18 Best Cenotes In Tulum (2023) & Map Of Cenotes Near Tulum

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The Yucatán Peninsula is famous around the world for its amazing natural swimming holes called ‘cenotes‘.

There are a lot of cenotes in Mexico. On the Riviera Maya, you will find especially many cenotes near Tulum and all are different and unique in their own way. You can swim and snorkel in cenotes and at some, you can jump from platforms into the cool crystal clear water. And again others are great for scuba diving and exploring the underwater worlds and cave systems that are hidden from the eye above ground.

We created an extensive Tulum Cenote Guide with lots of details and a map of the best cenotes in Tulum. We listed the cenotes by their location and put together an overview of the best cenotes for snorkeling and the best cenotes for scuba diving as well as the most amazing cave cenotes in Tulum.

If it’s your first time visiting a cenote in Mexico you will find our cenote packing list handy and will get helpful information all around swimming and snorkeling in cenotes.

At the end of our extensive Tulum Cenotes Guide, you will find a list of cenotes near Valladolid and Playa del Carmen that are equally as beautiful and worth a visit during your vacation in the Yucatan Peninsula.

This is a long and elaborate post, if you are interested in a specific topic click on the links below in the table of contents to jump to that section!

The Best Cenotes In Tulum, Mexico

Guide To Visiting Cenotes Near Tulum

Best Things To Do In Tulum

What Is A Cenote?

Cenotes are sinkholes that formed naturally by the collapse of their limestone bedrock ceiling. The Yucatan Peninsula has thousands of these natural sinkholes, called cenotes.

Researchers found out that these cenotes are not just standalone waterholes scattered around the peninsula. They are a large interconnected underground water system spanning across the entire Yucatán Peninsula.

The cenote water is most of the time crystal clear and cold which makes the sinkholes so incredible for swimming and snorkeling. Some cenotes are very deep which makes them great for scuba and free diving. In yet other cenotes divers can explore cavelike underwater tunnels and domes with stalactites and stalagmites.

Different Types Of Cenotes

Cenotes vary in their size, depth, and type. Some natural sinkholes are partially open through a collapsed ceiling that exposes the underlying groundwater. Some are entirely open. Other sinkholes are completely underground and cavelike and again others are only 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. Several human remains and objects dating back to the Mayan era have been found inside cenotes by divers.

How To Get To Cenotes Around Tulum?

There are a lot of cenotes around Tulum that you can visit. Some cenotes are close to Tulum or even directly in town and others are further away and require a drive to get there.

Rent A Bike To Visit A Cenote In Tulum

The cenotes close to Tulum can easily be reached by bike. For instance, Cenote Calavera is not far from Tulum center and Cenote Clandestino is actually right by the beach in Tulum.

There are no bike paths in Tulum, but you can carefully bike along the highway to get to the swimming holes.

There are plenty of bike rental places in Tulum. Your hotel might even have bikes to rent for free for its guests.

Hop On A Colectivo Bus

The sinkholes that are further away can be reached by hopping onto a colectivo bus on the main street in Tulum. Colectivo busses are white vans carrying a smaller group of people that locals use to get around.

Look out for the direction the busses go and let the driver know where you want to get off. This is a pretty cheap option to get to cenotes around Tulum as opposed to taking a taxi.

Taking A Taxi To Visit Cenotes

Taking a taxi to get to a cenote isn’t that expensive either, especially if you have a small group of people to split the costs. Make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter, ‘taximetro’, or negotiate your fare beforehand.

For your way back to Tulum make sure to plan in some time as a taxi may not be available right away. The cenotes around Tulum are very popular and highly frequented though, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting back to town.

Taking A Tour To Visit Cenotes Around Tulum

Another easy and comfortable option to visit cenotes around Tulum 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.

There are different types of cenote tours: Usually half-day tours or full-day tours. On guided full-day tours, you typically also visit an archaeological site like the Chichen Itza pyramid or Muyil South of Tulum.

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

Popular Tulum Cenote Tours

Getting Around With A Rental Car

The most flexible option to get around Tulum and visit the many cenotes is by rental car. 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.

Getting around the Yucatan Peninsula by bus (ADO bus) and colectivo has also worked pretty well for us in the past.

There are a few car rental places in Tulum, but it may make more sense for you to rent a car right away at Cancun airport when you arrive in Mexico.

Down below, with the information about each cenote, we included the distance and directions from Tulum so you can see how far the cenotes are from Tulum and how to get there.

When Is The Best Time To Visit A Cenote In Tulum?

You can visit the cenotes 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 around Tulum like Cenote Calavera, Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote 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.

Pro tip: Travel off season to avoid the crowds!

Lesser-known cenotes like Cenote Cristal (Naharon) & Escondido or Cenote Encantado are usually not that busy. Visiting anytime during the day will be fine.

How Much Does Visiting A Cenote In Tulum Cost?

How much the entrance fee to cenotes costs varies as much as the cenotes are different. A general rule of thumb is the more popular a cenote is, the higher the entrance fees are.

Over the last few years, as Tulum and these pristine waterholes have become more popular, cenotes like Dos Ojos, Cenote Calavera, and Gran Cenote have gotten quite expensive from what they used to cost.

Expect to pay an entrance fee of 250 MX to 350 MXN per person for these popular cenotes. On top of the entrance fee, the popular cenotes also charge for “special” camera gear. There will be additional charges for DSLR cameras, GoPros, and everything else that is not just a phone.

You can also rent snorkeling gear and life vests. Some have the life vests included free of charge. We prefer to bring our own snorkeling gear as it pays off pretty quickly and is more hygienic.

Lesser-known cenotes in Tulum charge from around 120 MXN to 200 MXN and usually have no additional charge on camera gear.

As you can see the highly frequented cenotes make bank with their popularity. If you can afford it and are willing to spend the money we recommend visiting the cenotes. Even though they have gotten pretty expensive, they are really cool.

If you are on a budget, go for one of the cheaper cenotes around Tulum. You won’t be disappointed, as the entrance fee of a cenote has nothing to do with its prettiness.

We are trying to be up to date with the entrance fees to the Tulum 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 changed 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 to the Mayan culture and have amazing crystal clear water, they also contribute to the health of the peninsula’s ecosystem. Therefore it is paramount to keep the water pits clean. This means, cenotes need to be kept free from trash and waste. This also includes sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Can I Wear Biodegradable Sunscreen In A Cenote?

The short answer is: Absolutely Not!

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!

Map With The Best Cenotes Near Tulum

Tulum Cenotes Map

We split the cenotes around Tulum into 4 areas as they are located in 4 different locations: Cenotes in Tulum directly, cenotes towards Coba, cenotes in direction to Bacalar, and cenotes towards Playa del Carmen. We listed them from closest to Tulum to farthest away.

Check out out cenotes map above to get a sense of the area.

Whether you are into snorkeling or scuba 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 to visit near Tulum:

The Best Cenotes In Tulum

Bar & Clandestino Cenote Tulum

Update May 2021: It seems the bar at Clandestino Tulum is closed now. We will keep you updated should a new place pop up, because surely someone will make use of the cenote again.

Located right at the beach road Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Cenote Clandestino Tulum is a one-of-a-kind cenote.

Clan Destino is a cenote in the middle of a restaurant bar. Or is it a bar around a cenote?! Either way, it’s pretty unique and right at Tulum Beach.

The cenote is open day and night and you can take a dip while having a margarita and listening to live music. That’s pretty cool. There is also a little swing for those Instagram photos! 🙂

Hostal Bambu Gran Palas is right in front of the restaurant and cenote.

The water hole is rather small compared to others, but it’s a cool cenote considering the fact that it’s located in the middle of the Clan-Destino Bar & Burger Restaurant. So when you stop by the bar for a drink, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit.

The entrance is free of charge, but you should have some drinks or a meal at the restaurant.

How To Get To Cenote Clandestino Tulum?

Clandestino Cenote is located at kilometer 7.2 along Tulum Beach Road. Depending on where you coming from you can easily walk, bike or take a taxi there. Parking in the area is limited and not free.

Casa Teka Cenote

Right next to Cenote Clandestino you will find Casa Teka Cenote. This natural swimming hole belongs to the Casa Teka Hotel.

Hotel guests can overlook the blue cenote right from their room. The cenote is exclusively for hotel guests only.

Check out Casa Teka Hotel & Cenote here if you want to find out more about the hotel.

How To Get To Casa Teka Tulum?

Casa Teka is located on kilometer 7.5 along Tulum Beach Road. Depending on where you coming from you can easily walk, bike or take a taxi there. However, if you want to take a dip in the cenote you need to stay at the Casa Teka Hotel.

Cool & Affordable Beach Hotels In Tulum – Where To Stay In Tulum On A Budget

Cenote Tercer Cielo Tulum & Muyal Tulum

Yet another cenote in the area right next to Casa Teka is the Tercer Cielo Cenote. From the beach road, you will only see a little sign of the swimming hole next to the restaurant Muyal Tulum.

The cenote is located about 100 meters into Tulum’s jungle. It has been updated recently and features a nice seating area. They also serve food at Tercer Cielo Cenote from the restaurant Muyal Tulum which uses part of the cenote for their restaurant.

Cenote Encantado

Cenote Encantado is one of the lesser known cenotes of Tulum Beach. Not a lot of tourists are aware of the crystal clear cenote that hides in the jungle only a few steps away from them.

The Encantado Cenote a larger open-air freshwater swim hole located towards the end of Tulum’s hotel zone at the beach. From the main beach road, it takes a short walk through the jungle to get to Cenote Encantado.

This cenote is more like a lake surrounded by the jungle. At Cenote Encantado, you can swim, snorkel and rent kayaks and paddleboards.

There are two hotels located near the cenote: mangleX Eco Hotel Tulum and Nativus Glamping & Cenote Tulum.

As a guest, you can enjoy the swimming hole free of charge. Otherwise, it is a very affordable 50 MXN only.

Cenote Near Arco Maya

Right next to Cenote Encantado you will find another hidden cenote. This cenote is also a short walk off of the main beach road.

The swimming hole is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and SUP Yoga, as it is more like a lake surrounded by the green and lush jungle.

The cenote belongs to the Cormoran Boutique Hotel & Cenote Tulum.

Kan Tulum Cenote

This cenote is located in Tulum town. In the La Valeta neighborhood, you will find the amazing Kan Tulum Cenote.

The natural swim hole is the heart of the KAN TULUM Hotel which is build around the cenote.

KAN TULUM is a beautifully designed natural tree-house style eco-hotel. Ethical living and sustainability are their mantras.

Check out the KAN TULUM Hotel here if you want to learn more about the cenote and the hotel.

Tulum Cenotes On The Way To Coba

Cenote Calavera, Tulum

Cenote Calavera is just right outside of Tulum and is one of the most popular Tulum Cenotes. The swimming hole is the closest cenote to Tulum, aside from the ones that are actually located in the town.

Calavera means skull. The cenote got this name because it has three openings that resemble a skull. Two small openings and a big one. Cenote Calavera is also known as The Temple of Doom.

Tulum’s Instagram Cenote

What’s unique 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 also an instagrammable swing.

Cenote Calavera is great for swimming and especially jumping into the openings of the skull. It is not the best cenote for snorkeling though.

Tulum Scuba Diving Cenote

It may not be visible from above, due to only some three holes in the ground, 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 scuba 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 Tulum?

The swimming hole is not far from Tulum. From the center of Tulum to Cenote Calavera it is about 3 km / 2 miles. You can rent a bike in town and easily bike to Cenote Calavera.

Alternatively, it is easy to take a taxi to Calavera Cenote from anywhere in Tulum. If you have a rental car, there is parking at Cenote Calavera. Just drive in the direction of Coba and you will find the cenote on the right-hand side of the highway.

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

Cenote Calavera – The Temple Of Doom Cenote In Tulum

Gran Cenote, Tulum

The Gran Cenote is the most well-known and visited cenote in Tulum and maybe even the entire Yucatan Peninsula.

Gran means big in English. The “Big Cenote” is the main entrance to the Sac Actun System which is reported to be 263 km long and therefore the largest underwater cave system on the Yucatan Peninsula and in the world.

Gran Cenote is a great place for snorkelers and cave divers alike. There are caves and underground tunnels to explore as well as two entry points into the cenote with shallow open-air swimming areas for snorkelers.

A unique feature of Gran Cenote is the cave between these two entry points. You can swim between the two and see some bats flying above you on the way.

There are also many turtles to watch. Please stay away from them though and don’t touch them.

Best Time To Visit Gran Cenote

If you want to avoid the crowds it’s best to visit Gran Cenote in the early morning hours, right when the premise opens its gates. During off-season you will also encounter fewer people during the day.

How To Get To Gran Cenote From Tulum?

You can easily reach Gran Cenote from Tulum with your rental car and driving there on your own. The driving time from Tulum to Gran Cenote is roughly 10 minutes only and 5 km / 3 miles. You will drive towards Coba and find the entrance to Gran Cenote on the right-hand side of the highway.

If you don’t have a car, a taxi can take you to Gran Cenote as well. It’s a popular cenote in Tulum so you won’t have a hard time finding a ride back.

A third option is to visit the Gran Cenote in Tulum via a tour and make a day trip out of it and explore other things along the way as well.

Gran Cenote Tours

➤ Triple Adventure Cenote Tour in Tulum – Gran Cenote, Casa Cenote & Cenote Cristal

Cenote Santa Cruz Tulum

On the way to Coba, after Gran Cenote, you will find Cenote Santa Cruz Tulum. It is also one of the lesser-known cenotes and therefore a tranquil place to hang out and relax.

Cenote Santa Cruz Tulum is a donut-shaped open-air cenote with a little island in the middle. It’s a great place for families. There are palapas and sun chairs to hang out at. The cenote also has a small restaurant on-site.

How To Get To Cenote Santa Cruz from Tulum?

Also located on the highway to Coba, you can easily reach Cenote Santa Cruz from Tulum by rental car. The driving time from the center in Tulum to Cenote Santa Cruz is about 10 – 15 minutes and the distance is only 8 km / 5 miles. You will drive towards Coba and find the entrance to Cenote Santa Cruz on the left-hand side of the highway.

If you don’t have a car, a taxi can take you to Cenote Santa Cruz from anywhere in Tulum.

Cenote Zacil Ha, Tulum

Cenote Zacil Ha is a small open-air cenote just a short drive from Tulum towards Coba. It is a more developed cenote and has all the facilities you need, including a restaurant. There are even some cabanas that you can rent to stay near the cenote.

The Cenote Zacil Ha stands out because of its bright jade-colored water that you can swim and snorkel in.

There is a small zip-line across the cenote and multiple platforms around it to jump into the sinkhole. In addition, you’ll also find a regular pool at Cenote Zacil Ha.

Best Cenotes Near Tulum Towards Playa del Carmen

Casa Cenote & Hotel

Casa Cenote (aka Cenote Manatí) is a river-like, open-air cenote right next to the beach that extends roughly 250 meters into the jungle.

The cenote connects the longest underwater cave system, Sac Actun, with the ocean via an underground tunnel.

The open-air swim hole belongs to Casa Cenote Hotel, however, anyone can visit. The area is a tranquil beach lined with boutique hotels just outside of Tulum. It’s a great place to stay for people who are looking to scuba dive or just want to enjoy a beautiful, tranquil beach and cenote at the same time.

Hotel Alea Tulum and Casa Colibrí Tankah are right next to the Casa Cenote. This area is also a secret tip if you want to stay directly at the beach but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars like in Tulum directly.

Casa Cenote is great for snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. While making your way into the jungle you will pass by mangroves and will encounter fresh water and also saltwater species.

Casa Cenote Tours

➤ Private Casa Cenote Paddleboard & Snorkel Tour With Tacos & Fotos

➤ Casa Cenote Paddleboard Tour From Tulum

➤ Triple Adventure Cenote Tour in Tulum – Casa Cenote, Cenote Escondido & Gran Cenote

➤ Cenote Diving In Tulum For First-Time Divers At Casa Cenote, Tulum

➤ Tulum Cenote Diving For Certified Divers: Casa Cenote & Dos Ojos Cenote

Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum

Dos Ojos cenote is next to the Gran Cenote the most famous cenote on the Yucatan Peninsula. The Dos Ojos Cenotes are a popular snorkeling and cavern diving site with hundreds of visitors a day.

Dos Ojos, meaning two eyes in English, got its name from the two 70 meters in diameter cenotes. The sinkholes appear like two large eyes into the underground world. The two sinkholes are connected by a 400-meter underground cave passageway. 

How To Get To Cenote Dos Ojos From Tulum

Located on the highway to Playa del Carmen, you can easily reach Cenote Dos Ojos from Tulum by rental car. The driving time from Tulum to Cenote Dos Ojos is about 30 minutes and the distance is 22 km / 13.5 miles. You will drive towards Playa del Carmen and find the road to Cenote Dos Ojos on the left-hand side of the highway. You will have to pass it and make a U-turn on the highway at the designated area. From there you have to drive a little bit back and then more into the jungle to reach the swimming hole.

If you don’t have a car, a taxi can take you to Cenote Dos Ojos from anywhere in Tulum. Keep in mind that the ride will be more expensive as it is half an hour away from Tulum.

A third way to visit Cenote Dos Ojos is via a tour and make a day trip out of it and explore other things along the way as well.

Dos Ojos Cenote Tours

➤ Dos Ojos Cenote Private Snorkeling Tour With Lunch

➤ Half-Day Cenote Diving In Tulum: Casa Cenote & Dos Ojos Cenote

➤ 2 Dos Ojos Scuba Dives: Barbie Line & Bat Cave Line

➤ Deep Dive Tulum Cenote El Pit & Cenote Dos Ojos

Parque Dos Ojos

Dos Ojos Cenote Park has actually five different cenotes that are all connected with each other underground. They can be visited independently. Entry fees vary from cenote to cenote.

Dos Ojos Park also has the deepest known cave tunnel passage in Quintana Roo with 119 meters (391 ft) of depth located at “The Pit“.

Scuba & Snorkeling Tours

➤ Private Snorkeling Tour To Two Cenotes: Jaguar, Nicte Ha or Taak bi ha

➤ Deep Dive In Tulum’s El Pit Cenote & Dos Ojos Cenote Dive For Advanced Divers

Cenotes Sac Actún

Cenotes Sac Actún is part of the Sac Actun Cave System that spans about 260 km underground through the Yucatan Peninsula. The cenote is located near Parque Dos Ojos in direction to Playa del Carmen.

Sac Actún means “white caves”. At Cenotes Sac Actun with Cenote Pet Cemetery you can visit the partially water-filled cave via a guided tour. The cost is 700 MXN and includes, snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and a wetsuit.

While swimming through the only partially open cave you will see amazing rock formations and stalactites.

At Cenote Pet Cemetery you can snorkel in beautiful emerald green and crystal clear water. You will also see trees that grew through the ceiling’s limestone down to the caves, which is pretty cool.

Cenote Pet Cemetery Tour

➤ Snorkeling Tour To Pet Cemetery Cenote

Casa Tortuga Cenotes

Cenote Casa Tortuga Tulum is a hotel and cenote nature adventure park located 15 minutes from Tulum. There is also a restaurant on-site and hammocks to hang out and spend the day.

The cenotes are between 1 and 8 meters deep and are great for swimming, snorkeling, and jumping into the green jade-colored crystal clear water and ziplining.

There are four different cenotes to explore at Casa Tortuga:

To explore the cenotes at Casa Tortuga you must participate in a guided tour, which costs 600 MXN per person. Snorkeling gear and life vests will be provided. Casa Tortuga Hotel guests receive a 50% discount on the tour.

Check out Hotel Cenote Casa Tortuga if you are looking to stay on-site and want to learn more about prices and rooms.

Casa Tortuga Tours

➤ Casa Tortuga 4 Cenotes Day Trip

➤ Tulum Ruins, Casa Tortuga & Swimming With Turtles In Akumal

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.

The lagoon is located in Akumal. It is about a half and hour drive from Tulum Center to Akumal.

Yal-Kú Cenote Tours

➤ Mayan Adventure Yal-Ku Snorkeling Tour In Akumal

➤ Akumal Cenote & Yal-kú Lagoon Snorkeling Day Trip

Swimming With Turtles At The Riviera Maya In Akumal

Best Tulum Cenotes Located In Direction To Bacalar

Cenotes Cristal (Naharon) & Escondido

Cenote Cristal is located on Highway 307, just about 4 km outside of Tulum in the direction of the Muyil Ruins and Bacalar. Cenote Cristal is pond-like and one of the many beautiful cenotes near Tulum, Mexico but lesser-known and therefore more tranquil.

The cenote is a completely open-air cenote and is surrounded by Tulum’s jungle. You can not only swim and snorkel at Cenote Cristal but also jump into the cenote and go cave diving. Since the cenote is close to the sea divers can witness the “halocline” effect. This is when saltwater and freshwater mix.

You have probably wondered why Cenote Cristal AND Cenote Escondido? The two are on opposite sides of Highway 307 and are actually connected via an underground cave system. It is possible to get tickets to visit just one cenote or both.

Cenote Escondido is more like a river and is deeper. However, Cenote Cristal has clearer water and beautiful rock formations underwater that shine turquoise when the sun rays hit the water. If you have time, go and visit both cenotes!

Cenote Escondido Tours

➤ Triple Adventure Cenote Tour in Tulum – Cenote Escondido, Casa Cenote & Gran Cenote

Cenote Corazón del Paraíso

Cenote Corazón del Paraíso, as the name already gives away, is a heart-shaped, open-air swimming hole. The cenote is located along Highway 307 right next to Cenote Escondido.

The Corazón del Paraíso Cenote is a popular weekend spot for the locals of Tulum. It is not overcrowded with tourists so it’s a more quiet and relaxing place. There are palapas with tables and sun chairs as well as a heart-shaped wooden dock to enjoy the day. There is also a jumping platform for the ones who like to get active.

If you have a drone, you can see the heart shape of the cenote from above.

Cenote Angelita, Tulum

If you are into scuba diving or free diving this cenote is a must-visit. Cenote Angelita is one of the best cenotes around Tulum for diving.

From above the water, Cenote Angelita is a seemingly simple open-air swimming hole along Highway 307. However, what the cenote lacks above ground it makes up for it underwater.

With a depth of 60 meters, Cenote Angelita is great for diving. At about 30 meters deep underwater tree remains reach out of a mystical layer of hydrogen sulfate which makes a perfect backdrop for underwater photography.

If the sun is at its peak divers can experience the amazing play of sunrays shining through the water.

Kaan Luum Lagoon & Cenote Near Tulum

Kaan Luum Lagoon is a lagoon with many shades of blue-turquoise water that has become more and more popular over the years. Besides the amazing color of the water, the other extraordinary part about Kaan Luum lagoon is the cenote close to the main shoreline.

The cenote is said to drop an astounding 80 meters deep. From a bird’s perspective, you can clearly see the change of color, abruptly going from a light blue into a deep dark blue where the cenote is.

With gaining popularity the lagoon got hammocks and swings in the shallow part of the lagoon that visitors can enjoy. Kaan Luum is a great place to spend a couple of hours enjoying the blue water and sun (there is not much shade).

Heads up: There is not much around, so bring your food and drinks. It is not the secluded and tranquil place anymore as it used to be, so expect quite a lot of company if you come during peak hours. The entrance fee has also spiked up to 300 MXN.

Kaan Luum Lagoon Tour

➤ Kaan Luum Lagoon Paddleboarding Tour in Tulum

Sian Ka’an Jeep Safari Tour – From Tulum Into Paradise

Summary: The Best Tulum Cenotes

Best Cenotes For Snorkeling In Tulum

Guided Snorkeling In Tulum

➤ Caribbean Sea Snorkeling & Cenote Snorkeling Adventure

➤ Three Ecosystems Snorkeling Adventure Tour in Tulum: Casa Cenote, Tulum Bay & Cenotes Sac Actun

➤ Private Casa Cenote Paddleboard & Snorkel Tour With Tacos & Fotos

➤ Dos Ojos & Reef Snorkel Tour From Tulum

Best Scuba Diving Cenotes In Tulum

Guided Scuba Diving In Tulum

➤ Tulum Cenote Diving For First-Time Divers At Casa Cenote In Tulum

➤ Half-Day Cenote Diving In Tulum For Certified Divers: Casa Cenote & Dos Ojos Cenote

➤ 2 Dos Ojos Scuba Dives For Certified Divers In Tulum: Barbie Line & Bat Cave Line

➤ Deep Dive Tulum Cenote El Pit & Cenote Dos Ojos Dive For Advanced Divers

➤ Yoga & Diving Two Cenotes Around Tulum

Cenote Freediving Course

➤ Tulum Freediving Discovery Day Course

The Best Cave Cenotes In Tulum

Tulum Cenote Tours

Many Tulum cenotes can be visited via guided cenote tours. Tulum cenote tours are an easy and comfortable way to explore the swimming holes without the trouble of figuring out how to get there and having to take care of all the planning.

You can book private cenote tours in Tulum or go visit them with a small group of people. There are guided tours that visit cenotes only or tours that visit a cenote and other attractions like the Mayan archaeological zone in Tulum, Chichen Itza, Muyil, Coba, and other sites.

See the popular Tulum cenotes tours below:

Visiting Cenotes Around Tulum Via Guided Tour

Jeep Safari Tour To The Sian Kaan Biosphere

More Cenotes In Mexico

Cenotes Near Valladolid

Valladolid is also known for its many cenotes. In fact, there is a cenote directly in the town center of Valladolid – Cenote Zaci.

Many people make the drive from Tulum to Valladolid to visit Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman which in the past year gained a lot in popularity on Instagram due to its rope swing.

The cenote is actually located at Hacienda Oxman which you can stay at. For hotel guests the entry to the cenote is free.

Probably the most instafamous cenote is located outside of Valladolid and about 95 km from Tulum: Cenote Suytun. It is famous for the sun rays shining through the narrow hole in the ceiling and, at the perfect time of day, hitting the platform down below in the water. Surely you have seen the photos!

The Best Cenotes Near Valladolid – Guide & Map

Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen

There are actually quite a few cenotes near Playa del Carmen as well. One of our favorite cenotes, Cenote Azul, is only a 20 minutes drive from the beach town. From Tulum Center, it takes a little over half an hour to reach Cenote Azul by car.

Cenote Cristalino is another cenote that is very close to Playa del Carmen. It has several swimming holes with partial caves. There are also two swings by the water.

Below you will find more cenotes around Playa del Carmen:

Best Places To Stay In Tulum Center – 10 Best Airbnbs In Tulum With Private Pool

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.

Travel Insurance For Mexico

The Best Cenotes In Tulum, Mexico

Cenote Guide & Tulum Cenotes Map

We hope our extensive guide to the best cenotes near Tulum gave you a good overview of the many swimming holes there are to visit and helped you to decide which Tulum cenotes to explore.

Let us know in the comments about your cenote experience in Mexico!

Julia & Felipe

Follow our adventures on Instagram! @piscoandbier

Tulum Beach Vacation

Ultimate Travel Guide

TULUM

READ HERE

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Tulum Vs Cancun: Where Is Better?

TULUM CENOTES

Best Cenotes In Tulum & Tulum Cenotes Map
Cenote Calavera Tulum – Temple Of Doom Cenote

TULUM ACCOMMODATIONS

Affordable Beach Hotels In Tulum
Best Places To Stay In Tulum With Private Pool
Shambala Petit Hotel – Tulum Yoga Retreat & Beachfront Pool

TULUM OUTFITS & PACKING

What To Wear In Tulum – Outfits & Tulum Packing List

TULUM BEACHES & BEACH CLUBS

Best Beaches In Tulum & Tulum Beach Clubs

RUINS NEAR TULUM

Coba Pyramid & Mayan Ruins In Coba
Muyil Ruins Tulum & Mayan Canals River Float

SIAN KA’AN

Sian Ka’an Jeep Safari Tour Into Paradise
Tulum Wedding Ideas & Wedding Venues