Cenotes are natural sinkholes or “wells” containing freshwater formed by the collapse of the limestone bedrock of Yucatan. There are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, and you don’t have all the time in the world to visit them all. So, which ones are the most fascinating to see so you can make the most of your Yucatan day tour? Don’t fret. Here are the 10 best cenotes in Yucatan:
- Cenote Ik-Kil
- Cenote Suytun
- Cenotes Samula and Xkeken (Dzitnup)
- Cenote X’Canche
- Cenote Oxmán
- Gran Cenote
- Choo Ha Cenote
- Cenote Cristalino
- Cenote Calavera
- Cenote Azul
Come along as we introduce you to each of them.
10 Best Cenotes in Yucatan Worth Visiting
1. Cenote Ik-Kil
Ik-Kil is one of the best cenotes in Yucatan and is extremely popular as it is close to Chichen Itza. As such, it’s usually crowded. But let nothing deter you; Cenote Ik-Kil is definitely worth visiting. You can leave your items in one of the lockers for a small fee while you snorkel amongst the underwater vegetation.
Location: Near Valladolid
Entrance fee: 70 pesos
2. Cenote Suytun
Cenote Suytun is arguably the most Instagram-worthy cenote in Yucatan due to the picturesque stone walkway to the circular platform right in the middle of the water.
With the high walls around and concentrated sunbeam hitting the cenote from an opening in the limestone roof, literally everyone comes here to take pictures. It’s usually crowded in the afternoon, so it’s best to go early in the morning. Although, you might not get the beautiful sunbeam then.
Location: Near Valladolid
Entrance Fee: 70 pesos
3. Cenotes Samula and Xkeken (Dzitnup)
Cenotes Samula and Xbeken are two of the best cenotes in Yucatan. They are located just a few meters apart, allowing you to explore them one after the other.
Cenote Samula is located right inside a dome-shaped cave. You’ll be captivated by the sunbeam hitting the water at an angle from the large hole in the cave’s side.
Also in a cave, Cenote Xkeken is another highly photogenic Yucatan attraction. Swim as you watch the giant cave ceiling above and have someone take you sensational photos.
Location: 12 minutes from Valladolid
Entrance fee: 125 pesos for both cenotes (80 pesos for 1)
4. Cenote X’Canche
X’Canche sits close to the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, just about a mile from it. To reach the water, walk down the steep staircase. It’s usually an enthralling experience for tourists. While you may not enjoy snorkeling as the water isn’t very clear, there are ziplines, a rappel, and a diving platform to enjoy.
Location: a mile (1.5 km) from Ek Balam ruins near Valladolid
Entrance fee: 150 pesos.
5. Cenote Oxmán
Cenote Oxman is one of the most famous cenotes in the entire Mexico and you don’t want to miss it. Although diving isn’t allowed here, you can swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the view from above. There’s a deck built along the edge where you can relax safely.
Location: Calle 54, from Valladolid
Entrance fee: 150 pesos (cenote + pool access)
6. Gran Cenote
Gran cenote is one of the best and most popular cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. Exceedingly picturesque due to its turquoise color and reflective surface, Gran Cenote has nice bathrooms, showers, and perfect spots for relaxing after a good swim in the cold, transparent waters. Float above the stalagmites and other rock formations.
Location: 4km up the road to Cobá from Tulum
Entrance Fee: 180 pesos
7. Choo Ha Cenote
Cobá is one of the most fascinating Mayan ruins to visit in Yucatan. But beyond the ruins lie three cenotes (Choo Ha, Tankach Ha, and Multum Ha) that make this location even more spectacular.
I consider Cenote Choo Ha among the best cenotes in Yucatan for its stalactites and crystal clear water. Plus, it’s family-friendly. There are shallow parts where your kids can play around quite safely.
Location: Sab Juan de Dios, Cobá
Entrance fee: 100 pesos
8. Cenote Cristalino
Cenote Cristalino is a family-friendly cenote near Playa del Carmen. It is not very far from Cenote Azul, which is also one of the best cenotes in Yucatan. With crystal clear water, this cenote lives up to its name (cristalino means “clear”).
The view of the rocks, turtles, and fish underwater makes Cenote Cristalino a must-visit during your Yucatan tour.
Location: Riviera Maya, along the highway
Entrance fee: 150 pesos, 100 pesos for children.
9. Cenote Calavera
Calavera deserves a spot among the best cenotes in Yucatan for its seclusion and unique pit-like appeal. If you love diving, you really want to check out this cenote. There’s also a ladder to climb down if you’re not a fan of scuba diving. Great for adventure-seeking tourists, this cenote usually has a rope with which you can swing on.
Location: Near Tulum
Entrance fee: $100 pesos.
10. Cenote Azul
Last but certainly not least, Cenote Azul is one of the best Cenotes in Yucatan. Its expansive chain of turquoise blue cenotes makes it a hotspot for both tourists and locales.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, expect a large crowd. You can snorkel, jump off a cliff, or just enjoy the view. There are also picnic spots and restaurants, making Cenote Azul one of the most fun places to visit in Yucatan.
Location: Between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Fee: 70 Pesos
So, there you have it. 10 of the most enchanting and picturesque cenotes in Yucatan. Book with Mayan Excursion and have a local tour guide plan your trip, arrange transportation, and engage you in the history of each cenote for a more immersive experience.
They took me to Suytun and Xcanche and boy, it was midblowing. How they narrated the history and assured me it was safe to enter the water, this must be one of my most exciting vacations ever! 🙂
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