Top 5 Best Cenotes to Visit in Mexico

What is a Cenote?

Cenotes are small geological pockets within the earth. They are places where the earth’s processes have created fantastic diversity.

They are also some of the most beautiful places on Earth. You will find cenotes in mountains, in valleys, along the coast, and throughout many other natural environments.

A cenote is a natural geological feature in Mexico. Cenotes are frequently found in the humid tropical environment and contain unusual stone formations. When you visit one, you are likely to experience a combination of both the spiritual and physical aspects of nature.

Your senses are heightened, as are your emotions; perhaps you’ll experience chills and thrills or even a mild form of hypothermia due to the cold environment.

Most people visiting a Mexican cenotes diving experience some form of physical reaction such as feelings of being charged or relaxed, or hearing the crackling fire nearby.

Things you will need

Water shoes
Underwater camera
Sunscreens
Waterproof bag
A booked tour
Snorkeling equipment
Lifejacket

Requirements

Good timing to visit

The opening and closing schedule of tourist destinations in Cozumel, Cancun, and Tulum are different. It is important to know when your preferred destination is open for business and whether the timing is in line with yours.

Research on amenities

Take your time to research on the amenities available on the cenote destination you wish to see. The available amenities on each is different from another. Know which ones fit your requirements before booking a tour.

Tourism tax

Visitors are now required to pay tourism tax by the state Quintana Roo, Mexico, which is applicable for ages 4 and above. To get your Mexico Visitax processed, simply request yours on visitax.us.

With a payment fee of just $38 per visit, you will eligible to explore any cenote of your choice for the next 6 months. You will need this document for visiting purposes.

Best Mexican Cenote Tours

Mexico is full of legendary sites. Cenotes are indeed, one of them. They form an integral part of many locals’ treasured trips.

These underwater gardens and geological features provide an unparalleled eco-tourism experience. Mexico is blessed with diverse scenery and natural beauty that makes every trip an experience to remember.

Cenotes are small points of interest tucked away in various places throughout Mexico. These unique touristic overlooks offer visitors an experience unlike any other — an experience that consists of quiet tranquility amidst some of the most spectacular sceneries in Mexico.

Climbing to the top and back down again offers an unforgettable view with little noise or disruption from modern life. You may find yourself inspired to come back again and again, wanting more.

Mexico has much to offer. The most popular Cenotes are located in the mountains. The stones found were originally used by indigenous people as medicine and food source. Now they are highly sought after by tourists who come to relax and recharge themselves before heading out on another adventure.

Cenotes in Mexico are ranked according to their perceived value. The most popular destinations are those where people have been known to stay for extended periods of time.

Like the Mexican cenotes Riviera Maya, Hibuku, and Verde Lucero, each one has its own special quality and mythological status, but they all share one thing in common – amazing natural beauty.

Let’s look at some of the best cenotes to visit in Mexico.

Cenote La Noria (Near Cancun)

An encounter with nature is always worth it and there are several Cenotes in Mexico that can provide hours of enjoyment during your trip.

Most are off the beaten path so if you are familiar with other points of interest in Mexico such as Cancun or Playa del Carmen there are likely to be many additional Cenotes to discover along your journey.

The first notable Cenote that visitors to Mexico will encounter is Cenote La Noria located just a few kilometers from Cenote Verde Lucero. Both cenotes can be accessed the same day due to their close proximity. It is also motorable.

This large pool is known for its blue water resonance where locals cool off from the exploration and humid weather of the Cancun jungle.

When is it open? : 8am to 5pm
Entrance fee: 200 MXN

Plan your trip here: https://www.inspirock.com/mexico/puerto-morelos/cenote-la-noria-a3314822097

Book agency tour: https://www.facebook.com/cenotelanoria/

Cenote Dos Ojos (Near Tulum)

Located near Tulum municipal in Mexico, Cenote Dos Ojos is one of those gem attractions that only experienced travelers know about. This breathtaking natural area is one of the most famous Mexican cenotes Yucutan. The continuing existence of this place is attributed to the fact that it is very accessible with wooden stairs built towards the resplendent turquoise water and rich low-hanging limestone.

Explorers will also have to get their adventure gears ready for some snorkeling tours through the may underground tunnels and caverns. It is also now modernized with tour facilities to make each visit a memorable one.

When is it open? : 8am to 5pm
Entrance fee: 350 MXN

Book private tour here: https://absolute-adventure-mexico.com/cenote-dos-ojos/

Buy ticket in advance: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tulum/Cenote-Dos-Ojos-Admission-Ticket/d23012-5885P320?SSAID=1280957&aid=sas0_132440_1280957&mcid=43009&SSAIDDATA=SSCID%5F61k5%5Fv1a79

Book diving tour here: https://www.kooxdiving.com/en/activities/diving-in-cenotes/dos-ojos/

Cenote Azul (Near Playa del Carmen)

There are many reasons why one might want to visit Cenote Azul in Playa del Carmen. It is the most famous in the region. The town itself is beautiful with an amongst-the-best atmosphere and unique ethos. This cenote is located near the River Maya coastline, about thirty minutes’ drive from the main town.

What makes Cenote Azul stand out? That should be its spacious nature to accommodate so many tourists for deep diving, snorkeling, and some adventurous exploration of nature. This is perfect for a family holiday or couples vacation as well.

Cenote Azul is the best place to go in Mexico if you want to have an amazing experience. It might be one of the most magical places you visit because it has so much natural beauty all around. This is a recommendation if you want to venture out on your own for a while and come back again and again.

When is it open? : 8am to 5pm
Entrance fee: 120 MXN

Plan tour here: https://www.inspirock.com/mexico/playa-del-carmen/cenote-azul-tours-and-travel-a5327328581

Book tour here: https://www.cenoteazultours.com/

Book marine turtle observation here: https://www.getyourguide.com/cancun-l150/marine-turtle-observation-t4167/?partner_id=QN65UCP&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=steph%40everysteph.com&placement=content-middle&cmp=cenoteazul-akumal-azul&deeplink_id=4dd2049b-0bf3-57db-b475-f213fc0e8024

Cenote Suytun (Near Chichen Itza and Valladolid)

There are three main things that to see when traveling: Nature, fun and relaxation. The best place to find these things is in Cenote Suytun, one of the most popular spots near Valladolid.

It’s a perfect combination of all three and there’s no better way to experience them all than in one trip. If you’re planning a visit to Chichen Itza and Valladolid for the first time, it just might be the right time for a visit to Cenote Suytun.

This site is the most popular tourist attraction in Mexico due to its, deep caves, historical atmosphere, cold blue water, and general natural lighting and beauty. It is the perfect choice to spend one week exploring nature and taking loads of spellbinding photos.

The location of Cenote Suytun is ideal for couples who want to spend some time alone together or families with small children who know the true meaning of adventure, fun, and sight-seeing.

When is it open? : 8am to 6pm
Entrance fee: 120 MXN

Book full day tour here: https://www.viator.com/tours/Playa-del-Carmen/A-full-day-tour-Chichen-itza-Valladolid-and-Cenote/d5501-26400P50?SSAID=1238947&aid=sas0_132440_1238947&mcid=43009&SSAIDDATA=SSCID%5F61k5%5Fv9dua

Plan tour here: https://www.viator.com/tours/Playa-del-Carmen/CENOTE-SUYTUN-and-RIO-LAGARTOS/d5501-135690P3

Cenote Sambula (Near Merida)

If you are traveling to Mexico, you should visit Cenote Sambula. Located within one of Mexico’s largest cities, this cenote is strange and beautiful. You will find more traces of sunlight due to the eerie cracks above.

Secluded areas with spectacular rock formations and sparkling pools provide aural and visual experience never before experienced in Mexico. This is one place you will want to return to time and time again.

If you are traveling in Mexico you should visit Cenote Sambula. It is truly an amazing site with long vines drooping down to touch the natural water and the small island of rocks. This might just be Mexico’s most unusual and wonderful place to be discovered in the highlands of the Yucatan Peninsula.