The Best Cenotes to visit near Tulum

Everyone has heard of the Mexican Caribbean’s famous white-sanded beaches or the luxurious pools of the many resorts of the area, but have you heard of the other, even better option for a swim? That would be the cenotes; nature's most spectacular swimming pools, which lay hidden in the tropical jungles and swamps of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. These awe-inspiring sites were sacred to the ancient Maya who believed them to be the access gates for the underworld. And today they continue to captivate visitors with their mystical vibes and magical sights.

When visiting Riviera Maya you’ll never be too far from a cenote, but if you are in Tulum you’ll be in luck because the surrounding area is home to some of the best cenotes. Just minutes from Tulum's beach road or downtown, their crystal-clear waters offer an unforgettable swimming experience in the heart of the jungle.

Top Cenotes Near Tulum:

• Cenote Dos Ojos: perhaps the most popular cenotes, Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) stands out for its impressive underwater cave system and striking blue waters. Here you will find two circular cenotes connected by a cavern passage of a couple hundreds feet in length just begging to be explored.
   
• Gran Cenote: another of the most famous in the Tulum area, it welcomes visitors with its striking combination of open-air and cave sections. Perfect for both snorkeling and diving.
   
• Cenote Calavera: aka Temple of Doom, named after its three circular openings than some say resemble the eyes and nose of a skull. Known for its impressive SCUBA diving opportunities and smaller crowds. Brave visitors can jump through the main hole into the emerald waters below or use the ladder for a gentler entry.
   
• Casa Cenote: also known as Cenote Manatí, a special cenote where the cave’s freshwater meet the Caribbean sea, just a couple hundred of feet from the beach. This open cenote creates a mangrove-lined river-like environment that is perfect for snorkeling and paddleboarding. The mix of fresh and saltwater creates an interesting natural phenomenon where you can actually see the different water layers meeting.
   
• Cenotes Chen Ha and Mariposa: two beautiful and strikingly different cenotes in the same property. One a beautiful, open-air cenote surrounded by trees, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The other one a mysterious cave to float peacefully in as you admire the spectacle of beams of sunlight piercing the darkness. Check out this tour that includes visiting these cenotes!

Here’s some tips we suggest to prepare for your adventure:

• Book a tour to spare yourself of the logistics and planning
• Visit early morning or late afternoon during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds
• Carry cash for entrance fees if you’re not going as part of a tour as well as for tips and extra souvenirs or services
• If you have a waterproof camera, now is its time to shine
• Pack a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, water shoes and a change of clothes
• Bring eco-friendly insect repellent and sunscreen, the regular ones are prohibited at most cenotes

Book your cenote tour now and discover why these sacred waters have continuously captivated visitors for centuries. You can always combine your cenote list with another activity and make it a full adventure day, take a look at some of the options! Whether you're an experienced diver or simply looking to cool off in nature's swimming pools, Tulum's cenotes offer unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.