A Handy Guide to the 10 Best Cenotes in Riviera Maya

Photo: Dos Ojos Cenote by Darren Lawrence / Unsplash

 

The best cenotes in Riviera Maya are so much more than simply cool places to dip your toes and escape that Mexican Caribbean heat. Formed over millions of years through the collapse of limestone bedrock, the region’s more than 2,500 cenotes reveal a lot about the vast underground river system that stretches for hundreds of miles beneath the Yucatan Peninsula.

They also have a remarkable cultural significance.  Ancient Maya people considered these water-filled caverns sacred portals to Xibalbá, their underworld, where they performed religious ceremonies and made offerings to their gods. New discoveries expose traditional Mayan jade ornaments, pottery, and even human remains in these underwater caves.

Today, while countless cenotes dot the landscape of Quintana Roo state and the Mayan Riviera, only a fraction are open to visitors. But don’t be dismayed. Each of these accessible cenotes are unique. Some are completely underground, lit only by artificial lights or thin shafts of sunlight breaking through ceiling holes. Others open fully to the sky like natural swimming pools surrounded by jungle vegetation.

Riviera Maya’s Cenotes Waiting to be Explored

The water in these geological wonders maintains a year-round temperature of 75-77°F (24-25°C), fed by the world’s largest underground freshwater system. The exceptional clarity comes from natural limestone filtration, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet.

This transparency reveals underwater formations that took millennia to develop, with stalactites and stalagmites that formed when these caves were once dry during ice ages, now preserved beneath crystal-clear water.

For visitors to Riviera Maya seeking alternatives to beach days, cenotes also provide adventure. Whether it’s casual dip or more extreme cave diving, a zip line adventure or cliff-jumping demonstration, these 10 cenotes showcase the diversity of experiences available across the region.

Your Handy Guide to the 10 Best Cenotes in Riviera Maya

Cenote Dos Ojos

Located along the highway between Tulum and Akumal, Dos Ojos ranks among the world’s most significant underwater cave systems, with mapped passages extending over 82 kilometers. The name “Two Eyes” refers to its twin circular openings connected by a 400-meter passageway.

The western cavern, known as the “Barbie Line” for its decorative formations, reaches depths of 10 meters and suits snorkelers and novice divers. The eastern cavern, called the “Bat Cave,” features an air-filled dome where colonies of bats roost among ancient stalactites.

Professional cave divers can explore passages reaching 120 meters deep, including the famous “Pit” cenote connection. The site gained international recognition when it appeared in the IMAX film Journey into Amazing Caves (2002), showcasing its cathedral-like chambers. The facility includes changing rooms, equipment rental, and a small restaurant serving regional dishes.

Cenote Azul

This open-air cenote near Puerto Aventuras stretches 200 meters in an L-shaped configuration, making it one of the largest surface-accessible cenotes along Highway 307. The main pool reaches depths of 16 meters, while shallow areas near the entrance accommodate young swimmers.

The cenote connects to Sistema Taj Mahal, part of a 13-kilometer underwater cave network mapped by cave diving teams from the Quintana Roo Speleological Survey.

Small fish species inhabit the waters, including mollies and tetras that provide natural “fish pedicures” by gently nibbling dead skin cells. These Garra rufa fish, while not native to Mexico, have established populations in several cenotes. The on-site facilities include La Palapa restaurant, which serves ceviche and fish tacos, plus rental equipment from Aquaworld diving center.

Cenote Jardín del Eden

Also known as Cenote Ponderosa, this 150-meter-wide open cenote near Puerto Aventuras sits within a tropical garden setting just west of Highway 307. The cenote reaches maximum depths of 15 meters, with underwater caverns extending beneath overhanging rock ledges.

Archaeological surveys have documented pre-Columbian pottery shards and jade fragments in deeper sections, though these areas remain restricted to scientific research.

The surrounding vegetation includes native ceiba trees, wild orchids, and coatimundi that occasionally visit the water’s edge. Professional photographers frequent the site during golden hour when sunlight filters through the canopy. West Side Divers operates from the cenote, offering PADI Open Water certification courses utilizing the protected environment.

Gran Cenote

Four kilometers west of Tulum on the Coba Road, Gran Cenote consists of two caverns connected by a 100-meter underwater tunnel. The main cavern opens to daylight through a crescent-shaped gap, while the second chamber remains partially covered, creating dramatic light beams between 10 AM and 2 PM. Maximum depth reaches 10 meters, with most areas staying between 3-5 meters.

The cenote hosts populations of freshwater turtles (Trachemys venusta) that swim freely among snorkelers. Cave formations include “soda straw” stalactites, thin hollow tubes that grow a tiny bit each year. The site provides wooden platforms, lockers, snorkel gear rental, and mandatory life jackets for non-swimmers.

A small on-site museum displays Mayan artifacts recovered from the cenote, including ceramic vessels dating to 600-900 AD.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Between Tulum and Akumal, this world-class dive site encompasses one of the planet’s most extensive underwater cave systems. The twin sinkholes connect through a 400-meter passageway navigable by snorkelers and divers. The “Blue Eye” cavern opens to jungle canopy, while the “Black Eye” remains covered, requiring underwater lights for exploration.

Technical divers can access passages extending to 120 meters depth, including connections to Sistema Sac Actun, Earth’s longest underwater cave system at 368 kilometers.

The site featured prominently in the documentary Journey Into Amazing Caves and BBC’s Planet Earth series. Daily tours operate from 8 AM to 5 PM, with snorkeling admission and cavern diving available. The visitor center includes Pro Dive Mexico’s facility offering equipment rental and certification courses.

Punta Esmeralda

Located in Playa del Carmen, this unique cenote-beach hybrid sits where underground freshwater emerges to meet the Caribbean Sea, creating a natural estuary ecosystem. Located between the Colosio neighborhood and Nicte-Ha condos in north Playa del Carmen, the site remains relatively undeveloped compared to commercialized cenotes.

The mixing zone (halocline) where fresh and saltwater meet creates visible thermoclines, shimmering layers where different water densities interact. The shallow depth (maximum 2 meters) and sandy bottom make it ideal for families with young children.

Marine life includes juvenile barracuda, sergeant majors, and occasional sea turtles that enter from the ocean. Access requires walking 200 meters through a residential area from Avenida 38 Norte. No entrance fees apply, though local vendors sell snacks and rent umbrellas. Swimming conditions vary with tides, with clearest water during incoming tides.

Cenote Siete Bocas

Along the 35-kilometer Ruta de Cenotes Road inland from Puerto Morelos, Siete Bocas presents seven separate openings into an interconnected cave system. Each entrance offers different perspectives: some drop vertically eight meters to water level, while others provide gradual slopes with wooden stairs. The underwater passages connecting all seven openings span approximately 200 meters, requiring advanced diving certification for complete exploration.

Geological surveys identify rare speleothems including “cave pearls, “spherical calcite formations created by water dripping onto cave floors over thousands of years. The cenote maintains partnerships with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México for ongoing archaeological research.

Facilities include zip lines connecting certain openings, rustic changing areas, and Restaurante Siete Bocas serving cochinita pibil. Guided snorkeling tours are available.

Cenote Calavera

Two kilometers from Tulum’s center on the Coba Road, Cenote Calavera (Temple of Doom) features three circular openings resembling a skull when viewed from above: one large “mouth” that’s four meters diameter, and two smaller “eyes” at one meter each.

Wooden ladders descend three meters to water level, though experienced visitors often jump through the openings. The underwater chamber extends 15 meters deep with a halocline at 12 meters where fresh and brackish water meet.

The cenote connects to Sistema Sac Actun through narrow passages requiring sidemount diving configuration. Morning light creates spectacular curtain effects between 9-11 AM. Local dive shop Koox Diving offers guided tours highlighting geological features including flowstone formations and fossil imprints in limestone walls. Basic entrance runs 100 MXN cash only, with no on-site facilities beyond portable toilets.

Cenote Zacil-Ha

Five kilometers from Tulum toward Coba, Cenote Zacil-Ha translates to “clear water” in Yucatec Maya, accurately describing its exceptional 40-meter visibility. The open-air cenote measures 30 meters across with depths ranging from two to eight meters. A 15-meter zip line launches swimmers over the deepest section, while wooden platforms accommodate sunbathers.

The cenote forms part of a larger property, including Cenote Car Wash (Aktun-Ha) 500 meters away. Combined tickets (250 MXN) provide access to both sites. Zacil-Ha Restaurant overlooks the cenote, serving traditional Yucatecan cuisine including poc chuc and sopa de lima. Life jackets and snorkeling gear can be rented

The site accommodates up to 100 visitors, though weekday mornings see fewer than 20 people.

Cenote Zapote

Part of the Zapote Ecopark complex 20 kilometers inland from Puerto Morelos, this cenote measures 36 meters across and plunges 63 meters deep. Three platforms at five, eight, and 14 meters accommodate cliff jumping, with the highest platform requiring signed waivers.

The main attraction for technical divers lies 30 meters below. Known as the “Hell’s Bells,” these unique bell-shaped formations are found nowhere else on Earth and were created by bacterial processes over millennia.

In 2016, researchers from Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia discovered remains of a giant ground sloth (Xibalbaonyx oviceps) dating to the Pleistocene epoch. The complete skeleton remains in situ for scientific study. The park includes Cenote Las Palmas with its 30-meter zip line and Cenote Abuelo Che Che featuring dramatic stalactite formations. Although must-visits, expect only basic facilities.

Cenote Yal-Kú

This lagoon-cenote hybrid occupies a coastal inlet where underground rivers surface before flowing into the Caribbean. The 10-hectare protected area includes mangrove forests, sculpture gardens by local artists, and the confluence of fresh and saltwater ecosystems.

The halocline effect creates distinct zones, fresh water fish-like mollies occupy the upper layers while marine species including parrotfish, blue tangs, and occasional green sea turtles inhabit saltwater sections below.

The nonprofit Yal-Kú Foundation manages conservation efforts, limiting daily visitors to 300 people. Mandatory biodegradable sunscreen checks occur at entrance (conventional sunscreen users must shower before entering). Restaurante Yal-Kú serves fresh seafood with lagoon views. Life jackets are mandatory and are included in the entrance fee), with snorkeling equipment rental also available. The site operates 8 AM to 5 PM daily except Mondays.

Visiting the Best Cenotes in Riviera Maya

Whichever of the best cenotes in Riviera Maya you choose to visit (hey, maybe all of them?!), here’s a few tips and tactics that will help you make the most of the experience:

• Most cenotes maintain similar operating hours (8 AM to 5 PM)
• Cash payments are usually required, and almost always in Mexican pesos
• Weekdays mean smaller crowds, particularly before 10 AM
• All cenotes mandate pre-swim showers to protect water quality, with many prohibiting conventional sunscreens (only biodegradable formulas are permitted… and be prepared to prove it)
• Photography rules vary, with some sites requiring permits for professional equipment or underwater cameras
• Transportation options include rental cars (most reliable), organized tours from hotels, or colectivo vans from major towns, though the latter requires walking from highway drop-off points to cenote entrances

Now get out there and have fun exploring some of the best cenotes in Riviera Maya.

 

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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer, a prolific traveler, and a Co-Founder of the Riley network of luxury lifestyle websites.