15 Best Cenotes Near Tulum (With Prices & Tips)

Swimming in cenotes is one of my favorite things to do in Tulum. I’ve visited several over the years, and I love how different they can be. Some are open pools surrounded by jungle. Others have you swimming beneath a cave ceiling, with sunlight coming through openings in the rock.

In my opinion, the cenotes in Tulum and the surrounding area are some of the best in Quintana Roo. But choosing which ones to visit takes a little thought. A beautiful cave cenote might be perfect for snorkeling, while an open pool could suit you better for a relaxed swim.

Below, you’ll find 15 cenotes near Tulum, grouped by area, with prices, transport tips, and advice on who each one suits. The final two are for experienced divers.

You can visit many independently. If you’d prefer to have transport and a guide arranged, check out my guide to the best cenote tours from Tulum.

Entrance prices and rental fees can change. Confirm the latest rates before visiting. Older reported prices are dated below, and hours marked “reported” still need confirmation.

What Is a Cenote?

If you haven’t visited one before, a cenote is a natural sinkhole that exposes groundwater, often where limestone has collapsed. Some look like outdoor swimming pools. Others open into caves with water beneath a rock ceiling. These are the three main types:

• Open cenotes look like natural outdoor pools. Cristal, Escondido, and Azul are good examples.
• Semi-open cenotes combine daylight with rocky overhangs or partly covered water. Gran Cenote has this mix.
• Cave cenotes have water beneath a rock roof. Some have openings that let in sunlight. Others require a guided underground visit.

Open does not mean shallow, and a cave opening does not mean you can explore every passage. Stay in the designated swimming area. Underwater cave exploration requires specialist training.

Which Tulum Cenote Should You Choose?

For a first visit, I’d choose one open cenote and one with a cave setting. That gives you two different experiences without spending the whole day driving between them. Use this comparison to narrow it down.

Cenotes on the Tulum–Cobá Road

These four are on the road inland from Tulum toward Cobá. Calavera is closest to town, followed by Gran Cenote. Carwash and Zacil Ha are farther along and make a convenient pair.

1. Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera might be my favorite cenote in Tulum. In Spanish, calavera means “skull,” which makes sense when you see it from above. The three openings resemble the eyes and mouth of an enormous skull.

All three openings lead into the same pool. From the water, you can look up at the sunlight streaming through the rock ceiling. That unusual setting is a big part of its appeal.

There’s a wooden ladder into the water, so you don’t have to jump to get in. The pool is deep, though, so you can if you want. I’d pick a cenote with easier water access for small children or less confident swimmers.

Both times I visited, there were only four or five other people. Calavera has become much more popular since then, so I’d aim for an early visit if you’re hoping for a quieter swim.

Check photography fees before bringing a camera or GoPro. A March 2026 visitor reported an extra camera charge, while phone photos were free. I couldn’t confirm the amount.

Read my full guide to Cenote Calavera for more about the setting and access.

2. Gran Cenote

Located between Tulum and Cobá, Gran Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum. It’s easy to understand why. The water has a beautiful turquoise color, and rocky overhangs give the pools a mix of sunshine and shade.

The caves and stalactites add another reason to bring a snorkeling mask. There’s plenty to see around the designated swimming route, both above and below the surface. Keep to that route rather than entering unmarked passages.

Gran Cenote is beautiful, but it can get crowded. I’d come early in the morning. Leaving your swim until just before closing gives you less time to enjoy it.

Bring cash for admission and extras. Visitors have reported paid lockers, but current snorkel and life-jacket inclusions are not clear. Check at the entrance rather than assuming the ticket includes everything.

Read my Gran Cenote guide for a closer look at the pools.

3. Cenote Carwash (Aktun Ha)

Officially called Aktun Ha, this outdoor swimming hole is better known as Cenote Carwash. It has a pond-like shape and a much more open feel than the cave cenotes.

It’s a lovely spot for a swim surrounded by trees. As you can see from my photo, I took a fairly relaxed approach, complete with a heart floatie. You don’t need a cave tour to enjoy a cenote day here.

If you’ve got snorkeling gear, the underwater “garden” of plants is worth a look. Visibility changes with conditions, so some days are better for snorkeling than others. Stay in the permitted swimming area and leave wildlife alone.

A May 2026 visitor reported parking, showers, bathrooms, a café, card payments, and life-jacket rental for 30 MXN. That review also reported lower local and Mexican national rates with ID. Those are different from the foreign visitor fee below.

Read my Cenote Carwash guide for more about the setting.

4. Cenote Zacil Ha

Cenote Zacil Ha almost looks like an outdoor swimming pool carved into the rock. It’s small, with vivid blue water and a deck around the edge, right next to Carwash.

There are two actual swimming pools as well as the cenote. That makes it a useful option for families who want somewhere to spend a few hours, with more facilities than a simple jungle swimming hole.

The zip line above the water adds something for visitors who want a little more activity. Check its charges separately. I’d choose Zacil Ha for convenience and facilities, though it feels less natural than some of the others on this list.

A visitor who went in December 2025 reported that the 400 MXN ticket included a life jacket, the cenote, and both pools. They reported lockers, towels, and snorkeling equipment as extras. Card payments were accepted on that visit.

Read my Cenote Zacil Ha guide for more information about your visit.

Open Cenotes South of Tulum

Cristal and Escondido sit on opposite sides of Highway 307 south of town. They work well together if you want an outdoor swimming day without heading far up the Riviera Maya.

5. Cenote Cristal

Cenote Cristal looks more like a small lake than a cave, with trees around the water and a wooden platform at the edge. Don’t confuse it with Cenote Cristalino, which is a different cenote farther north.

It has a lovely outdoor swimming-hole feel without the organized circuit of a cenote park. I’d consider it for a swim and some time to relax, especially if caves aren’t your thing. Water clarity varies with conditions.

Most visitors pair it with Escondido across the highway. A July 2025 visitor reported a 300 MXN combined ticket, even when they only wanted to visit one. Confirm the current ticket arrangement before paying.

6. Cenote Escondido

Cenote Escondido is across the road from Cristal. It’s another large, open cenote, with jungle around the water and a more tucked-away feel.

I wouldn’t put it ahead of Calavera or Dos Ojos for a first cenote visit. But it makes sense as a second stop if you’re already at Cristal, especially on a combined ticket. It can be quieter than the big-name cenotes, although tour groups and weekends can change that.

The approach includes a dirt road. A March 2026 visitor reported driving to the parking area, with free parking and bathrooms. Check road conditions after rain, and take care when crossing the highway between the two cenotes.

Read my guide to Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido for more about this pair.

Cenotes North of Tulum and in Parque Dos Ojos

Highway 307 north of Tulum leads toward Tankah, Casa Tortuga, and Parque Dos Ojos. Several cenotes sit well inland from the highway, so check the final approach when planning transport.

7. Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)

Casa Cenote is an open cenote with a long channel winding through mangroves. It feels very different from the round pools and limestone caves elsewhere on this list.

I’d consider it if you want to snorkel with open sky above you. The mangroves give the setting a different feel from the cave cenotes. The channel is deep in places, so check the conditions and water access before choosing it for children or less confident swimmers.

Respect ropes, signs, and staff instructions about where you can swim. Do not cross a restricted boundary or approach wildlife for a photo.

A July 2026 visitor reported 150 MXN for basic entry, 200 MXN with a mask and snorkel, or 500 MXN for a guided visit with snorkeling gear, fins, and a life jacket. They also reported a 65 MXN GoPro charge. Confirm which area and equipment your ticket covers.

You could combine it with a visit to the Tulum ruins if you have your own transport.

8. Cenotes Casa Tortuga

Casa Tortuga has four cenotes in one park, with both open pools and cave settings. You can swim outdoors and admire the rock formations in the caverns on the same outing.

It’s a good choice if you want variety but don’t have much time. Expect a guided circuit and a more organized, busier experience than a simple jungle cenote.

The basic package includes the guided cenote circuit. Check how much independent swimming time follows, and whether your equipment can be kept afterward. Visitors have reported extra life-jacket rental after the guided portion, and lockers are extra.

Different packages include different activities. Don’t assume zip lines, meals, transport, or every piece of snorkeling equipment comes with the basic ticket.

9. Cenote Dos Ojos

In English, Dos Ojos means “two eyes.” From the surface, the pools look like two separate sinkholes filled with clear blue water. Seen together, they resemble a pair of enormous eyes looking up through the rock.

Sunlight comes through the openings, giving the water a beautiful turquoise glow. It’s an impressive setting for a swim, with rocky overhangs around the pools.

Dos Ojos is truly beautiful. The drawback is that it’s also one of the best-known cenotes near Tulum, so it can get busy.

The quiet photo above and the one near the top of this post were taken at 8 AM on my visit, just after opening. By 8:15, quite a few people were already arriving. I’d make this an early stop. Floating in that turquoise water while it was still quiet was worth getting up for.

Basic entry and the guided Bat Cave route are different purchases. Don’t assume admission includes a guide, snorkeling gear, or access to every passage. Confirm life-jacket requirements and any rentals for your chosen activity.

Read my Cenote Dos Ojos guide for more about the pools and cave setting.

10. Cenote Nicte-Ha

When I visited Nicte-Ha, I had it all to myself. After seeing how busy some cenotes can get, that quiet swim felt particularly special.

Unlike the cave pools at Dos Ojos, Nicte-Ha is largely open to the sky. Water lilies and other plants float on the surface, while surrounding trees dip their roots toward the water. A small rock overhang adds some shade.

I loved the setting. Swimming among the water lilies, with trees all around, gives it a very different feel from the bigger cenote parks.

Organized tours visit too, so aim for an early visit if you’re looking for peace and quiet. Nicte-Ha is inside Parque Dos Ojos, so it pairs well with Dos Ojos. Each cenote has its own admission arrangements.

Visitors in April 2025 reported mandatory life jackets, parking, showers, toilets, and changing facilities. Camera charges have been reported, but the amounts conflict. Ask before paying, especially if you’re bringing a GoPro.

Read my Cenote Nicte-Ha guide for more photos and details.

11. Pet Cemetery Cenote / Sac Actun

The name Pet Cemetery sounds a little unsettling, but the cave scenery is beautiful. Rock formations hang above the water, and the visitor route takes you underground with a guide.

Pet Cemetery is associated with the Sac Actun cave system in the Parque Dos Ojos area. You’ll often see the names used together on visitor listings, but Sac Actun is a much larger system. Confirm the exact entrance and route, particularly if you want to visit Pet Cemetery.

You need a guide for the visitor cave route. This is one to choose if you want an underground experience and are comfortable swimming beneath a cave roof.

A January 2026 visitor reported paying 650 MXN for a group visit with a wetsuit, mask, and life jacket. Other visitors described different flashlight arrangements for group and private visits. Confirm your equipment and the tour time when booking.

Cenotes Around Chemuyil and Puerto Aventuras

These are farther north, so allow more travel time from Tulum. Xunaan-Ha is near Chemuyil. Azul is closer to Puerto Aventuras and also works well for visitors staying around Playa del Carmen.

12. Cenote Xunaan-Ha

Cenote Xunaan-Ha is one of the most picturesque cenotes on this list. It’s an open pool surrounded by dense green vegetation near Chemuyil, between Tulum and Akumal. The jungle setting gives it a less developed feel than the big cenote parks.

There are stairs into the water and platforms above it. The pool is deep, so don’t mistake the open setting for an easy paddling spot for young children.

A July 2026 visitor reported bathrooms, changing rooms, and a picnic area. Bags were not allowed beside the water, and staff offered to hold them at the entrance. That visitor also found weekends busier than weekdays.

Getting here involves going through Chemuyil and continuing inland. It is not right beside the highway. Check life-jacket availability before relying on rentals.

13. Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is a beautiful open cenote with shallow sections alongside deeper swimming areas. It’s a good option for families, or for anyone who likes the sound of a cenote swim but isn’t keen on climbing down into a cave.

The different rocky pools let you choose a spot that suits your group. I’d start with the shallower areas for children, while checking the depth and footing before getting in. The rocks can be uneven and slippery.

There are bathrooms, changing facilities, a snack shop, and equipment rentals. Parking is available subject to space. Bring cash for admission and rental deposits.

The venue prohibits sunscreen, including biodegradable sunscreen, as well as insect repellent and makeup. Shower before entering. Use shade and suitable swim clothing for sun protection.

Read my full Cenote Azul guide for more about the pools and facilities

Tulum Cenotes for Qualified Divers

If you’re an experienced diver, these final two offer a different way to see the cenotes near Tulum. Arrange your visit through a qualified dive operator and confirm the certification, experience, planned depth, and equipment required.

14. Cenote Angelita

Cenote Angelita is a deep cenote south of Tulum. Its famous “underwater river” effect comes from a cloudy hydrogen sulfide layer around 30 meters below the surface, produced by decomposing organic material.

That “river” is what makes Angelita stand out, but you need a deep dive to see it. Operators typically require advanced certification. Ask whether the planned dive fits your training and recent experience.

Location: Off Highway 307 south of Tulum. Access: Arrange a guided dive. Confirm entrance and camera charges separately from the full diving package.

15. Cenote El Pit

El Pit is a deep cavern in Parque Dos Ojos, known for its large underwater chamber and beams of sunlight. It appeals to experienced divers who want a very different setting from the shallow cavern routes.

Its depth is part of what makes El Pit so striking, but a visitor dive stays within the limits of your training and the operator’s route. Confirm the certification and experience requirements before booking.

Location: Inside Parque Dos Ojos. Access: Arrange a guided dive. Some operators quote combined entry with Dos Ojos or Nicte-Ha, so check exactly what your package includes.

How to Visit the Cenotes Near Tulum

The cenotes are spread along two main roads: Highway 307, which runs north and south, and the road inland toward Cobá. Choose a small cluster rather than zigzagging between both roads. Two cenotes make a relaxed day; three need a little more planning.

Rent a Car

If you don’t mind driving, a rental car is one of the easiest ways to reach several cenotes. It also makes the inland approaches much simpler, especially around Parque Dos Ojos and Chemuyil.

I use Discover Cars to compare rental agencies. Check the final price, insurance, deposit, and road restrictions before booking. Some cenote approaches are unpaved.

Planning a longer trip? My Yucatan road trip itinerary can help you fit a cenote day into the rest of your route.

Hire a Driver or Take a Taxi

I hired a private driver and managed to visit six cenotes in one day. For me, it was well worth it. Having the transport sorted made it easy to cover a lot of ground, though I’d suggest fewer stops if you want more time to swim and relax.

It’s still not a budget option, I know. But if you can split the cost with a few other people, it’s worth considering. Shop around and ask your hotel for recommendations. Get a full quote covering the hours, waiting time, route, and return trip.

I’d only take a taxi for one cenote, or two that are close together. The cost adds up quickly with more stops, and a driver for the day may make more sense. Arrange the return before you leave town. Don’t count on a taxi waiting at an isolated cenote entrance.

Take a Colectivo

Traveling on a budget? Colectivos, or shared vans, can be useful for cenotes close to Highway 307. Tell the driver where you want to get off and confirm the fare before boarding.

They do not take you to every cenote entrance. Parque Dos Ojos, Escondido, Casa Cenote, and Xunaan-Ha can involve a substantial final walk or another ride. Also check which side of the highway you’ll need for the return.

The Cobá-road cenotes are on a different route. Don’t assume a colectivo heading toward Playa del Carmen will reach Gran Cenote or Carwash.

Go by Bike

Calavera and Gran Cenote are closer to town than many of the other options. You can also reach Cristal and Escondido by bike, but highway traffic, heat, and the final dirt road deserve some thought.

Roads do not always have a protected bike lane. Check your route, wear a helmet, and avoid planning a long ride back after dark. A guided cycling tour can be a useful option if you prefer help with the route.

A Cenote Stay at Wakax Hacienda

What to Bring and Know Before Swimming

• Swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to make changing easier.
• Cash in Mexican pesos. Some venues accept cards, but don’t rely on every entrance or rental desk doing so.
• A mask or goggles. Bring your own if you want to snorkel. Rentals and inclusions vary by venue.
• Water shoes where permitted. Rocks, steps, and paths can be slippery or uneven.
• Water and sun-protective clothing. Check food and drink rules. Some venues prohibit food near the pool, glass, or coolers.
• Photo equipment only after checking the rules. GoPros, larger cameras, and drones can have extra fees or restrictions.

Biodegradable sunscreen is not automatically allowed. Several venues prohibit all sunscreen and repellent in the water. Follow the venue’s rule and shower where required. Use shade and suitable clothing rather than assuming a “reef-safe” label grants permission.

Keep away from wildlife, leave plants and cave formations alone, and take your trash with you. A life jacket does not replace swimming ability or make an unmarked cave passage suitable to explore.

Tulum Cenotes FAQs

Which cenote near Tulum is best for a first visit?

Gran Cenote is a popular choice for blue water and snorkeling. Dos Ojos is a good option for a cave setting. For an open-air swim, consider Cristal, Escondido, or Azul. Choose by setting and transport rather than trying to tick off the whole list.

Which cenotes are best for children or nervous swimmers?

I’d start by looking at Azul, which has shallow areas, or Zacil Ha, which has swimming pools as well as the cenote. Check the depth, entry steps, and life-jacket rules, and supervise children closely. Calavera’s ladder and deep pool make it a less obvious fit.

Are life jackets required at every cenote?

No single rule applies to every venue. Some cenotes require them, and some guided routes include them. Elsewhere, rentals may cost extra. Ask about the rule for your exact swimming or snorkeling activity, and don’t assume equipment is included in admission.

Can I wear sunscreen in a cenote?

Many cenotes prohibit all sunscreen, including biodegradable products. Check the venue’s instructions before entering, and shower when required. A rash guard, shade, and time out of direct sun can help with sun protection.

How many cenotes should I visit in one day?

Two is a comfortable starting point. Three can work if they’re nearby or you book a tour. Leave time for changing, equipment, the final approach, and a proper swim. A guided cave visit takes longer than a quick stop at an open pool.

Can I visit the cenotes without a tour?

Yes, many open cenotes and designated swimming pools can be visited independently. Guided cave routes and scuba dives are different. Check the access rules for the area you want to enter, rather than assuming a basic entrance ticket covers it.

More Cenotes to Explore in the Yucatan

Staying farther north? My Playa del Carmen cenote guide covers more options around that base. For deep cenotes with tall rock walls and a different inland setting, see my Valladolid cenote guide.

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