TOP 20 BEST CENOTES IN MEXICO | 2017

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Oct 18, 2017
6 min read

Cenote is a term that is only used in Mexico and that comes from the Mayan word "dzonot", which means "abyss"; They are freshwater wells created by the erosion of limestone, soft and porous, but for the Mayan world they were sources of life that provided the vital liquid, besides being an entrance to the wonders of the other world and the center of communion with the gods.

1. Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum

For many the best Cenote in the Riviera Maya: Dos Ojos is considered the paradise of cave diving and is not for less. It is one of the most visited cenotes as it is for novice and experienced divers. These are three different caves connected by underground rivers. I recommend hiring a guide to snorkel or dive, an underwater camera and I will not tell you more. There are services, hammocks and places to rest. Come and fill yourself with Magia !. Tip: Try to get there early, this is 14 kilometers from Tulum, you can arrive by taxi or car, along the road looking for the diversion to a narrow dirt road.

2. Cenote Chac Mool, Playa del Carmen

It is an ideal cenote for diving. If you have only done the diving in the open sea in Cenote Chac Mool you will feel a very special adrenaline. It is not very deep but below there is an incredible world full of stalactites. Respect the signs and do not go beyond what is allowed by your own safety. I recommend AluxDivers you can find them at Av 35, Playa del Carmen, they will provide you with all the necessary equipment and also have qualified instructors.

3. Cenote Ponderosa, Puerto Aventuras

To the south of Playa del Carmen, after the Aktun Chi Park along Highway 307, you will find the Cenote Cristalino, at first glance it looks like a large pool, its waters are sweet and transparent and you can see hundreds of fish that live here. It is a good place to snorkel and perform other activities like swimming, snorkeling, ziplining and walking. There is a restaurant and enough services to spend an excellent family day out.

4. Cenote Cristalino, Puerto Aventuras

Al Sur de Playa del Carmen, después del Parque Aktun Chi por la Carretera 307, se encuentra el Cenote Cristalino, a simple vista pareciera una gran alberca, sus aguas son dulces y transparentes y se pueden apreciar cientos de peces que aquí habitan. Es un buen lugar para bucear y llevar a cabo otras actividades como nadar, snorquelear,lanzarse en tirolesa y caminar. Hay un restaurante y servicios suficientes para pasar un excelente día en familia.

5. Chi kin-Ha, Puerto Aventuras

It is located opposite the Hotel Barceló on the Federal Highway, it is one of the most beautiful Riviera Maya Cenotes. Its waters are crystalline and shallow. There are fish and algae that give life to the cenote, which makes it an ideal place to practice snorkeling and relax.

6. Cenote Azul, Puerto Aventuras

The blue cenote is another small paradise, to get there you can rent a taxi from Playa del Carmen. The entrance is about a kilometer from the Hotel Barceló by the federal highway. It is a good place to dive, swim and wrap in the green jungle that surrounds it. There is a restaurant, craft shops and restrooms. Worth it!

7. Cenote Taj Mahal, Playa del Carmen

Diving in a Cenote in the Riviera Maya, will be one of the most wonderful sensations that you can experience in life. And the Taj Mahal Cenote lends itself so you can see what few people in your life will see. Feel that feeling of loneliness, but at the same time of joy. As if you were in space. To visit it I recommend you hire the services of certified instructors like Beyond Diving that is located in Playa del Carmen.

8. Aktun Chen, Akumal

Cenote Aktun Chen, is located on Federal Highway 307, Km 107 between Akumal and Xel-Ha, it is a theme park, with one of the caverns and cenotes in the Riviera Maya, which can be visited with the whole family. There are services, guides and zip lines. The best thing to do is to hire a tour with round trip transportation, you will be cheaper and take you back to your hotel.

9. Cenote Xunaan Ha, Riviera Maya

It is one of the cenotes in the Riviera Maya more rustic but very nice. It is necessary to bring your snorkeling equipment or dive, there are fish in generous amounts and a freshwater turtle that inhabits the place that is occasionally seen. The use of oils or creams is not allowed unless they are biodegradable. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent.

10. Cenote Tak Be Ha, Tulum

Take your time, this cenote is a cavern formed thousands of years ago and has a singular beauty, you can snorkel or snorkel, it is advisable to visit it on tour or bring your own equipment. You can go to the dive shops in Playa del Carmen and if you come by yourself it is approximately 15 minutes from Tulum and 30 from Playa del Carmen.

11. Cenote Siete Bocas, Puerto Morelos

This is an excellent place if you just want to experience a Cenote without a lot of people. Take your own gear, life jacket, a visor and fins as there is not much infrastructure left. It is a "rustic" and developing place, but the cenote is the best. Address: km 15, of the Route of the Cenotes, very close to Puerto Morelos.

12. Cenote Manatee, Tulum

It is 11 kilometers north of Tulum and is an excellent place to snorkel, swim and practice some kayaking. There are restaurants, restrooms and in general the facilities are adequate to spend a good day with family and enjoy this beautiful cenote.

13. Nohoch Nachich, Akumal

It is one of the Cenotes in the Riviera Maya favorite of the divers of the world, if you want to experience the adrenaline of cave diving this cenote will surpass all your expectations. It is located 16.5 kilometers south of Akumal.

14. Temple of Doom o Cenote Esqueleto, Yucatan

The recommendations for cave diving continue, Cenote Skeleton is another excellent option to enter the mysterious world that is hidden under our feet in the Yucatan peninsula. Find the signs to get on the way to Coba near Tulum.

15. Gran Cenote, Tulum

Many years ago this cenote was used as a taxi stand, but its fame spread and today is one of the cenotes in the Mayan Riviera, which attracts tourists from all over the world. You can snorkel, swim or just enjoy the scenery. Its depth is only 3 meters. It is easily accessible and is located 8 kilometers from Tulum heading to Coba.

16. Carwash (Aktun Ha), Tulum

Many years ago this cenote was used as a taxi stand, but its fame spread and today it is one of the cenotes in the Mayan Riviera, which attracts tourists from all over the world. You can snorkel, swim or just enjoy the scenery. Its depth is only 3 meters. It is easily accessible and is located 8 kilometers from Tulum heading to Coba.

17. Cristal (Naharon), Tulum

Cenote Cristal or Cenote Naharon as it is also known, is located on federal highway 307 about 3 kilometers south of Tulum, is like a large natural pool surrounded by abundant palm trees and vegetation. You can swim, snorkel or snorkel, its depth is 5 meters, ideal to go with family as it has a palapa to meet and eat.

18. Cenote Escondido, Tulum

It is right in front of the Crystal Cenote, is another good place to swim, snorkel or snorkel and is also surrounded by exuberant vegetation. It is a very good place for beginners and children (who know how to swim), you can sneak into some areas and spend an unforgettable day.

19. Cenote Angelita, Tulum

17 kilometers south of Tulum on the federal road is the Cenote Angelita, reaching it is quite an adventure because first you have to walk a stretch of approximately 500 meters between the jungle. Its depth is 60 meters but has a visibility of up to 30 and is a spectacular place for diving or snorkeling.

20. Cenote Ik Kil, Yucatan

It is located near Chichen Itza, it is common that the tours that come from Cancun to Chichén, stop in this cenote for those who want to swim and refresh after visiting the archaeological zone. There is really not much to explain, as its natural beauty is obvious.

Cenotes Map in Riviera Maya

As you will see most of these cenotes are located in the triangle formed by Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Coba. Almost all easily accessible and to the roadside. If you are not an experienced diver or swimmer try to bring or rent a life jacket and equipment.