11 Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen [2024]

The cenotes near Playa del Carmen are a must see, and need to be added to your Mexico itinerary. Check them out and choose your favorite Playa del Carmen cenotes!

Playa del Carmen is fortunate to be located right in the stunning Riviera Maya, which boasts an immense amount of natural wonders, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Over the years it has become one of the most popular coastal resort towns in Mexico, and it’s best known for its palm-lined beaches and breathtakingly beautiful coral reefs, making it a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise – and there are plenty of other things to do in Playa del Carmen!

Featuring lively shopping areas, beach clubs, and nightlife hotspots, this city offers the best of both worlds: relaxing beaches by the coast and a bustling atmosphere in downtown. It’s also very close to the international airport in Cancun, which makes getting there a breeze!

But the greatest pride of Playa del Carmen, and the Yucatan Peninsula as a whole, is not the parties and beaches but the cenotes.

This natural sinkholes are quickly becoming one of the most visited natural attractions in Mexico, particularly the cenotes in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and it’s not a surprise. Cenotes are not only unique to the area, but insanely beautiful, so tourists from all over the world come to Mexico to swim and dive in them.

Check out the very best cenotes near Playa del Carmen and pick your favorites for your next trip to the area…good luck not wanting to visit them all!

READ ALSO: 14 Best Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours

What Is a Cenote?

But first, let’s talk about what is a cenote and what makes them special. A cenote is a natural sinkhole dating back several centuries. Cenotes are formed when limestone caves collapse, exposing a natural pool. This natural pool then gets filled with rainwater and with the water flowing through underground rivers, to which these cenotes are connected to.

The word cenote comes from the Mayan term dzonot, which means well. But not all cenotes are the same, there is a variety of cenote types:

Open Cenotes

This type of cenote is like a natural, open pool. Open cenotes vary in depth, some of them offering shallow areas for children to swim safely while others are perfect for snorkeling and even diving.

While these cenotes might be connected to an underground river passage, they’re characterized for being completely in the open, without caves or underground locations. It truly feels like being in a swimming pool, except that the water is fresh and you might be accompanied by fish.

Semi-Open Cenotes

As the name implies, this type of cenote has some parts that are exposed and some portions that are partly hidden by a cave. In short, it’s a combination of the other two types of cenotes.

Cave formations with stalagmites can be found in semi-open cenotes, some of which are great for diving. They’re usually well-lit as the light filters through the open areas of the cenote, which resemble natural pools.

Cave Cenotes

This type of cenote can only be accessed via a land-level entrance. You’ll probably climb down a ladder to get to them, and once you make your way in, it opens up to an underground pool with shallow and deep areas.

The underwater caves are usually filled with rock formations like stalagmites and stalactites, and are the number-one choice for scuba divers. They’re usually the darkest type of cenotes, offering an eerie, very mystical atmosphere.

Cenotes have cultural and religious significance to the ancient Mayans, who believed the cenotes to be passages to the underworld. In fact, Mayans performed rituals in the cenotes and treated the sites as sacred.

BEST CENOTE TOURS IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

➤ The Oasis Maya by Xcaret Tour is a full-day excursion filled with aquatic adventures. You’ll get to kayak and snorkel in subterranean rivers and caves in Playa del Carmen, zipline over a cenote, and get to cool down in it. You’ll also enjoy lunch and refreshments. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Cenotes at Casa Tortuga is a half-day tour that takes you to visit the four cenotes located on the property. You’ll get to swim and snorkel in all of them and enjoy lunch before heading back. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ In the Private Dream Underground World you’ll explore the underwater cave system of Sac Actun with your own guide. You’ll get to snorkel in the cenote and learn about the formations of these insane Playa del Carmen caves. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

BEST CENOTES IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

To make your experience unforgettable, make sure to visit any or all of these cenotes in Playa del Carmen or around it. Each of these cenotes has its own unique qualities that make them worth visiting, so take the time to learn what you can expect from your visit to each of them.

Cenote Cristalino

Let’s start with Cenote Cristalino, a turquoise-water cenote in Playa del Carmen. Neighboring Cenote Azul and Cenote Jardin del Eden is one of three cenotes that are located close to each other; many tourists who come here opt to visit all three cenotes. 

Cenote Cristalino is an open-air cenote; while some portions of the cenote are located under a rock that forms a mini cave, most are in an open area. There is a lush jungle feel in this cenote due to the greens that surround it, as well as the crystal clear water.

This cenote is only up to 6 meters deep so it’s best for swimming and snorkeling. There is a cliff jump area, too, but nothing crazy. If you’re looking for a relaxed, not overly crowded cenote, this is the perfect one.

➤ This Full Nature Day Tour takes you to swim in 3 different cenotes, including Cenote Cristalino, on a jam-packed excursion from Playa del Carmen. You’ll also visit a lagoon and the beautiful Playa Paraiso. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Cenote Cristalino Location on Google Maps

Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 6 PM

Price: 200 Pesos at the time of writing.

How to Get There: Drive south of Playa del Carmen on the 307 Highway. As soon as you pass Puerto Aventuras, you’ll see Hotel Barcelo to your left: that’s your cue to turn left towards its entrance. There you’ll find signs directing you to the cenote, which is only a couple of minutes away.

READ THE FULL POST: Cenote Cristalino: All You Need To Know

Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is one of the most beautiful and at the same time cheapest cenotes to get into in Playa del Carmen – so there is really no reason to skip this one!

Cenote Azul is an open-type cenote, that almost looks like a very large natural swimming pool. You won’t have to enter into a cave, and it’s not claustrophobic as other cenotes can be. It’s even considered the best cenote near Playa del Carmen by some!

Cenote Azul is also a family-friendly cenote and perfect for kids to swim in because it’s not as deep as other cenotes (maximum 5 meters) and there are many shallow areas. There are also small cliffs that are perfect for jumping into the water. For this reason it can be very crowded, though!

The water is crystal clear, which makes it one of the best places for cenote snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, so don’t forget your snorkeling gear. Cenote Azul is also a sort of natural fish spa. When you let your feet dangle in the water, plenty of fish will come to nip on it!

➤ If you prefer to visit it with an organized cenote tour in Playa del Carmen, the Marine Turtle Observation tour might be the best option. This tour lets you first snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal, then you’ll swim/snorkel at Cenote Azul. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ You can otherwise join this Private Tour to visit cenotes and swim in them, including Cenote Azul. The full-day trip includes lunch and a bilingual guide that will be at your disposal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Cenote Azul Location on Google Maps

Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 AM to 5 PM

Price: 150 Pesos.

How to Get There: Drive south of Playa del Carmen along the 307 Highway until you reach Barcelo Hotel. Turn left towards the hotel entrance, and then right all the way to the cenote.

READ THE FULL POST:
Cenote Azul, Playa del Carmen: Visitor Info & Prices (2019)

Cenote Jardin del Eden (Cenote Ponderosa)

I feel like Cenote Jardin del Eden is a fitting name for this cenote. This is a spectacular open-type cenote that will make you feel like you are indeed in the Garden of Eden.

This is a beautiful and well-preserved cenote still not overrun by tourists. Cenote Jardin del Eden, also referred to as Cenote Ponderosa, is surrounded by lush greenery; the rocks on the edge of the cenote are also covered in moss.

The clear water makes Cenote Eden perfect not just for swimming but also for snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There is a 12-foot cliff that you can jump off into the water. You’ll also find rocks in the middle of the cenote that have been submerged underwater, which makes for a cozy spot to sit and relax.

This cenote is also visited by scuba divers because there is a part that extends into the caves, and is suitable also for non-experienced cave divers.

Many people say Cenote Eden is one of the most stunning cenotes they’ve ever visited, and since this cenote is also nearby Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino, there’s really no reason not to visit it! If you want to make sure you have it to yourself, visit early in the morning.

➤ The Private Tour to 3 Cenotes is a full-day trip that takes you swimming in Cenote Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, and Cenote Cristalino. You’ll also enjoy lunch to refuel after all the activities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Cenote Jardin del Eden on Google Maps

Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM

Price: The price in early 2022 is 250 Pesos

How to Get There: Follow the directions for Cenote Azul. Once you get to Barcelo Hotel, turn left and drive until you find the cenote entrance.

READ THE FULL POST: Cenote Jardin del Eden: Truly the Garden of Eden?

Rio Secreto Underground River

Rio Secreto is one of the most mystical and spectacular underground cenotes around Playa del Carmen. When you walk inside this cenote, it literally feels like walking into the Yucatan underworld. 

This cenote was not discovered until 2007, when the owner of the land randomly found an opening. Little did he know that the system of underground caves is over 12km long, or at least that’s what they were able to map out till now!

The Rio Secreto eco-park has tourists flocking in to experience this otherworldly natural sight. There are stalactite and stalagmite formations within this cenote cave system, as well as several chambers that can be explored within the cave where you will find bats, fish, and other creatures.

Don’t worry, it’s not spooky, just magical!

Rio Secreto is a more commercialized cenote/cave in Playa del Carmen, meaning it costs more to enter and it’s a guided experience, but it’s also a unique experience that you can’t have in other types of cenotes.

➤ The cost of entry to Rio Secreto is $99 for adults, which is inclusive of a buffet lunch, tour guide, gear, and all the activities. You can buy your ticket on the official website, but I recommend buying it on Viator.

Getting it on this platform allows you to cancel at no cost up to 24 hours before your tour, so it guarantees much more flexibility if your plans were to change. ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE

➤ The $99 ticket does not include transportation. If you prefer to reserve also a transfer from and to your hotel, you can buy a package with admission + transportation. Make sure to select the option with transfers! ➥ BUY IT HERE

Location: Rio Secreto on Google Maps

Opening Hours: Friday to Wednesday from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Price: $79

How to Get There: Drive south of Playa del Carmen via the 307 Highway. You’ll see the entrance to Rio Secreto right off the highway to your right. The drive takes 10 minutes.

Rio Secreto is located in 77712 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Cenote Chikin-Ha

Cenote Chikin-Ha is located not far from the first three cenotes above, and it’s one of the most spectacular Playa del Carmen cave cenotes.

It is one of three cenotes that are located close to each other, with the two others being Xtabay and Taak-Bil-Ha. The cost of the entrance to this cenote includes admission to these other two cenotes as well.

Walking into the Chikin-Ha cenote can be almost spooky as it feels like you are entering a crevice on Earth. The inside of the cave is filled with a rugged landscape and waters as deep as 9 meters. The crystal clear and turquoise water transforms into a dark abyss the closer you are to the cenote walls.

➤ You can get adventurous and join a Half-Day Tour to snorkel in four different cenotes, and then head to Tulum Beach where you’ll swim with sea turtles.➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE

➤ Otherwise, you can buy the General Admission Ticket to this Playa del Carmen cenote, which grants you access to all the cenotes and use of lifejackets. ➥ BUY IT HERE

Location: Cenote Chikin-Ha on Google Maps.

Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 6 PM

Price: 450 Pesos.

How to Get There: Drive southbound on 307 Highway until you pass Puerto Aventuras. Drive for a few more minutes and when you see Barcelo Hotel to your left, take the next right and drive until you reach the cenote entrance.

Cenote Chaak Tun

Cenote Chaak Tun can be accessed via a long boardwalk that runs up along the jungle toward a cave entrance.

The beautiful cenote consists of one large natural swimming pool and three caverns. Two of these caverns are filled with crystal-clear water, making it one of the most enjoyable snorkeling cenotes in Playa del Carmen.

As you swim or snorkel, you can observe large stalactites that hang from the ceiling of the cave. You can also occasionally spot bats within the cave.

➤ The Private Cenote Exploration Tour takes you to Sac Pool cenote, which is privately owned and features astounding limestone formations and geological traits. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ You can otherwise join the Tulum and Cenote Chaak Tun Tour that offers roundtrip transportation from your hotel and, besides granting you free time to swim at the cenote, it also takes you to the Mayan ruins of Tulum with a professional guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Cenote Chaak Tun on Google Maps.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. On Sunday it closes at 1 PM.

Price: 1000 Pesos at the time of writing.

How to Get There: You’ll take Avenida Constituyentes in the opposite direction of the coast. Turn left on Avenida Lilis until the end of the street, and then turn right. You’ll be at this Playa del Carmen cenote in 15 minutes.

Cenote Tajma-Ha

Cenote Tajma Ha is an amazing cave cenote that is perfect for diving enthusiasts. This particular cenote is best suited for expert divers with great buoyancy as you will explore narrow passages and encounter saw-like profiles on the rock formations. 

There is also a so-called Sugar Bowl that allows the streak of sunlight to enter the cave, creating a beautiful curtain of light. The maximum depth of the water can reach 30 meters but on average it is about 15 meters deep.

Snorkelers can also enjoy Tajma Ha Cenote, and the entrance fee includes the rental of snorkeling equipment.

Location: Cenote Tajma Ha on Google Maps.

Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Price: 250 Pesos.

How to Get There: Take the 307 Highway toward Puerto Aventuras, and when you get to this landmark continue driving for about 3 miles. You’ll take a right to the Tajma Ha street shortly after passing the Pemex gas station.

➤ Cenote Diving in Playa del Carmen offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the depths of the cenotes. You’ll dive in open cenotes and caverns, discovering the rich ecosystem and animals that inhabit them. The experience includes two dives. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Xenotes Park

Xenotes Park is a stunning location surrounded by lush vegetation that’s managed by Xcaret. This eco-adventure park offers a great number of activities, from zip lines and cliff jumps to kayaking, snorkeling, and rappelling.

The park also boasts the four types of cenotes that exist: open, semi-open, cave, and ancient cenotes, so it’s an ideal destination for those who’d like to experience them all.

At this cenote park in Playa del Carmen, you’ll also find restrooms, showers, and dressing rooms to get changed before and after your aquatic adventures.

➤ The Xenotes Oasis Maya Tour takes you to explore the four types of cenotes, in which you’ll snorkel, kayak, and rappel into. A gourmet lunch and transfers are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

OTHER UNMISSABLE CENOTES NEAR PLAYA DEL CARMEN

If you are staying in Playa del Carmen, you’re never a long way away from other destinations. In my opinion, it’s totally worth it to reserve a day and go explore the cenotes close to Playa del Carmen. Some of the most beautiful cenotes are near Tulum, but that’s not even one hour drive away! Other cenotes are located near Akumal or Cancun. Check them out!

Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote) is one of the largest underwater cave systems in Mexico. It is also among the biggest cenotes you can explore, which makes it a must when exploring Playa del Carmen.

Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this cenote got its name from the two large sinkholes that are approximately 70 meters in diameter each, and are connected via a passageway that measures 400 meters long.

Despite being located within a cave, there is enough natural light that penetrates into the cave making it suitable for snorkeling. The water visibility is also impressive. You can even find divers who visit Cenote Dos Ojos. The entire Dos Ojos cave system is estimated to be up to 61 kilometers long.

If you prefer to visiting cenotes with an organized tour from Playa del Carmen, here are the best options to go to Cenote Dos Ojos:

➤ The Mayan Ceremonial Night is an evening tour that includes a visit to Cenote Dos Ojos, where you’ll get to swim. You’ll also enjoy a Temazcal Experience, which is a cleansing Mayan ritual, and have dinner. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Dos Ojos Cenote Private Tour with Mayan Lunch grants you privacy, not only because you won’t share it with other tourists but because it starts early in the morning, escaping the crowds as you swim in the cenotes. Cap it off with a local Mayan lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The 2-Day Scuba Diving Package offers four different cenote and reef dives, where you’ll get to discover the colorful sea life of the reef and explore the depths of Cenote Dos Ojos. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Cenote Dos Ojos on Google Maps.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM

Price: 350 Pesos at the time of writing.

How to Get There: Take the 307 Highway south of Playa del Carmen and drive for close to 30 miles, until you see the Mayan ruins of Xel-Ha to your right. Take the next right (you should see signs to the cenote, though) and drive straight until you reach it.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST: Cenote Dos Ojos: The Most Beautiful Cenote in Riviera Maya

Cenote Nicte Ha

Cenote Nicte Ha is one of the lesser-known cenotes between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, because it’s overshadowed by the neighboring Cenote Dos Ojos we just talked about.

But if you want to avoid the crowds, this is the perfect cenote to go to. This is an open-water cenote, so it looks more like a natural swimming pool.

It’s best known for its turquoise blue water and lilies that float on the surface. Trust me, there are few things as magical as floating on the water among lilies, with no one around and the sounds of the jungle.

This quiet cenote is in fact surrounded by a lush jungle and rich vegetation, as if enclosing the cenote and keeping it hidden from the view. It’s almost a surreal experience, and I’m betting this one will become one of your favorite cenotes as it became one of mine!

➤ You can join this Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Cenote Snorkeling, where you’ll be able to explore the Mayan ruins (that are so worth it, even if you’ve already been to Chichen Itza!) and the cenote, with transfers from your hotel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ This Private Snorkeling Tour takes you snorkeling in two different cenotes, one of which is the stunning cenote Nicte Ha. You’ll get to explore its lush underwater ecosystem and enjoy lunch before going back. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Cenote Nicte Ha on Google Maps.

Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Price: 250 Pesos.

How to Get There: Follow the instructions to get to Cenote Dos Ojos. Once you turn right from the main highway, drive for around 1 mile and take another right to reach the cenote. You’ll first pass Cenote Jaguar Road; yours is the next one.

READ THE FULL POST: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cenote Nicte Ha

Gran Cenote

Gran Cenote is one of the most visited cenotes near Tulum. The name of this cenote is actually a misnomer; it is not one big cenote (gran in Spanish means big), but consists of several small cenotes. These cenotes are connected via wooden walkways, giving you plenty of areas to swim in and explore.

Snorkeling is a popular activity among those who visit Gran Cenote, but in reality the water is so clear that you can see the fish swimming even without snorkeling gear!

If you prefer to save the hassle of getting here and you prefer to join an organized tour, there’s no problem. You’ll find multiple tours including Grand Cenote, but this one in my opinion offers the best value.

➤ The Private Playa del Carmen Cenotes Tour will bring you to discover some of the most beautiful cenotes near Tulum, including some snorkeling time in Gran Cenote. Lunch and transfers are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Cenote Triple Adventure takes you freediving, cliff jumping, and snorkeling in 3 cenotes: Casa Cenote, Temple of Doom, and Gran Cenote. It includes photos of the experience and transfers from Tulum, so you’d have to make your way there first. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Gran Cenote on Google Maps.

Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 4.30 PM.

Price: The price in early 2022 is 500 Pesos.

How to Get There: Drive toward Tulum via Highway 307. Once you reach the entrance of Tulum Town, turn right on Av. Coba and drive for about 5 minutes until you get to the cenote. There are tons of cenotes in the area (cenote Zacil Ha, cenote Carwash, etc.) so make sure you find the right entrance!

READ THE FULL POST:
All You Need to Know About Gran Cenote

Cenote Aktun Chen

Aktun Chen Cenote was named one of the “top 10 underground walks in the world” by National Geographic, so that’s why many people add this cenote to their Yucatan road trip itinerary.

Cenote Aktun Chen is part of a natural park that has been developed to offer a wide range of activities. Some of the activities that can be enjoyed here are a cave tour, zipline rides, and swimming in one of the most amazing cenotes in the area.

The cave tour is a great experience for first-timers because you will learn about the history and geology of the region. Plus, you get an up-close look at the stalactite and stalagmite formations inside the cave. Everyone has to wear a helmet and it’s a pretty cool adventure.

But the highlight of this experience is the cenote itself, which you reach at the end of the walk through the cave. Cenote Aktun Chen is a cave cenote, and it’s completely closed, which allows you to marvel at the jagged rocks that hang from above the ceiling as you swim.

As with most cenotes in the region, the water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling because of its impressive clarity and all sorts of fish that swim around.

Every activity at the park is priced separately, but the combo that includes everything costs $106 if you buy it on the website or at the park itself.

➤ The Private Tulum and Sac Actun Cave is a half-day tour which takes you to visit the stunning Tulum ruins, before heading to Sac Actun, the underground cenote near Playa del Carmen. There you’ll get to swim among the magnificent rock formations. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Location: Aktun Chen Cenote on Google Maps.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM

Price: $106

How to Get There: Drive south of Playa del Carmen via 307 Highway. When you reach Gran Bahia Principe, take a right and then the first left, followed by another right to access the cenote. It’d be useful to use a GPS here as there are quite a few turns after you get off the highway.

HOW TO GET TO THE CENOTES IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Rent a Car

Renting a car is highly recommended if you plan on exploring the Riviera Maya and going on day trips from Playa del Carmen. It will also be very handy to visit all the cenotes.

The majority of cenotes have car parks, and rental prices are very affordable in Mexico. Be aware of scams when renting your vehicle, though, as they aren’t infrequent!

Taxi

Another option is taking a taxi to visit the cenotes. Prices will vary depending on how far the cenote is from Playa del Carmen, but it’s a comfortable way of making the journey if you don’t have a car.

Hire a Private Driver For the Day

Possibly the best alternative to driving your own car is hiring a private driver. You’ll be taken to the cenotes hassle-free and on your own schedule, and the driver will wait for you so you can enjoy the attraction at your leisure.

It’s also a great option if you want to visit as many cenotes as possible, as it allows you to plan a full day of cenote-hopping and don’t have to worry about how you get from one to the other.

Take a Colectivo

In some cases you can also take a colectivo (shared van) from Playa del Carmen, although not all cenotes can be reached this way.

If you’re on a budget it’s a great way to move around the Riviera Maya, but you’ll have to find out if the cenotes you want to visit are connected to Playa del Carmen by colectivo.

▶ If you’re visiting some of the most popular cenotes, aim to get there as soon as they open, or towards the end of their opening hours to avoid the crowds. Some cenotes get packed during the day!

BEST PLAYA DEL CARMEN CENOTES FAQ

Check Out Also…

A Guide To the Best Cenotes Near Tulum
11 Unmissable Cenotes Near Valladolid

Do you know other cenotes in Playa del Carmen that should be on this list? I’m always looking for new ones! Let me know in the comments.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you.