You can buy tickets online in advance, but if you wish to pay on arrival, make sure you bring cash as other forms of payment are not accepted. Located in Tulum Town, Harmony Glamping features 7 bell tents, each of them with a double bed, and 5 suites. It essentially makes it much easier to get those awesome shots. READ THE FULL BLOG POST:Gran Cenote, Tulum A Beautiful Cenote in Riviera Maya. The cenote is off the Carretera Federal 307, 25 minutes drive north of Tulum. Similar to Caleta Tankah the open-air cenote gives the feeling of a beach without having to deal with any seaweed, but Laguna Yalku is much larger than Caleta Tankah. In Tulum, Idived with Jean-Claude atZen Diving. Cenote Oxman in Valladolid! My name is Stefania and Im a full time traveler originally from Italy. Coba km 8, Mxico 180D, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. Since it would be closed by the time we finally got a spot, we just went home. MORE:See more travel gear I love and use! Next to the ruins there will be a place for you to rent bikes they charged us 85 pesos per bike the bikes are old and my friend got a rather busted one, you can alternatively take a cab there (but unless you pay for them to wait for you theres no way to get back) so the best way is to bike it. Honestly, I recommend this option only if youre interested in seeing one cenote, or two cenotes that are located next to each other. There are quite a few bike rental places both in Tulum Town and Tulum Beach. If you look up Aldea Zama Cenote on google maps theres a marker. There are no undercurrents nor dangerous rock formations, however, you should only venture into activities you feel confident about! In 2014 there was a whole lake in Oregoncontaminated with the virus that got 70 people sick! Roundtrip transportation from Tulum is included, as well as snacks and water. It has two diving sites frequently explored by snorkelers, scuba divers, and the occasional sea turtle. Located just a short drive away from Tulum (and right next to the Car Wash Cenote), Cenote Zacil Ha is one of the most convenient cenotes to visit while youre staying in town. From the ADO Bus Terminal in Tulum Town, drive for 5 minutes and youll find it on your right. Book your accommodation by using the map belowHere youll find hotels and holiday rentals in Tulum Town; change the location to Tulum Beach if you prefer to stay by the beach. Mexico is a water-lovers paradise and it would be a shame not to capture all your special memories made in the cenotes. Entrance fee: 350 pesos ($18 USD) per person. Cenotes form when underground limestone erodes and collapses, creating essentially an underground river. Gran Cenote is only 5 kilometres away from Tulum town centre, on the Carretera 109 towards Coba. We booked an Oriente bus (in person because Oriente isnt listed online) for 55 pesos each way. dipping the phone under. I find them easiest to use by pressing buttons above the water then . Im happy to report that not only is this 100% false, but cenotes are all freshwater! It boasts such crystal clear blue water, that fish and turtles can be seen swimming around without the need of a snorkel! Visiting is only available through a guided tour because diving is the only option at Cenote Pet Cemetery. Coming from Cancun or Playa you could get a bus or Colectivo to Tulum and then transfer. This was one of my most frequently used GoPro attachments in Mexico! This explains why they are the least researched (and visited), because only experienced divers can access these hidden cenotes. Absolutely visit the cenotes. Most cenotes will offer showers for this reason, and some will require it to keep the cenotes ecosystem safe from pollutants. This Tulum cave cenote is truly special! The entrance is easy to miss, so be on the lookout for the orange Clan-Destino sign on the roadside. Cenote Zacil Ha is a bit farther up Highway 109 past Gran Cenote, this one is a bit too far to bike from Tulum. Cenote Azul is located on the 307 Highway, about 40km north of Tulum toward Playa del Carmen. Sometimes the contaminated tap water is used to make ice in drinks and to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, and then tourists get sick from consuming things like fresh salads and smoothies. Cenote Zacil Ha is relatively small its like a pit with very blue water. If youd like to be closer to the cenotes in Tulum, you have incredible accommodation options in Tulum. With elegance and style at the very core of its being, this serene guesthouse is located in a beautifully quiet spot deceptively close to Tulum towns main street. The cenotes at Casa Tortuga are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and admiring the stalactites and stalagmites in the caverns. These sinkholes, which started out as water sources and places for sacred offerings for the Mayans, have in recent years developed into freshwater swimming spots for tourists and locals alike. The Tulum and Dos Ojos Cenotes: 5-Hour Guided Tour combines a guided visit to the Tulum ruins and a swim at Cenote Dos Ojos. Km. Wondering whats the best way to visit the cenotes Tulum? Cenote Carwash Entrance Fee: 100 MXN for swimmers, 250 MXN for divers.Cenote Carwash Opening Times: 8 AM to 6 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. The name comes from the many animal bones that were found on this cenote. There are two scuba dive routes that can be taken in Cenote Dos Ojos. A tour guide leads you to visit two cave cenotes and an open cenote. Snorkeling gear or mask is what you need to make this possible. Aside from avid divers, it is also frequented by speleologists and geologists who want to study the rock formations and species that can be found here. Gran Cenote. Continue. This happens as a result of limestone caves collapsing and exposing a natural pool. The suites with a private pool overlooking the ocean are unbelievable.Check out prices and availability for Chiringuito Tulum. They are out-of-this-world, incredible, fascinating, spectacular and should be high up on your Mexico itinerary! Swimming/Snorkeling:The oils from human hands and certain elements in lotions and repellents can severely damage this natural growth process and also harm the fish. Rather, it takes its name from the three sinkholes which open up into it, which from above resemble the eye sockets and mouth of an enormous skull. Decomposing leaves create hydrogen sulfide and it becomes caught between the fresh and salt waters, creating the illusion of a sandy bottom. Read More 5 Disadvantages of Living in Mexico as a ForeignerContinue. These features make it one of the best cenotes Tulum has to offer. Wastewater is reused for gardening, the miniature product are 100% natural and biodegradable, and so on. Get in, tell the driver your destination, and pay when you get off. This includes access to the cenote and pool area with a $50 pesos food/drink credit. The cenotes in Tulum are very safe for swimming, and some even feature shallow areas that are perfect for small children. Cenote Dos Ojos: Best Cenote for Snorkeling 2. Read More 3 BEST Supermarkets in Tulum, Mexico in 2023Continue. Cenote Nicte Ha is at Carretera Federal 307, km 244.5, 22km north of Tulum, in the same complex of Dos Ojos. best cenotes in Riviera Maya as well as cenotes in Tulum that I didnt go to But Harmony Glamping stands out for more than its tents. (Restaurant Review)Continue. The lagoon is super shallow, youre able to stand in most of it, and then in the center, theres a deep dark hole in the center that plummets down to 80 meters and is popular with scuba divers. You might already know that I love glamping, together with luxury treehouse cabins and all that jazz, so when I found out there was a glamping site in Tulum, I knew I had to go and try it out. For something a bit more popular, we recommend Gran Cenote, which is located only 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the town of Tulum. READ: How to Choose the Best Snorkel Fins for Your Needs. Cenote Calavera might be my favorite cenote in Tulum! Theres also a waterfall coming from the roof of the cave that goes on and off. From the ADO Bus Terminal in Tulum Town, drive for 5 minutes and youll find it on your left, right in front of Cenote Cristal. Its shy and totally harmless! (With precaution of the tides, though), Yal Ku Cenote Entrance Fee: 300 MXNYal Ku Cenote Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PMBest for: Swimming / Snorkeling. The waters are still and crystal-clear, with wooden paths and boardwalks around the cenote that make for easy access. It got its name because its only a minute or so off the road, so many taxi drivers would stop by to clean their cars in hot, dusty weather. With not 1, not 2, but 3 cenotes on its grounds, plus 2 lakes, 3 pools and 2 underground rivers (!! Activities: Swimming, diving, and snorkeling. It's the gateway to one of the largest underwater cave systems ever explored, and it's a popular place not just for swimming but for snorkeling as well. GoPro right now or just want another awesome way to capture your watery If you dont have a car you could take a taxi from Tulum Centro (shouldnt be more than 150 pesos) and then hail one off highway 109 when you want to go back. You can also jump into the cenotes from a certain height, if you dare! This is weird because its a cenote close to Tulum center, and quite easy to get to. I hope this post has helped you choose the best cenote in Tulum for your needs. I was on a search to find out which cenote is the best in Tulum. Coming from Tulum you can hop a Colectivo in the center for 35 pesos that will drop you off near the lagoon, or a private taxi from Tulum will cost about 250 pesos (tourist price). Theres a nice deck for you to sit on and a few active cichlid fish swimming around the mangroves as well as a resident cayman that I never got the pleasure of meeting. Car Wash Cenote Car Wash Location: Northwest of Tulum, 10 minutes of drive on Highway 107. You simply rock up to the place, pay the entrance fee (and other amenities you might want), and then you are free to explore! A budget option in Tulum town. Copyright 2023 Every Steph | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, 150 MXN (includes admission to Cenote Escondido), 150 MXN (includes admission to Cenote Cristal), Casa Cenote is an open type cenote, and its family friendly because the open space makes it ideal for kids to swim in. A wide, pond-like cenote 150 feet across and 10 feet deep on average, Cenote Carwash is one of the best cenotes in Tulum for swimming. Im addicted to getting the most out of life and would love to take you along for the ride. To keep prices as updated as possible, I ask if you can please comment and let me know if a price is different to what I have listed in this article. I Its quite an experience! Car Wash is a large open cenote, filled with brightly colored lily pads, turtles and even the odd shy cayman. Gran Cenote is beautiful, but can get very crowded, so make sure you come early in the morning or right before closing time to avoid the big crowds. Check them out listed below. However, theres nothing dangerous about the Calavera cenote. Because its not commercialized theres no set address or hours I would recommend getting there no later than 9 AM because its so small that even one other group there is too many, and by 10 AM usually its pretty crowded, and it stays that way until sunset. Its a 20 min bike and youll pass various Mayan villages that cater to tourists. Perfect in every way! 5 Hour Tulum and Dos Ojos Tour Dos Ojos Cenote Private Tour with Mayan lunch. 300 pesos to get in, 200 if youre a Mexican citizen. This explains why ancient Mayans used to perform rituals in the cenotes. The water is always nice and warm, and a lots of light comes through those eyeballs, coloring the water of the most beautiful turquoise. 10 min outside Tulum, this huge lagoon (which is actually a giant open-air cenote) is great for relaxing. Shabby but cute, Mamas Home has the best backpacker vibes! (Restaurant Review), 3 BEST Supermarkets in Tulum, Mexico in 2023, 5 Disadvantages of Living in Mexico as a Foreigner, bike tour that visits three cenotes in Tulum, all-inclusive tour that visits Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins, and a cenote, Guide To Visiting Alas Harum Agrotourism In Bali, If youre not a strong swimmer, go to a cenote that offers. How to Call a 1-800 Number from Mexico for FREE! It is one of the BEST diving Ive ever done in my life! Are Cenotes Safe For Non-Swimmers? You can book on Busbud.com. Some will stop, some wont. Its right in the middle of all the action; they sell good burgers and round-the-clock alcohol and the young guys who run Clan-Destino Tulum are fun and upbeat. The Tulum cenotes in the Sac Actun System are highly decorated, with beautiful stalactites hanging from the roofs of the underwater caves leftover from when the caverns were dry. Its suitable for both snorkelers and advanced divers. Dos Ojos is a famous cenote complex off Highway 307 when youre coming from Playa del Carmen towards Tulum. The PitCenote is the deepest cenote in the state of Quintana Roo. If youre coming by bus from Cancun or Playa youll likely have to transfer in Tulum. Plus, because it is mostly open water, its great for beginner divers who need some practice before they head into the Tulum caves. Take a bus from the Ado station to Cob. Keep reading for my six picks for the very best cenotes to visit near Tulum: make sure you see at least one them all! They are quite popular among the tourists, although they arent as crowded as other cenotes in Tulum such as Cenote Dos Ojos or Gran [], Cenote Calavera, Tulum: Swimming In The Temple of Doom, [] part of all? Cenote Escondido and Cenote Cristal just south of Tulum pueblo on the highway toward Carrillo Puerto (again, just outside the pueblo, very close to Tulum). I only found out about this Cenote because I worked a photoshoot here for a musical instruments store in Tulum its truly a local secret. Check out the 16 best cenotes in Tulum that you need to visit if you are dreaming of swimming in caves or among water lilies. Cenote Oxman in Valladolid! If you spend 100 pesos at the restaurant your entrance fee to the Cenote is free otherwise, entrance is 30 pesos. Cenote Angelita is a deep cenote located to the south of Tulum. Its important to always shower off before entering a cenote if you have any bug spray, lotion, or sunscreen on your skin to keep the cenote water clean. Great Cenote Just three miles (five kilometers) from central Tulum, the Gran Cenote is very popular with swimmers and snorkelers of all ages, there are 2 main areas to swim, one is better for non confident swimmers. If you dont know what Im talking about, cenotes are sinkholes, many of them opening up into vast subterranean worlds, filled with tunnels and lagoons. Totally possible, and the hotel I have in mind is probably the most unique hotel Ive EVER stayed in. The Pet Cemetery Cenote (or Cenote Sac Actun) might sound creepy but it is actually one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. almost perfect circle, with boulders tumbling down the sides. Unfortunately, most of the cenotes are not free in Tulum. This is a natural phenomenon that happens when freshwater and saltwater meet, and it creates optical illusions. This is the number one list of best cenotes in Tulum, Mexico youll find on the web. The Tulum cenotes in the Sac Actun System are highly decorated, with beautiful stalactites hanging from the roofs of the underwater caves leftover from when the caverns were dry. 10 Best Snorkel Fins for Travel (2021 Guide), 101 Safe Journey Quotes and Wishes (Copy + Paste), The Best Cenotes in Tulum (2022 Mexico Expert Guide). The bio-diversity in cenotes is fragile and the ingredients of most sunscreens and insect repellants can severely damage the cenotes and harm the fish. Check out the Snorkeling Adventure Tour in Three Ecosystems. Cenote Azul Entrance Fee: 140 MXNCenote Azul Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 AM to 5 PMBest for: Swimming / Snorkeling. Cenote Corazon is a bit too far to bike from Tulum, but you could take a scooter or a cab which should be about $10 each way. You really dont have an excuse not to buy one when their prices start at only $250 USD! On Google it says 9 AM 5 PM every day but we got there at first thing at 9 AM and they didnt open the doors until 9:30.. RELATED ARTICLE Guide To Visiting Cenote Aldea Zama. The incredible Cenote Angelita (or Little Angel) is one of the most interesting cenotes to scuba dive in Mexico. If youre coming from Cancun or Playa via public transit the easiest way to get to Caleta Tankah is by getting to Tulum first via bus or Colectivo and then biking, scootering, or driving to Caleta Tankah from Tulum center. Not touristy, get there before the afternoon to avoid tour buses. BOOK IT HERE, The Day-Trip to Mayan Ruins With Cenote Swim offers the best combination of culture and cenotes. Not all open to the public but the best Tulum cenotes are! All of these Playa del Carmen cenotes are of a moderate price range from $100 MXN pesos to $350 MXN pesos. The roads are well kept and rivers more or less respect the rules. Coming from Playa youd be dropped off on the correct side of the highway and would have to cross in order to go home. All of the Cob Cenotes are entirely underground and make you shower off sunscreen before entering. Eerily poking out of the gas layer are giant dead trees, of which you can swim amongst the branches. No life jackets, Along main beach road (Carretera Tulum Boca Paila) across from Villa Estrellas Hotel. Trying to decide where to base yourself? . It is very expensive for non-divers and perhaps not worth visiting if you aren't diving. How Often do I Update the Prices of Cenotes? You can definitely visit the cenotes in Tulum and Quintana Roo on your own, although you might have to rent a car or a driver for the day. On the dive, you can hover above and dip below the gas layer if you feel comfortable. From the surface, it appears to be two separate sinkholes, each filled with crystal-clear blue water that makes it look as though the Earth itself is peering up at you through two enormous eyes. Cenote Xunaan-Ha Entrance Fee: 100 MXN.Cenote Xunaan-Ha Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. The color of the water is simply amazing, and you could spend hours snorkeling through the cenote caves. The cenote itself is fairly average. BOOK IT HERE. They rent life jackets and the denote also has stairs to enter and exit the water. Option 2 - $100 pesos. Free Diving: Never lose sight of the cave entrance unless you are following a line. 4. Some of the bigger cenotes will rent snorkel gear to you at a price, from my experience at around 50-200 pesos each time you rent. The cenote, which resembles a large lagoon, is very big and meets the ocean on one side; make sure you swim there to see the spectacle! Prices differ between each cenote and are subject to change. Its so much fun to cliff-jump at Cenote Calavera, but if theres more than a handful of people there you wont be able to jump into the main (mouth of the skull) hole because it will be clogged with a loooooong line of people getting the iconic shot sitting in the swing that this cenote is known for. You dont get that in the cave cenotes. This cenote is located on Highway 307 going south from Tulum. Help maintain the cenotes as beautiful as they are! This word literally means well. Another thing I love about this torch is the red light, which is good for spotting animals at night! Others such as Cenote Calavera and Cenote Carwash are located on the Tulum/Coba highway, going towards the Coba Ruins. Casa Tankah is like a big, natural swimming pool, making it perfect for paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving and free diving. However, even though its easily accessible, it rarely gets crowded, so its the ideal spot to come for a swim and relax (even better if you have a heart floatie to play with!). Cenote Manati is an open cenote that connects a long underwater cave system (Nohoch Na Chich) to the sea. Book your stay at Wakax HaciendaON THEIR WEBSITEor onBOOKING.COM. We used this headlamp to find bones at the bottom of a cenote that was once used as a graveyard! Coming from Tulum on Carretera 109 towards Coba, youll find Cenote Calavera on your right after a 5-minutes drive. memories! This is the only 100% FREE Cenote on this list because it hasnt been commercialized yet. At Cenote Azul, you just have to dip your feet in the water and get in, as you would in a swimming pool! monkeys and other animals can be spotted in the trees. Rservez ds maintenant votre voyage en Cancun Au dpart de Cancun : Visite guide d'une demi-journe : Tulum, plonge en apne et CenoteTulum, Yal-ku et Cenote . While living in Mexico, my local friend took me to all of the best cenotes near Tulum. THE BEST CENOTES FOR SNORKELING NEAR TULUM, Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati or Cenote Tankah), My Tips for Visiting the Cenotes of Mexico. This way with your location and these cenote pinpoints on the map you will be able to see where the awesome cenotes near me are. Yes and no. Compare car rental prices HERE or get a quote in the table down below. You can get to quite a few really good cenotes with a bicycle. It's really an amazing place and the people working there are very friendly. You can find me doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, chasing down baby goats or perched in a weird position trying to get thebest photo. Sure, what youre seeing isnt as clear and you cant breathe underwater, but It is also believed that some Gods resided in these underwater caves. Cenote El Pit is another popular cenote for Tulum cave diving. Its one of the most unique cenote dives in the area. That is why some cenotes are perfect for diving and snorkeling, but some are just good for swimming. This cenote was first discovered in 1987, and while its more known among divers, snorkelers can enjoy it too. But most of the time the gear is old, crappy and has had other peoples mouths all over it! There are no cenotes in Playa del Carmen city center, so these are the best (and closest) cenotes if you are coming from Playa del Carmen. They dont charge for cameras but they tried to charge me 200 pesos extra to use my drone. 3. Finally, someone made a bar at a cenote! Diffrents circuits conomiques en Cancun Au dpart de Cancun : Visite guide d'une demi-journe : Tulum, plonge en apne et CenoteTulum, Yal-ku et Cenote pour vos vacances. But the outside area is shallow and most people could stand up. If youre lucky youll spot a resident turtle swimming alongside you. You'll see stalagtites, mites, learn the history and see spectacular sights. In fact, though, Dos Ojos is actually a single cenote, with the two sinkholes connected by a 400-meter long passageway. . Yucatan cenotes are usually located on private property, meaning prices can change at any time at the owners discretion. It is possibly the most expensive cenote in Tulum, and most packed with people. BOOK IT HERE, Casa Cenote Entrance Fee: 150 MXN.Casa Cenote Opening Times: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. and offers yoga classes, which unfortunately I never got to try out. Cenotes were highly significant as they were one of the only sources of water, plus they were also used for sacrifices to please the Gods and bring good fortune. But exactly how many cenotes in Tulum itself? Best for: swimming, snorkeling, diving. Paddleboard & Snorkel at Casa Cenote + Photos + Tacos! In the cooler months though, the temperature of the water in the cenotes is ideal! Sian Kaan Lagoons and Cenote Escondido 5 PLACES ONE PRICE! Renting a bike for a day shouldnt cost you more than 200 pesos (around $10). Guide To Visiting Alas Harum Agrotourism In BaliTransportation Guide To Morocco BEST Day Clubs In Ubud, Bali. Cenote Dos Ojos is another one of the most popular Tulum Cenotes and a remarkable vista, to say the least. In 2022 the entrance fee for Gran Cenote is 500 pesos ($25) and then they charge more for snorkel, locker, and towel rental. Because of this formation, Cenote Calavera is known as a jug-type formation. Snorkel gear for hire between $50-$90 MXN pesos apiece. Having this unbelievable local feature means youll be sure to find the best cenotes around Tulum. Most cenotes have life jackets for rent so you do not need to be afraid of the deep crystal clear waters! But theres a lot more to Cenote Calavera than first meets READ MORE:Cenote Carwash: Swim with a Baby Crocodile & More. In this winding underwater cave system, both diving and snorkeling are stunning in CenoteDos Ojos(Two Eyes Cenote).