Everything you need to know about the best cenotes Mexico has to offer

Cenotes are formed over centuries by erosion. Rain breaks down the limestone bedrock and causes the ground to cave inwards. This creates a hole in the earth which over decades fills with water - either rain or via underground rivers. The limestone ground of the Yucatan Peninsula makes the area well-suited for the creation of these secret bathing spots. Not all the cenotes Mexico offers are created equal. They come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from supersized 140-meter-wide turquoise waters to discrete secret plunge pools. However, they are united by their unique sacred status, something that fascinates tourists and locals eager to explore the best cenotes in the Riviera Maya. 

A lot of the cenotes Mexico is famous for have been well-preserved. This allows dazzling insights to be uncovered about the ancient lifestyle of the Mayans and their curious traditions involving cenotes. 

Some believe that the best cenotes in Mexico were gateways to the afterlife and an important tool for communicating with the water Gods - often via sacrificing valuable objects or even humans. Others believe that they were used simply for their practical purposes, keeping large amounts of water cool and protected in the hot climate. The limestone acts as a natural water filter and the crystal-clear pools are a testament to this. Today, the cenotes provide a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy Mexico’s Mayan culture.

There are thousands of cenotes dotted all across Mexico but the best ones can be found in Yucatan which is home to over 6000. Luckily reaching these sacred spaces does not mean traipsing through rainforests as the majority are located just a stone’s throw from Cancún, close to the sparkling array of Cancún luxury resorts. Scuba diving is often practiced inside the top cenotes in Cancún and many local dive centers offer guided tours to the cenotes with the most interesting rock formations and marine life. 

One of the best diving spots in the Riviera Maya is the Gran Cenote. This eye-catching cenote has become one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico for its half-moon shape which makes it a photogenic spot for a quick swim. The Gran Cenote in Tulum often tops the list of cenotes Mexico is most famous for thanks to the well-preserved Mayan ruins found at the site. 

The calm shallow waters and proximity to the all-inclusive Riviera Maya hotels make it a family-friendly cenote that can be enjoyed all year round. The varying depths of the cenote make it the perfect spot to enjoy a snorkel or for the more adventurous visitors, it is possible to scuba dive up to ten meters in depth. Because of the depth of this cenote, the water maintains a constant fresh temperature so make sure to bring warm clothes for when it’s time to leave.

Dos Ojos cenotes, Tulum is famous for housing one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world, stretching a whopping 80 kilometers. This incredible feat of natural engineering can also be enjoyed by scuba divers who are brave enough to navigate the meandering Tulum caves. However, if diving isn’t for you, you can still take in the rainbow of blue tones by enjoying a gentle swim or a snorkel in the tranquil waters. Located just a 30-minute journey from the luxury hotels of the Riviera Maya, this is one of the top cenotes in Tulum and a must-visit when on vacation in Mexico. 

Of course, those who are enjoying a relaxing Cancún vacation won’t miss out on their share of cenotes. A visit to one of the best cenotes near Cancún, Ik Kil is a must for anyone traveling to Quintana Roo. Just a stone’s throw away from the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, it is the perfect place to combine a relaxing day in nature with some ancient history. The open-air rock formations and the cascading vines make a swim in this cenote a magical cenotes Mexico experience. 

If you are staying in Playa del Carmen, your vacation is not complete without a dip in a cenote. The best cenotes near Playa del Carmen can all be easily accessed by car making them the ideal activity for a family day out. While most cenotes stay covered or partly covered, the Cenote Azul charms visitors with its open-air splendor. This cenote is naturally divided into sections making it easy to find the area which suits you best. A rich, luscious rainforest surrounds the water creating a natural paradise that mirrors the beauty of the pristine blue water. Cenotes in Playa del Carmen Mexico come in all sizes and this cenote is large enough to house its natural diving area formed from windswept cliffs in escalating sizes. Find the height that is right for you and jump into the bottomless natural plunge pool.

Sometimes, there is more to a cenote than the sparkling sapphire water and jungle landscapes. Deep in the jungle of Tulum lies the Pet Cemetery or Sac Actun Tulum as it is officially known. The cenote has been given the nickname the Pet Cemetery due to the large number of animal bones that can be seen at the bottom of the cenote. No one knows how long they have been there, or even how they arrived there but one thing is for sure - this is an incredible diving spot just a stone’s throw from the bustling resorts. 

If you think that Tulum is nothing more than picture-perfect beaches, then think again. Tulum is the heartland of the ancient Mayan civilization and thanks to this, there are endless ruins to uncover. Cenotes are also popular here and one of the hidden cenotes Tulum has to offer is the Cenote Angelita. 

It may appear like a typical cenote but upon further inspection, you will be able to witness a unique current that looks as if there is an underwater river deep inside the cenote. This natural phenomenon is caused by a cloud of hydrogen sulfate that lies 27 meters under the surface. Hidden under this cloud of gas is a thick forest of vegetation that experienced scuba divers can reach. Yet, this cenote is not for the faint-hearted. It is recommended to go with a tour guide as you will reach a total depth of 40 meters.

Its name translates to “the giant birdcage” and it is easy to see why. If you are close to Cancún and are looking for a unique diving experience, Nohoch Nah Chich is one of the best cenotes Mexico offers. The cavernous interior is studded with stalactites that hang like razor blades and glisten in the dim light. This cenote boasts one of the largest subaquatic cave systems in the world and if you were to scuba dive through the intricate tunnels you will reach other connecting cenotes such as the Dos Ojos cenote. It is often considered to be one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico and the good news is you don’t have to be an experienced diver to visit. If scuba diving is not your thing, you can still swim and snorkel in the refreshing water and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Yet for those that do want to explore this is one of the best cenotes Mexico has to offer.