Most Instagrammable Cenotes In Tulum Mexico
The best cenotes are in Tulum Mexico, a town in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. This beautiful town will amaze you with culture and incredible must-see cenotes. Located along the Caribbean coastline you can escape to a tropical paradise, perfectly situated in the history-rich town.
What Is A Cenote?
Cenotes are freshwater-filled Mexican sinkholes. The word Cenote is of Mayan descent originally called dzonot or ts'onot, which means well. There are over 3,000 unique cenotes throughout the Yucatan peninsula, these are the 6 best cenotes in Tulum.
Secret cenote no one knows about hidden in the jungle near Tulum
Dos Ojos Cenote
There were 6 travelers in our group and four of them were certified divers. While they dived at all the cenotes, Manny & I would explore them in a completely different way. We went snorkeling around the surface! There wasn't a ton of fish to see, but the rock formations above and below the surface were incredible.
Casa Cenote
Kayak & Diving in Cenotes
As with most cenotes, Casa Cenote offered scuba diving and snorkeling. But what the others didn't have, this cenote did! This time as the diving crew submerged below the water, I kayaked! It was great because the water is crystal clear and following them was easy. We all were able to see a gator in the water just a few ft away, I have never been more thankful for being above the water.
Grand Cenote
Family Friendly
Located a short drive from Tulum this popular cenote will amaze you. Contrary to it's name, the Gran cenote is actually several cenotes connected by wooden walkways. The water is crystal clear and colorful! To keep it that way, they require everyone to rinse off in an outdoor shower before entering the cenote. This is a great family spot, as there are lots of green spaces and picnic areas.
Zip Line At Xunaan-Ha Cenote
For $100 pesos you can zipline yourself into this adventurous cenote until your heart's content. Xunaan-Ha cenote is located down a long bumpy dirt road in the small town of Chemuyil, just a short drive from Tulum or Playa Del Carmen. This cenote is not as crowded as the more popular surrounding cenotes such as the Grand.
Car Wash Cenote
Go High Diving
The last and final dive the travel crew did was in the car wash cenote. We asked where the name came from… and it is exactly as it sounds. Due to its close proximity to the roadway- this cenote was once used to wash the local's cars!
Know Before You Go
Swim at your own risk. If you are not a strong swimmer, it is recommended that you rent a life vest if available.
Mexican dive laws don't necessarily align with other country's laws. Some cenote dives can be dangerous for inexperienced divers- dive your experience level, and if you feel you can't dive, opt for snorkeling or swimming instead, as I did!
Do not wear sunscreen or insect repellant in the cenotes; the chemicals are damaging to aquatic life
Bring cash to cover the entrance fees
Most cenotes are remotely located and can be difficult to get to. When you arrive, some may have limited or no concessions for food/drink so plan accordingly
