Below the surface of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a vast network of underground rivers, known as cenotes. These rivers are connected through tunnels, caves, and even tiny cracks in the porous limestone bedrock.
Cenotes in Mexico are some of the best spots in the country to explore nature, from snorkelling and scuba diving to swimming or simply snapping gorgeous photos. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to thousands – yes, thousands – of cenotes. Here’s what to know and where to find the best cenotes in Mexico.
What is a cenote?
The Yucatan Peninsula, which includes parts of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, is made up of porous limestone bedrock. Through these pores flows a network of underground, freshwater rivers. Cenotes occur when the limestone bedrock collapses and exposes these underground rivers. It is estimated that the Yucatan Peninsula has approximately 10,000 sinkholes.
1. Cenote Ik Kil
One of the best cenotes in Mexico can actually be found close to a famous Mayan archaeological site. Not far from Chichen Itza is the beautiful Cenote Ik Kil. Surrounded by thick, tropical jungle, this crystal-clear pool of water sits within a cave with spectacular stalactites. The diameter of the cenote is about 60m (196 ft), and it’s 40m (131 ft) deep. Day tours to Chichen Itza often include a stop at Cenote Ik Kil.
2. Cenote Chacsinicché
Located in Cuzamá, not far from the Yucatan capital of Merida, Cenote Chacsinicché shimmers underneath the surface of the Earth like a hidden jewel. Sunlight enters the space from a small hole that casts an ethereal glow on the water below, which glitters like a blanket of diamonds. To access this sparkling pool of deep turquoise, visitors descend a wooden staircase to the underground aquatic portal. This cenote reaches down 27m (88 ft), and it’s possible to dive and snorkel to explore its depths.
3. Cenote Dos Ojos
One of the top reasons travellers visit Tulum is for the concentration of nearby cenotes. Dos Ojos, which means Two Eyes, is one of the most beautiful and popular Mexican cenotes. Serious divers love Dos Ojos, but even if you are a casual snorkeller, you can still appreciate the beauty of what is considered to be one of the best cenotes in Mexico. Enter the cenote from one of two wooden platforms. The electric blue water teems with small fish and is illuminated by sunlight entering the open cave space.
4. Cenote Yaxmuul
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to cenote hunting in Tulum. About 15 minutes north of town is another beautiful spot to discover. Entering Yaxmuul is like stepping back into time as you swim in the crystalline water surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. The cenote is sandwiched between a limestone floor and ceiling, with small holes letting beams of sunlight stream through.
5. Cenote Oxman
The Spanish-influenced city of Valladolid is a popular stopping point for travellers who are visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun. The city is rich in beautiful architecture and has a lovely main plaza and plenty of restaurants. Valladolid is also home to one of the best cenotes in Mexico: Cenote Oxman. Enter a Tomb Raider-type world filled with long, hanging vines that dangle from the opening in the entrance to the cenote and graze the deep blue water below. It's beautiful and serene because the cenote is relatively off the main tourist trail, set on the grounds of Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman.
6. Cenote Angelita
Advanced divers won't want to miss the epic experience at Cenote Angelita, about 16km (10 mi) from Tulum. Unlike most other cenotes, the colour of the water here is more green than bright blue. From above, Cenote Angelita is far less photogenic than most other cenotes in Mexico, but what puts this cenote on a diver's bucket list is a mysterious hydrogen sulphate cloud that lurks at 27m (88 ft) below the water's surface. This cloud separates the fresh water above from the saltwater below, a unique characteristic of this cenote. Most other cenotes are freshwater only.
7. Cenote Zacil-Ha
If you're headed to the ruins at Coba, located inland from Tulum, leave time to explore one of the best cenotes in Mexico: Cenote Zacil-Ha. This natural crystal pool is only about 3m (9.8 ft) deep and is peppered with little caves that are primed for exploring. If you have an open water certification, you can dive into this cave system that connects with other cenotes. Zacil-Ha gets particularly crowded on weekends, so a visit during the week is best to have the place to yourself.
8. Cenote Samula
Cenote Samula is one of a few cenotes located in a complex near Valladolid, called Dzitnup, where a few cenotes are open for exploring. Almost completely enclosed, the cave is spotlit from the top by a natural hole in the roof. It's a magical sight as the ray of light reflects off the water and dances along the curved walls of the limestone cave.
9. Cenote Suytun
Valladolid is another hotspot for Mexican cenotes, and Cenote Suytun is one of the most beautiful in the region. It's a semi-open space, with only a small opening at the top letting light illuminate the turquoise water below. The depth of the water is relatively shallow at just 5m (16 ft). Some parts are as shallow as 1m (3 ft), so you can swim easily and spot lots of small fish.
10. Cenote Jardin del Eden
If you're staying in or near Playa del Carmen, Cenote Jardin del Eden is one of the best in the area. Shrouded in dense jungle, this cenote is one of the largest open cenotes, which means it looks more like a deep lagoon. Cenote Jardin del Eden is so deep that it has many platforms to jump off of, perfect for travellers seeking an extra adrenaline rush.
Cenote FAQs
How deep are cenotes?
Considering the Mayan people believed cenotes to be the entrance to the underworld, cenotes can be quite deep. Still, the depth of cenotes varies significantly. For example, Cenote Suytun can be as shallow as 1m (3 ft), while Cenote Zacaton in the state of Tamaulipas has a depth of 339m (1,112 ft) – that mega pit is the deepest cenote in the world.
Are cenotes safe?
Mexican cenotes are safe to visit. The waters may be deep, but they are incredibly calm with extremely good visibility. Many cenotes are visited with the help of a tour guide or company providing life jackets and all the appropriate safety gear. Some cenotes are explorable only by certified divers, and these have additional security measures to ensure divers have the proper qualifications.
Are there fish in cenotes?
Mexican cenotes are flourishing habitats for many kinds of fish, turtles, crabs, and other species. Some of the most commonly seen fish species include catfish, tetra, and tilapia. You won’t have to worry about any large predators in cenotes, though. No sharks or crocodiles lurk in these crystalline waters.
