Cenote Jardin del Eden is some people’s favorite cenote. It’s clear to see why given that this cenote is true to its name – it looks like the Garden of Eden with its crystal clear water and lush jungle that looks almost untouched. It is arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in Playa del Carmen, if not Mexico.
Cenote Jardin del Eden is an open cenote with clear and refreshing water that offers relief from the heat of the tropics. It’s known by a few other names such as Cenote Garden of Eden, Cenote Ponderosa, or simply Cenote Eden.
So, when the locals or your taxi driver mention any of these other names, don’t get confused because they all mean the same cenote!
Table of Contents
BUR FIRST, WHAT IS A CENOTE?
You might already know what is a cenote. After all, cenotes have become super popular these past few years. If that’s the case, feel free to skip this paragraph!
However, many people don’t really know what exactly is a cenote, and in my opinion it’s really important to understand what is their significance to the Mayans.
A cenote is a natural sinkhole dating back several centuries. When limestone caves collapse they expose a natural pool. This pool then gets filled with rain water and with the water flowing through underground rivers, to which these sinkholes are connected to. Voilà, you’ve got yourself a cenote!
The word cenote comes from the Mayan term dzonot, which means well. But not all cenotes look the same. There are essentially 3 types of cenotes:
- Open Cenotes – Open cenotes are like natural, open pools, and they can be more or less deep. Some of the open cenotes are also connected to an underground river passage (which makes them great for diving!). Examples of open cenotes are Cenote Nicte Ha near Tulum and Cenote Jardin del Eden.
- Semi-open Cenotes – As the name implies, this type of cenote has some parts that are exposed and some portions that are partially hidden by a cave. An example is Cenote Zaci near Valladolid.
- Cave Cenotes – This type of cenote can be accessed via a land-level entrance. Once you make your way in, it opens up to an underground pool which can have both shallow and deep areas. Cenote Dos Ojos for example, one of the most famous cenotes, is a cave cenote.
Cenotes have great cultural and religious significance to the ancient Mayans, who believed that the cenotes were passages to the underworld. In fact, Mayans performed rituals in the cenotes and treated the sites as sacred.
This means that you should too. Please be responsible! Don’t litter the cenote, always take your trash back with you, and only apply biodegradable sunscreen before swimming in the cenote.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CENOTE JARDIN DEL EDEN
Cenote Eden is quite large. Since this is an open cenote, it looks like a giant natural swimming pool, the water is so clear that you can see right through the bottom.
Be extra careful when you are swimming in this cenote, though, as some areas can be very deep. If you are not a good swimmer, it’s recommended that you always wear a life jacket when you go swimming in this cenote.
Another cool thing about this cenote is that it’s right next to other 3 cenotes near Puerto Aventuras: Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Kantun Chi. So you can make it a full day excursion by visiting two or 3 cenotes, it’s a great day trip from Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
The name Garden of Eden Cenote is a fitting choice for this one because it truly is a picture of untouched beauty. It’s surrounded by lush greenery, and there are plants growing in the water. The rock formations that surround the cenote are covered in green moss.
For this reason, snorkeling is another favorite activity among tourists who visit this cenote in Riviera Maya. Snorkeling gives you the opportunity to see the underwater marine life that thrives in this cenote. Plus, the water temperature is around 25° C (77 F) throughout the year, so it’s very nice to swim here.
In the middle of the cenote, you will find rock formations that sit at the bottom of the cenote floor, submerged underneath the water. You can sit here to rest and soak up the sun.
When you sit on the rocks, little fish will swim around you, and if you’re lucky, some will come towards your feet to give you a “fish spa”. This might be ticklish for some people, but in my opinion it’s a fun experience to try.
Cliff jumping is also a fun activity to try at Cenote Jardin del Eden. A portion of the cenote features a tall cliff (12 feet)that can be used as a jump-off point. But not to worry, you don’t have to jump in if you don’t want to.
You’ll find very well-maintained wooden decks all around the cenote. You can jump from this platform or use the stairs to get down to the water.
Aside from swimming and snorkeling, Cenote Jardin del Eden is popular with divers, as a portion of the cenote extends to an underground cave. The visibility underwater is super, and scuba divers will find plants, massive rock formations, and all kinds of fish. Some people have even spotted slider turtles!
FACILITIES AT CENOTE EDEN
Jardin del Eden Cenote might look untouched and pristine, but there is an adequate amount of facilities available for tourists.
Bathrooms
The cenote is equipped with bathrooms and outdoor showers where you can rinse off before and after swimming in the sinkhole.
Food
There is food available at the cenote but the options are quite limited. You can opt to bring your food though, especially if you intend to stay longer, but bringing alcoholic drinks is strictly prohibited.
There are plenty of small palapas (huts) that you can use to escape from the heat or enjoy your picnic meals.
Parking
Parking in Cenote El Eden is free. You’ll find a main car park at the entrance of the cenote.
Other Facilities
There is a life vest rental stall, and you can also rent snorkeling equipment. Both the snorkeling equipment and life vest rental cost 25 MXN each at the time of writing. Take cash with you as they don’t accept cards, and take more than you need in case prices have changed when you visit.
CENOTE PONDEROSA: PRACTICAL INFO
Cenote Eden Price
The entrance fee to Cenote Jardin del Eden is 200 MXN for adults and 100 MXN for kids. Cash only.
Where is it located?
Cenote El Jardin del Eden is located 26 km south of Playa del Carmen, just south of Puerto Aventuras in the Riviera Maya and off the main highway 307.
It’s next to Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Azul. From Playa del Carmen it’s about a 25-minute drive.
Here you can see it on the map:
Cenote Jardin del Eden Opening Hours
Cenote Eden is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Saturdays.
What’s the best time to visit the Cenote Jardin del Eden?
Cenote Eden is a popular cenote in Quintana Roo, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or right before closing time so you can avoid the crowds during peak hours. However, it doesn’t get as crowded as Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos, so don’t worry.
Cenote Jardin del Eden Snorkeling
The cenote is great for snorkeling! It’s very large, and it’s full of underwater vegetation and rock formations that make for an interesting snorkeling session.
Cenote Jardin del Eden Diving
Diving is also possible, and desirable! Since the cenote is quite deep, and features astounding underwater formations, it’s one of the most popular ones to snorkel in.
Is there anything prohibited at the cenote?
Cenotes are very special and fragile ecosystems, and in order to preserve them there are strict rules in place. These are some of the things you’re not allowed to do.
- Using sunscreen or bug repellent is not allowed. You might be required to shower before going in the cenote if you’re wearing any.
- Smoking and bringing alcohol is forbidden.
- Jumping from the wooden platform isn’t allowed, as it’s only used as a sundeck.
- Pets aren’t welcome.
- Disrupting the ecosystem or atmosphere in any way (trash, loud noises, being disrespectful to other visitors or nature) is also a big no.
BEST CENOTE JARDIN DEL EDEN SCUBA DIVING TOURS
Cenote Jardin del Eden is one of the most popular ones in the Riviera Maya for scuba diving, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that there are so many diving tours available! These are the two I recommend if you plan on exploring the cenote’s underwater world.
▶️ If you’re into scuba diving, check out Discover the Mystical Cenotes – 2 Tank Cavern Diving tour. You’ll enjoy two dives in different cenotes, one of which is Jardin del Eden, and explore the underwater caves and incredible geological formations of the sinkholes, coming across vegetation and plenty of fish. Lunch, transfers, and all equipment are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ With Cenotes Diving you’ll get to scuba dive in two different cenotes, one of which is Cenote del Eden. Explore the rich underwater flora and fauna and dive through stalactite-filled caves with a professional dive master. Roundtrip transportation from Playa del Carmen hotels is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
This cenote is located about 18 minutes from Playa del Carmen so it’s easily accessible, which contributes to the popularity of the cenote. But since it’s a big cenote, it does not feel like it’s overrun by tourists at all.
HOW TO GET TO CENOTE EL EDEN, MEXICO
Cenote Eden is about 16 miles (26 km) south of Playa del Carmen and 25 miles (40 km) north of Tulum. There are plenty of transportation options available to get here.
Walk to the Cenote
If you stay at the Barcelo resorts, you are lucky because you can get to Cenote Eden by walking. Simple as that!
Cenote Jardin del Eden is located just across the highway from where the resorts are located. Just be very careful when you cross the highway, cars go fast!
Rent a Car
You can also rent a car to get to Cenote Eden. I always recommend renting a car if you’re planning on visiting a few attractions around Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum. It’s just easier to get around and you’ll end up saving a lot of time and money. I use Discover Cars to search for the best deals. ➥ RENT A CAR HERE
There is free parking on-site. To get here, you need to drive south via the 307 highway from Playa del Carmen. Once you pass Puerto Aventuras, the cenote is only 5 minutes away. When you see the sign at the entrance for Barcelo Hotel, turn left to get to the cenote, which is not too far away from the main road.
Take a Colectivo
Taking the colectivo (a shared van) is the cheapest option available to get to Cenotes Jardin del Eden. You can take it at the colectivo stop at 2nd street in Playa del Carmen, and choose the colectivo that is bound south for Tulum.
Tell the driver to drop you off at Eden Cenote, or Barcelo Hotel. The cost of the colectivo ride is usually 30 MXN one-way.
You can also take a colectivo from Tulum. Make sure you take one headed northbound towards Playa del Carmen.
Take a Taxi
You can also opt for this convenient transportation alternative, which is the most hassle-free but also the most expensive. From Playa del Carmen a taxi ride to the cenote will cost about 300 MXN.
If you want to save on the cost of hiring a taxi, you can share it with somebody else who’s headed to the same cenote or Cenote Azul (the more popular neighbor of Cenote Eden), or Cenote Cristalino, which is also close by.
PROS AND CONS OF CENOTE EDEN
Pros
✅ Cenote Eden is large and one of the most beautiful cenotes in Playa del Carmen.
✅ It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
✅ Cenote Eden is preserved in its natural condition. The cenote has the right balance of tourist facilities and that natural cenote feel.
✅ It’s easily accessible from Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Cons
❌ The Eden CenoteFce can get crowded during weekends and during certain times of the day. Make sure you plan your visit to avoid the crowds.
❌ It’s slightly more expensive than other cenotes in Playa del Carmen, although not by much.
WHAT TO PACK FOR CENOTE JARDIN DEL EDEN
These are the essentials you need to have with you when you visit a cenote!
➤ Swimwear: This is the number one essential. You can’t go swimming in a cenote without one…and what are you visiting the cenote for if you’re not jumping in?
➤ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Regular sunscreen is super harmful to the marine life and ecosystem of the cenote, and forbidden in all of them. Please make sure to only use 100% biodegradable sunscreen.
➤ Snorkel Mask or Goggles: You can rent a mask at the cenote, but I can’t vouch for their quality. If you plan on doing some snorkeling while in Mexico, I highly recommend getting your own snorkeling gear.
➤ Water Bottle: Traveling with a refillable water bottle is one of the best travel habits you can develop. It’s not only cheaper than buying water all the time, but it will reduce your consumption of single-use plastic considerably!
Remember that tap water in Mexico isn’t safe to drink, so make sure to refill your bottle with drinking water, or buy a LifeStraw water bottle that comes with a filter.
OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR CENOTE JARDIN DEL EDEN
Here are some other fun activities and attractions you can visit in the area once you’re done swimming at this cenote.
▶️ If you’re not done with cenotes yet, visit some other sinkholes nearby, such as Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino. You can also check out some lesser-known cenotes near Playa del Carmen like Cenote Nicte Ha and Cenote Calavera.
▶️ Head to Tulum to visit the astounding Tulum Ruins, perched atop a cliff.
▶️ If you’re in the mood to chill, spend time relaxing at Tulum Beach.
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