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17 Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen + Secret Tours
One of the most popular and unique activities to try when visiting the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico is swimming in a cenote. But how do you choose the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen to visit?
It’s not possible to visit all of them. However, there are a lot of amazing cenotes!
We got to see several really cool ones, like Cenote Suytun, on our trips to see the Mayan ruins at Coba and at Chichen Itza. Those are pretty far from Playa del Carmen for a quick trip, though.
Fun Facts: There are over 30,000 cenotes in Mexico. Just in the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, there are over 3,000 cenotes.
Many cenotes are located an hour or less from the town where we lived for nine months, Playa del Carmen.
So how do you know which ones are worth your time? We worked with some other amazing travel bloggers to compile a list of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen!
All The Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
From Cancun to Tulum, there are hundreds of cenotes within an hour’s drive of Playa del Carmen. That’s one of the many reasons that Playa del Carmen is an excellent base for your Rivera Maya travels.
Although the waterpark resorts in Cancun are also a good base.
There isn’t really a *best* cenote near Playa del Carmen, since each one has different things to offer. So we list all the favorites, in alphabetical order.
But first…do you know what a cenote is?
What is a Cenote?
Cenotes are basically natural, deep-water sinkholes that are rain-fed and connected by a series of underground rivers. These rivers flow throughout the Yucatan peninsula.
Cenotes are very beautiful, often sheltered by jungle, and usually have a water temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re incredibly refreshing to swim in!
Each cenote has a different look and vibe. You’ll never find two cenotes that are alike! Cenotes are categorized by how much coverage they have from the sun.
There are open, semi-open, and closed cenotes. What many people don’t know is that each cenote type also tells you how old the cenote is.
Closed Cenotes
Also known as cave cenotes or cavern cenotes, these cenotes are the youngest cenotes. We know this because they still have fully formed ceilings that give them a bit of a spooky vibe.
Often these cenotes can only be accessed by stairs down into a hole in the ground.
Closed cenotes can be a little intimidating for smaller kids, especially because they often need artificial lights to see down in the dark interior. However, once you get them inside they have a lot of fun!
The wooden stairs down into the cenote almost always have a platform at the bottom. You can either take more stairs into the water or jump from the platform. We enjoyed spending time at several closed cenotes on a day trip from Merida in 2022.
Semi-Open Cenotes
This type of cenote is sometimes called a partial cave cenote. They are middle-aged because part of their ceilings have fallen in but parts are still intact.
These cenotes are a bit brighter than closed cenotes, so you can more easily see the beautiful clear blue waters.
These cenotes are sometimes accessed by stairs and other times you can walk through a short tunnel to get to them. Because they aren’t as dark and can be easier to access, they aren’t as scary or intimidating for the little ones.
Open Cenotes
Open cenotes, in Playa del Carmen and elsewhere, are the oldest kind of cenotes. We know they are the oldest because their ceilings have fully collapsed. This leaves the entire sinkhole swimming area open to the elements.
It’s easiest to see fish and other aquatic life in open cenotes. Open cenotes are also the easiest to access. Thus, these are generally the most popular cenotes to visit.
1. Cenote Azul
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
☑️ Cost: 150 pesos for adults 9+
80 pesos for kids 4-8
Kids 3 and under are free
☑️ Driving Time: 25 minutes
As one of the largest cenotes Playa del Carmen has to offer, Cenote Azul is one of the most popular. It is located just south of the gated community, Puerto Aventuras, and is surrounded by lush green vegetation.
It takes about 25 minutes to get there by car from Playa del Carmen. It’s also easily accessible by colectivo from Playa, as it’s easily visible from the road.
Cenote Azul is across the highway from the mega-resort, Barcelo Maya. This means it gets busy and stays busy throughout the day, pretty much every day.
It also means that it’s a bit easier to pick up a taxi back to Playa del Carmen. If you want peace and quiet in this cenote, go right when they open at 9 am.
Fun Fact: There is also a Cenote Azul in Bacalar and a few others elsewhere in the Yucatan. It seems to be the most popular name for cenotes!
It’s also a really large cenote. So even if you go at 11 am on a Tuesday, like we did, it’ll be busy but you’ll still find some room for your family or group to hang out and enjoy yourselves.
The rocks at Cenote Azul are a bit rough, so water shoes are very helpful here. My favorite part, though, is the “pedicure fish.”
These assertive little things live on the edges of the cenote and love to eat the dead skin off your feet. They are the same breed of fish you often see in fish pedicure spas.
Instead of only getting 15 minutes in the spa, you can choose to spend hours with the fish if you choose. I may have pawned my kid off on my husband and friends’ kids while I got a one-hour pedicure. Don’t judge me. Judge my smooth and lovely feet!
2. Cenote Calavera
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 250 pesos
☑️ Driving Time: 50 minutes
If you’re looking for the most beautiful and Instagram-worthy cenotes in Mexico, look no further than Cenote Calavera. Known as one of the best cenotes in Tulum, Mexico, you’ll want to arrive early (or late). This is a small cenote, but a very popular one.
Fun Fact: Cenote Calavera translates to “skull cenote” because it looks like a skull from above. There are three holes, or entrances, to this cenote. The two smaller holes are the eyes of the skull, and the larger hole is the mouth.
You can enter any of the three you’d like or all of them! The smaller holes are fun to jump into, as it looks like you’re jumping into an abyss — though, in reality, the water is only a few feet below you.
In the larger hole, you can also jump in or use the ladder to climb in. Once you’re in, there’s a small rope swing to sit on (though it only seats 1-2 people). This is the best spot for photos, and usually the most crowded of the three cenote entrances.
As it’s not a huge cenote where you can spend all day swimming around, you might want to plan to visit a few nearby cenotes on the same day.
Located within 10-15 minutes of Cenote Calavera, you’ll find Cenote Zacil-Ha, Cenote Car Wash, and the popular Gran Cenote. Cenote Calavera, and all the other cenotes just listed, are located off Highway Carretera 109, just north of downtown Tulum.
Contributed by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo
3. Cenote Car Wash
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 200 pesos
☑️ Driving Time: 55 minutes
Located along the highway to Coba ruins, Cenote Car Wash (also called cenote Aktun Ha) is one of the best cenotes if you are looking to get away from the crowds.
This small cenote is located just north of Tulum and can be easily reached by taxi from the downtown area in less than 10 minutes.
Although it’s not the closest cenote to Playa del Carmen, it makes for a perfect stop, if you plan a day trip to Tulum from Playa del Carmen.
While cenotes like Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, and the most popular cenotes in Dos Ojos Park tend to be busy during the peak hours, Cenote Car Wash remains uncrowded most of the time.
Today, it’s a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, thanks to a spectacular underwater garden. The original name of the cenote, Aktun Ha, means water cave in the Mayan language.
Fun Fact: Cenote Car Wash is an open cenote that got its name because people used to wash their cars nearby and used this cenote as a marker to find the place.
But don’t worry, this small cenote is totally safe to visit and swim in. The car wash was closed a long time ago, and the waters here are crystal clear and refreshing.
Contributed by Daria of The Discovery Nut
4. Cenote Cristalino
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 200 pesos for adults
100 pesos for kids 4-12
Kids 3 and under are free
☑️ Driving Time: 25 minutes
This cenote is just a short walk from Cenote Azul. Cenote Chicken Ha, Cenote Eden, and Cenote Jardin are also nearby. Despite its close proximity to the Barcelo mego resort, it’s not nearly as crowded as Cenote Azul.
However, you won’t have the cenote to yourself unless you go first thing in the morning. It’s definitely gaining popularity.
We preferred Cenote Cristalino to Azul for several reasons. First, in addition to being able to swim there are mangroves and a partially covered cave that make for very good snorkeling.
It’s also just fun to swim through these unique areas. Our friends even found a small cavern just big enough for an adult to climb into.
There’s a jumping ledge, which even allows kids to jump if they are brave enough! Little Man wasn’t but our friends’ kids were.
Make sure your kids know the proper jumping posture. One of our friends’ kiddos didn’t keep his legs together and ended up landing on his bottom. Ouch!
Little Man preferred the swing just above the water. It’s a big tricky to climb onto. However, once you’re up there it’s a lot of fun! Plus the cenote also has the pedicure fish, which I clearly enjoy.
5. Cenote Dos Ojos
☑️ Hours: 8 am – 6 pm
☑️ Cost: 500 pesos for adults
☑️ Driving Time: 54 minutes
One of the most popular cenotes near Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos is a popular snorkeling and diving cenote located in the Dos Ojos Park.
Dos Ojos translates as “Two Eyes.” As the name suggests, this cenote is divided into two sections interlinked by an underground system. The first part of the cenote has a shallow area with crystal-clear waters where all diving tours begin. It’s also popular for swimming and snorkeling.
The second part has less sun and offers a bigger platform from where you can get into the water. It doesn’t have as many people as the first part, but it is also much darker than the first cavern. If you only want to snorkel, you should go to the first part of the cenote.
This is a semi-open cenote, which means it provides a great refresher from the hot and humid Yucatan. When you look up, you will also see plenty of stalactites and stalagmites that are home to bats!
If you want to snorkel and take photos, arrive by the opening time as this is a popular cenote that gets very busy.
👉 I recommend booking a private tour that ensures you arrive before the crowds!
Scuba diving tours at Cenote Dos Ojos can be purchased on-site or online ahead of your visit. To scuba dive in this cenote, you need to obtain a special certification prior to your visit.
Contributed by Daria of The Discovery Nut
6. Cenote El Pit
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 200 pesos
☑️ Driving Time: 55 minutes
Cenote El Pit is known for its spectacular underwater landscape. It is a fantastic cavern and cave dive site near Tulum. Rainwater filters through the jungle floor to fill cenotes with sparkling clean water and Cenote El Pit is known for excellent visibility.
This truly is a unique cenote experience, not starting with a boat ride, but a jeep ride into the humid jungle. You start by taking little wooden steps through a hole in the jungle floor to a spectacular site with unbelievably clear water. This 10-meter opening leads into the deepest cenote in the State of Quintana Roo (110m).
Family Tip: Divers need an advanced qualification for diving in this cenote, so it is a better excursion for families with older children.
The cenote is well known for images of bright beams of sunlight piercing the water from the mouth of the cave reaching deep down toward the bottom. The dive is truly unique and on the bucket list of many divers.
Early on in the dive descending, you reach an overhung cavern with some beautiful stalactites, further down you descend through a halocline. This is an interesting experience and is visible because of the refraction of light passing through the water layers with different densities.
At about 27m, you dive into a cloud of hydrogen sulfate and swim around some eerie tree branches before starting your ascent.
👉 If you’re into diving, book this tour to dive in both El Pit and Nicte Ha cenotes. It’s well-reviewed and a better deal than the dive shops in Tulum charge just for El Pit.
Contributed by Alya of Stingy Nomads
7. Gran Cenote
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 200 pesos
☑️ Driving Time: 55 minutes
Gran Cenote is an absolutely gorgeous cenote. It has clear, turquoise water, otherworldly stalagmites, and plenty of wildlife to observe.
The admission fee includes a snorkeling set and life jacket rental. But given the cenote’s beautiful surrounding grounds and the cenote itself (both above and below its azure waters), it’s definitely worth a visit.
There are actually two pools to explore here. The main pool has the aforementioned stalactites and stalagmites, some of which span the entire depth of the cenote (about 30 feet!). They create dazzling light beams in the water.
The other cenote, which is connected to the main one through a cave, is much smaller and shallower and perfect for wading around or just cooling off in the refreshing waters.
What really makes this cenote special is the wildlife you can see here. There are tiny turtles, fish, and blue crabs that swim with you through the water.
In the tunnel connecting the two cenotes, don’t forget to look up. There are hundreds of bats hanging upside down, chirping, and flying in and out of the cenote. Don’t worry- they won’t bother you!
👉 You can hire a tour that includes transportation as well as two more cenotes in addition to Gran Cenote.
So whether you pair your visit here with a day trip to Tulum or make the trek just for the cute turtles, Gran Cenote deserves a spot on your Playa del Carmen bucket list.
Contributed by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
8. Cenote Laguna Kaan Luum
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 300 pesos for adults
100 pesos for kids 3-12
Kids under 3 are free
☑️ Driving Time: 60 minutes
You may be wondering, “How is Laguna Kaan Luum a cenote?” Unlike many cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, Laguna Kaan Luum mirrors the appearance of a small lake, with a unique distinction.
The shallow, crystal clear turquoise water around the edges abruptly changes a darker blue in the center. That is where the cenote begins.
Walk down one of Laguna Kaan Luum’s two piers before jumping into its sparkling warm waters. Bask in the sun in one of the many overwater hammocks available, then swim over to the swings to play.
For an extra 150 pesos, you can even rent paddleboards, snorkels, or kayaks at the reception area.
Before you leave, climb up the wooden lookout platform to get a bird’s eye view of the cenote sitting in the middle of the pristine jungle.
Safety Note: The shallow water area is safe and calm. However, avoid crossing the security cord that marks the cenote’s edge, as there are dangerous currents that can pull you to the bottom.
Contributed by Catherine of Nomadicated
9. Cenote La Noria
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 400 pesos for adults
250 pesos Mexican Nationals and Residents
☑️ Driving Time: 60 minutes
Cenote La Noria is located on La Ruta de los Cenotes near Puerto Morales. Travel by bus or taxi to the cenote is also possible. La Noria is nearby more popular Cenotes Kin Ha and Zapote. Therefore, La Noria tends to be a bit quieter and less touristy.
Note: The entry fee includes a lifejacket, locker, and use of the well-kept grounds with picnic tables and hammocks.
The cenote is in a cavern with stalactites hanging down from the ceiling. Holes in the roof illuminate the gorgeous turquoise clear water to create a stunning scene.
If you get up the courage, you can jump through one of the ceiling holes into the cenote. A stone ramp with stairs into the water is the main entrance to use if you don’t want to jump through the ceiling holes.
A wooden floating platform in the center of the cenote is a great place to hang out and take photos of the beautiful cenote. There is also a swing from the platform for more fun.
An on-site, open-air restaurant is available with typical local food and pizza. This makes La Noria a great all-day excursion so you don’t have to leave to find lunch!
Other adventures offered at La Noria include zip-lining, riding ATVs in the jungle, and horseback riding. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the beautiful cenote. Certainly, La Noria is one of the amazing outdoor adventures on the Yucatan peninsula.
Contributed By Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
10. Cenote Manati
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 400 pesos for adults
☑️ Driving Time: 45 minutes
Cenote Manati is one of the few cenotes in Mexico that is right by the sea although it’s connected underneath the surface where the water is filtered through the sand and rock into the cenote.
From an aerial view, it has the shape of a snake making its way into the thick jungle and then fading into mother earth’s womb.
If you go by public transportation keep in mind that you will have a good mile to walk in the sun before getting to the cenote from the federal highway. So the two more reasonable options would be renting a car or hiring a taxi.
👉 You can also hire a private tour to this cenote, to completely avoid the crowds.
Cenote Manati is also called Casa Cenote because there was a family of manatees living there. Unfortunately, they have recently disappeared probably because they were disturbed by the usual crowd of tourists that swim in the cenote.
Right on the opposite side of the road, you will find a dive shop where you pay the entrance fees and you can rent a life jacket and kayaks if you want.
Pro Tip: Right on the beach opposite the cenote, have lunch at the hotel restaurant and continue the enjoyment on the Caribbean beach.
There is also the option to dive into the cenote. The dive instructor will take you to explore the beautiful underwater world and you will have the chance to meet Panchito, the friendly crocodiles that live nearby.
He seems to be innocuous but I wouldn’t get too close. You could also snorkel in the cenote or simply take a swim in the soothing water.
Contributed by Isabella of Lets Travel to Mexico
11. Cenote Naharon
☑️ Hours: 8 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 150 pesos for adults
☑️ Driving Time: 45 minutes
When looking for the best cenotes to visit near Playa del Carmen, you must check out Cenote Naharon. It is also known as Cenote Cristal. Here you will find a natural swimming pool surrounded by luscious palm trees.
You can easily get a colectivo or a taxi to this off-the-beaten-track cenote. If your group is too large, or you are on a modest budget, you will more than likely want to use a colectivo to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum for the most effective transport.
The best thing is that you also get access to Cenote Escondido (perfect for snorkeling or diving) which is right next door. Cenote Naharon is known for having the most pristine waters and you can literally see everything under the surface of the water.
Note: the last entry to both cenotes is at 4 pm, so the earlier you arrive the better.
It is an open cenote so it is perfect for swimming and suitable for kids, or those who are not fully competent swimmers.
You can jump off the ledge into the water and you will find comfort in the guide rope which allows you to pull yourself back to the edge. Try to aim to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Contributed by Dan from Layer Culture
12. Cenote Rio Secreto
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
☑️ Cost: 1,625 pesos for adults, 800 pesos for kids
Entry fee includes a mandatory wetsuit, helmet, and life vest.
☑️ Driving Time: 15 minutes
Rio Secreto is a totally different type of cenote. It’s actually one of the rivers that connect cenotes to each other. The name translates to Secret River because it’s entirely underground.
Don’t worry, they’ve installed lighting in the caverns so you can still see down there. The river has (literally) thousands of stalactites and stalagmites all around. Photos do not do this cenote justice!
The nice thing is this is one of the closest cenotes to Playa del Carmen. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Centro. It’s very easy to take a colectivo or taxi so it’s great for visitors who don’t have their own car.
The only way to access Rio Secreto is on a pre-booked, guided tour.
👉 You can also book a tour with transportation so you don’t have to worry about navigating taxis or colectivos with kids.
In addition to swimming through the underground cave system, at the end of the tour there is a light and sound show in the Salón de la Paz (aka: Peace Room).
The lighting and sound effects showcase the surface water runoff that has shaped the cave system over thousands of years.
13. Cenote Taak Bi Ha
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm
☑️ Cost: 450 pesos for adults
☑️ Driving Time: 30 minutes
Cenote Taak Bi Ha is one of the most spectacular cave cenotes in the Riviera Maya. Like Cenote Chac Mool, this insta-worthy cenote is a favorite one for divers and photographers alike or simply for all those who love these wonders of nature.
To get to the cenote you will need to follow the direction to the more popular Dos Ojos Cenote and continue driving on the dirt road for another mile until you will see the sign.
The cost of this cenote is a lot compared to the others but it’s well worth the money.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha is suitable for all sorts of swimmers, kids included. You can rent the lifejacket at the entrance for extra security. However, the water is quite shallow in most of its parts.
Besides diving into the hidden caves, you can swim and relax or you can snorkel around. There is also the opportunity to pay for a guided tour where a local guide will take you snorkeling around some caves that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise.
To get there it’s advisable to rent your own car but you can get there by local transportation and get a shuttle from the Cenote Dos Ojos ticket office to the entrance of Taak Bi Ha.
👉 This private tour includes Cenote Taak Bi Ha, Cenote Lagoon Yal-kul, and another Cenote for a full day of cenote fun!
Contributed by Isabella from Mexico Cenotes and Ruins
14. Cenote Tortuga
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm
☑️ Cost: 650 pesos for adults 6+
Kids 5 and under are free
☑️ Driving Time: 60 minutes
This cenote is one of the furthest on the list. Its beauty and proximity to the Coba ruins make it a great addition to a day trip there. Cenote Tortuga is one of the more developed cenotes near Playa del Carmen.
It even has a restaurant and hospedaje (aka: family-run motel) on site. In addition, there is a zip line, but that is an extra cost.
The entry cost includes four separate cenotes. Thus, the price comes out to be about average if you spend time at all four. Two of the cenotes are closed and two are open. So there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
A tour package here saves you time and money as well as hassle, so you don’t have to carry as much cash around with you. Although if you don’t know your plans, don’t worry. You can still eat at the restaurant without pre-booking.
👉 If you know you plan to spend the day there, consider booking a tour that includes round-trip transportation and lunch.
All meals are served buffet-style, with a selection of Mexican and American foods. Even picky kiddos should be able to find something they’re willing to eat.
15. Cenote Verde Lucero
☑️ Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 300 pesos for adults
☑️ Driving Time: 50 minutes
The Cenote Verde Lucero is one of the most popular cenotes near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The crystal-clear water and striking rock formations make this cenote a must-see for visitors to the area.
Unlike many other cenotes, this one is open-air which means that you also have the warmth of the sun and the golden shimmer on the waters to enjoy.
While you can swim in most cenotes, how many of them have platforms to dive from or zip-lines where you can drop straight into the emerald waters? This one has.
Given its prime location in Puerto Morelos, many of the Playa Del Carmen Excursions to the area also include a visit to Cenote Verde Lucero. It’s perfect if you want to relax after ziplining through the rainforest or tackling the muddy jungle trails on an ATV.
Cenote Verde Lucero is great for people of all ages and there are plenty of quirky features that make great family photos. There are also changing rooms, tables, toilets, and snack facilities should you want to make the most of the area.
Contributed by Kerry of Vegg Travel
16. Cenote Yax Kin
☑️ Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
☑️ Cost: 150 pesos for adults
☑️ Driving Time: 55 minutes
Cenote Yax Kin is a family-friendly cenote located in the proximities of Tulum. It is one of the most tranquil cenotes in the Riviera Maya.
The cenote has recently opened and it is managed by a local family which has done an amazing job keeping the premises clean and tidy for the travelers to enjoy.
The space around the cenote is suitable for you to spend the day. So that not only you can swim in the shallow crystal clear waters but so they can also enjoy the lush vegetation and the peaceful surroundings.
In fact, you can find sunbeds and chairs if you want to spend the day. There is no restaurant (yet) but you can purchase some snacks and soft drinks or you can bring your own picnic.
Contributed by Isabella of Boundless Roads
17. Cenote Zacil-Ha
☑️ Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm (opens at 9 am November through March)
☑️ Cost: 200 pesos for adults
☑️ Driving Time: 55 minutes
Cenote Zacil-Ha is one of the best family-friendly cenotes because it has a zipline. It also has a few platforms you can jump off to enter the water, but also ladders if you don’t want to jump in.
They rent life jackets if someone in your group doesn’t swim, and there are also ropes located just above and below the water that you can grab onto and sit on. A truly uncommon feature, Cenote Zacil-Ha is one of the few that has a lifeguard on duty.
Note: The zipline costs an extra ten pesos, but it’s worth it!
Besides the cenote itself, there are two (manmade) swimming pools, a small restaurant, restrooms, changing rooms, and lockers — so you can easily spend a few hours at Cenote Zacil-Ha and feel very comfortable.
It is easy to find when coming from Playa del Carmen, as you just take two roads to get there.
First, take Highway Carretera 307 south from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Once you reach downtown Tulum, head north Highway Carretera 109, drive 10 minutes, and the cenote is on your left.
No matter if you’re coming from Playa del Carmen, or even other places like Cancun or Merida, having a rental car is the best way to visit Cenote Zacil-Ha, and most cenotes. Since some are off the beaten path, public transport can be limited.
Submitted by Shelley of Travel To Merida
Packing List for Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
While you certainly need to take a swimsuit to enjoy your time swimming in cenotes near Playa del Carmen, there are a few other things that will make your experience more enjoyable.
Cash
While some cenotes near Playa del Carmen accept credit cards, not all of them do. Other times, the credit card machines might be down even if they do normally accept credit cards. It’s better to take cash with you.
Always pay in pesos, not US dollars. While many places in and near Playa del Carmen do accept US bills, the exchange rate they offer will not be in your favor. It’s better to get some pesos from a local ATM when paying for things in Mexico.
Towels
Many cenotes near Playa del Carmen offer changing rooms. This means you can fully dry off and change clothes before departing after a day of swimming in a cenote. We also use towels to help Little Man warm up a bit after swimming in the cenotes.
While 75 degrees Fahrenheit sounds great in 90+ degree heat, it can be tough on smaller bodies. Towels are essential for our family swimming days. Little Man loves wrapping up in one for a while because he doesn’t get cold as it soaks up the water.
👉 We prefer these quick-dry towels. They’re soft but also don’t feel wet very long. Plus each family member can have their own color, which makes for easy packing!
Sun Protective Clothing
Most cenotes have rules against wearing sunscreen. This is because there are many harmful chemicals in traditional sunscreens that can destroy the fragile cenote ecosystems.
Many plants and animals depend on the cenotes near Playa del Carmen, and wearing sunscreen can kill them.
👉 If you need to buy sunscreen before going to Mexico, we like this sunscreen.
Most cenotes, at least the better ones, require you to shower before going into the cenote. They also have signs telling you not to wear sunscreen.
To avoid getting sunburned, at least in open cenotes, wear long-sleeve rashguards and a gaiter to cover your neck and face. This type of clothing protects you from the sun better than sunscreen anyway.
If you’re already in Mexico and can’t find these things, at the very minimum please buy reef-safe sunscreen. This still offers good sun protection without any harmful chemicals.
We like Maya Solar, which is readily available in many Playa del Carmen grocery stores.
Water Shoes
While these aren’t essential in every cenote, near Playa del Carmen or elsewhere, they are helpful. A number of cenotes have jagged rocks in them.
Many have slippery surfaces and the water shoes help you stay balanced. Especially for younger kids who may not be as steady on their feet, water shoes can be incredibly helpful for peace of mind.
Waterproof Phone Bag
If you aren’t picky about photo quality, a waterproof phone bag that hangs around your neck is essential. It keeps your phone dry as well as safely in your possession to take photos. While some cenotes near Playa del Carmen offer lockers, not all of them do.
👉 I recommend this waterproof phone bag to keep your phone safe. It comes in a set of two!
Waterproof Waist Pouch
I have been using a waterproof waist pouch for over a year now and can’t imagine how I lived without it. While the phone bag keeps my phone safe, I can’t take a decent phone photo with anything else tucked in there.
The waist pouch easily stores my key(s), face masks, some money, a credit card, and even David’s phone if he doesn’t want to put it in a neck pouch.
When we went to Grutas Tolantongo hot springs in central Mexico, I even carried an emergency granola bar in my waist pouch in case Little Man got hangry. It’s roomy and comfortable!
👉 I love this waist pouch. It triple seals before rolling down to velcro shut. After 2+ years of regular use, I’ve had no problems.
How To Get To Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen?
There are several ways to get to cenotes near Playa del Carmen. However, some are easier to navigate with smaller kids. We had a car during half our time living in Playa del Carmen.
It made things a lot easier to get around the area as a family. Even if you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort, a one-day or two-day rental to explore at your own pace is a lot of fun!
👉 I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car on your trip!
You can also rent a jeep to get around Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya. They’re a lot of fun, even for families!
Colectivo
A popular way to access cenotes that are less than 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen is the colectivos. These minibusses zip around Riviera Maya for just a few pesos.
They are popular with backpackers because they’re so cheap, but also with locals to commute to work.
Pro Tip: The colectivos pick up under the highway overpass on 50th Ave, next to Chedraui Centro. Just tell the drivers standing around which cenote you’re visiting.
If you take a colectivo, do note that you’ll have to flag one down on the side of the highway when they pass. You’ll also be responsible for ensuring that the driver stops when you want them to.
Have Google maps out and watch for your stop so you can call it out to the driver in advance to remind him. Take small peso bills and coins because they don’t always have change and they don’t take USD.
Taxi
Another popular way to get to cenotes is to hire a taxi. We never had luck hailing taxis on the street in Playa del Carmen. They always ripped us off and overcharged us.
Instead, I used the Radio Taxi PDC app which told me the fares for all over town. If you want to go outside of town, just text them on WhatsApp and get a fare quoted.
I was never overcharged when I used the app. Download and use this app even if you’re only visiting for a week.
Pro Tip: Always have pesos to pay taxi drivers. They don’t take USD or credit cards.
Just make sure you arrange a time for the taxi to pick you up again before it departs because it can be difficult to get a taxi back to Playa del Carmen without special arrangements.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen?
There isn’t a bad time to visit a cenote near Playa del Carmen. They are always about the same temperature. However, there are certain times of year and times of day to get an optimal experience.
Cenotes are a popular excursion with Playa del Carmen tourists. And for good reason. If you want to experience the serenity of a cenote without big crowds, arrive before 10 am.
Some of them open as early as 8 am so it’s perfect for early risers. You’ll be finishing at the cenote just as everyone else is arriving!
Most cenote tourists visit between 10 am and 3 pm. So you can also arrive later in the afternoon to still get a slightly quieter experience. This depends on the cenote, though.
In addition, many cenotes close at 5 pm so if you arrive later in the day you’ll still pay full price but only be allowed to enjoy it for a couple of hours.
In addition, sometimes the cenotes get a bit cloudy after a big rainstorm. While this doesn’t take away from the fun, it can make the beautiful crystal clear waters less enjoyable to look at. It’s just personal preference, though.
How Much Does Visiting Playa del Carmen Cenotes Cost?
Different cenotes near Playa del Carmen charge different amounts. Generally, though, you’ll pay between 50 and 200 pesos per person. Some cenotes have gotten very touristy and may cost more.
Special activities like zip lines, snorkel equipment, and scuba gear may also cost extra if it’s available.
Note: Kids under 12 are usually discounted. In addition, citizens and legal residents are often given discounted rates.
Many of the more popular cenotes have websites where you can check the pricing before you go.
Make sure to take pesos, as not all cenotes take credit cards and most do not accept USD. If they do take USD, you will not be given a favorable exchange rate.
Tours of Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
The best cenote tour itinerary should take you to all the major types of cenotes, so you get a really good feel for the cenote experience in Mexico.
👉 The best tour of cenotes near Playa del Carmen that are on our list includes visits to Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil-Ha, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Laguna Kaan Luum.
Plus, you also get two meals plus some beach time at one of the most popular beaches in Riviera Maya! Visitors to Playa del Carmen who are short on time should definitely consider this tour!
Secret Tours to Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
If you want a really unique cenote experience, consider booking a tour to cenotes that aren’t open access.
The guides who conduct the tours either are part of the family that owns the property or have an agreement with that family.
When you book tours like this, the only people at the cenote will typically be you and your family or tour group.
Insider Tip: Book these tours as soon as you know your dates. They are really popular and sometimes sell out weeks in advance.
Often you’ll get to take unconventional, off-road transportation to these secret cenotes near Playa del Carmen including bikes and jungle buggies.
This just makes the adventure more special and worthwhile, though. If you want a truly memorable cenote experience, consider one of these tours.
👉 These secret tours below are exclusive because they’re to cenotes that are located on private property. They are closed to the general public.
Final Thoughts: The Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
There is no one best cenote near Playa del Carmen. It all depends on your preferences. If you want to snorkel or scuba dive, there are amazing options. These would pale in comparison to some of the open cenotes that are better for swimming.
Pro Tip: First, decide what is most important to you in a cenote. Then use that list to narrow down your choices.
If you’re short on time and just want to swim, my favorites are Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino.
They’re some of the closest cenotes near Playa del Carmen and they’re walking distance from each other. They aren’t the best, just the most accessible to Playa del Carmen.
There are even other cenotes we never got to explore, like Cenote Aktun Chen, Cenote Chaak Tun, and Cenote Tajma. And there are cenotes further away from the Playa
The bottom line is whichever of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen you choose, you’re sure to enjoy yourself! Don’t second guess your decision. Just have a blast!
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
