The best cenotes in Cancun

By - Updated on 17 June 2022

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The best cenotes in Cancun

Cancun is a tourist destination home to stunning beaches, modern tourist infrastructure, archaeological vestiges, and many fun attractions. However, not everything ends here; Cancun also has fantastic natural beauties, such as cenotes.

A cenote is described as a natural freshwater well that is usually supplied by a subway river formed by soil erosion. The ancient Mayan civilizations were responsible for giving them sacred use, so they have a great cultural value.

In the region and its surroundings, you can find various types of cenotes, in which you will have the opportunity to perform fun and unforgettable activities, depending on their characteristics. There are different types; the most common are the open-air cenotes and the cave cenote.

 

Top 5 Amazing Cenotes in Cancun

There are many Cenotes in Cancun and its surroundings, so choosing which ones to visit during your stay at this destination can be difficult. Therefore, we have selected the 5 best Cenotes in Cancun to facilitate your visit to these iconic natural paradises.

 

Cenote Chac Mool

Cenote Chac Mool (or "Garra de Jaguar") is a famous cenote in Cancun, especially for its incredible caverns. When you visit it, you can explore many caves, stalactites, narrow paths, and diverse open areas.

The most popular activities here are scuba diving and snorkeling, as it has beautiful crystal clear waters with a suitable temperature of 25°. However, when you visit, you can not miss its attraction, "Air Dome", a bell with air overflowing with stalactites to rest next to the roots of the trees.

*It is located 1 hr and 30 min from Cancun.

 

Gran Cenote Tulum

 

Gran Cenote Tulum is considered one of the best outdoor cenotes thanks to its colorful jungle and beautiful crystal clear waters. Although it stands out for its many caves and caverns to explore, it also has 2 large areas connected by a cave, where you can swim to your heart's content.

In it, you can do activities such as swimming in subway trails, snorkeling, and relaxing. In addition, it is a first-class destination thanks to its amenities such as outdoor showers and impeccable private bathrooms.

*It is located 1 hr and 45 min from Cancun.

 

Cenote Suytun

 

Cenote Suytun is one of the most beautiful and incredible cenotes near the region, especially for its famous stone path, which leads to a circular platform surrounded by its beautiful blue waters. The cave is illuminated by natural sunlight, so the rays of light shine onto the platform, creating a magical moment.

Here you can swim and explore while observing the impressive stalactites. Thanks to its magnificent natural beauty, it is a worthy place to take the best pictures.

*It is located 2 hr and 45 min from Cancun.

 

Cenote Rio Secreto

 

The Rio Secreto Cenote is one of the complete experiences in Cancun. During the tour in the Natural Reserve, you will learn more about the earth's geological history.

Besides swimming and exploring the caves, you can also complement other activities such as rappelling or biking through the jungle.

*This is located 1 hr and 7 min from Cancun.

 

Cenote Siete Bocas

Cenote Siete Bocas is located at km 15 of the Cenotes Route in Puerto Morelos. As its name suggests, this cenote has 7 small labyrinth-shaped entrances through which sunlight enters, reflecting the beautiful turquoise blue waters.

You can do various activities here, such as jumping off cliffs, swimming or exploring the caves. You can also have a quiet picnic in its surroundings with a vast jungle full of quiet spaces to rest.

*This is located 1 hr from Cancun.

 

How to get to the Cenotes Cancun?

In Cancun, you can find various means of transportation to get to the cenote of your choice whenever you want. Below we compare the transportation options most used by visitors, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

 

Cancun Car Rental

The best way to get to Cenotes in Cancun is undoubtedly with a Cancun Car Rental. This way, you can enjoy the highest comfort and privacy, plus enough space for your luggage and those of your companions.

Most importantly, you can also manage your time at your own pace and travel directly to as many cenotes as you wish. In addition, you will only have to worry about the cost of gasoline when making your itinerary.

Booking a Cancun Car Rental is more economical than you might think since the price per rental can be divided among all travelers. At reliable agencies such as City Car Rental, you can get your rental from $33 USD per day.

 

Taxi Cancun

With a Cancun Taxi service, you will have the speed and time control needed to get to the Cancun Cenote of your choice. However, their high rates can be detrimental to your travel budget, as they can cost up to $80 USD per trip due to the lack of regulation in this type of service.

 

ADO Bus

ADO buses are one of the most economical options to get to the Cenotes in Cancun; they leave from their central bus station in Cancun and the terminal in Playa del Carmen. However, it would help if you remembered that no ADO bus arrives directly at these destinations, so you will have to resort to other means of transportation, which could increase your travel costs.

Another negative point is that by choosing this method of transportation, your itinerary will be limited due to schedules offered by ADO.

 

Tips before visiting a Cenote in Cancun

Before visiting a Cenote in Cancun, we recommend you know the following to make your trip more enjoyable.

  • When taking a tour in the Cenotes Cancun, do not forget to follow the guides' instructions. This way, you will be able to guarantee both your safety and the safety of the cenote.
  • It is recommended to bring your own snorkeling or diving equipment.
  • Before entering a cenote, it is advisable to take a bath and not apply sunscreen to preserve them.
  • In case of visiting a cavern cenote, it is recommended to wear a swimming shirt (long sleeve or neoprene) to avoid the cold.
  • Wear water shoes to avoid slipping.
  • If you do not know how to swim well, it is best to bring your own life jacket.

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