There’s no denying that the Riviera Maya, spanning from the favored seashores of Cancun right down to Playa Del Carmen and all the way in which to the beautiful white sands of Tulum, contains among the finest sand and ocean views in continental North America.
What it’s possible you’ll not notice is the Riviera Maya and Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula itself additionally include dense jungles and among the finest cenotes you’ll discover anyplace on the planet.
What’s a cenote?
Since limestone bedrock might be discovered all throughout the Mayan Riviera, through the years many of those areas of porous rock have shaped into underground rivers. These freshwater underground rivers often kind caverns of crystal clear water because the limestone filters and purifies the water naturally.
Ultimately, many of those caverns have collapsed and have opened themselves as much as the sky, able to be explored. These limestone sinkholes are referred to as cenotes and there are actually 1000’s of them discovered throughout this Mexico area, with new ones nonetheless being discovered in the present day within the Riviera Maya.
What this implies for you, is that irrespective of the place you go within the Mayan Riviera, you’ll seemingly discover certainly one of these inviting cenotes to spend your day. Whether or not you’re there simply to swim, soar off the encircling cliffs and even there to go snorkelling and scuba diving in, cenotes supply an effective way to discover the Riviera Maya’s hidden world away from the seashore.
Coming from the Mayan phrase “dzonot” or “tsonot,” which primarily interprets to “nicely” in English, cenotes (pronounced “say-no-tays”) additionally maintain a historic worth to the area. The traditional Mayans realized that these giant wells might provide sufficient freshwater to maintain whole villages and even bigger historical cities like Chichen Itza relied on cenotes to outlive.
A few of these swimming pools have been thought-about sacred and every thing from gold to jade to beautiful mom of pearl jewellery have been discovered through the years together with the bones from historical sacrifices the Mayans did to acquire a bountiful season. Whereas the sacred swimming pools stay closed and have been preserved, the remainder of the Riviera Maya’s cenotes are open for guests.
Forms of Cenotes in Riviera Maya
There are primarily 4 kinds of cenotes present in Riviera Maya. This contains open air cenotes, semi-open cenotes, cave or semi-closed cenotes and underground cenotes.
Open air cenotes are inclined to resemble small ponds or lakes with the overwhelming majority of the water simply accessible. Although they will usually have steep sides, they’re pretty frequent to search out and supply ease of entry vs the opposite cenote types. These are finest for households as every thing is inside website and entry to the water is often the simplest.
Semi-open cenotes are cenotes with rocky overhangs. Typically a great portion of the cenote is taken into account open air with corners which might be partially blocked from the sky. They have an inclination to function darker areas which might be enjoyable to discover with snorkeling gear. Typically they’re advantageous for households as nicely.
Cave cenotes are sometimes cenotes with a small gap resulting in the sky. It’s usually darker whereas swimming right here and also you usually have to take a ladder to get right down to the water itself. Not beneficial for smaller kids, they in all probability function among the finest excessive diving you’ll discover when you’re an journey seeker.
Underground cenotes are precisely as they sound. These flooded cenotes are closed off from above and might solely be explored by scuba diving and often solely with a educated information. Additionally solely beneficial for professional cavers.
Why go to a cenote in Riviera Maya?
Whereas solar and sand make for an awesome trip, typically it’s good to take a look at one thing new. With cenotes discovered close to a lot of the main areas in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, getting to 1 usually solely takes a brief journey. Some are additionally adjoining to standard archive websites or make an awesome cease when visiting different areas of the peninsula.
So, if exploring crystal clear, freshwater swimming pools in a naturally shaped limestone setting appears like an ideal day away from the salt and sand of the Mayan Riviera (it truly is), learn on as we check out the very best cenotes in Riviera Maya.
Cenote Cristalino
Cenote Cristalino is without doubt one of the first cenotes our household ever explored in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Apparently, Cenote Cristalino can be one of many first cenote posts we ever wrote on this website again in 2010 so it nonetheless holds a particular place in our hearts.
Only a stones throw away from Playa Del Carmen (10 km south of Playacar correct) and a simple Taxi Riviera Maya experience to get there, it’s not as standard as among the larger cenotes on this record nevertheless we’ve all the time loved the instances we’ve visited it. Nearly throughout the street from Barcelo Maya Seaside All Inclusive, it’s few open clear water swimming pools full with nibbling minnows make it an inviting cenote to go to.
It’s additionally much less touristy than lots of this record as the world is much less developed. The final time we have been there a couple of years in the past, it additionally hadn’t been purchased out by an even bigger firm so it nonetheless maintains a country allure. You’ll find a spot to purchase snacks and altering rooms exist on website. There’s a small each day payment to get in.
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is a pleasant open cenote that appeals to households and people searching for a soothing day trip. Its shallow areas are excellent for kids, whereas deeper sections fulfill snorkelers and people eager to swim a couple of laps. The encompassing rock formations supply spots to leap from for the extra adventurous guests.
Strolling distance from Cenote Cristalino, it affords extra providers similar to showers and restrooms. There’s a small payment to make use of the providers there nevertheless it’s solely a ten minute experience from Playa Del Carmen so makes for a simple getaway when you’re staying within the area.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Probably the most well-known cenotes within the Yucatan Peninsula, Cenote Dos Ojos, or “Two Eyes Cenote,” boasts two related sinkholes resembling a pair of eyes. Its crystal-clear waters and intensive underwater cave system make it a paradise for snorkelers and particularly divers because it options an pretty intensive labyrinth of flooded caves to discover. The sunshine filtering by the openings additionally creates a magical environment, excellent for underwater images.
The day we went to Cenote Dos Ojos, we noticed many extra divers than swimmers. Because the water on this luminescent blue cenote might be fairly deep, it’s undoubtedly not geared in direction of youthful households although ours have been advantageous with the lifejackets we introduced that day and the cave portion is sort of cool to see.
Geared extra in direction of divers that swimmers, there are altering rooms, bogs, lockers for hire and even a restaurant on website. Cenote Dos Ojos might be discovered roughly 22km (13 miles) north of Tulum on Carretera 307.
Gran Cenote
A brief 10 min drive from Tulum correct up QROO 109, Gran Cenote is a semi-open cenote surrounded by lush vegetation. Its clear, turquoise waters are dwelling to turtles and small fish, making it a great spot for snorkeling. Quite a few picket platforms and stairs present easy accessibility for swimming and absorbing the serene great thing about this pure pool.
Whereas it’s a lot quieter than Doj Ojos, Gran Cenote is a little more pleasant in direction of households and is a fast journey from Tulum. There are open caves you possibly can simply swim into and plenty of the cenote bottoms have sand you possibly can stand on. Whilst you can’t keep proper by the water, you possibly can unfold out above the cenote space. Because the identify implies, Gran Cenote itself is sort of giant.
One of many greatest attracts to Gran Cenote in Maya Riviera are the turtles and the quick distance to Tulum. There are showers, bogs, lockers and even hammocks you need to use. Day charges at Gran Cenote are across the 200 peso vary.
Cenote Zacil Ha
Simply down the street from Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil Ha is one other cenote favourite for these staying Tulum. Cenote Zacil Ha includes a very open air feeling and even features a small zipline you need to use to get into the lengthy pool.
Cenote Zacil Ha makes an awesome (and low-cost) refreshing cease when coming back from the favored Coba archeological website. At below 100 pesos, it options bogs and altering rooms.
Cenote Aktun-Ha
One other cenote near Tulum and just some hundred meters from Cenote Zacil Ha, Cenote Aktun-Ha (“water cave”) is a really giant open air cenote in Riviera Maya. It additionally nicknamed Cenote Carwash because the native taxi drivers used to make use of the water to clean their autos.
With loads of turtles and fish within the cenote, it has a most depth of round 18m or 60ft so that you’ll see the occasional diver down under as nicely. There are restrooms, altering rooms and platforms you need to use to entry the water. It additionally includes a 10ft (3M) diving platform
Cenote Ik Kil
Positioned close to the very cool and standard Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil is an open-air cenote with dramatic vine-covered cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The round form of this cenote and the hanging roots reaching down in direction of the water floor create a mystical vibe.
It’s a preferred spot, so contemplate visiting early within the morning to keep away from crowds or keep for a couple of days at one of many cabins on website. Cenote Ik Kil contains bogs, change rooms and even has a restaurant on website. Costs are in 100 Peso vary for adults and 50 Peso for kids.
Cenote Zací
Whereas not in Riviera Maya itself, situated within the coronary heart of Valladolid, Cenote Zací is a semi-open cenote that provides a handy break from metropolis exploration. Its huge open cave includes a small island with lush vegetation within the middle, and its waters are dwelling to uncommon eyeless black fish. The on-site restaurant supplies a singular eating expertise with views of the cenote.
Positioned between Cancun and Chichen Itza, Cenote Zaci can be an awesome cease when you’re exploring the ruins that day and need to cool off earlier than driving the remainder of the way in which again to Cancun. Although the waters on this cenote aren’t the clearest, swimming within the large cavern of Cenote Zaci is an unforgettable expertise. It has bogs, altering rooms and a restaurant on website. Costs are round 60 pesos for adults and 30 pesos for kids.
Cenote Escondido (Mayan Blue) and Cenote Cristal
Cenote Escondido, nicknamed Mayan Blue by the locals, and Cenote Cristal are each giant, open-air cenotes near Tulum. Each function jungle settings in addition to have cliff leaping (12ft or 4m) and a rope swing.
These 2 cenotes are each owned by the identical firm and are proper subsequent to one another. Each supply ample parking, bogs, showers and altering rooms. Every cenote prices 150 Pesos as an entry payment. If having to determine between one or the opposite, most individuals advocate Cenote Escondido over Cenote Cristal. With extra space to discover, Cenote Escondido is larger, and nearly feels such as you’re swimming in a river than a typical cenote.
Suggestions for Visiting Cenotes in Riviera Maya
- Carry Eco-Pleasant Sunscreen: To guard the fragile ecosystem of the cenotes, use biodegradable sunscreen nevertheless observe that many cenote homeowners strongly discourage any sunscreen in any respect to attenuate the impression lotions have on the system.
- Put on Water Footwear: Many cenotes have rocky bottoms, so water footwear may help defend your ft.
- Carry Masks and Snorkel: Whereas many websites supply snorkel leases, the standard might be suspect and paying for every use can add up over time. Higher to deliver your individual and, if area is tight in your bag, go away the flippers at dwelling and simply deliver alongside your masks and snorkel.
- Respect the Setting: Maintain the cenotes clear by not leaving any trash behind. Every cenote is a pure wonderland full with a fragile ecosystem. Ensure to attenuate your footprint when visiting.
- Examine for Entrance Charges: Most cenotes cost an entrance payment, which is used for upkeep and preservation.
- Ensure you don’t get scammed: The costliest cenotes cost as much as 150 pesos for an grownup however many cost solely 50 or 60 per particular person.
- Depart valuables at dwelling: Small theft round sure cenotes is an issue. Depart your valuables on the resort or hire a locker on website if in case you have belongings you don’t need strolling away.
- Additional prices for cameras and drones: A couple of firms have realized they will have an upcharge for individuals bringing in expensive cameras and drones and have determined to cost further for it. Relying on the cenote, the prices can equal the doorway payment. In case you don’t want it, go away it behind.
Whether or not you’re an avid cave diver, a snorkeling fanatic, a cliff jumper or just searching for a picturesque spot to calm down, the cenotes of the Riviera Maya supply one thing for everybody. Every cenote has its distinctive allure, inviting guests to discover the hidden treasures of the Yucatan’s underground world.
With one thing distinctive to see at every cenote, from stalactites and stalagmites to colourful turtles and much more colourful fish, you’ll by no means get an opportunity to expertise such a big array of cenotes anyplace else on the planet.
We’ve written dozens of articles about Mexico through the years and sometimes contemplate the Riviera Maya and Playa Del Carmen to be our second dwelling.
