Want to know more about the cenotes in mexico?
You’ve come to the right guide because — I live in Mexico — not too far from all of the best cenotes and underwater caves in Mexico.
I have been to about 30 cenotes, and in addition to learning about these natural wonders, you’ll get a list of my 10 best cenotes in Mexico in this article.
Famous for their pristine waters and beautiful tropical esthetics, visiting the cenotes is a unique experience you can only have in Mexico.
Ready to learn all about them?! Let’s get to it, starting with some info about the cenotes, and followed by the best Mexico cenotes list.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
What are Cenotes?
First thing’s first: How do you pronounce cenote?
Cenote is pronounced sen-no-tay, and two or more cenotes are sen-no-tays. Cenotes pronunciation now cleared up, let’s answer the What is a cenote? 🤔 question.
The word cenote means “sinkhole,” or limestone sinkhole, but they are essentially natural fresh water pools.
Many are connected by underground rivers, and located in the Riviera Maya. Some are above ground, and some are underwater caves with unique geological formations.
This word “sinkhole” describes the process of how the cenotes came to be. At one time, all cenotes were encased in the native limestone rock.
Over time, some rock has eroded, collapsed and “sunk in” to reveal the water beneath — which is the cenote water we can now swim in.
The cenotes aren’t individual pools, but rather, the same water from massive freshwater rivers that flow beneath the entire Yucatán Peninsula.
In fact, some cenote water comes from the largest underground river on Earth — the Sistema Sac Actun.
How many cenotes are in Mexico?
There are about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, and the vast majority are in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Some of the best are the Tulum cenotes, Cancun cenotes and Merida cenotes, but there’s also the El Zacatón in Chiapas State, one of the largest freshwater sinkholes in Mexico.
Brief History of the Cenotes
Chicxulub Crater
The Chicxulub Crater (pronounced chee-chee-lube) is the spot on Earth where the asteroid hit and wiped out the dinosaurs some 60 million years ago.
The impact site is located in the present-day Merida Mexico beach town of Chicxulub Puerto, in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Wondering, Where is Merida? It is the capital of Yucatan State, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and located about four hours west of Cancun by car.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
Ring of Cenotes
After the asteroid’s impact, the Ring of Cenotes formed. This crater is about 110-miles in diameter (180 km), and 12-miles deep (20 km).
According to Wiki, it is one of the largest confirmed impact structures on Earth, and the only one with an intact ring that’s accessible for scientific research.
You can’t see the impact site, as it’s partially located in the Gulf of Mexico and partially buried beneath the land.
However, what you can see of the giant asteroid’s impact are the freshwater sinkholes (cenotes) along the Anillo de los Cenotes, or Ring of Cenotes.
The Ring of Cenotes is the largest concentration of cenotes in Mexico, though there are cenotes throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
Most of the best cenotes in Merida Mexico are on the Ring of Cenotes, like the Cuzama Cenotes, Homun Cenotes and Santa Barbara Cenotes.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
There are 4 Types of Cenotes
Of the (approx.) 6,000 cenotes in Yucatan and Mexico, there are four distinct types of cenotes: open, semi-open, cave and diving cenotes.
Each type is unique and beautiful in its own way, so make sure to visit as many types of Mexican cenotes as you can.
The oldest cenotes are open, or above ground cenotes. We know they are the oldest because the limestone rock once encasing them has completely eroded or fallen away.
The next oldest are semi-open cenotes, and the underwater cave cenotes are the youngest.
Open Cenotes
You may see these called swimming pool cenotes, as they are completely open and look like a natural swimming pool. For photos, these are the best because they get the best lighting since they are above ground.
They are also usually surrounded by lush jungle vegetation — like Cenote Azul (pictured) and Cenote Carwash.
Semi-Open Cenotes
These cenotes will be semi-encased in the native limestone rock.
This type of cenote will have large walls surrounding the pool itself, and a large hole in the top of it so some sunlight gets in when it’s located directly overhead — like Cenote Ik-Kil (pictured).
Closed Cenotes in Caves
Cave cenotes are exactly as the name says. These are located underground in a cave, and you’ll have to access them by going down some stairs.
Many closed-off cenotes will have a single ray of light (or a few rays) that gets in through cracks in the rock above, giving them a magical look — like Cenote Suytun (pictured).
Dive Cenotes for Diving
The final type is also essentially located inside a cave, but the water in these cenotes is much deeper so they are sought out for diving.
With clear water in the cenotes, divers get incredible visibility, even as much as 165-feet (50 m) in some cenotes — like Cenote Dos Ojos (pictured).
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
Sistema Sac Actun
Sistema Sac Actun (Sac Actun System) is part of the longest underwater, flooded cave system in the entire world, and located beneath the Yucatan Peninsula.
It measures 164-miles-long (263 km), but also connects with other cave systems in Yucatan, so the total length is much longer.
This part of the country is home to the Mayan people in Mexico, and in the Maya language, sac actun means “white cave.”
For the ancient Mayans, this was their largest source of water to drink, and the cenotes are still sacred places of great reverence.
There are several cenotes you can explore from the Sistema Sac Actun river, including Cenote El Pit and Cenote Pet Cemetery.
The Pet Cemetery Cenote earned its nickname because there have been human remains, animal remains and extinct fauna discovered throughout the years.
The oldest human skeleton and skeletal remains on the Americas Continent, known as Naia, were found here. Naia is about 13,000-years-old, and provides evidence of the first settlers of America.
Divers have also found bones from a mastodon (giant prehistoric shark 🦈) here.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
Sistema Dos Ojos
In 2018, the Gran Maya Aquifer Project, led by cave diver and explorer, Robbie Schmittner, found a link between the Sac Actun System and the Dos Ojos System.
With this discovery, it was official Mexico had the world’s largest underwater cave system ever discovered!
The Sac Actun System and Dos Ojos System also connect with two other cave network systems, Sistema Nohoch Nah Chich and Sistema Ox Bel Ha.
In total, this entire underground river in Mexico measures about 216 miles (348 km), with a maximum depth of 331-feet (101 m).
🤿 Additional Info on Mexico Cave Cenotes
To learn more about the caves in Mexico, check out the work of Guillermo de Anda, as seen in National Geographic and the El Gran Acuifero Maya (Great Maya Aquifer Project) documentary.
He works with Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology (INAH) to map and study these underground limestone caverns.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos Cenote, meaning “two eyes cenote,” is one of the best dive spots in the world for cave divers.
There are two cenotes here: the ojo azul (blue eye), an open cenote with bright-blue, pristine water, and the ojo negro (black eye), a dark cave cenote that you can only enter with a guide.
This is the most famous of all the Dos Ojos Park cenotes, though there are others. Located not far from Cenote Dos Ojos, there’s also Nicte-Ha Cenote and Cenote Taak Bi Ha.
In my opinion, Cenote Taak Bi Ha is one of the most beautiful Mexico underwater caves.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
Top 10 Best Mexico Cenotes
Besides Cenote Dos Ojos, which was just mentioned above, there are many other underwater caves in Mexico and natural sinkholes you can visit.
Below is a list of the most popular cenotes in Mexico, with some useful information for visiting each one.
1. Cenote Calavera
💧 Best for: Photos, Diving, Quick Swim | 💰 Cost: $250 MXN pesos ($12.50 USD) | 📍 Location: Tulum
Calavera Cenote, which means skull cenote in Spanish, has three holes — one larger one, and two smaller ones.
When you’re underwater and the sun’s shining in all the holes at the same time, it looks like a skull, which is how this cenote got its name.
The larger hole has a ladder and a rope swing (not pictured here), which is perfect for lounging on while the little fish nibble at your toes — known as a Mayan pedicure 🤣
You can jump into the water from all holes, as the water’s deep. In fact, this is one of the best Tulum diving cenotes!
One of the most popular of the Instagrammable Tulum cenotes, if you want to take photos here without a crowd of people in them, arrive early.
This is a smaller-sized cenote, and also the closest cenote to Downtown Tulum, so it’s a popular stop for most Tulum visitors, and can get full fast.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
2. El Gran Cenote
💧 Best for: Photos, Swimming, Snorkeling, Relaxing, Diving | 💰 Cost: $300 pesos ($15 USD) | 📍 Location: Tulum
Gran Cenote, meaning “big cenote” or “great cenote,” probably ties with Cenote Calavera for most Instagram worthy cenote in Mexico.
It’s beautiful, close to Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum), and big enough to spend half a day swimming, relaxing at, and exploring.
As one of the most popular Quintana Roo cenotes in the state, Gran Cenote Tulum gets very crowded.
Its famous staircase (seen above) often has a line of people waiting to take photos on it. If you want a photo here — arrive early. If not, there are other beautiful photo ops at Tulum Gran Cenote.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
3. Casa Cenote (AKA Cenote Manatí or Cenote Tankah)
💧 Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving | 💰 Cost: $150 pesos ($7USD) | 📍 Location: Tulum
Casa Cenote is unique in that it’s a mix of freshwater and saltwater. In fact, it used to be known only as Manati Cenote, as manatees once lived there.
They’re gone now, but there’s one solitary crocodile named Panchito who lives there — he’s harmless, but do maintain your distance.
Besides Panchito the crocodile, there’s plenty of other wildlife to see under the water, like fish and turtles.
On land, you might even see an adorable coati, which look like raccoons, walking through the trees and mangroves that line the shore.
This popular cenote is a fun one, and ideal for all kinds of travelers. You can do everything here: swim, kayak (there are onsite rentals), SUP paddle board, snorkel and dive.
Divers love Casa Cenote because there’s an underwater cave that goes directly out to the Caribbean Sea.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
4. Cenote Azul
💧 Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling, Photos | 💰 Cost: $120 pesos ($6 USD) | 📍 Location: Puerto Aventuras, near Playa del Carmen
Azul Cenote, meaning “blue cenote,” is commonly grouped in with what are called the Playa del Carmen cenotes.
Note: There are two Cenotes Azul — one near Tulum and one in Bacalar, Mexico — so make sure you’re always looking at info for the correct Cenote Azul.
This is one of the most beautiful of the Playa del Carmen cenotes, though Cenote Jardín de Eden is also a strong competitor.
Azul Cenote is popular with both locals and visitors, so to avoid the crowds, head there early when they open, 1-2 hours before closing, or on a weekday.
This cenote is so popular because it has the perfect crystal clear blue water, and the cenote is surrounded by giant tropical trees and lush vegetation.
It’s as popular for swimming and snorkeling as it is for taking great cenote photos, and there’s a jumping platform if you want to dive in.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
5. Cenote Ik-Kil
💧 Best for: Photos, Quick Swim | 💰 Cost: $80 pesos ($4 USD) | 📍 Location: Valladolid
Considered among the best cenotes in Yucatan, the Ik Kil Cenote is a bucket list Mexico destination for many visitors.
It is only about 10 minutes from Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, and very popular with tour groups which make stops at both.
As you might imagine, this Yucatan cenote gets very crowded! As with all cenotes, the best strategy to beat the crowds is early in the morning, or later in the day.
Cenote Ik Kil isn’t very big, so even if you’re only able to visit for an hour, it makes a nice stop to check out this gorgeous cenote.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
6. Cenote Suytun
💧 Best for: Photos, Quick Swim | 💰 Cost: $150 pesos ($8 USD) | 📍 Location: Valladolid
The Suytun Cenote is located fully underground in a cave, with large stalactite rock formations hanging from the ceiling.
There is a small hole or natural skylight above the cenote so a single ray of light shines in, and a circular platform in the center, perfect for cenote photos.
This cenote isn’t large, though it is very popular — so it will fill up quite quickly. If you want it all to yourself for photos, you’ll want to arrive by about 9-10am, and preferably on a weekday rather than a weekend.
📸 Note: The light beam is strongest at midday when the sun’s overhead.
Cenote Suytun is located about 45-minutes by car from both Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins and Coba Mayan Ruins, and many combine the cenote and ruins on a Yucatan day trip.
There are also other less-crowded and beautiful cenotes nearby, like Cenote Chukum and Cenote Xux-Ha.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
7. Cenote El Pit
💧 Best for: Divers | 💰 Cost: $475 pesos ($24 USD) | 📍 Location: Tulum
Though not a poetic name, “the pit” perfectly describes the El Pit Cenote — the deepest cenote in Quintana Roo State, at 390-feet (119 m).
It is for scuba divers only (swimmers and snorkelers aren’t allowed), as it’s just a hole in the jungle floor that descends straight down into a cavern.
For those who want to dive Cenote El Pit, you’ll need to be dive certified. However, for cave divers, this is said to be the best diving cenote in Mexico.
Some additional Mexico diving cenotes include: Chac Mool Cenote, Cenote Angelita and Cenote Hells Bells (AKA Cenote Zapote).
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
8. Cenote Yal Ku Lagoon
💧 Best for: Swimming, snorkeling | 💰 Cost: $280 pesos ($14 USD) | 📍 Location: Akumal
Laguna Yal-Ku is an inlet, though it’s referred to as both a lagoon and cenote. For this reason, you may see it called Yal Ku Lagoon & Snorkel, or Yal Ku Cenote.
Regardless of the name, this natural aquarium has the best snorkeling in Tulum, Mexico (coral reefs aside).
Yal-Ku Lagoon has a mixture of freshwater and saltwater, so you can see small fish and the occasional turtle.
Snorkelers will love all the colorful tropical fish near shore, and for those who swim out towards the ocean, you may encounter sea turtles and even rays.
For those planning to snorkel with the turtles in Akumal Bay, Yal-Ku Lagoon is located just minutes away from the beach where you’d do that.
The lagoon makes a great place to visit after swimming with the turtles, to swim and rinse off in the freshwater.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
9. Rio Secreto
💧 Best for: Swimming, snorkeling | 💰 Cost: Varies; You must go with a tour | 📍 Location: Playa del Carmen
Río Secreto Nature Reserve is a semi-sunken cave system just a few miles from Playa del Carmen.
Meaning “secret river,” you can only access it with a tour guide who will lead you through an elaborate system of tunnels well lit by artificial lights.
On the tour, visitors don a wetsuit, helmet and headlamp to explore this underground river, marveling at its impressive rock formations and limestone bedrock walls.
You’ll walk and swim through the clear turquoise water, as your guide lists fun facts about this unique ecosystem.
🤿 Best Rio Secreto Tours
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
10. Chichen Itza Sacred Cenote (Cenote Sagrado)
💧 Best for: Swimming, snorkeling | 💰 Cost: $533 pesos ($26 USD) | 📍 Location: Chichén Itzá Ruins
Cenote Sagrado, or Sacred Cenote, is located at the Chichen Itza Archaeological Site, near the pueblo magico (“magic town”) of Valladolid Mexico.
Visiting the entire Chichen Itza site is included with your entrance fee, so don’t skip this cenote when you visit Chichen Itza.
🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact: Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The only other one on the Americas Continent is the giant Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
While all cenotes are sacred places for the ancient Mayans, this one was so sacred that no one could swim in its waters.
It was used for rituals and ceremonies, and when excavated, many artifacts of great value were found in the water, as many made sacrifices and offerings to the gods here.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
What to Bring to the Cenotes in Mexico
Now that you know all about the Mexico cenotes, you’ll need to know what to bring when you visit them. Below, you’ll find a list with recommendations of what to bring when you visit a cenote.
📸 Go Pro or Waterproof Camera
5.3K 60 Ultra HD Video
27 Megapixel Photos
Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Image Stabilization
Webcam with Live Streaming
1/1.9 Image Sensor
Whats Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
If you’ve been considering getting a GoPro Hero (or the less-expensive AKASO Brave), the cenotes in Mexico will provide the perfect place to put it to good use!
You can get amazing shots of everything from the cave ceiling to whatever’s going on just beneath the water level.
🤿 Mask & Snorkel
180° Panoramic View
Anti-Fog and Anti-Leak Dry Snorkel Technology
Made of High Quality PC and Medical Grade Silicone
Detachable Camera Mount (Fits GoPro, Akaso, and most models)
Adjustable straps designed for comfort in the water
Tulum snorkeling tours provide a mask and snorkel, but you might want your own for sanitary reasons.
For those who want to conserve luggage space, these small goggles and roll up snorkel make a great set, but this combo mask and snorkel is the best option for snorkeling.
🩴 Water Shoes
One of the best cenote tips is to bring water shoes! The cenotes are natural pools, most have slippery rocks, muddy ground, etc., and the shoes really come in handy the second you get out of those crystal clear waters.
📲 Waterproof Phone Holder
If you’re planning to take Instagram worthy cenotes photos, an inexpensive waterproof phone holder that goes around your neck really comes in handy.
With these, you can take them in water and capture all the turtles and abundant marine life underwater.
💦 Waterproof Fanny Pack
The waterproof fanny pack is another great option. Not only are they cute, but it will also hold all your valuables, not just your phone.
Save your money on a cenote locker rentals, and keep all your belongings on you in this waterproof waist bag.
🧴 Reef Safe Sunscreen
Most cenotes don’t allow sunscreen of any kind, and many use a long sleeve bathing suit (AKA rash guard). When swimming at the reefs in the sea, always use reef safe sunscreen.
☀️ For a complete guide, check out Best Sunscreen for Mexico: Biodegradable & Reef Safe.
🧖♀️ Quick Dry Towel
This is one of the best things to throw in your suitcase when packing for Mexico. It will come in handy after swimming in the cenotes, when laying on the white sand Yucatan beaches, and many places in-between.
🎒 Dry Bag
After a day of swimming, you’ll still need to get back to your Cancun resort or hotel — and you don’t want to get your rental car soaked in the process. for this, nothing beats having a dry bag backpack.
🔦 Waterproof Flashlight
Many cenotes are located inside dry caves, and the interior is dark, even on sunny days.
Tour operators will likely provide these, but if you’re planning to go to the cenotes on your own, pick up this waterproof flashlight before you head to Mexico.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
5 Tips for Visiting Cenotes in Mexico
1. Visit the cenote early (or late)
If you want some Mexico cenote time where you’re the only (or, one of the few) people in the cenote — you’ll have to plan your visit strategically.
The best time to visit cenotes is early in the day, within 1-2 hours of them opening, or later in the day, within 1-2 hours of closing.
Most cenotes, especially those “on” the beaten path that are popular with tour groups, will see the peak amount of visitors during the day.
2. Cenotes are often cash only
The vast majority of cenotes are cash only. Even those that take credit cards at the entrance may not take cash inside if you need to buy food, rent a locker, life jacket or snorkel equipment.
In short — bring cash, and store it in your waterproof phone holder with your cell phone.
3. Cenote prices are subject to change
The cenotes are privately owned, and these private land owners can change their pricing and hours of operation at any time.
Since most don’t have websites (or updated websites, for that matter), it’s really hard to really know anything until you show up.
4. Sunscreen is prohibited in cenotes
As the oils and ingredients in sunscreen can harm the cenote, you can’t wear sunscreen of any kind — including eco-friendly sunscreen and reef safe sunscreen.
In fact, most cenotes make you rinse off in the shower before you enter, so putting any on is actually a waste.
If you burn easily, opt for a long sleeve bathing suit and wide-brim sun hat.
When you get out of the cenote, you’re free to apply sunscreen, and this Bullfrog anti-bug sunscreen is great for both sun and mosquito protection. 🚫🦟 These anti-mosquito bands are another great option.
5. Don’t swim? Most cenotes have life jackets
Most, but not all, cenotes offer free life jackets or have life jacket rentals for about $50 pesos ($2.50 USD). If you don’t swim, you’ll want to do individual research for that specific cenote, to double check what they offer.
Other Underwater Sites & Underground Caves in Mexico
Crystal Caves in Mexico
The Cueva de los Cristales (Cave of the Crystals) is a giant selenite crystal cave that looks downright otherworldly.
Only discovered in 2001, some of these crystals measure as much as 37.5-feet-long (11.4 m), and weigh an astonishing 12 tons (24,000 pounds).
It is located 980-feet (300 m) below the Earth, in the Naica Caves, in the city of Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico. Not open to the public, a group of scientists from the Naica Project have been studying the Cueva de los Cristales.
CENOTES: underwater caves in mexico
MUSA Underwater Museum Mexico
The Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA), or Cancun Underwater Museum, is one of the top attractions in Mexico, and the best things to do in Cancun.
MUSA is located underwater, between Cancun and nearby Isla Mujeres island, in the Mexican Caribbean. It is one of the largest underwater sculpture gardens in the world.
While scuba diving, snorkeling or on a glass bottom boat tour, you’ll see some (or all) of the more than 500 pieces of art created by various artists, and now partially-covered in underwater tropical plants.
Underwater Church in Mexico
In 2015, a drought in Chiapas State led to the reappearance of a 16th Century church that sits in the Grijalva River.
The Temple of Santiago, built in 1564, normally rests about 100-feet (33 m) below the water, and reappears only when natural forces permit.
According to an NPR report, “This was the second time the church has become visible since the construction of a dam led to the flooding of the structure in 1966.”
In 2002, the water level fell so low that visitors could actually enter the temple on foot.
Final Thoughts: Underwater Caves in Mexico
The cenotes in Mexico are one of the most popular, and most photographed, places in the Mayan Riviera.
When visiting, please remember these underground caves and the water flowing through this underground river system are holy to the Mayan culture — so act accordingly.
For more information on the cenotes and underwater caves in Mexico, check out these articles:
25 Best Cenotes in Tulum Mexico
11 Best Cenotes Tours in Tulum Mexico
Complete Guide to Cenote Suytun
Complete Guide to Cenote Ik-Kil
20 Best Cenotes Near Cancun Mexico
30 Best Cenotes Near Merida Mexico
20 Best Cenotes Near Tulum Mexico
Mexico Travel Planning Guide
Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
Can you drink the water in Mexico?
No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.
Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
Will my phone work in Mexico?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?
For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
What do I pack for Mexico?
Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.
What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.
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