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Calavera is approx. 2 hours 15 minutes and about 130 km / 80 miles.

If you take a colectivo from Cancun to Cenote Calavera you also have to take one to Playa del Carmen first. From there you take another colectivo to Tulum. Once in Tulum, you will need to get a cab to the cenote which is along the highway to Coba.

Instead of taking a colectivo you can take the ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum. From there take a taxi to Cenote Calavera. This option is also pretty cheap.

Our recommendation would be to get a rental car to visit Cenote Calavera from Cancun as this is the fastest option.

Cenote Calavera Tours

➤ Coba & Punta Laguna & Cenote Calavera Tour From Tulum

➤ Tulum Cenotes Triple Adventure Tour Incl. Cenote Calavera

➤ Ultimate Tulum Tour: Laguna Kaan Luum, Cenote Calavera, Cenote Dos Ojos & Playa Paraíso

Guide To Visiting Cenote Calavera

Cenote Jardin del Eden (Cenote Ponderosa)

Located in the same area as Cenote Azul and Cristalino you will find Cenote Jardin del Eden (aka Cenote Ponderosa).

From the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307, it is about a kilometer / half a mile walk to get to the swimming hole. Keep that in mind if you are taking a colectivo, since you will be getting off next to the highway and have to walk the rest. Therefore, we recommend renting a car to get there.

Cenote Jardin del Eden is a large open cenote. The swimming hole is surrounded by lush jungle with trees and mangroves growing in the water. With all that rich greenery it is truly a garden of Eden!

The cenote has shallow and also pretty deep areas. In the middle of the sinkhole, you can sit on the big limestone rock plates, that have collapsed from what used to be the cenote’s ceiling.

There is a platform and a cliff from where you can jump into the refreshing water.

Cenote Jardin del Eden is great for swimming and snorkeling but also for scuba diving. Divers can explore the underground cave that is not visible from above the water.

On Saturdays the cenote is closed. On Sundays it can get pretty crowded, especially during high season. If you visit in the mornings during the week it won’t be as crowded.

How To Get To Cenote Jardin del Eden From Cancun?

You can easily reach Cenote Jardin del Eden from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Jardin del Eden is approx. 1 hour 20 minutes and about 90 km / 56 miles. It’s right next to Cenote Azul and Cristalino.

If you take a colectivo to Cenote Jardin del Eden you first have to take one to Playa del Carmen. From there you take another colectivo to Tulum and let the driver know where you want to get out along Highway 307.

A third option is to visit Cenote Jardin del Eden via a tour and make a day trip out of it.

Cenote Jardin del Eden Tours

➤ Jarding del Eden Cenote Diving Near Playa del Carmen For Certified Divers

Ecopark Cenote Kantun Chi

Ecopark Kantun Chi is an ecological park with 5 beautiful cenotes and an underground river. Kantun Chi Ecopark is located along the Riviera Maya next to Cenote Cristalino.

You will be able to take different tours exploring the eco-park’s majestic crystalline waters and underground caves.

How To Get To Cenote Kantun Chi From Cancun?

You can get to Cenote Kantun Chi from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Kantun Chi is approx. 1 hour 20 minutes and about 90 km / 56 miles. It’s right next to Cenote Cristalino and Azul as well as Cenote Jardin del Eden.

If you take a colectivo to Cenote Kantun Chi you first have to take one to Playa del Carmen. From there you take another colectivo to Tulum and let the driver know where you want to get out along Highway 307.

A third option is to visit Cenote Kantun Chi via a tour and make a day trip out of it.

Cenote Tours

There are different tours at Ecopark Kantun Chi that you can take: Tour Aguas Magicas – Magic Waters Tour, 4 Cenotes Tour, and Grutaventura – cave adventure tour. You can book these tours online at Ecopark Kantun Chi’s website.

There is a restaurant on site, Restaurante Lol-Ha, that serves traditional Mayan and Yucatan food.

Cenote Zaci

Going more inland to colonial town Valladolid. Right in the center of town, you will find Cenote Zaci. We recommend stoping by at Cenote Zaci while visiting Valladolid.

Cenote Zaci is a partially collapsed cavern cenote. On one side you have the stalactites growing from the cenote’s ceiling and on the other side, you have ferns growing down to the water.

The cenote has several platforms from which you can jump into the dark blue water. The swimming hole it not very suitable for snorkeling as you can’t see much underwater.

There is a restaurant, Restaurante Zaci, right next to the cenote. If you eat there, visiting Cenote Zaci is free. Even though the cenote is in the center of Valladolid, it is usually not overly crowded.

How To Get To Cenote Zaci From Cancun?

You can get to Cenote Zaci from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Zaci and Valladolid Centro is approx. 2 hours 20 minutes and about 160 km / 100 miles. The road you will be driving on is a paid road, so bring Mexican pesos with you.

Another option is to take the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid. The cenote is right in the town’s center and the ADO bus is a pretty affordable and comfortable option.

A third way to visit Cenote Zaci is via a guided tour and make a day trip out of it.

Cenote Zaci Tour

➤ Tour Chichén Itza – Xichén Deluxe Tour With Cenote Zaci In Valladolid

Cenote Oxman

Cenote Oxman near Valladolid has gained a lot of popularity on Instagram in the recent 1-2 years due to its instagrammable rope swing.

The swimming hole is located at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman. The hacienda is a small hotel with an outdoor pool area. Hotel guests can use the cenote free of charge. If you only come visit Hacienda Oxman for the cenote, you can do that or get a day pass for the pool area which includes a buffet as well.

These days Cenote Oxman gets pretty crowded during the day. If you come early in the morning you will have the cenote almost to yourself, but you have to come right away when it opens. Staying at the hacienda will make it easy to be the first one in the morning.

How To Get To Cenote Oxman From Cancun?

You can get to Cenote Oxman from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Oxman is approx. 2 hours 30 minutes and about 165 km / 102 miles. The road you will be driving on is a paid road, so bring Mexican pesos with you.

Another option is to take the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid. The cenote is right in the town’s center and the ADO bus is a pretty affordable and comfortable option. From there you have to take a cab to the cenote.

A third way to visit Cenote Oxman is via a guided tour and make a full day trip out of it.

Cenote Oxman Tour

➤ Day Trip to Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, Valladolid & Cenote Oxman From Cancun

We wrote an entire blog post about visiting Cenote Oxman. Check it out if you want to know more about one of the most popular cenotes in Valladolid.

Visiting Cenote Oxman In Valladolid & Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman

Chichen-Itza Cenote – Cenote Ik-Kil

Cenote Ik-Kil is probably the most famous and most visited cenote of the Yucatan Peninsula. Most people visit the Ik Kil cenote as part of a Chichen Itzá ruins tour.

You can also just visit the cenote by itself if you have seen the ruins already. If not, we highly recommend visiting Chichen Itza. It is one of the most amazing Mayan archeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Ik-Kil Cenote is about 48 meters deep and has two platforms from where you can jump into the water. You can look inside the cenote from above and see the amazing vines growing down to the water.

There is a restaurant and a hotel, Hotel Ik Kil, on site. Hotel Doralba Inn Chichen is right next to it.

Since the cenote is highly frequented by tours, you should come to visit Ik-Kil in the morning hours if you want to avoid the crowds.

How To Get To Cenote Ik Kil From Cancun?

You can get to Cenote Ik-Kil from Cancun by rental car on your own. The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Ik-Kil is approx. 2 hours 50 minutes and about 195 km / 121 miles. The road you will be driving on is a paid road, so bring Mexican pesos with you.

The most comfortable way to visit Cenote Ik-Kil is via a guided tour. That way you don’t have to drive the long drive and on top you get to see other attractions like Valladolid or the Chichen Itza Pyramid.

Tour To Cenote Ik Kil

There is a guided day tour to Cenote Ik Kil that brings you to the cenote and the Chichen Itza Pyramids. You can book it online here.

Yal-Ku Lagoon & Cenote

Yal-Ku Lagoon & Cenote is like the name says a lagoon with a cenote. What’s special about Yal-ku Lagoon is that it is open to the sea, similar to Xel-Ha Park. Because of the connection to the ocean, the lagoon has a lot of fish and is a great place for snorkeling and discovering the underwater sea world.

The lagoon is fairly big, therefore you can rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the lagoon from above the water. You can also rent palapas at Yal-Ku Lagoon and spend the day relaxing by this beautiful hidden gem.

How To Get To Yal-Kú Lagoon & Cenote From Cancun?

The lagoon is located in Akumal. It is about a 1,5 hour drive from Cancun to the Yal-Ku lagoon and cenote. We would not recommend getting there by colectivo, as the lagoon is not located in the center of Akumal and getting there from Cancun will be quite a hassle.

Yal-Kú Cenote Tours

➤ Mayan Adventure Yal-Ku Snorkeling Tour In Akumal

➤ Akumal Cenote & Yal-kú Lagoon Snorkeling Day Trip

Swimming With Turtles In Akumal

Cenote Abierto

Cenote Abierto is another cenote located along Highway 307. It is an open-air cenote with a diving platform and a zipline.

The cenote is operated by tour company Aventuras Mayas which offers all-inclusive cenote tours including pick up and drop-off and lunch buffet.

Cenote Abierto Tours

On their three cenotes tour, you will snorkel in the Yal Ku Lagoon in Akumal, in an underground cenote, and in Cenote Abierto.

You can get more information on the Aventuras Maya cenote tour here.

Cenote Sac-Aua

Remote Cenote Sac-Aua is a hidden gem and an incredible off-the-beaten-path cenote near Valladolid. Not many people know about this cenote. When we visited we had it completely to ourselves.

What makes Cenote Sac-Aua special is that it has a big island in the middle of the cenote where trees are growing up and down the pit. You can take a kayak and paddle around the donut-shaped cenote.

Due to the massive amounts of rain that the Yucatan Peninsula received in late 2020 the island was submerged underwater. However, this didn’t stop us from exploring this unique and remote cenote close to Valladolid.

From the parking lot it takes about a 10 minute walk to get to the swimming hole and showers.

Pro tip: If you want to capture the entire beauty of this big cenote, bring a wide angle lens.

How To Get To Cenote Sac Aua From Cancun?

You can only get to Cenote Sac Aua from Cancun on your own by rental car. There are no busses going there.

The driving time from Cancun to Cenote Sac-Aua is approx. 2 hours 30 minutes and about 165 km / 102 miles.

Summary: Visiting The Best Cenotes Close To Cancun

Most Popular Semi-Open Cenotes

Most Popular Cenote Excursions From Cancun

➤ Day Trip to Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, Valladolid & Cenote Oxman From Cancun

➤ Tour Chichén Itza – Xichén Deluxe Tour With Cenote Zaci In Valladolid

Best Cenote Snorkeling Near Cancun

Guided Cenote Snorkeling From Cancun

➤ Swimming With Turtles And Snorkeling In Cenote Azul

➤ 3 Cenotes (incl. Cenote Cristalino), 1 Lagoon and Playa Paraiso Day Trip

➤ Cancun Jungle Tour: Tulum, Cenote Snorkeling, Ziplining + Lunch

➤ Half-Day Underwater World Cenote Snorkeling Tour From Cancun

➤ Full-Day Swimming & Snorkeling At Cenote Caves In Yucatan

Scuba & Cave Diving From Cancun

Guided Cenote Scuba Diving From Cancun

➤ Cancun 2-Tank Cenote Cave Dive For Certifie Divers

➤ Sacred Cenote Scuba Diving From Cancun

Most Instagrammable Cenotes

Guided Cenote Day Trip From Cancun

➤ Luxury Tour To Chichen Itza + Cenote Ik Kil & Suytun From Cancún

➤ Cenote Suytun & Chichen Itza Classic Tour

➤ Cenote Oxman, Chichen Itza & Ik Kil Cenote From Cancun

Cancun Cenote Tours

Visiting Cenotes From Cancun Via Guided Tour

Best Things To Do On The Yucatan Peninsula

More Awesome Cenotes Near Tulum

The beach town Tulum is not only known for its boho jungle vibe and amazing beach, but also for its many beautiful cenotes. In fact, some of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula are located around Tulum.

It takes about 2 hours from Cancun to Tulum. It’s best to visit the cenotes by car or via guided tour if you are only planning to stay for the day.

Other popular cenotes in Tulum include Cenote Dos Ojos and the Gran Cenote. We wrote an entire post about the cenotes near Tulum. Check it out if you want to find out more about the cenotes below.

The Coolest Cenotes In Tulum

Top Things To Do When Visiting Tulum For The First Time

More Cenotes Near Valladolid

Probably the most instafamous cenote of Valladolid is Cenote Suytun. It is famous for the sun rays shining through the narrow hole in the ceiling. At the right time of day, the sun hits the platform down below in the water which creates the perfect photo opportunity.

From Cancun, it takes almost two hours to get to the Valladolid cenotes. Taking a car or tour is the best way to visit Valladolid and the cenotes around there. But if your vacation time allows, stay in Valladolid for a few days and explore the area and cenotes from there.

We wrote an entire post about the cenotes near Valladolid. Check it out if you want to find out more about the cenotes below.

The Best Cenotes Near Valladolid – Guide & Map

More Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen

There are quite a lot of cenotes on the way from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Our favorite ones are Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino.

From Cancun, it takes a little over an hour to get to the Playa del Carmen cenotes, it’s best to take a car or go there via tour.

If your vacation time allows stay in Playa del Carmen for a few days and explore the area and cenotes from there.

Below you will find the most popular cenotes around Playa del Carmen:

The Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen – Guide & Map

Travel Insurance For Mexico

While looking for the best cenotes near Cancun it is a good idea to also look into travel insurance for your trip to Mexico.

Cancun Cenotes Map & Guide

What To Pack For Cancun? Beach Outfits & Packing List

The Best Cenotes Near Cancun

We hope our extensive cenote guide to the best cenotes close to Cancun gave you a good overview of the many swimming holes there are to visit and helped you to decide which cenotes to explore during your Mexico vacation.

Have fun exploring the Yucatan Peninsula!

Julia & Felipe

Follow our adventures on Instagram! @piscoandbier

Mexico Beach Vacation

Ultimate Travel Guide

YUCATÁN PENINSULA

READ HERE

Yucatán Peninsula: Best Places To Visit
What To Wear To Mexico? Outfits For Mexico

TULUM
Visiting Tulum – Things To Do In Tulum
Affordable Beach Hotels In Tulum
Tulum Hotels With Private (Plunge) Pools
Sian Ka’an Jeep Safari Tour Into Paradise
Cenote Calavera Tulum – Temple Of Doom

CANCUN
Best Things To Do In Cancun
The Best Cenotes Near Cancun With Map
Cancun Vs Tulum – Which one is better?

PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Awesome Playa Del Carmen Rooftop Pools
Cenote Azul Playa del Carmen
Cenote Cristalino Playa del Carmen

ISLA MUJERES
Top Things To Do On Isla Mujeres

VALLADOLID
Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman & Cenote
Iglesia Uayma Yucatan Near Valladolid
Izamal Pueblo Magico – The Yellow City

AKUMAL
Snorkeling With Turtles In Akumal

HOLBOX
Things To Do In Holbox & Where To Stay

CENOTES
Best Cenotes In Playa del Carmen + Map
Best Cenotes Near Valladolid With Map
Best Cenotes In Tulum & Cenotes Map

BEACHES
Best Beaches In Tulum & Tulum Beach Clubs
Best Beaches In Cancun Hotel Zone

PACKINGS LISTS & OUTFITS
What To Wear In Cancun & Packing List
Tulum Outfits & Tulum Packing List

RUINS
Best Mayan Ruins In Yucatan, Mexico
Coba Pyramid & Mayan Ruins In Coba
Muyil Ruins & Mayan Canals River Float
Ek Balam Ruins & Cenote Xcanche