9 Cenotes Explored: Discovering Tulum’s Best Hidden Gems

Photo by Christy

2.Cenote Calavera

Unfortunately we didnt visit this one, as we thought it was a bit overpriced and probably packed by the time we got there. Calavera means skull in Spanish, as it has 3 holes that looks like one. You can jump into the holes and swim in it. Also cameras, tripods, Gopros are not allowed.

Price 250 pesos (13$) or 17 American Dollars.

3.Cenote Cristal

We also cycled here early in the morning. Took us around 40-60mins to find it as we got lost and ended up in another cenote instead of these ones!.

Cenote cristal is located on the right of the road and Esmeralda on the left 500m deep in land.

These two were my favorite, as they are less known by tourists, good for snorkeling and surrounded by jungle.

Price 180 pesos for both cenotes. Around 40-70 pesos for only one

4.Cenote Esmeralda

As mentioned before, Esmeralda is a beautiful cenote located right in front of Cenote Cristal.

I would recommend to drive or cycle here as its almost 1km deep in the jungle.

Looks like a wild lake! We were here for a few hours and were almost alone all the time.

Remember not to use sunscreen! I know it could be tempting but you will be damaging the fresh water!

5.Cenote Tankah

Tankah is a different cenote. They can be a bit expensive around Tulum compared to other cities where they only cost 10-40 pesos.

Tankah Cenote is located inside a Hotel. With the cenote ticket you have access to their private beach and sun beds.

Located just after the Tulum Ruins, around 25 mins cycling from the city. The cenote is gorgeous but not deep enough to snorkel or dive.Price 250 pesos, opening time 10 am

6.Cenote Dos Ojos

Probably the second most famous cenote near Tulum.

Located around 40mins by car from the city. If you are traveling by Colectivo from Tulum, take a Colectivo heading north on highway 307 towards Playa Del Carmen, Colectivos drop of at the entrance to the Dos Ojos park – be aware, it is a 30 minute walk along a dirt road to the cenote.

Cenote Dos Ojos is different from the others ones I just mentioned, as its formed by a cave system that connect each other.Price 350-500 depending if you want to visit the others next to it.

7.Cenote Corazón

Another little cenote located after Cenote Cristal y Esmeralda, 8 km from Tulum Center.

It is a small cenote with the shape of a heart when seen from the sky. Perfect for snorkel and underwater photography as you will have lots of plants and fishes here.Price 150 pesos

8.Cenote Car Wash

Located a few kilometers after Gran Cenote. Best way to get here by car or bicycle.

Called Car Wash as taxi drivers used to use the water from the cenote to wash their cars 30-40 years ago.

Popular among tourists and local families. You can snorkel here but it is not very big.Price 200 pesos

9.Cenote El Pit

Probably one of the best cenotes for divers and free divers. You will find beautiful light reflections that look like a waterfall under water. Located 5 mins from Cenote Dos Ojos.

It is a massive sinkhole located in the middle of the jungle. This cenote is an upstream branch of the Dos Ojos river system. Known as the deepest cenote in Quintana Roo state with a maximum depth of 119 meters. If you are seeking out adventure dives, this must be on your itinerary!

Hope you find all these information useful, let me know which one was your favorite!