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Mexico is known for its amazing beaches, crazy waterfalls, beautiful Mayan ruins and mind-blowing natural wonders. One of the best things to do when you visit the Yucatan peninsula is to explore the many cenotes of Quintana Roo!

We spent four months in Mexico, and one of our all-time favorite things was to hop around from cenote to cenote. The best place to do this is the Yucatan peninsula, especially in Quintana Roo. Sprinkled all over the area, between Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Bacalar, you’ll find a ton of cenotes. 

Even though we had the pleasure of visiting quite a few cenotes, we would not have enough time in a lifetime to visit all the cenotes in Mexico. In fact, it is rumored that there are over 10,000 cenotes all over the country! 

We asked some of our favorite bloggers to share their favorite cenotes in Quintana Roo with us. In this blog, we’ll cover all the best cenotes to dive in, what you can expect from each one and all the info you need to make the best of your trip to the Yucatan peninsula. 

Looking for the best cenotes in the state of Yucatán? Make sure you check out our article about the most amazing cenotes near Merida, Valladolid, Homún & Cuzamá.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

Let’s talk about cenotes

Let’s be honest! We had no idea what a cenote was until we came to Mexico, and specifically, to the Yucatan peninsula. Once we were here, all we heard about was how one of the must-do things in Mexico was to visit a cenote. And so we did… and we were hooked!

So if you were like us, here are some common questions you might have about cenotes.

What is a cenote?

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to more than 10,000 cenotes (say-note-ay) or sinkholes, although many of them have yet to be discovered! 

During our time in Mexico, many of the cenotes we visited prided themselves on saying that the cenotes were formed by the meteor that killed the dinosaurs. That the water system that runs through the different cenotes and the holes that are formed were done by the fragments of the meteor when it collided with Earth. 

Regardless of if this is true or not, it’s undeniable that these cenotes have been a special place for a very long time! They were a source of freshwater for ancient civilizations, and they are thought to be a sacred place for the Mayan People, as many graves and items have been found in them.

For the Mayans, cenotes were the doors to the underworld. They would often make animal and human sacrifices here. In certain remote cenotes, they still make animal sacrifices, as one guide told us. Still, these cenotes are a unique geological and historical place to explore.

A cenote is an underwater sinkhole. It can be an open cenote, like a swimming pool. It can also have a small opening or even be in an underwater cave (or cavern). Usually, a cenote is revealed after the cave roof of limestone bedrock collapses. Because of dense forests and lush landscapes, many cenotes have not yet been found. 

How do cenotes forms?

Some cenotes are very similar to small ponds. Their water is super clear and clean. It comes from rainwater that is filtered through the soil and rocks. Many cenotes also have their own little eco-systems, so it’s essential to be respectful of the environment when going in. 

Want to be more eco-friendly at cenotes?

Because cenotes have very fragile ecosystems, here are some basic rules to follow to make sure you respect the delicate balance.

• Shower. Before entering any cenote, it is highly recommended that you take a quick shower. Most cenotes will have a shower available for you. As we said, they are their own little eco-sysytems, so showering before entering is meant to keep the eco-system as it is, and not introduce anything new into them.
• Don’t wear sunscreen. Even if it’s reef-safe, it’s highly discouraged to wear sunscreen in cenotes. The chemicals will unbalance the environment and cause long-lasting harm. That’s why it’s more recommended to wear long sleeves to protect your skin from the sun.
• Don’t litter. This goes without saying. These places are beautiful and need to be preserved for future generations, so if you visit a cenote, please don’t litter. And if you can, bring your trash home with you. Often, clean-up efforts are scarce in certain remote locations, so if you can, bring your trash home with you. And pick up any litter you see.
• Don’t stand on the rocks or touch the formations. As we mentioned, the ecosystem in cenotes is fragile, so please don’t stand on the rock formations in the water. For example, in Bacalar, the stromatolites are living ecosystems that can be damaged when you touch them. The same goes for the different formations you see in the water or in the caves. Plus, the more you touch them, the more they are prone to erosion and damage.

These are some basic tips to follow to make sure we keep the cenotes clean and ready for others to enjoy. If you want a few more tips to be more of an eco-friendly traveler, here are some tips you can follow.

The 17 best cenotes in Quintana Roo

From cenotes lost in lush forests to mesmerizing open sinkholes that look like pools in heaven, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And best of all, if the weather doesn’t cooperate during your vacation, you can always escape to one of the many cenotes in Quintana Roo. Because if you’re going to get wet, might as well do it in a cenote!

Here are the 17 best cenotes in the state of Quintana Roo. We’ve broken them out by their closest city to make it easier for you to plan your trip in Mexico, and to the Yucatan peninsula. Thanks to our collaborating bloggers, we have a comprehensive list of cenotes to explore, plus all the info you need to make the best of your time there.

Want to check out even more amazing cenotes? Make sure you check out our article about the best cenotes near Merida, Valladolid, Homún & Cuzamá.

8 beautiful cenotes near Tulum

There are a ton of things to do in Tulum, from visiting one of the most beautiful Mayan ruins to chilling on the beaches, yoga retreats and enjoying amazing vegan food. But no trip to Tulum would be complete without spending at least a few hours in the many cenotes around it. So here are the 8 most beautiful cenotes near Tulum.

1. Gran Cenote, an iconic and popular cenote near Tulum

Contributed by Jessica from Uprootedtraveler.com

Gran Cenote, located 5 kilometers north of Tulum (just 8 minutes via car or a 15-minute bicycle ride), is one of the most gorgeous cenotes in Quintana Roo, with clear azure waters and lots of fun wildlife to observe while you’re exploring the cenote.

While the admission fee is on the pricier side as compared to its neighbors (500 MXN or $25 USD), it includes some complimentary extras, like a snorkeling set and life jacket rental.

Gran Cenote actually offers two connected pools – a larger one with otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites (some that are well over 9 meters tall!), which create stunning underwater light beams, and a smaller and shallower one that’s better suited for wading and simply relaxing.

While the pools themselves are gorgeous, the wildlife here is what makes Gran Cenote so unique – the cenote is filled with small turtles, fish, and crabs, swimming around you in the water. Additionally, the cave that connects the two pools is teeming with hundreds of chirping bats hanging upside down and flying overhead (they’re nothing to be afraid of – they won’t bother you!).

Given Gran Cenote’s proximity to Tulum, it can get pretty crowded, so your best bet will be to come as soon as it opens (8 am) or in the afternoon (around 3 pm). While you could easily spend the whole day here enjoying the impeccably manicured grounds and cooling off in the beautiful cenote, most visitors only spend an hour or two relaxing in the cool turquoise water.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Gran Cenote close to Tulum:
– Entrance fee: $500 pesos, includes snorkeling set and life jacket rental
– Amenities: Bathrooms, changing rooms and lockers
– Distance from Tulum: 5 km or 3.1 miles, about 8 minutes driving from Tulum by car
– Opening hours: 8 am to 4:45 pm daily
– Best tip: To avoid crowds, come as soon as it opens at 8 am or in the afternoon, around 3 pm
– Best cenote near Tulum for: Swimming with wildlife in a beautiful setting

2. Cenote Escondido, a hidden gem cenote in Quintana Roo

Contributed by Gabriel of Cheftravelguide.com

If you are looking to visit a cenote near Tulum but you don’t want to commit to either paying a driver or taking a tour, this is your best option. Located just west of Tulum town, Cenote Escondido is one of the few that you can visit with a short 2 to 3-mile bicycle ride.

The best part is that your 150 pesos ($7.5 USD) ticket also gets you into the popular Cenote Cristal which is located just across the street. 

The facilities are fairly limited so you will want to bring any food and drinks that you might need during your visit. They do have picnic tables where you can eat and restrooms along with outdoor showers. 

If you plan to visit on your own instead of taking a tour, the best time to arrive is in the morning when they first open or towards the mid to late afternoon when the crowds are at a minimum.

With two cenotes to visit, you are going to want to plan on at least one hour at each location to have enough time to explore and relax.

Although this cenote does not have the same cachet as some of the bigger and more touristy cenotes like Dos Ojos, what it does have is a relaxed natural atmosphere. Cenote Escondido is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a lazy day swimming in its clear blue waters.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Escondido near Tulum:
– Entrance fee: $150 pesos
– Amenities: Limited. Picnic tables, bathrooms and outdoor showers.
– Distance from Tulum: 4.6 km or 2.85 miles, 8 minutes driving by car
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Arrive early in tne morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds
– Best cenote near Tulum for: Relaxing away from the crowds

3. Cenote Naharon, an off the beaten path cenote close to Tulum

Contributed by Daniel from LayerCulture.com

When in Tulum, one of the best cenotes you can visit if you want to get off the beaten track is cenote Naharon. Also known as Cenote Cristal, here you can find one of the most natural swimming pools in Quintana Roo.

Surrounded by luscious palm trees and a wooden ledge from which you can summersault your way into some of Mexico’s most pristine water.

Getting to Cenote Naharon is a breeze and with a 30-minute journey from Tulum pueblo, travel here is made simple when using a colectivo or a private taxi. On arrival at the cenote, you’ll pay around MX$150 (7USD) and even get access to the adjacent Cenote Escondido for the same price.

The great thing about Cenote Naharon is the fact that you can see all that goes on under the surface of the water, and since it is an open Cenote you’ll find it is superb for swimming and snorkeling.

The Cenote is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm but it is highly recommended that you arrive as early as possible. In general, Tulum is safe however traveling back and forth to this type of secluded area is always best during the daylight or morning hours.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Naharon cenote in Quintana Roo:

– Entrance fee: $150 pesos, includes access to Cenote Escondido
– Amenities: Picnic benches, parking space, bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, rental equipment (snorkel, life jackets), hammocks
– Distance from Tulum: 6.2 km (3.8 miles), about a 9-minute drive
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Arrive as early as possible to enjoy this hidden gem solo
– Best cenote near Tulum for: Getting off the beaten path

4. El Pit, an amazing cenote for scuba diving close to Tulum

Contributed by Campbell and Alya from StingyNomads.com

Cenote El Pit is a cenote with excellent scuba diving located in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. This spectacular cavern and cave dive site in Mexico is on the bucket list of many scuba divers.

People do swim in The Pit, but this cenote is one of the best cenotes for scuba diving in the world. This is a deep dive and an advanced qualification is required with most divers descending to about 32 meters.

To do this unique dive, you drive with a jeep into the jungle and take little wooden steps through a hole in the jungle floor to into an unreal dive site with crystal clear water. The Pit cenote is located in Dos Ojos Natural Park, about 22 km from Tulum and about 50 km south of Playa del Carmen. 

Rainwater drips through the jungle floor into cenotes resulting in caves filled with crystal clear water. Tulum’s cenote El Pit is famous for beams of sunlight that penetrate the mouth of the cave. You can see them shining through while diving here. Descending during your dive, you reach an overhung cavern with some beautiful stalactites and a unique experience is descending through a halocline cloud, where refraction of light passing through the water layers with different densities resembles an oil-like mix of liquids.

At about 27m, swimming through a cloud of hydrogen sulfide, you pass some eerie tree branches before starting your ascent. The price of entering the park is $500 pesos ($25 USD) and dive centers charge $150 USD and more for a two-tank dive in the cenote from Tulum.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting El Pit cenote in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $500 pesos for swimming. $3,000 pesos for dive centers
– Amenities: Changing rooms, restrooms, parking
– Distance from Tulum: 22 km or 13.7 miles, about a 30-minute drive from Tulum
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Scuba diving here is the best way to explore this cenote near Tulum
– Best cenote near Tulum for: An amazing scuba experience with a hydrocline and incredible rays of light

5. Zacil-Ha, a local hidden gem cenote in Quintana Roo

Contributed by yours truly, wediditourway.com

Zacil-Ha is probably one of the most underrated cenotes near Tulum. In fact, when we were searching for beautiful cenotes to explore in Quintana Roo, this one barely came up… So we had to discover it!

Zacil-Ha is more of a local cenote than most of the other touristic (and over-priced) ones near Tulum. That’s another reason we wanted to go. Tulum is quite expensive, which is why we wanted to give our wallets a break! After all, there has to be ways to explore Tulum on a budget!

Cenote Zacil-Ha is an open cenote with clear water. It’s not very deep and it’s not very big, but it’s perfect enough to spend half a day here. With a restaurant (with decent food and pricing), lounge chairs and more, you have everything you need here. With crystal clear waters, this sinkhole is such a beautiful place.

Our favorite thing to do at Zacil-Ha was to jump from the platform. There’s also a zipline that you can swing in from, it will set you back $10 pesos each time. Or you can rent a lifejacket (at an extra cost) to hang out in the water. There’s also a rope that is attached from one end of the cenote to the next, where locals love to hang on.

If you get tired of swimming in the cenote, you can also pop over to a pool and cool off there.

This is the perfect cenote near Tulum if you’re looking to avoid crowds. There is only one tour bus that arrives around 2 pm and leaves an hour later. Before and after that, expect to have very few people around!

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Zacil-Ha in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $200 pesos
– Amenities: Outdoor showers, bathrooms, restaurant, long chairs, picnic tables, palapa sheds, pool
– Distance from Tulum: 9.2 km or 5.7 miles, 11 minutes by car from Tulum
– Opening hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm daily
– Best tip: Arrive at opening or after 3 pm for fewer crowds
– Best cenote near Tulum for: Avoiding crowds, jumping off a platform or ziplining in the cenote

6. Angelita, scuba divers and free divers bucketlist cenote

Contributed by yours truly, wediditourway.com

We’re not going to lie. Diving in cenote Angelita was very high on our bucketlist of things to do when visiting Quintana Roo. We’ve all seen the crazy pictures of Angelita with the hydrocline. It makes the cenote seem like it’s out of this world. But it was probably this short film that made us obsess about this cenote.

If you plan on visiting Angelita, know that the view for snorkelers and swimmers is not that great. You actually won’t see much of the underwater island and cloud. However, if you’re scuba diving or freediving, this will be a dream come true for you.

We came here as part of our freediving course. We didn’t make it deep enough to see the hydrocline which is at around 30m, but the view underwater was still amazing.

In the morning, there are a bunch of scuba divers that take over the cenote. We saw a minimum of 10 different groups in the 3 hours we spent in the water. And hearing them rave about the cenote, we will have to come back to scuba dive in this one!

Scuba diving shops sell Angelita as part of a premium 2-tank dive package at $185 USD. We wouldn’t recommend visiting this open cenote without a certified guide.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Angelita cenote in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $3,700 pesos for diving. $100 pesos for snorkeling and swimming
– Amenities: Bathrooms and changing rooms. Very basic amenities. No real place to hang out.
– Distance from Tulum: 15.6 km or 9.7 miles, 15 minutes driving from Tulum
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: There are a ton of flies around. Make sure you are ready to jump in as soon as you arrive.
– Best cenote near Tulum for: Scuba diving or free diving. As a swimmer, you won’t see much here.

7. Choo-Ha, a beautiful closed cenote near Coba

Contributed by Brodi from OurOffbeatLife.com

Cenote Choo-Ha is located near the Coba ruins, less than an hour from Tulum. It’s a closed cenote, meaning that visitors must climb down some stairs built into a fairly small hole in the ground in order to swim in it. 

The cenote has a somewhat otherworldly feeling because it’s so enclosed. It’s so down in the water that some artificial lighting was installed just so people can see. Once you’re down there, though, you’ll be treated to some really large and ancient stalactite formations!

The best time to visit is after a day trip to the Coba ruins. Stay for an hour or two in order to cool off after a hot day of sightseeing in the jungle ruins. 

Since it’s a closed cenote, you don’t have to worry about wearing sunscreen. This helps keep the cenote’s ecosystem healthy for the creatures that live there. Even reef-safe sunscreen can harm this fragile ecosystem.

Cenote Choo-Ha offers restrooms and changing rooms, but doesn’t sell snacks or drinks on site. You are allowed to bring your own food and beverages, though. 

If you don’t visit as part of a Coba tour, then it costs 100 pesos to enter. The cenote is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm daily. There is a small parking lot if you drive yourself. Parking is free. 

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Choo-Ha in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $100 pesos. Parking is free
– Amenities: Restrooms and changing rooms
– Distance from Tulum: 53 km or 33 miles. Or 6.4 km or 4 miles from Coba
– Opening hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm daily
– Best tip: Combine a visit to this cenote with a trip to the Coba Ruins nearby
– Best cenote near Tulum for: Cooling down after visiting Mayan ruins

8. Cenote Calavera, an popular cenote near Tulum

Contributed by Bailey from DestinationlessTravel.com

Located only 2 km outside of Tulum, Cenote Calavera is a unique cenote well-worth visiting. The word “Calavera” means “Skull” in Spanish. This name comes from the shape of the cenote, which consists of three holes. From above, look like an actual skull! These holes are the only way to enter the cenote, and you can either jump into the water below or take the ladder.

This cenote is much like a cave, and when you’re in the water you can look up at the cave walls and maybe even see bats! It’s quite dark in some areas, so it’s an exciting place to explore. 

It costs $250 pesos to enter Cenote Calavera. Besides swimming, there is a rope swing hanging that makes for a popular place to take photos. You can also rent snorkel gear at the cenote and see fish. Scuba diving is also very popular in Cenote Calavera due to its depth.

Cenote Calavera is not as commercialized as many of the other cenotes in Quintana Roo. In fact, all you’ll find here are some small bathrooms, a bar, and picnic tables. With that said, Cenote Calavera is very popular and can get busy. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Tulum due to its close proximity. So, to avoid crowds, I recommend visiting first thing in the morning when they open or later in the afternoon before they close.

Cenote Calavera is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. There can sometimes be a line to enter the cenote because it is small and can only hold a few people at a time. 

You can easily reach cenote Calavera from Tulum on a bicycle or in a taxi. 

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Calavera in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $250 pesos
– Amenities: Bathrooms, a bar, picnic tables
– Distance from Tulum: 2 km or 1.2 miles, 6 minutes driving from Tulum
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Avoid the crowds by visiting first thing in the morning when they open or later in the afternoon before they close
– Best cenote near Tulum for: Jumping into really small holes and swinging off ropes

5 stunning cenotes near Playa del Carmen

Although most cenotes seem to be located closer to Tulum, there are some amazing sinkholes that are also very close to Playa Del Carmen. In fact, near Purto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, there is a route of cenotes called the Anillo de cenotes (the ring of cenotes). There, you can visit a bunch of cenotes in a very short radius. If you’re looking to go cenote-hopping, this is the best place to do it.

Here are the best cenotes to visit close to Playa del Carmen:

1. Cenote Cristalino, a stunning cenote close to Playa del Carmen

Contributed by Allison from VivaLaTravelista.com

Located about 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Cenote Cristalino is one of the most popular cenotes in the area and is known for its crystal clear water. Visitors are immersed in a totally natural setting where you can swim, snorkel, and jump off ledges into the cenote. 

At Cenote Cristalino, you’ll also find an impressive cave where you can float idly and admire the stalactites. Toward the very back, there is also a beautiful hidden cenote and shallow pool known as Cenote Escondido that shouldn’t be missed. 

Cenote Cristalino is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and it’s best to arrive before noon to beat the crowds. The entrance fee is $170 pesos and includes a life jacket rental. Additional amenities include locker rentals, snorkeling gear rentals, and lounge chairs. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase. 

The easiest way to get to Cenote Cristalino is by driving or renting a car, where you’ll find free parking on site. If you don’t have a car, the cenote can also be visited easily by taking a colectivo (shared van) from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, with easy access right off the main highway. 

Expect to spend about 2 hours in total at Cenote Cristalino and then head to the nearby Eden Cenote and Cenote Azul if you have time.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Cristalino in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $170 pesos, includes a life jacket
– Amenities: Lockers, snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, snacks & beverages
– Distance from Playa del Carmen: 24.7 km or 15.3 miles, about 25 minutes driving
– Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily
– Best tip: Avoid crowds by arriving before noon and make a day of it by visiting other nearby cenotes
– Best cenote near Playa del Carmen for: Cenote-hopping to nearby Eden and Azul cenotes

2. Rio Secreto, a hidden gem cenote to discover close Playa Del Carmen

Contributed by Paulina from ukeveryday.com

Visiting Rio Secreto includes walking in one of the most impressive caves in Mexico and swimming in an underground river that spans many kilometers. It was discovered in 2007 and it is currently considered one of the best attractions in Quintana Roo.

The best way to get to Rio Secreto is by organized tours. If you want to save money on visiting this cenote combine it with other attractions like visiting Tulum. This day trip in Quintana Roo will be a great mix of exploring Mayan ruins and swimming in beautiful underground caves full of stalagmites and stalactites.

If you decide to visit Rio Secreto on its own, the entrance fee is $79.00 USD. However, get yourself ready for additional fees such as photos taken by a photographer that will accompany you during your visit to Rio Secreto. Unfortunately, using your camera like GoPro is not allowed on this tour.

You will spend around 1-1.5 hours in these spectacular underground caves. All tours are in small groups every hour from 9 am till 2 pm.

One of the best experiences in Rio Secreto is at the end of your visit. Your guide will turn off the torch in one of the underground tunnels to make you realize how tiny you are against this place.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Rio Secreto near Playa del Carmen:
– Entrance fee: $1,600 pesos ($79 USD)
– Amenities: Bathrooms, restaurant, tours available.
– Distance from Playa Del Carmen: 8.9 km or 5.5 miles, less than 15-minutes by car from Playa del Carmen
– Opening hours: 9 am to 3 pm with tours every hour
– Best tip: Reserve your spot ahead of time as the only way to visit this cenote is on a tour
– Best cenote near Playa del Carmen for: adventures and conservation tours. You can rappel, bike around and swim in the cenote

3. Cenote Maravilla, a secret cenote near Playa Del Carmen

Contributed by yours truly, WeDidItOurWay.com

Cenote Maravilla is an absolute dream. But you could never know looking at it from the top, without jumping in. From the top, it looks like a simple hole in the ground.

Located on the Route of Cenotes near Playa Del Carmen, Cenote Maravilla is a marvel, as its name suggests. A small open cenote, home to a lonely turtle, the real magic of this cenote can only be enjoyed when freediving. This cenote is on private property, and you need permission to dive here.

The true beauty of this cenote happens when the sun shines in through the opening. The light puts on a real show underwater. This intriguing cenote is known both for its bell-shaped stalactites and the thick cloud of hydrogen sulfide within it.

The thick cloud layer of hydrogen sulfide can be seen at about 28-30 meters. And if you really want to push yourself, this cenote is over 75 meters deep.

Apart from freediving, you can also scuba dive here, however, you do need to have advanced certification. It’s really a wonderful place to explore underwater.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Maravilla in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $159 USD for a two-tank dive
– Amenities: Bathrooms, changing rooms and outdoor showers
– Distance from Playa Del Carmen: 46.4 km or 28.8 km, 40-minutes driving from Playa del Carmen
– Opening hours: Upon request. Reservations are required to visit this cenote
– Best tip: Make sure you visit with a certified dive instructor and bring your camera. This cenote is stunning.
– Best cenote near Playa del Carmen for: Scuba diving or free diving. It’s not worth visiting otherwise.

4. Garden of Eden cenote, a magical cenote near Playa Del Carmen

Contributed by yours truly, WeDidItOurWay.com

There is a reason this cenote is called the Garden of Eden! It’s truly a beautiful place. And best of all, you can enjoy this cenote whether you’re swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving. But to be honest, the real magic happens when you scuba dive.

This cenote is amazing for swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers alike. If you can make it here, you’ll surely love it. It bears its name so well!

The Garden of Eden is an open cenote… with a magical world to discover below. Rocky caverns, wide openings that create a wall of light, a hydrocline where your vision gets a little cloudy! 

Scuba diving in this cenote is a real trip! And if you have the opportunity to do it, don’t give it up! It’s a magical place.

If you don’t scuba dive, don’t worry. It’s still an amazing open cenote to visit very close to Playa del Carmen. Here, you can swim around and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You can (and should) also snorkel at the Garden of Eden cenote. 

Snorkeling, you’ll see a ton of colorful fish that live in between the rock of this cenote. This sinkhole is teaming with life. Just be careful where you put your feet. The rocks serve as tiny ecosystems for the marine life that lives here. This is one place where you might want to bring water shoes. Because the rocks get so slippery, many people often slip off them.

Regardless of if you want to swim, snorkel or scuba dive in Cenote Garden of Eden, this sinkhole in Quintana Roo is well worth the detour. Make sure you visit it because, at this price, it’s a real treat!

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Garden of Eden in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $200 pesos for adults, $100 pesos for children
– Amenities: Bathrooms, changing rooms, a few chairs. No restaurant.
– Distance from Playa Del Carmen: 25.4 km or 15.8 miles, about 25 minutes driving from PDC
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm, from Sunday to Friday. Closed on Saturdays
– Best tip: Bring your own food and beverages to enjoy the cenote for a majority of the day
– Best cenote near Playa Del Carmen for: Scuba diving to see the rays of light underwater and for the hydrocline

5. Tajma Ha, a magical cenote near Playa del Carmen, perfect for scuba diving

Contributed by yours truly, WeDidItOurWay.com

Tajma Ha is a cenote that is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the detour for swimming and scuba diving. 

Initially, this cenote was called Taj Mahal by the first explorers who walked through the cave. They said the cenote reminded them of the Indian beauty of one of the world’s most amazing wonders. Today, the temple is called Tajma Ha, coming from the word ‘Ha’ – it’s of Mayan origin and it means water.

Scuba divers will have a better experience at this one, simply because there are a ton of stalactites, stalagmites and fossils to discover while diving here. Because this cenote has many openings, while scuba diving, you can even come up at one of the other openings. Depending on the time of day, you’ll see the light shining in creating this amazing atmosphere. 

For swimmers, this cenote still has a ton to offer. The initial opening is a cave-like opening where you can sit on rocks and swim with the little fishies around. Being in this half-open cave is really impressive. 

If you want to discover the other opening, you can also walk to it, climb down the stairs and enjoy a dip in another universe. 

There are no amenities around Tajma Ha, other than toilets and changing rooms, so come prepared. Regardless, this is an amazing cenote to explore that is close to Playa del Carmen.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Tajma Ha in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $300 pesos for diving
– Amenities: Bathrooms. Nothing more. Come prepared!
– Distance from Playa Del Carmen: 29.8 km or 18.5 miles, a little over 30-minutes driving
– Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm, daily
– Best tip: Bring food and drinks if you plan on staying a while. There is nothing around.
– Best cenote near Playa Del Carmen for: exploring stalactites, stalagmites and fossils by scuba diving

2 amazing cenotes near Cancun

There are a ton of things to do in Cancun, and visiting cenotes is a must! The visits to the cenotes close to Cancun are some of the most beautiful in Quintana Roo. Here are 2 of the nicest cenotes to visit close to Cancun.

1. Verde Lucero, a beautiful cenote near Cancun

Contributed by Kerry from AdrenalineJunkiez.com

The Cenote Verde Lucero in Quintana Roo, Mexico, is renowned for its blue waters, which look incredible in the setting of the sun. Because of the open-air nature of this cenote, guests can enjoy the sunlight passing over the clear waters in addition to the perfect softness of the water.

Of the several cenotes you can swim in, how many of them have platforms to dive from or zip-lines where you can glide straight into the green waters? The Cenote Verde Lucero offers just that! 

Located in Puerto Morelos, if you plan to visit, it is an easy drive and most buses or transfers will take approximately 50 minutes from Playa del Carmen or Cancun. The cenote is open to the public for 300 pesos at the public rate, but many Playa del Carmen Excursions will include a visit to the region. At the Extreme adventure site nearby, you can visit as part of your Playa del Carmen zip line and ATV experience.

If you are visiting at your own leisure, you can easily spend a few hours here. There are public restrooms, picnic benches and a stall where you can buy food and drinks. The area is colorful, tropical and a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Verde Lucero in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $300 pesos
– Amenities: Restrooms, picnic benches and a stall with food and beverages
– Distance from Cancun: 55.4 km or 34.4 miles, about 50 minutes driving from Cancun
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: To avoid crowds, arrive before 11 or closer to closing time
– Best cenote near Cancun for: Adventure-seekers who want to jump from platforms or

2. Cenote Zapote

Contributed by Venaugh from Venaugh.com

Visiting Quintana Roo and some of the best cities in Mexico is a great start to seeing what Mexico has to offer, especially when you add cenotes to the list. My favorite cenote is called cenote zapote which is actually 4 different cenotes in one area.

The cheapest entrance fee was $800 Mexican pesos which is quite expensive for a cenote entrance fee. The only issue with cenote Zapote is that you have to drive between the 4 cenotes. Fortunately, someone in the group had a car and took me with them.

Cenote #1 was open and encircled by trees. The second cenote was inside a dark cave. The third was also inside but not as dark as the second. A little bit of natural light entered through a hole above which was also aided by artificial lights. This one was designed where you could swim in a circle around the entrance and lots to explore beneath the water.

Cenote #4 was exactly how I would have imagined it, a rich blue pool with rock formations and trees around the side. The final cenotes are 20 meters deep allowing for scuba diving rentals.

If you’d rather go higher, you can get a view from a 10ft and 15ft platform which you can actually jump off of. Each of the cenotes has its own life jacket to prevent cross-contamination. There is also a restaurant and bathrooms at the main base for the cenotes.

You will probably spend 2-3 hours here however it also depends on the group how long you will stay at each location.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Zapote near Cancun:
– Entrance fee: $800 pesos
– Amenities: Bathrooms, restaurant, life jacket rental
– Distance from Cancun: 63 km or 39 miles. About 1-hour driving from Cancun
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm, daily
– Best tip: Stay as long as possible so you can enjoy each cenote to the fullest
– Best cenote near Cancun for: jumping off platforms and exploring many cenotes in one site

2 must-see cenotes in Bacalar

Located close to Tulum, Bacalar is a hidden gem still unknown to many tourists. Although it’s rightfully famous for its Lagoon of seven colors, it is still home to 2 amazing cenotes. They are quite different from one another (and from other cenotes in Quintana Roo), yet they are located a short walk from another.

Here are the best two cenotes in Bacalar:

1. Cenote Azul, the beautiful black cenote of Bacalar

Contributed by yours truly, WeDidItOurWay.com

Located a little bit further than the town center of Bacalar, Cenote Azul is this incredibly beautiful deep cenote. It’s just off the main road that’s near the Bacalar lagoon. It’s one of the most beautiful cenotes, simply because of its deep blue, almost black color.

Cenote Azul is a great place for snorkeling and diving. You’ll be surrounded by a ton of fish. Even freediving a little, you’ll discover a beautiful world underwater. There are tree roots, fallen branches and moss that make this place look surreal!

Bacalar’s Cenote Azul (not to be confused with the one in Tulum) is 655 feet in diameter and 300 feet deep. It’s a great place to go freediving, swimming and snorkeling. 

Here, you’ll find a viewing platform at the entrance where you can get an impressive view of the cenote. You’ll also find a few shops, a full restaurant, and bathrooms. 

Around the cenote, there are a few platforms where you can lounge and some chairs too. The Cenote Azul is nestled in a lush forest, making the setting even more beautiful.

The entrance fee is $25 pesos and you can stay there as long as the cenote is open.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Choo-Ha in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $25 pesos
– Amenities: Restaurant, bathrooms, chairs, swing. Plenty of trees for shade
– Distance from Bacalar: 5.3 km or 3.3 miles, less than 10 minutes driving
– Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm, daily
– Best tip: Come early to get a good spot in the shade for free (and to avoid crowds as well)
– Best cenote near Bacalar for: Exploring underwater, chilling in a low-key cenote

2. Cocalitos cenote, an unmissible open cenote in Bacalar

Contributed by yours truly, WeDidItOurWay.com

Another cenote to check out in Bacalar is Cocolitos. However, it should be noted that this cenote is quite different than the last one. It’s an open cenote that’s actually more of a beach club than a chill cenote like Azul.

The entrance fee to Cocolitos is $50 pesos. Here, you’ll find a restaurant, bathrooms, and a huge lawn to chill on. There are swings and hammocks in the water which are perfect for cooling down on hot days. 

This cenote is located on the lagoon and is very unique because you’ll find stromatolites here. These are sedimentary formations that are full of microbes, microorganisms, and bacteria. They’re living organisms! These are super important to the ecosystem of the Lagoon in Bacalar. They’re also records of ancient life on Earth.

We mentioned a few eco-friendly tips in the beginning, and this is one cenote where it’s super important to follow them! Stay away from the stromatolites in Bacalar, and anywhere you see them. Make sure you don’t wear sunscreen (even reef-safe will harm them). Don’t climb on them, don’t touch them. The lagoon needs them to keep balanced.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Cenote Choo-Ha in Quintana Roo:
– Entrance fee: $50 pesos
– Amenities: Restaurant, hammocks in the water, bathrooms.
– Distance from Bacalar: 6 km or 3.7 miles, a short 10-minute drive from Bacalar
– Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Bring long sleeves or pants to take cover from the sun. Avoid sunscreen in the lagoon and at this cenote to protect the delicate ecosystem
– Best cenote near Bacalar for: Beach clubs vibes, hanging in hammocks and chilling

The 17 best cenotes in Quintana Roo

There you have it. The 17 very best cenotes to visit in Quintana Roo. Whether you’re looking to visit sinkholes near Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Bacalar, we have you covered. From more affordable to more expensive cenotes, open caves to underwater caverns, you have a great range of cenotes to choose from here.

As a recap, here are the must-see cenotes in Quintana Roo:

1. Gran Cenote
2. Calavera
3. Escondido
4. Naharon
5. Zapote
6. El Pit
7. Zacil-Ha
8. Angelita
9. Cenote Choo-Ha (Coba)
10. Maravilla
11. Garden of Eden
12. Tajma Ha
13. Cristalino
14. Rio Secreto
15. Verde lucero
16. Azul
17. Cocalitos

Let us know in the comments which cenotes you’re most looking forward to visiting. Are there other things you wish you knew about cenotes? What other cenotes should we be adding to our list?

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