Tulum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. With a world-famous archeological site right on the shores of the Caribbean Sea and idyllic beaches of powdery white sand, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite of travelers. Yet, there’s more to Tulum than Mayan sites and beaches.
Close to the city, you’ll find some of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. These sinkholes filled with freshwater are fun to see and even more fun to swim in, so you definitely should not miss an opportunity to check out one – or more! – when you are in Tulum.
I have been to Tulum many times, and each time I have not missed the opportunity to explore the best cenotes in Tulum – I certainly have my favorites!
Curious to discover the best Tulum cenotes, then? I have you covered! Continue reading this post for a selection of the nicest cenotes in Tulum – complete with information that will help you plan your visit.
The Best Tulum Cenotes
Cenote Choo Ha
Distance from Tulum: 53 km (33 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 1 hour
Part of the series of three small cenotes that includes Tankach Ha (more about it below), Cenote Choo Ha may be compact, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
Here you’ll find invitingly crystal-clear water in a cave surrounded by strange and striking rock formations, all made up of stalactites and stalagmites. It’s rather fitting then that the name means “Water that Drips”!
If you’re visiting this collection of three Tulum cenotes, Choo Ha will be the first you’ll come across. It makes for a great introduction, as the waters are shallow, and you can stand up without having to swim (making it great for families).
I recommend the Kaan Luum Lagoon, 2 Cenotes, and Playa Paraiso tour if you want to visit Cenote Choo-Ha alongside some other great spots near Tulum. You’ll also visit Cenote Multum Ha, Playa Paraiso, and Kaan Luum Lagoon!
Cenote Tankach Ha
Distance from Tulum: 53 km (33 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 1 hour
If visiting cenotes is one of the most fun things to do in Yucatan, you have to start with this one!
The entrance to this particular cenote is part of the fun. To get down to the glimmering blue waters of Cenote Tankach Ha, you have to descend into the cave system itself with a spiral staircase going into the water. Part of a collection of three cenotes in the nearby jungle, it’s situated near Coba.
Tankach Ha is made up of one large, circular pool set inside a cave. Thankfully, there’s a lifeguard on duty here, which makes you feel safe when swimming – you can even rent life jackets at the entrance.
I recommend this Tour to Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins, and Mayan Cenote – It’s the perfect full-day adventure where you’ll get plenty of time for swimming around Cenote Tankach Ha, as well as a guided tour of both Tulum and Coba Mayan ruins.
Cenote Multum Ha
Distance from Tulum: 55 km (34 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 1 hour
Cenote Multum Ha is also part of the same three collections of cenotes, including Choo Ha and Tankach Ha.
Multum Ha is the least visited of the three, but it’s still very charming. Here, you’ll find a large cave which is accessible by a spiral staircase that leads into water itself, so you can wade into the cenote without having to enter it awkwardly.
Here, there are vines hanging down from above, giving the place an extra Indiana Jones sort of atmosphere. Even though it’s in a cave, it’s illuminated from above with light from the small hole in the roof of the cavern allowing the water to look its gleaming blue best.
Gran Cenote
Distance from Tulum: 5 km (3 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 10 minutes
Possibly one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum, Gran Cenote is usually busy with tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. Situated close to town, it consists of a collection of smaller caves and pools rather than one large, single cenote (as the name might suggest).
Here, surrounded by jungle, the emerald pools are connected by wooden boardwalks that weave through the lush flora. The water at Gran Cenote is famously clear – so clear, in fact, that you can see turtles swimming without even wearing a snorkel.
I recommend this Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum – This tour takes you to Gran Cenote, Cenote Zemway, and Casa Cenote. Each of these cenotes is very different, so this tour offers a well-rounded cenotes experience near Tulum.
Cenote Caracol
Distance from Tulum: 17 km (10 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 30 minutes
One of the most unique cenotes near Tulum, Cenote Caracol, is part of an underground cave system that’s a little bit different from other Tulum cenotes.
Here, before you take a dip in the cenote itself, you get to explore a beautiful, complex set of subterranean tunnels with eye-catching stalactites. This place wasn’t even discovered until 2002 when divers happened upon it.
Even if you don’t feel like taking a dip, you can explore a lot of the cave system on foot, making for an enchanting day out.
Cenote Escondido
Distance from Tulum: 4 km (2.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 8 minutes
This large, open-air cenote is particularly beautiful, thanks, in part, to its status as a less visited location. If you want to relax somewhere surrounded by nature without having to share the natural beauty with crowds of other people, this is a good option!
There’s a rope swing here, so you can jump into the water and splash around. With lots of fish swimming around, it’s also great for snorkeling and diving. You should make sure to bring mosquito repellent, though – with the jungle location comes many bugs that may well bother you!
I recommend this Tulum: Sian Ka’an Lagoons and Cenote Escondido Tour – The six-hour tour includes a trip to the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve and Cenote Escondido. The tour includes transportation, snacks, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and entrance fees.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Distance from Tulum: 22 km (13.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 30 minutes
Named for its two pools that look like gleaming emerald eyes (the name means “Two Eyes”), you’ll see why this place is so popular as you descend down to the caves where they are located. This is one of the most famous Tulum cenotes.
The two cenotes that makeup Dos Ojos are both 70 meters (229.6 feet) in diameter, and they’re connected by a 400-meter-long (1,323 feet) passageway. Make sure to bring your snorkel – there is plenty of eye-catching underwater life to spot here.
If you’re a certified diver and looking for a great scuba experience in Dos Ojos, I recommend this 2-Tank Certified Dive in Tulum – You can choose to dive Dos Ojos or go with other cenotes instead; it may depend on your skill level and preferences.
Cenote Jardin del Eden
Distance from Tulum: 40 km (25 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 25 minutes
Jardin del Eden is actually one of the closest cenotes to Playa del Carmen. Therefore, it’s one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen! However, it’s conveniently located on the highway that connects Tulum and Playa, so it’s also very easy to visit from Tulum.
Jardin del Eden is considered an “open” cenote, so it feels more like a relaxing lagoon in the middle of the jungle rather than a cave.
There’s actually a lot of fish and good snorkeling here, as well as a jumping platform and places to lounge in the shade or sun.
Cenote Azul
Distance from Tulum: 40 km (25 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 25 minutes
Cenote Azul is actually closer to Playa del Carmen, as well. It’s right next to Cenote Eden, but it offers a completely different experience. For this reason, I recommend visiting Cenote Eden and Cenote Azul together if it’s possible.
Cenote Azul, or “Blue Cenote,” earned its name because of the ridiculously crystal-clear, blue waters. There are several areas and places to swim around the cenote, including a jumping platform with deep waters and shallow areas branching off with more fish.
There are always walking trails through the jungle around the perimeter of the cenote.
This From Tulum: Four Tulum Cenotes Adventure is one of the best tours that includes Cenote Azul in the itinerary – The tour stops at Naval Cenote, Pirañas Cenote, Large Cenote Naval, and Cenote Azul. The tour also has two small ziplines, a little hiking, and other fun activities.
Cenote Nicte Ha
Distance from Tulum: 21 km (13 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 25 minutes
Situated close to Cenote Dos Ojos, north of Tulum, Cenote Nicte Ha is a striking cenote that is perfect for nature lovers.
A serene and peaceful spot, it lacks the crowds of more popular cenotes allowing you to simply lay back, float around, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
Nicte Ha is a large open-air cenote with lily pads and other jungle foliage growing on the surface and the banks of the water. It really is the most really dreamy spot. For a touch of adventure without having to explore a cave filled with animal bones, there’s one part of this cenote that’s partly in a cavern, so you can don your snorkel and see what lies beneath the surface.
If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, I recommend this Private Cenotes Tour – You’ll visit Cenote Nicte Ha and Casa Cenote without the crowd of a large tour group with you.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Distance from Tulum: 22 km (13.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 30 minutes
One of the prettiest Tulum Cenotes, Cenote Taak Bi Ha is located close to Cenote Dos Ojos, and its clear waters make it a perfect place for snorkeling and also diving.
You will find impressive underwater formations, so it’s a lot of fun to explore!
I recommend this wonderful tour, From Riviera Maya: 3 Tulum Cenotes Adventure with Lunch – You’ll visit Cenote Taak Bi Ha, Casa Cenote, and another private underground cenote with no other tourists. It’s a fun experience with lunch, drinks, and all equipment.
Cenote Angelita
Distance from Tulum: 15.5 km (9.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 15 minutes
Cenote Angelita (meaning “Little Angel” in Spanish) is aptly named. The waters are green, and the surface of the water is covered in brown leaves and other jungle foliage.
It famously has a cloud of gas at 27 meters (88.5 feet) below the surface. Called halocline, this is a thick layer of hydrogen sulfide, a product of decomposing plant matter – it’s amazingly trapped between the fresh upper water and lower salt waters of the cenote.
Once you’re below the “cloud”, it’s an eerie space of dead trees below and strange light from the cloud above. This awesome cave cenote is definitely one for all the scuba divers out there.
Cenote El Pit
Distance from Tulum: 25 km (15.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 35 minutes
At 119 meters (390 feet) in depth, making it the deepest cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cenote El Pit is another adventurous spot for divers. Even though it’s deep, the water here is crystal clear, making for incredible visibility. Similar to Cenote Angelita, there’s another halocline gas layer at around 30 meters (98.4 feet) below the surface, making it an amazing place to explore.
Once past the gas cloud, divers can see strange rock formations – in fact, animal and even human bones can be seen. You can definitely see why it’s called “El Pit”!
Note that only experienced divers are allowed to dive here.
For experienced divers, I recommend this 2 Tulum Cenotes Diving for Advanced Divers tour – You’ll dive “El Pit” and swim through the halocline, as well as Dos Ojos.
Cenote Zacil Ha
Distance from Tulum: 9 km (6 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 15 minutes
Cenote Zacil Ha is located just northwest of Tulum. Far from being the adventurous cave diving experience with human bones at the bottom, Zacil Ha is a developed, family-friendly hangout – so one of the best Tulum cenotes for anyone traveling with children. This open-air pool has steps and lifeguards and is only around 3 meters (9.8 feet) deep.
Not only that, but here you’ll also find a zipline which is super fun. Plus there’s a small snack bar and other facilities. You’ll also be sharing this place with local families, not a whole host of tourists, so you get to soak up some local life, too.
Cenote Suytun
Distance from Tulum: 94.5 km (58.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cenote Suytun is an Instagram favorite. Even though it’s a bit further from Tulum, though the actual travel time may vary depending on road conditions and traffic, people still travel to Cenote Suytun to capture that memorable Instagram photo.
This semi-open-air cenote with the cave walls, jungle overflowing above, sun beaming in, turquoise waters, the waterfall, and the all-important (though manmade) walkway really is quite something – all of it adds up to a must-visit cenote in Tulum.
If you want to swim in the cenote itself, you’ll be required to wear a life jacket (which you can hire there) even if you are able to swim. There’s a well-paved staircase leading from the entrance right into the bright blue water itself.
Casa Cenote
Distance from Tulum: 4 km (2.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 10 minutes
Also known as Cenote Manati, Casa Cenote is strikingly beautiful. Situated near the coast, it’s a large, open-air cenote that’s more like a river than a round pool, and it connects to a subterranean river that flows out to sea.
As a result of this, the water here is a mix of freshwater and seawater, and there’s a diverse array of fish that live in the cenote. Due to its size, this cenote is not only good for swimming and snorkeling, but it’s also ideal for kayaking to explore its mangrove and jungle shoreline.
You’ll find Casa Cenote conveniently located near Tulum Ruins, too, making them easily accessible.
I recommend this Cenote Paddleboarding and Snorkeling in Tulum tour – It’s the most exciting paddleboarding exploration of Casa Cenote, which is the perfect way to glide through the mangroves and natural beauty of the cenote.
I also recommend this 2-Tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum expedition for certified divers – You’ll visit both Casa Cenote and Dos Ojos.
Cenote Calavera
Distance from Tulum: 3 km (1.7 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 10 minutes
Cenote Calavera is a pretty adventurous place to visit. Calavera means “Skull” in Spanish – a name that comes from the eye socket-like sinkholes that lead into the cenotes themselves. To get down to the cenote, you’ll have to descend a wooden ladder into the water, where you’ll find a swing and a jumping platform, kind of like a mini playground.
Inside the cenote, there’s further exploring to do beyond just swinging around. This is mainly just for scuba divers who can delve down to glimpse rainbow-colored rocks and even fossils.
Cenotes Casa Tortuga
Distance from Tulum: 14 km (8.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 20 minutes
The Cenotes Casa Tortuga is made up of not just one but four cenotes. These pools of shimmering turquoise water are situated around a cavern – there are two open pools and two situated within the cave themselves.
Only able to be visited as part of a tour, you’ll be given a life jacket and be led through the various cenotes. You’ll also be told about the interesting rock formations and interesting animal life that makes its home in the cave. It’s a deep, dark cave that’ll be a memorable experience for sure. The outdoor pools are much more family-friendly and great for relaxing.
Cenote Sac Actun
Distance from Tulum: 25 km (15.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 35 minutes
Cenote Sac Actun is also strangely sometimes referred to as the “Pet Cemetery Cenote”. This is because of the various animal bones that can be found inside the pool, thought to have been part of Mayan rituals (or simply a rubbish pit).
Despite the potentially spooky history of Sac Actun, it’s also particularly beautiful and very impressive. In fact, Sac Actun is actually part of the longest underground river system in the world. As a result of this, it’s very popular with scuba divers and snorkelers. However, there are also some shallower areas with rock formations for more casual exploration.
Cenote Arco Maya
Distance from Tulum: 11 km (6.5 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 20 minutes
For an off-the-beaten-track cenote in Tulum that has not been commercialized whatsoever, you should make a beeline for Cenote Arco Maya. This incredible cenote is secluded, without any other crowds nearby, and it’s completely edged by green jungles and mangroves.
Actually, a part of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, you reach Arco Maya via a series of boardwalks through the jungle.
There is a wooden deck for sunbathing, but there aren’t any other amenities or staff on hand. Being a nature reserve, there’s abundant wildlife to spot – there’s even rumored to be a caiman that lives here, so it is not recommended that you swim after dark (which is dangerous anyway!).
Clan-Destino Cenote Bar
Distance from Tulum: 3 km (1.8 miles) ❘ Travel Time from downtown Tulum: 10 minutes
Clan-Destino Cenote Bar is situated just off Tulum’s main beach strip. It’s the perfect (some would say) combination of a beautiful cenote and a bar – yes, a bar. Here, you can cool off in the crystalline waters of the cenote itself before grabbing a burger and something to drink and soaking up the sunshine.
This is actually a free cenote, but even though it’s free, you should make sure you spend at least some money on food or drinks. You’ll be glad you did – it’s a cool, relaxed sort of place with upbeat music playing and a young crowd. It’s a little bit of a hidden gem among the Tulum cenotes.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my other posts about Mexico:
- The Best Cenotes In Mexico
- The Best Cenotes In Merida
- The Best Cenotes In Valladolid
- The Best Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen
- The Best Travel Tips For Mexico
- How Not To Get Sick In Mexico
- The Best Itinerary For 3 Days In Mexico City
- The Best Mexico Itinerary
- The Best Things To Do In Tulum
- A Guide To Visiting Tulum Ruins
- How To Get From Cancun To Tulum
- The Best Day Trips From Tulum
- What To Eat In Mexico
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