The Best Cenotes in Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a natural paradise full of magnificent tropical beaches, animals, green vegetation, and breathtaking views. But there are also hidden gems on the island of equally extraordinary beauty known as Cenotes. It is impossible to plan a trip to Mexico, without visiting at least one of the wonderful cenotes found in the area. We have compiled for you all the important information about the recommended cenotes for a vacation in Mexico.
What is a Cenote?
Before we begin, it is important to know what a Cenote is. Cenotes are natural pits, or sinkholes, that is the result of the collapse of limestone rocks that expose groundwater and there are thousands of them in the Yucatan Peninsula. These amazing formations were once held by the ancient Mayans as sacred lights and are now popular attractions for tourists visiting the Caribbean.
Here are some of the most beautiful cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula and in Mexico in general:
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is one of the more popular cenotes for travelers coming on vacation in the Caribbean region of Mexico. It is in the southern area of Playa del Carmen. The great thing about this L-shaped cenote is the fact that it is in an open area and not in a cave. The water in Cenote is also shallower than other cenotes which makes Cenote Azul perfect for families as children can also enjoy the water. There are also deeper parts where adults can swim and even do cliff diving at a height of about 5 meters. The cost of entering the cenote is about 70 pesos.
Cenote Ponderosa
Cenote Ponderosa (also called Cenote Eden – Jardin del Eden), is open and surrounded by a lush green area with plants growing in the water and rocks covered with moss. It is also a great place for underwater snorkeling in caves that extend deep underground. At one end of the cenote, you will find a 12-meter-high cliff for jumping. But there is also a very popular tree that is higher than the cliff and from which people usually jump into the water. In the middle of the cenote, you will find rocks that were once part of the roof, now submerged about one meter underwater. It makes a nice place to rest while small fish may come up to you and gently press your feet and clean off the dead skin. Entrance to the Ponderosa costs 200 pesos for adults and 100 pesos for children, and it is also located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Entrada de Grande Cenote
Entrada de Grande is one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico. It is located just a few kilometers from Tulum and is considered one of the leading diving spots in the Riviera Maya. Cenote Entrada de Grande consists of several cenotes winding along the green jungle floor connected by wooden walkways. The cenote is full of clear water full of fish. The place is also ideal for snorkelers. You will be able to spot a lot of underwater life without going too deep. Dives can also be arranged as the cenote also has deeper sections. Entrance costs 180 pesos.
Cenote Calavera
The name Cenote Calavera was invented in light of the fact that the physical appearance of the Cenote resembles that of a skull (Calavera in Spanish). Calavera is sometimes also called the “Temple of Doom”. In the area, you can find the main hole that simulates a mouth with two smaller holes that look like eyes. The water inside the cenote is very clear and the area is a popular place for diving. Sometimes you will also find a rope that you can swing on and jump into the water. The entrance fee is 100 pesos.
Cenote Dos Ojos Tulum
Cenote dos Ojos or Cenote with the two eyes is one of the most extravagant dive sites in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is also considered one of the largest underwater caves. The cenote is called such because of the two 70-meter-wide sinkholes connected by a 400-meter-long passage. There is more natural light in the area and the visibility through the water is amazing making it a great location for snorkeling and diving. Dos Ojos is located in the deepest underwater passage which is 118 meters deep. The length of the entire cenote is at least 61 km. The entrance fee is 200 pesos.
Cenote Taak Be Ha
Cenote Tak Bi Kha, in the Mayan language, means “hidden water”. To enter the cenote, you have to go through a small hole surrounded by tangled vegetation and then go down a few steps until you reach the cenote. Tak Bi Ha opened to the public only recently. The area is completely safe and child-friendly because the depth of its waters and the swimming area ranges from 1 to 4 meters. Snorkeling in the Cenote is done with the help of a local guide while passing through the narrow spaces of the cave where you can discover ancient formations inside and outside the water. The entrance fee is about 200 pesos.
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