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CANCUN October 08, 2024
Cenotes Cancun Guide
[Update 2022]
Cancun has many wonders to explore while vacationing; one of those that is surely refreshing and intriguing are the ancient sinkholes or Cenotes, as we call them in the Region.
There is an underground water system running all across the Riviera Maya. It is believed to be more than 20 miles long, connecting different cenotes. Divers are still conducting research and have even found different species down there.
It's well known that the Mayan culture established itself near a cenote, as they were the only source of clean water nearby.
Even though there are different types of sinkholes, the more common ones are the open-air ones because, apart from being able to swim in them, some people put down rocks to use as platforms to dive from (called sacrifice pits) or even use ziplines, so you can cross the cenote or let go while you're flying through it.
Let's start by learning about some of the most popular cenotes near Club Solaris Cancun:
PUERTO MORELOS
Siete Bocas
A wonderful place to go and take a swim, its name comes from the 7 different access points of light, and as you can imagine, this is an underground sinkhole ( inside a cavern) you can go in it, by cliff diving into it from the tallest point, or walking down a wooden staircase.
- Driving Distance: 30 min
- Price: $300 pesos / $17 USD
- Service hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Boca del puma
An open-air Cenote, with several activities to do around it, like ziplining, ATVs, entering this complex, you will see a big wooden Puma that will indicate you have arrived at your destination, perfect for the family getaway.
Kin-Ha
Underground cenote with mystical blue waters, believed to be the original entrance to Xibalba ( Mayan underworld), so be careful, Experience swimmers or with life jackets only, as it has over 150 Feet of depth.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Cristalino
An open-air sinkhole - that honors its name, due to the crystal clear freshwater inside it, water is not too deep, but just enough for some base jumping diving into it, people can stay hours inside its calm waters.
- Driving Distance: 75 min
- Price: $150 pesos / 8 USD
- Service hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Azul
One of the most popular open -air Cenotes in the area, as it´is the biggest of them all, with several pools of turquoise blue waters, one with shallow waters,and the other with enough depth to dive from a cliff.
- Driving Distance: 75 min
- Price: $120 pesos / $7 USD
- Service hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Kantun chi
Semi-open centote, where you can enjoy time with the family, as its waters are cool, its depth varies from 3 ft - 36ft family friendly with additional activities in the park surrounding it.
Jardín del Edén
As its name stands for, when walking into this Cenote, you'll feel you are entering the garden of Eden, a blue water open air sinkhole, surrounded by Beautiful Gardens and trees that contrast its leaves.
PUERTO AVENTURAS
Chac Mool
A mysterious Cenote, that is underground, you'll need to be a diver to be able to explore it, and submerge yourself between the caverns to come out on the little brother sinkhole kukulcan.
Extra tip, there is an effect underwater produced by the combination on saltwater and freshwater, that makes like a Halo underneath.
- Driving Distance: 90 min
- Price: $250 pesos / $13 USD
- Service hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
TULUM
Dos ojos
A beautiful Cenote semi open, that has a main characteristic to circular openings on the roof, that emulate eyes, where the sun comes thru them, a really spectacular view. Fun fact, it goes 118 meter deep, so the divers have an even more beautiful view while exploring it.
- Driving Distance: 105 min
- Price: $350 pesos / $18USD
- Service hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sistema Sac Actun
Another underground cenote, but this one does allow you to do snorkeling or diving inside its caverns, with several air and light opening during its path. Many stalactite and stalagmite formations can be found here.
- Driving Distance: 110 min
- Price: $450 pesos / $24 USD
- Service hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Jaguar
Looks like a stunning natural pool, this freshwater cenote, with the big difference, that its surrounded by green vegetation, amazing to go with the whole family, has a diving platform and even a zipline.
- Driving Distance: 105 min
- Price: $350 pesos / $18USD
- Service hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Zacil-Ha
A Relatively small cenote, no bigger than an olympic pool, but its stunning turquoise blue water has a charm that when swimming in it, will bring you peace and joy.
- Driving Distance: 105 min
- Price: $80 pesos / $5 USD
- Service hours: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Car wash
Open air cenote, with lush vegetation surrounding it, a few feet away form the main road from Tulum to Coba, and this is how it got its nickname. Drivers used to stop by the Cenote to wash their cars from the road dust.
Fun Fact the original name of this cenote is Aktun Ha
- Driving Distance: 115 min
- Price: $100 pesos / $6 USD
- Service hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Il kil
A semi-open cenote that you have to take a staircase down to be able to get into it, very popular one, as it's just 3 mins away from chichen itza ruins, the acces gives you lockersma nd safety vests.
- Driving Distance: 165 mins
- Price: $150 pesos / $8 USD
- Service hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Casa tortuga
Last but not least we have Casa Tortuga, that is actually a cenotes park, with access to 4 different ones, 2 open air (tres Zapotes and jaguar ) and 2 caverns style ( Campana and wisho).
Well, friends, I hope this guide will help you make a decision about wandering around Cancun and exploring its natural beauty while also refreshing yourself in the mystique waters of a Cenote.
Recommendations while participating in any of these tours:
- Be comfortable, and always pack an extra set of clothes.
- Don't use sunblock or try to get a suntan inside the cenotes. Rinse off sunblock if you need to, and wear a long-sleeve shirt, or purchase a biodegradable sunblock.
- Be careful of the rock formations. They are sharp and sometimes are slippery too.
- If you bring anything with you, take it back with you (especially trash).
That's all for now. See you the next time you visit Club Solaris, where you'll probably catch me relaxing in one of the cenotes on your next visit.
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