In this article we will give you the Top rating of the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen. With its idyllic white sand beaches, easy access to the incredible Mayan ruins and crystal clear cenotes, Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular tourist cities in Mexico. From the shallow waters of the Cenote Azul, one of the most famous cenotes in Playa del Carmen, to the tranquillity of the little-known Cenote Tajma Ha, there are incredible cenotes near Playa del Carmen that deserve to be explored.
I’ve visited many Cenotes in Playa Del Carmen in recent years, we wanted to share with you our favorites and recommend the one to visit during your stay.
What is a Cenote?
Some people call them the water holes of Mexico. Cenotes, pronounced «Sé-no-té» come from the Mayan term «Zonot». They are, in fact, wells filled with water that naturally form in the limestone rock when an underground cave collapses on itself and exposes the water table below. There are thousands of cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula, and some of the cenotes in Playa Del Carmen are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.
The water in the cenotes tends to be cool because it comes from the basement. This makes it an ideal place for a refreshing swim during a day or between visits under the Mexican lead sun.
During the Mayan era, a number of Cenotes were used for sacrificial purposes and objects such as gold, pottery and even human and animal remains were found at the bottom of some Cenotes.
The different types of cenotes
There are several types of Cenotes in Playa Del Carmen and throughout the region, the Cenotes are open, semi-open and closed.
Open Cenotes:
These are caves that have completely collapsed on themselves and are now open-air. These are our favorites because you can swim outdoors, the water is nice (heated by the sun) and there are usually many places to relax by the water. It is a bit the municipal pools of Mexicans but much more beautiful and natural. Our favorite open cenote from the region are Cenote Azul, Cenote Zacil-Ha in Tulum and Cenote Oxman near Valladolid which we will explain in more detail later.
Semi-open cenotes:
These cenotes are mostly underground caves but with small openings in the rocky ceiling where light and fresh air enter. These cenotes can be particularly spectacular because the light beams illuminate the crystalline water below. Our favorite semi-open Cenote near Playa Del Carmen is the Cenote Tajma Ha which can be easily visited by taking a colectivo to Playa Del Carmen. Pictured below: Cenote Suytun, more remote and less easy to reach by day.
Closed Cenotes:
These Cenotes are completely buried in a system of caves and have no natural light to illuminate the water of the Cenotes. The three cenotes located near the ruins of Coba (Multum-Ha, Tamchach-Ha and Choo-Ha) are amazing underground cenotes that you can easily visit from Playa Del Carmen during an extended stay.
Open cenotes
Cenote Azul, the most popular
Cenote Azul on the Mayan Riviera is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Mexico. Its unique shape, crystal-clear waters and fantastic ecosystem make it one of Quintana Roo’s favorite. In addition to being visually beautiful, this cenote is also home to hundreds of plants and endemic animals of the area, so don’t forget your diving mask!
It is allowed to eat there, so you can bring snacks or a picnic. You can also buy food and drinks in their bar area. Changing rooms, a shower and toilets are also provided.
Price: 120 pesos, 80 pesos for ages 5 to 8, free for ages 4 or below
Close to Cenote Azul is the Cenote Garden of Eden and Cristalino. If you have time you can spend the afternoon or the day to visit them all!
How to get to Azul?
This cenote is one of the easiest to reach and the furthest from Playa del Carmen. It is very easy to go in colectivo and you would be there in just 20 minutes! To learn more about the colectivo in Playa Del Carmen, you can follow our guide with all the things you need to know.
Cenote Zacil-Ha and its magnificent stalactites
The Zazil-Ha cenote is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and especially for diving. In addition to its open space and houses, an impressive cave that will lead you to a room known as Las Lágrimas. It owes its nickname to the droplet-shaped stalactites in it.
It has a dressing room, a bar-restaurant, cabins, toilet, parking, equipment rental . This is the perfect place to escape the heat and cool off.
Cenote Oxman, take yourself for Tarzan!
The Cenote Oxman is our favorite in the area of Chichen Itzá. This is the one that is offered in the Deluxe version of our excursion to Chichen Itzá. This Cenote is very similar to the famous Cenote Ik Kil which is certainly the most touristic of the Yucatan peninsula.
Rest assured that this is not the case of the Cenote Oxman which is still today considered as a Cenote off the beaten track. This Cenote is open-water, well-shaped with dark, fresh water. Its rock face is sublime and impressive from below.
Another peculiarity of Oxman: you can get into the water with a vine, original and fun, it is this type of detail that makes the difference.
Cost of admission? Between 70 pesos MXN and 150 Pesos MXN, depending on the formula you choose (with or without meals).
Semi-open cenotes
Cenote Tajma Ha, our favorite for scuba diving
Cenote Tajma Ha was originally known as Cenote Taj Mahal by cave divers fascinated by this wonder of nature. It is very popular with divers, as it is one of the best cenote near Playa Del Carmen for scuba diving.
A number of companies organize diving excursions in this cenote and freshwater dives are the most suitable for intermediate and advanced divers. If you have a diving certificate, the Cenote Tajma Ha is the best place to try diving in Cenote, impressive.
Even if you don’t plan to dive with bottles, this Cenote is still worth it!
The entry into the water is done in an open-air part, then, if you wish you can go under the rock in apnea for 5-10 seconds. You will then rise to the surface in the heart of a completely closed cave! This is what is very impressive in Tajma Ha.
How to get to Cenote Tajma Ha?
Cenote Tajma Ha is located 30km from Playa Del Carmen. You can get there by colectivo, it is the most economical option. However, be careful, the Colectivo will take you down to the main road, you will then have 25 minutes walk to reach the Cenote. Don’t worry, with a little luck you will come across a charitable soul ready to take you for a ride!
The ideal is to go there by rental car. Even if it means renting a car a day, take the opportunity to do several Cenotes in Playa Del Carmen and in the region. You can also visit the Caleta Yal ku, having a car is a real plus to get there.
Closed cenotes
3 Closed Cenotes, ideal for a half-day visit
The Coba Ruins are only an hour’s bus ride from Tulum. A good way to enjoy this day trip is to combine the ruins with three nearby cenotes, Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha, and Multum-Ha.
Cenote Choo-Ha
The first cenote on the way is Choo-Ha. This cenote is not so deep, which is why it is suitable for families with children. But what makes it special is
The first cenote on the way is Choo-Ha. This cenote is not so deep, which is why it is suitable for families with children. But what makes it special are its many stalagmites hanging from the walls and ceiling. Be careful when entering, you have to go down the narrow wooden spiral staircase that can be slippery, so be careful.
Cenote Tamchach-Ha
This cenote was our favorite. Very close to the Choo-Ha cenote, you can find an underground cenote Tamchach-Ha. It has two jump platforms, one at 5 meters and the other at 10 meters. Again, the water is crystal clear. This cenote is perfectly round, and suitable for swimming and snorkeling, so feel free to explore every corner.
Multum-Ha
The deepest of the three is also the best for snorkeling. This cenote is the quietest and the one with the least number of people. This cave has a small hole in the ceiling, it is very beautiful when the sun shines through it and the water becomes even more blue.
Cenote Suytun and its light beam
Cenote Suytun, cave type. Cenotes of cave type are the most fascinating for their rock formation.
The special feature of the Cenote SuyTun is that a light beam crosses the rocky roof and hits the ground in a specific place. You can thus take the famous photo of yourself alone in the light beam.
SuyTun is a very busy Cenote for tour operators as is the case with Xcajum. If you want to visit it without the crowds, arrive before 11am.
Mixed
Cenote Dos Ojos, the most complete
Located between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the best Cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Its name translates as «Cenote of the double eyes» in reference to the double chasms connected by a pontoon that takes the appearance of two eyes. The double wells meet to form an underground cave.
Dos Ojos is one of the most popular Cenotes in Playa Del Carmen, believe me in high season you will not be alone.
How to get to Dos Ojos?
Cenote Dos Ojos is more easily accessible by rental car. If you go there via Colectivo from Playa Del Carmen, the stop is on Route 307 at the entrance to Dos Ojos Park – be careful, as in Tajma Ha, it takes 30 minutes to walk on a dirt road to get to the Cenote.
Last important thing to know
In order to preserve this beautiful natural phenomenon, it is very important not to put sunscreen before going to a cenote. This is why there is usually a mandatory transition to the shower before going to the water. Also, when you go to the beach, choose ecological sunscreens to preserve wildlife and corals.
Of course if you see animals, like turtles or fish, don’t disturb them.
