Best cenotes to visit in Yucatán: our top picks

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is best known for its Caribbean beaches, but some of the most memorable swimming experiences are inland in a network of cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water. 

While cenotes are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and cave diving, they are also deeply important to contemporary Maya communities. Many are considered sacred, and several are managed by local cooperatives that use tourism income to support community projects. This approach helps protect the environment and local traditions while providing steady work.

Here's our pick of the best of Yucatán's cenotes, including some of the most accessible and distinctive examples across the region.

What are cenotes in Mexico?

Cenotes are limestone sinkholes, usually filled with fresh water, that were essential to the Maya civilization long before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. To the Maya, they were sacred entrances to the underworld, known as Xibalba (“the place of fear”).

Mexico has an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 cenotes, but only a small number are open to visitors. They generally fall into four types: fully underground cave cenotes, semi-open cenotes with a partially collapsed roof, open cenotes that look like natural pools, and ancient cenotes filled with sediment.

Some cenotes hold remarkable archaeological finds. Divers have uncovered human remains dating back almost 14,000 years, along with the bones of a mastodon, which is a prehistoric relative of the elephant.

The Yucatán’s cenotes also have a deeper geological link. About 66 million years ago, the Chicxulub asteroid struck the peninsula and contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The impact caused large areas of limestone bedrock to collapse, which created thousands of sinkholes.

Many of these cenotes form what is known as the “Ring of Cenotes,” which includes popular tourist sites such as those in the Xel-Há park near Tulum. Others are much less developed, with minimal facilities and fewer visitors.

1. Cenote Xkeken

Just outside Valladolid, Cenote Xkeken is an underground cave built over thousands of years with stalactites hanging from its domed ceiling.

The name “Xkeken” means “pig” in Maya, tied to a local story about a pig that found the cenote.

The water is clear turquoise and about 130 feet (40 meters) deep. Sunlight filters through a small hole above, creating a calm atmosphere as you swim beneath limestone formations. It’s about 4.5 miles (7 km) from Valladolid and easy to reach by bike or taxi.

The site has lockers and changing rooms and requires life jackets. The community-run place serves simple Yucatecan food at fair prices, and is a great addition to any Mexico itinerary.
 

2. Cenote Samula

Part of the Dzitnup complex near Valladolid, Cenote Samula features a large cave chamber with tree roots hanging through a collapsed roof. This semi-open cenote is known for a midday beam of sunlight shining through the skylight.

The cave is about 200 feet (60 meters) wide, and the water is shallower than Xkeken, letting you see large rocks that fell long ago. Small fish swim in the water. Facilities include showers and changing rooms. Life jackets are required (see our Mexico travel health tips), and Cenote Saamal is a 20-minute walk away.

3. Cenote Sagrado

The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza isn’t for swimming but is an important archaeological site. It’s a natural well about 200 feet (60 meters) wide, where the Maya held rituals and sacrifices, especially to Chaac, the rain god, during dry spells.

The cenote connects to the main Chichen Itza plaza by a 300-yard-long sacred path, or sacbe. The water drops roughly 27 meters deep and has a greenish tint.

Archaeologists have found thousands of items here—jade, gold, pottery, and human remains—which show how significant the site was for centuries as a place of pilgrimage.

Today, visitors can view the cenote from platforms above. Swimming is not allowed here to protect the site’s integrity and respect its sacred meaning.

4. Cenote Yokdzonot

About 9 miles (15 km) from Chichén Itzá, this cenote is run by a local Maya women’s cooperative who turned it into a community-led eco project. It’s a quiet, tree-shaded cenote with emerald green water and thick roots hanging down the limestone walls. You can swim, but they’ve also added a zipline across the top and rappelling.

The life jackets are mandatory and included in the entrance price. There’s a small restaurant on-site with regional Yucatecan dishes at local prices and basic facilities like showers, restrooms, and even a camping area if you want to stay overnight (see our guide to Mexico accommodations). Because it’s not on the main tour circuit, it stays relatively low-key. 
 

5. Cenote Suytun

This is the one you’ve probably seen in photos—the circular platform with the beam of light coming through the roof. It’s just under 5 miles (8 km) from Valladolid and really well-known for that picture, so expect people to line up for a turn.

The light hits best between noon and 2pm when the sun is directly overhead. The water is shallow (around 3–16 feet / 1–5 m), and swimming is allowed with a life jacket. The cave itself is striking, with stalactites and a kind of echoey, enclosed feel. There’s a large visitor center with a restaurant, gift shop, and cabins if you’re staying overnight. Just know it’s more of a photo stop than a place to relax and swim for hours, and isn't one of Mexico's best vacation spots.
 

6. Cenote Ik Kil

Just a 5-minute drive from Chichén Itzá, Ik Kil is easy to get to and set up for a steady stream of visitors. It’s a big open cenote—around 200 feet (60 m) across and 130 feet (40 m) deep—with vines and little waterfalls coming down from the rim about 85 feet (26 m) overhead.

You’ll see black catfish swimming around, and the whole thing feels pretty lush, surrounded by tropical plants. It’s hosted cliff diving events and has full facilities: a buffet restaurant, a bar, changing rooms, lockers, and rental cabins. How to plan a trip to Mexico to see this cenote? Because of its proximity to Chichén Itzá, it draws a lot of tour groups, so it’s best to go early or toward closing time if you want a little more space. 
 

7. Cenote Zaci

This cenote is right in the middle of Valladolid—just a couple of blocks from the main square—so it’s one of the easiest to get to if you're already in town. It’s semi-open, about 150 feet (45 meters) across, and in some parts, it’s over 330 feet (100 meters) deep. Half of the roof is still there, with long stalactites hanging down, and the rest is open to the sky, which helps it feel less enclosed than some cave cenotes.

Vines and greenery line the stone walls, and you’ll probably see some black catfish swimming below. There have been some recent upgrades to the facilities, but it’s still pretty relaxed—there’s no requirement to shower first, and no rules about sunscreen. Entry is around 30 pesos, which makes it easy on the budget.

It’s popular with locals, especially on weekends, and has more of a community pool atmosphere than a remote nature experience. If you’re not planning to swim, a carved path goes all the way around the edge. It can be a great excuse to stay in a Mexico pueblos magicos nearby.
 

8. Cenote Ponderosa (Eden)

This open-air cenote sits just off Highway 307 between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It’s part of the larger Dos Ojos cave system and draws both snorkelers and divers. The water is extremely clear, so you can see everything from schools of fish to underwater rock formations. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle cruising by.

One interesting thing here is the halocline—where freshwater meets saltwater—which creates strange, wavy visual effects when you're swimming through it. Certified divers can head into the deeper caverns where there are stalactites and stalagmites, but snorkelers still get plenty to look at from the surface.

A Mexico travel tip: there’s parking, rental gear, a restaurant, and dive guides onsite. The area’s big enough that even with a crowd, you can usually find a quiet area. 
 

9. Cenote Oxman

Cenote Oxman is about 15 minutes from Valladolid and part of a restored hacienda called San Lorenzo. The cenote itself sits around 65 feet (20 meters) underground. You can reach it by a staircase or just jump in using the rope swing if you're feeling brave.

The roots of trees hang down into the cenote from the opening above, and there are a few trickling waterfalls along the edges. The water is deep—around 140 feet (43 meters)—so it’s a good idea to wear a life jacket.

Above ground, you can relax at the hacienda’s swimming pool or eat at the on-site restaurant, which serves traditional Yucatecan food (see our guide to the best food in Mexico). If you want to stick around, there are also rooms for overnight stays. They rent out bikes too, so you can explore nearby jungle trails.
 

10. Cenotes Dos Ojos

Between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Dos Ojos is one of the better-known cenotes—especially if you're into diving. The name means "two eyes," referring to the twin sinkholes connected by a vast underwater cave system. It's part of one of the longest explored cave networks in the world, stretching over 50 miles (80 km). Visibility here is impressive, often well over 300 feet (100 m), so you can really see the limestone formations below.

If you're a certified diver, you can check out the Barbie Line or the Bat Cave route—both guided and regulated. Snorkelers can also enjoy the Bat Cave without needing a tank; it’s a quieter, darker area where actual bats roost overhead. Tours are usually run by local dive centers, who also explain the geology and cave ecology along the way.

There’s a strict cap on visitors, and you’ll need to use biodegradable sunscreen to help protect the water. Entry isn’t cheap compared to smaller cenotes, but between the clarity and the formations, it's one of the best cenotes in Yucatán.
 

11. Cenote Azul

Just off Highway 307, Cenote Azul is an easy stop—especially if you're traveling between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s an open-air cenote with clear, shallow water that gradually deepens, so it's a good choice for kids, beginner swimmers, or anyone who wants to ease in slowly. That said, there’s also a cliff around 55 feet (17 m) high if you’re up for a jump.

The cenote gets its name from the vivid blue color of the water, which you’ll notice right away. There are fish in the shallows, so bring a snorkel if you want to float around and watch them. Because of its size and layout, it doesn't feel too packed, even when it's busy.

There’s a small restaurant overlooking the water that gets lively on weekends with live music. If you're not sure when to time your trip, see our guide to the best time to go to Mexico.
 

12. Cenote Calavera (Temple of Doom)

A few minutes from Tulum, this one’s for people who like things a bit more adventurous. Calavera gets its nickname—Temple of Doom—from the way the entrance looks: three holes in the rock that resemble a skull. Most people enter by climbing down a wooden ladder into the main opening, but if you’re feeling bold, you can jump straight in through the smaller holes (it's about 10 feet / 3 meters down).

The water is clear and deep, and the space inside is circular and cave-like. If you're freediving or diving with a guide, there’s a halocline layer to explore (where salt and freshwater meet), plus deeper passages.

It’s a much smaller site than some of the others, and there aren’t many amenities—just basic restrooms and changing areas. But that’s part of the draw. It feels less developed and more off-the-radar, even though it’s close to Tulum. 
 

13. Gran Cenote

Gran Cenote is about a 10-minute drive or bike ride from the center of Tulum, and is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. It’s an open-air cenote with clear water and wooden stairs that make it easy to get in. There are two connected cave sections you can snorkel through, with plenty of stalactites and stalagmites to check out underwater. Turtles usually hang out near the edges — you’ll have a better chance of seeing them if you get there early.

There’s a wooden boardwalk that runs through the trees and connects different swimming areas, which helps keep the surrounding jungle in good shape. The water stays clear, so it’s great for snorkeling, and some people bring GoPros or waterproof cameras to get shots underwater. If you're certified, you can join a cave dive through a local dive shop — there are a few based in Tulum that run regular trips.

You’ll pay more to get in than at other cenotes, but the site is clean and organized and has basics like lockers, bathrooms, showers, and snorkel gear you can rent. Entry times are staggered to help avoid big crowds. 
 

14. Casa Cenote

Casa Cenote, sometimes called Cenote Manatí, is close to the beach road in Tulum. Instead of a deep sinkhole, this one feels more like a narrow river - it runs through mangroves and eventually connects to the sea. The water is a mix of freshwater and saltwater, which brings in different kinds of fish, sometimes rays, and occasionally even a manatee or two (though that’s not guaranteed).

It’s a calm place to swim or snorkel, especially if you follow the waterway through the mangrove tunnels. Some people also kayak through the area, which gives you a wider view of the layout. There are a couple of wooden entry points along the edge, and while there aren’t many extra services here, it’s pretty easy to navigate on your own.
 

15. Cenote Cristalino (Playa del Carmen)

Just a short drive from Playa del Carmen, Cenote Cristalino makes for an easy half-day trip if you don’t want to go too far. It’s a semi-open cenote, so you’ll get both sunlight and shade while you swim. The water’s clear and calm, and there are wooden platforms and ladders to help you ease in—whether you’re just dipping your toes or jumping into deeper areas.

There’s a shallow section if you’re not a strong swimmer and deeper areas for those who want to dive in. If you’re certified, you can book a guide to explore the connected cave system. Snorkelers will still see plenty—there’s good visibility, and you’ll usually catch a few fish gliding around the limestone edges.

Cristalino is right next to Cenote Azul and Eden, so it’s easy to visit more than one in the same day. 
 

16. Cenote Azul (Playa del Carmen)

This is the Cenote Azul between Playa del Carmen and Tulum—not to be confused with the one near Bacalar. It's completely open-air and wide, almost like a natural swimming pool. The water’s clear with bright blue tones, and the layout works well for all kinds of swimmers. The edges are shallow and kid-friendly, while the deeper center (about 56 feet / 17 meters) draws in people who want to cliff jump.

There are a few ways to get in—ladders, rocky ledges, and small beach-like areas—and plenty of space to spread out. Snorkeling is a good option here too; you’ll usually spot a few fish without needing to swim too far. Weekends can get busy.