So that you’ve made it to Cancún, spent a complete day (or a number of) mendacity on the seashore, and also you’re searching for one thing else to do on the Riviera Maya. Fortunately, Cancún is a superb base for getting out and adventuring within the space.
One factor you undoubtedly received’t need to miss out on is visiting the cenotes round Cancún. A cenote is a limestone sinkhole crammed from underground freshwater rivers. They are often closed and cave-like, semi-open with cliff overhangs, or fully open, resembling a pond from above.
Intrigued? Listed below are my high picks for the very best cenotes which might be simply accessible from Cancún:
Cenote Chacmool
This cenote is one half of a system of three separate cenotes that open to the identical bigger physique of water and are linked by underground rivers. It’s open on the floor, with rocky cliffs on one aspect. However it’s the epic underwater caves that appeal to guests and make it perfect for divers. On condition that, it’s not as spectacular in case you can solely see it from the floor.
Some dive excursions, like this one from AcuatiCaribe, embrace dives by way of the 2 different linked cenotes, Kukulcan and Little Brother. The tour will take you all the way down to see the haloclines and thermoclines, the layers of cloudlike substances the place freshwater and saltwater combine and create neat optical illusions.
- Value: 200 pesos ($10 USD)
- Hours: 9am to 5pm
- When to go: The perfect time to go to for diving is within the morning. As you go beneath the floor, the rays of the morning and early afternoon mild are spectacular.
- Methods to get there: The inland flip to get to Chac Mool is nearly a kilometer after Puerto Aventuras, on the suitable. For those who’re taking public transportation, you possibly can simply get dropped off at Puerto Aventuras and take a taxi to Chac Mool
- Professionals: The three-cenote system is an incredible place to dive and a fantastic bang in your buck.
- Cons: You aren’t allowed to take images underwater.
Cenote Tajma-ha
This cenote received its title when cave divers used a intelligent play on phrases. Its deep and wondrous caverns had divers referring to it because the “Taj Mahal” of cenotes. As “ha” means “water” within the Mayan language, Tajma-ha feels like a Mayan interpretation of “Taj Mahal.”
Tajma-ha is definitely nicely suited to divers, particularly those that have lots of expertise. It boasts a maze of tunnels, limestone formations, and big chambers. For extra info on diving in Tajma-ha, try Koox Diving.
You’ll discover this cenote simply 5 kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras; it’s simple to entry by automobile or public transportation.
- Value: 250 pesos ($12.50 USD) to enter; further prices to dive, relying on which diving firm you select.
- Hours: 8am to 5pm every day
- When to go: This cenote is just fashionable amongst divers, so in case you go only for a swim, don’t count on to see too many individuals there. Anytime of day is ok to go to, so take benefit of the morning solar for a refreshing dip.
- Methods to get there: Three kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras, take a proper on the inland-bound Avenida Tajma-ha. You’ll discover a signal for the cenote about 2 kilometers in. For those who’re taking public transportation, ask the driving force to drop you off at Xpu-ha; from there you possibly can both stroll or take a taxi to the cenote.
- Professionals: It’s one of the very best dives within the space. For those who’re going for a swim, there received’t be as many individuals there.
- Cons: It’s best suited to skilled divers, so in case you’re a newbie, this one may not be the only option.
Cenote Chikin-ha
Chikin-ha is the most important of three cenotes on the identical property. It’s open, with underwater caves, making it a stellar location for diving. All through the flooded caves, there are a number of small openings that allow mild in, altering the colour of the water as you swim by way of.
Even in case you don’t go for the diving, Chikin-ha is subsequent to 2 smaller cenotes, X’tabay and Ta’ak Bil-ha. X’tabay is an open cenote that’s nice for swimming, and Ta’ak Bil-ha is a ceremonial one which doesn’t enable guests to get into the water. All three of these are in a stunning jungle setting and undoubtedly value a go to.
- Value: 350 pesos ($17.50 USD) for all three on-site cenotes
- Hours: 8:30am to 6pm
- When to go: Get there within the morning to beat the crowds and take benefit of the stress-free ambiance.
- Methods to get there: Only a couple kilometers after Puerto Aventuras, flip proper on the marker for kilometer 265 and comply with the street till you get to the doorway. For those who’re taking public transportation, let the driving force know you’re going to Chikin-ha and you will get out on the flip and stroll.
- Professionals: The diving is unbelievable and undoubtedly worthy of your bucket record. The shut proximity to different cenotes can also be a plus.
- Cons: This cenote is sort of constructed up, because it’s half of an eco-park, which isn’t everybody’s favourite factor. It’s not a seemingly untouched paradise like different extra distant cenotes.
Ruta de Cenotes
The Ruta de Cenotes is a stretch of freeway between Puerto Morelos (about 30 minutes south of Cancún) and the neighborhood of Leona Vicario. The 40-kilometer stretch of freeway goes inland from the coast and has over 60 cenotes alongside it. Many of these are privately owned and have increased entrance charges than the general public ones. They’re additionally far more constructed up and have extra issues to do, akin to zip traces, ATV excursions, and horseback using.
Listed below are the very best cenotes alongside the route:
Cenote Las Mojarras (aka Loma Bonita Park)
Named for the fish you’ll discover in freshwater cenotes and lakes, Las Mojarras is a big, open cenote with emerald water. It’s one of the most important on the Ruta de Cenotes and has a six-meter-high platform to leap in from. There are tenting services on-site, together with bogs and altering areas. You’ll additionally discover a enjoyable zip line that goes by way of the encircling jungle and over the cenote.
- Value: 250 pesos ($12.50 USD) to swim, 950 pesos ($47.50 USD) for an ATV tour.
- Hours: 9am to 5pm
- When to go: Keep away from occurring the weekends. The perfect time to go is within the morning on a weekday. I counsel visiting this one first, as a result of it will get extra crowded than the others on the Ruta de Cenotes.
- Methods to get there: Las Mojarras is at kilometer 12.5 and is the primary cenote on the route.
- Professionals: The water is attractive and clear, so it’s good for swimming and snorkeling. The encircling jungle makes a picturesque scene, and the ATV and zip line actions are distinctive to this cenote.
- Cons: The worth is excessive in comparison with others which might be comparable.
Cenote Siete Bocas
Siete Bocas is a semi-open cenote with seven totally different entry factors from above, which permit daylight to pour into the semi-underground pool. There are ladders main all the way down to the water, however you can even take a leap by way of one of the mouths into the depths. There are some huge stalactites within the cenote which might be particularly neat to take a look at.
- Value: 300 pesos ($15 USD).
- Hours: 9am to 5pm
- When to go: This one doesn’t are inclined to get too crowded, so you possibly can go to anytime in the course of the day on a weekday and discover few guests.
- Methods to get there: This one is at kilometer 15.5 of the Ruta de Cenotes. From there, comply with the signal for Siete Bocas, which can take you 2 kilometers additional inland on a dust street, the place the cenote is.
- Professionals: You might get the place to your self, as a result of it doesn’t are inclined to get very crowded, which is all the time a plus!
- Cons: The worth is sort of steep compared with different cenotes within the space, which generally is a bit of a deterrent.
Cenote Verde Lucero
This cenote will get its title from its uncommon inexperienced look. It’s open, with kayaks, a swing, and lots of room to swim and snorkel. This one is at kilometer 17 on the Ruta de Cenotes and stays comparatively uncrowded, so go to any time of the day for a pleasant, stress-free vibe. There’s additionally a zipper line and a cliff diving spot for my fellow daredevils.
- Value: 300 pesos ($15 USD) to enter
- Hours: 9am to 5pm
- When to go: Anytime throughout a weekday is ok, however weekends are usually extra crowded.
- Methods to get there: This one is at kilometer 17 on the route, simply previous Siete Bocas.
- Professionals: The distinctive inexperienced shade is a pleasant change from the opposite deep-blue cenotes.
- Cons: The worth is sort of excessive for what it’s, which is a relaxed swimming gap.
Cenote Zapote
Zapote, situated inside an eco-park with the identical title, is a largely open cenote, with some caves to discover and platforms to leap in from. There’s additionally a zipper line that goes above the water.
It’s also one of the very best alongside the route for diving, as it’s recognized for its underwater stalactites (Campanas del Inframundo, or “Bells of the Underworld”). For extra details about diving, try Koox Diving.
- Value: 700 pesos ($35 USD) to enter the eco-park, which incorporates entrance to the cenote.
- Hours: 8am to 5pm
- When to go: Due the associated fee to enter, there are hardly ever massive crowds right here. Be happy to go to any time of the day, any day of the week.
- Methods to get there: The flip off the Ruta de Cenotes for Zapote is at kilometer 19. From there, the Zapote Ecopark is 6 kilometers in.
- Professionals: The diving is unbelievable and a novel expertise.
- Cons: That is one of the costliest cenotes I’ve seen. For those who aren’t diving, I’d say skip it except you don’t thoughts the worth.
Cenote Kin-ha
This semi-open cenote is cavelike, with two massive openings on the high to let mild in. It’s important to climb down some stairs to get inside, and there are a number of wood platforms to leap within the water from. For those who’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can leap into the cenote from one of the openings above.
Kin-ha has one other open cenote known as Blanca Flor a few kilometer away, which is nice to cease at too.
- Value: 400 pesos ($20 USD) to swim, 1000 pesos ($50 USD) for an ATV tour.
- Hours: 9am to 5pm
- When to go: This cenote will get fairly busy within the late morning and early afternoon, so it’s finest to go to within the morning proper when it opens.
- Methods to get there: On the identical kilometer marker as Zapote (kilometer 19), there’s a separate flip for Kin-ha, so comply with the indicators.
- Professionals: The cavelike vibe of Kin-ha is basically exceptional, and it’s full of enjoyable actions. You may spend hours at each Kin-ha and Blanca Flor.
- Cons: It has extra of a busy ambiance, as a result of it tends to get crowded within the late morning and early afternoon.
Cenote La Noria
La Noria is a way more secluded and low-key semi-open cenote. It has stunning turquoise waters which you could attain by climbing down the wood stairs into the open cavern. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling make the place really feel such as you’ve stepped into the underworld, they usually’re shut sufficient to the water which you could rise up shut to have a look at them.
La Noria is alongside the identical street as Kin-ha and Zapote, however only a bit nearer to the freeway. It’s nice for a fast cease earlier than or after an journey at both of the opposite two greater parks.
- Value: 200 pesos ($10 USD)
- Hours: 9am to 5pm, closed on Mondays
- When to go: Anytime in the course of the day is ok, because it doesn’t are inclined to get very crowded. Think about visiting after going to Kin-ha or Zapote.
- Methods to get there: At kilometer 19 of the Ruta de Cenotes, comply with the indicators for La Noria, which is earlier than the entrances to Kin-ha and Zapote.
- Professionals: It’s quieter, extra laid again, and cheaper than most of the cenotes on the Ruta de Cenotes.
- Cons: There isn’t very a lot to do there in addition to swim and calm down.
Bonus: Cenote Ik Kil
Regardless that this cenote is one of essentially the most touristy I’ve ever visited, I nonetheless suppose it’s one of essentially the most stunning. The water is about 26 meters (85 toes) beneath floor stage, and the massive opening on the high has vines hanging down from it, making a mystical ambiance.
The steps across the edge of the cenote result in a cool jumping-off level. Life jackets are really helpful however not required, and there’s ample area to swim round. Regardless that it’s the furthest cenote from Cancún on this record (a 2.5-hour drive), it’s a must-see whereas visiting this half of Mexico, and because it’s near Chichén Itzá and Valladolid, it makes a fantastic day journey.
- Value: The doorway charge has two package deal choices: Ik Kil Package deal 1 for 150 pesos ($7.50 USD) contains admission, plus a life jacket and a locker. Package deal 2 is 350 pesos ($17.50 USD) and contains admission, a life jacket, a meal (with 5 choices to select from), and a beverage.
- Hours: 9am to 5pm; the doorway closes at 4pm.
- When to go: If you wish to keep away from the inevitable crowds as a lot as potential, get there proper when it opens. Even 10 minutes early is nice. Tour teams get there round 11am, so attempt to get your go to in earlier than then.
- Methods to get there: Ik Kil is close to the freeway that goes from Cancún to Mérida and is just Three kilometers from Chichén Itzá. The simplest approach to get there by way of public transportation is to take a Chichén Itzá–sure ADO bus from Cancún and taxi to Ik Kil from there.
- Professionals: The place is attractive, and the worth is cheap. It’s a particular must-see whereas visiting Cancún, Valladolid, or Mérida.
- Cons: The crowds are intense from 11am onward. It’s additionally fairly built-up and developed so it doesn’t have that very same off-the-beaten-path really feel that many different cenotes do.
Tips and Best Practices
- Sunblock: Most sunblocks comprise chemical compounds which might be very dangerous to the the ecosystem of cenotes, lagoons, and the ocean. The truth is, many of the chemical compounds in conventional sunblocks are partially answerable for coral bleaching. Yikes! Both omit sunblock, or go for one that claims “reef protected” or “eco-park pleasant” on the label. These are mineral sunblocks and don’t trigger harm the best way chemical ones do.
- Rinsing off: At some cenotes, like Ik Kil, for instance, you’ll see an open bathe space. Generally there are indicators instructing guests to rinse off earlier than entering into the cenote, however final time I visited the realm, many of them didn’t have an indication. Ensure to maintain a watch out for these bathe areas, so you possibly can rinse off any residue in your pores and skin from lotions, soaps, and many others.
- Depart no hint: Would you need to roll as much as your chosen cenote and discover a ton of trash there, floating round within the water? After all not! Be conscious of all the pieces you carry with you, and ensure to not depart any trash behind.
- Respect the native tradition: Cenotes have been and proceed to be, in some circumstances, locations of worship for the Mayan individuals. As you possibly can see above, with Ta’ak Bil-ha, these sacred sinkholes have a wealthy historical past and immense cultural significance. Maintain this in thoughts once you go to, and be type to the employees working there.
- Convey money: Some of the extra fashionable cenotes have card readers, however the smaller ones will solely take money. Ensure to carry sufficient pesos in your entrance charge, transportation, and snacks.
Map
Pin me for later:
Visiting cenotes close to Cancún is an excellent approach to get near nature and study native tradition on the identical time. These are undoubtedly value visiting in case you get pleasure from swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Whereas there are lots of different issues to do in and round Cancún, I like to recommend making a cease at one (or all!) of these cenotes when you go to.
Need extra cenote data? We even have a fantastic roundup of Tulum’s finest cenotes and an entire information to Gran Cenote!
Click on to learn extra posts about
Mexico